The Big Easy Deal
A Proposed $171 Million Investment
in Safe & Thriving Communities
The Big Easy Budget Coalition's Big Easy Deal, initially launched in 2023 as a roadmap for equitable community-based recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved into a living document advocating for City budget transparency and investments that address the root causes of violence in New Orleans — including systemic disinvestment, poverty, lack of economic opportunity, marginalization, and isolation.
In 2023, we connected Youth Master Plan solutions to the Big Easy Deal, securing $600K toward the Youth Data Hub and $2.5M for a Youth Transportation Fund, now known as the Opportunity Pass. These wins, along with successes in housing and language access, represent significant progress for youth and their families.
In 2024, the Big Easy Deal advocated for and secured $1.5M for violence prevention and intervention, $500K for restorative approaches in schools, among other wins in funding for food access and housing.
In 2025, the Big Easy Deal is proposing a $171M investment in:
affordable housing and economic stability ($117M)
streets, transit, and climate ($27M)
health and food security ($11M)
youth services and programs ($10M)
community safety ($6M)
What We're Asking For In 2025
Building on previous successes like the Youth Data Hub and Opportunity Pass, we are advocating for additional investments in youth development services and strategies that remain underfunded.
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Provide students and Opportunity Youth with greater access to safe, nurturing, and age-appropriate environments.
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Expand the existing Family Connects program to include a Lactation Consultant and a Basic Needs Fund.
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Extend the zero-fare program beyond the pilot to give youth ages 16-24 equitable transportation access to education, employment, leisure, and essential services.
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Implement initiatives like restorative approaches and community violence intervention.
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Improve and innovate access to opportunities that prepare and connect youth to work and education pathways. Build capacity of providers and prepare to scale.
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Support the implementation of these programs, enhance the capacity of youth-serving programs, evaluate services, and ensure that youth voices are part of the process.
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Build on initial City investment of $600K with annual investment to uphold legal framework, process facilitator, data security, public reporting, and youth stipends.
The Big Easy Budget Coalition has sent a letter to the Mayor and City Council calling for support of the Big Easy Deal and dedicated time for community input during budget hearings .
With clear alignment to the Youth Master Plan, the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board (CYPB) has signed the letter and fully endorses this proposal. These investments are essential to making our Youth Vision a reality—creating a true community where everyone succeeds.