Government

Mayor Cantrell Speaks with Data News Weekly

NEW ORLEANS DATA NEWS WEEKLY — Speaking with her is less like an interview and more like speaking to a relative.

Published

7 years ago

February 28, 2019

By Edwin Buggage, Editor

On the eve of the Mayor’s Annual Mardi Gras Ball Data News Weekly sat down with New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, where she spoke to Editor, Edwin Buggage and Publisher, Terry Jones regarding a host of issues on this day.

As we entered Mayor Cantrell greeted us like she always does as family members. Speaking with her is less like an interview and more like speaking to a relative or friend at a dinner table. The Mayor is one who is well studied and abreast on the issues. And in her first few months in office she has proven to be the fighter for people from all zip codes. This is one of the things that’s endeared her to the citizens of New Orleans that elected her as she continues her historic reign as the first Woman Mayor of New Orleans.

Fair Share and Infrastructure Improvements

In the forefront of her agenda was her ‘Fair Share Initiative.’ Cantrell said, “We need to get our fair share of revenue from the state and business community to help rebuild the City’s infrastructure problems.” With a sense of urgency in her voice she says, “We’ve kicked that can down the road and it can’t go any further.”

One project she spoke of pressing concern was Sewerage and Water Board, “All of reserves being spent before our administration upwards to 85 million dollars. Right now we are asking for 75 million dollars to repair,, in some cases, 100 year old drains. This is something that as many of our citizens know affects our quality of life and our safety as well.”

She is seeking the help of all stakeholders to come up with creative solutions to solve the infrastructure problem. Recently the mayor reached out to Governor Edwards asking him to create a task force that would look at the issues surrounding re-directing revenues to New Orleans towards infrastructure projects and to re-convene in 30 days with a decision.

Mayor Cantrell is also the Co-Chair on Infrastructure for the National Conference of Mayors with Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles. She is taking a holistic view of infrastructure improvements. “We need to look at infrastructure as our top priority. It is one of the lessons we should have learned post Katrina.” Continuing she says, “We must focus on potholes, the green water management plan, and transportation accessibility. This is not only just common sense, it also makes good business sense.”

Equity and Opportunity for All

As the City possibly has more infrastructure projects coming down the pipeline, it is important that more minorities are able to access contracting and employment opportunities.

Mayor Cantrell speaks optimistically about what she believes is possible in this area. Speaking enthusiastically she says, “The City of N.O. already have a mandated 35% DBE minority participation. But in the case of Sewerage and Water Board they do not have a mandated 35 percent it has a greater flexibility. I think this can be a great opportunity to move more minority based firms to become prime contractors.”

In a City that even in the face of some demographic shifts in certain neighborhoods still is a majority Black City. But when it comes to contracting and business opportunities it is often a tale of two cities. Where the pendulum of prosperity often swings one way. Mayor Cantrell believes that expanding access and helping minority business build capacity to become prime contractors could be a win-win for the City. “We have an opportunity to do more and to create more equity in our city. We cannot get tunnel vision and focus on 35% when structuring these projects. I feel we can be more ambitious where we can do both.”

Black and Woman: Mayor Cantrell and Her Place in History

On this day we speak to the Mayor we are nearing the end of Black History Month and nearing the beginning of Women’s History Month. In our nation and in our City, we are at a watershed moment and as Latoya Cantrell is making history as the City’s first woman mayor; in addition to being an African-American holds special significance.

“Making history as our first woman mayor in our city in 300 years awesome responsibility and knowing I might be the first, but will not be the last,” she says with a smile and sense of accomplishment and triumph. Understanding her role in being a trailblazer bringing hope to generations of other women that they can achieve greatness. “I realize the significance of my election and breaking the ceiling, but the most satisfying part is that it is not just about me but it can inspire so many other women.”

Understanding the challenges of how her leadership will be measured being the first is something she understands, but is poised to face the challenge. Something she’s proven more than cut out for since Hurricane Katrina showing she is a leader that can bring people from various constituencies together under one umbrella. “This is a great time not just for me but other women to show we can lead as executives. Also it speaks to our ability to build consensus that will not just uplift women, but our community as a whole.”

This article originally appeared in the New Orleans Data News Weekly.

Edwin Buggage

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Bay Area

Oakland Mayor Pushes Charter Overhaul to Clarify Roles in City Government, Increase Accountability and Improve Service Delivery

Under the proposal, the mayor would serve as Oakland’s chief executive, overseeing city departments, implementing policy, proposing the annual budget, and managing day-to-day operations. The measure would also give the mayor veto power over legislation and the budget, though the City Council could override a veto with a two-thirds vote.

Published

1 week ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. File photo.

By Oakland Post Staff

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is backing a sweeping proposal to restructure Oakland’s government, arguing the changes would make City Hall more accountable and improve the delivery of basic services like public safety, homelessness response, and infrastructure repairs.

The charter reform measure, introduced April 7 and co-sponsored by Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins, would ask voters in November to approve a “strong mayor, strong council” system designed to create clearer lines of authority inside city government.

The City Council, meanwhile, would maintain legislative authority by adopting ordinances, approving budgets, conducting oversight hearings, and confirming key mayoral appointments. The proposal would also create an Independent Budget and Legislative Analyst Office to provide nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis for councilmembers.

“I’ve spent months listening to Oaklanders across every neighborhood about what they expect from their city government,” Lee said. “The Charter Reform Working Group’s engagement made clear that residents want a system where there are no questions about who is responsible for delivering results on public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, and basic services.”

Jenkins said the proposal would strengthen both executive leadership and council oversight.

“I’ve long believed Oakland works best when residents have clear lines of accountability and a government structure that aligns responsibility with results,” Jenkins said.

The proposal follows recommendations from the Mayor’s Charter Reform Working Group, co-facilitated by the League of Women Voters of Oakland and SPUR.

Over five months, the group conducted more than 60 interviews, held 14 public meetings across Oakland, and engaged more than 750 residents while reviewing governance models used in other cities.

“The process of engaging residents across Oakland surfaced the governance clarity Oakland needs,” said Sujata Srivastava of SPUR. “The Charter Reform Working Group has produced a thoughtful set of recommendations that if adopted could strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across city government.”

Polling cited by the mayor’s office suggests voters may be open to the changes. A February 2026 poll by the East Bay Polling Institute found 64% of voters support adopting a strong-mayor system. Separate polling conducted by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and David Binder Research found support ranging from 61% to 63% among likely voters.

The measure is scheduled to be heard by the City Council Rules Committee on May 21. If approved by the council, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot, where Oakland voters would have the final say.

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Activism

The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Hold Day of Advocacy at the Capitol in Sacramento

A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.

Published

1 week ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) presents a Senate resolution to the Delta Theta Sigma Sorority Farwest Region at the State Capitol on May 4. Photo courtesy of the Senate Rules Committee.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

On May 4, members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., convened at the California State Capitol for the organization’s 23rd annual Delta Days in Sacramento.

The two-day advocacy event brings together chapters from across California to engage directly in the legislative process, connect with lawmakers, and advocate for policies impacting Black communities.

Members of the sorority were honored on the Senate floor by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro), who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Richardson welcomed the Farwest Region during the presentation of a Senate resolution recognizing outgoing Regional Director Kimberly Usher for her leadership and service.

“In addition to the Far West Region, we are led by a fearless leader, regional director Kimberly Usher. She has now served her full term of what’s allowed,” Richardson said. “We are going to be having our regional conference, but we wanted to give it to her here, officially recognizing her service.”

The resolution was co-authored by Richardson and fellow members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Delta Sigma Theta, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

Usher has served in the leadership role since 2022.

“We are founded on sisterhood that is deeply rooted in scholarship, service, and social action,” said Weber Pierson, a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“Today, we continue a legacy of empowering communities and upholding the high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards established by our founders over a century ago,” she added.

Oakland Post

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Activism

Rep. Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Protect Women in Custody After Reports Detailing Miscarriages and Neglect

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

Published

1 week ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) on May 7, reintroduced updated legislation aimed at strengthening protections and healthcare standards for pregnant and postpartum women held in federal custody, including in immigration detention facilities.

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

The legislation builds on a bipartisan version previously passed by the House during the 117th Congress. The updated bill includes new standards for healthcare access, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity protections and increased federal oversight.

“Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody.”

The bill would also limit the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women, improve data collection on maternal health in custody and require additional staff training and enforcement measures.

Supporters of the measure said the legislation is intended to address long-standing concerns about maternal healthcare and safety in detention settings, particularly for Black women and low-income women who are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and health disparities.

“Pregnant women in custody should never be subjected to dangerous and inhumane treatment that threatens their health, dignity, or the well-being of their babies,” said Patrice Willoughby, chief of policy and legislative affairs for the NAACP and a longtime public policy and government affairs strategist, in a statement.

A 2021 report estimated there are about 58,000 admissions of pregnant women into U.S. jails and prisons each year. Kamlager’s statement also cited a recent investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law that identified allegations of severe mistreatment or medical neglect involving at least 54 pregnant women or families in county jails between 2017 and 2024.

Federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security restricts the detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants except in extreme cases. However, the agency reported that ICE deported 363 pregnant, postpartum or nursing women between January 2025 and February 2026, including 16 recorded miscarriages during that period.

The bill is cosponsored by several House Democrats and backed by organizations including the NAACP and the Vera Institute of Justice.