Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans urges amendments to levee board selection process

In a pivotal meeting held on May 12, 2025, at the Louisiana Legislature, advocates for flood protection reforms voiced urgent concerns about the future of the state’s levee boards. Under the soft glow of city hall lights, representatives from Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans, including founder Ruthie Frierson, passionately urged lawmakers to amend a proposed bill to restore the right of local flood protection authorities to select their own chairs. This amendment, they argued, is crucial to maintaining the independence and professionalism of the boards, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the region since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing struggle for effective flood management in a state that has faced significant challenges due to its geography and history. Frierson, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, recalled the catastrophic aftermath of Katrina, where 80% of the city was submerged, leading to the loss of over 1,800 lives and the displacement of countless residents. She emphasized that the reforms established post-Katrina, which garnered overwhelming public support, were designed to ensure that the levee boards operate free from political influence.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by recent resignations from the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East, where board members expressed concerns that the authority was losing focus on its primary mission of flood protection. With hurricane season approaching, the advocates stressed the need for a fully staffed and independent board to effectively manage the region's complex flood defense systems.

The proposed amendment to the bill aims to restore the local boards' ability to choose their leadership, a move that supporters believe will enhance accountability and effectiveness in flood management. As the meeting concluded, the advocates left with a sense of hope that their voices would lead to meaningful changes, ensuring that the lessons learned from past disasters would not be forgotten. The stakes are high, and as Louisiana approaches the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the call for robust and independent flood protection remains as critical as ever.