Modern City Council

In 1954, with the passage of the Home Rule Charter, New Orleans adopted the current Mayor-Council form of government, consisting of the Mayor and seven Council members. Two Council members are elected from the city at large and five are elected from Council districts.

Council members serve four year terms, beginning on the first Monday in May following their election. If a member leaves office less than a year before completing his or her term, the remaining members of the City Council select a citizen with the requisite qualifications to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. If the unexpired term is for one year or more, the vacancy is filled by special election. Council members may not serve the same district for more than two consecutive terms; Council members-at-large may not serve more than two consecutive at-large terms. These term limitations went into effect in 1991.

Below is a list of the individuals who have served as members of the New Orleans City Council since the passage of the Home Rule Charter. Councilmembers are listed chronologically by district. Click on the councilmember’s name to access the inventory of their records.

View the Citizen’s Guide to the New Orleans City Council for a quick reference guide to the functions, structure, and procedures of the current City Council. 

Videos of City Council meetings from 2013-present are available on the City Council’s website.