Our culture has always been the source of this city’s strength, and two weeks ago Mayor-elect Helena Moreno made it clear that the people who shape that culture will be part of the work from the very beginning. The transition team has been grinding, and that week marked a major push forward. Across every focus area arts and film, housing, public safety, youth, economic growth with a strong commitment to New Orleans East and the Lower 9 our committees spent the week digging into real solutions. We started with Culture, Film, Music & the Arts, moved into Housing & Affordability, took a detailed look at the budget and city services, connected with leaders working in New Orleans East and Youth & Families, and wrapped up with Economic Development. That week set the tone for what a New Direction truly means bringing community voices in early, being intentional, and building this next chapter together.