Kenner · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kenner public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Kenner mall abatement progress
The council president is pressing the mall's owners over cut-but-uncollected grass, fallen trees and trash, sending dozens of code enforcement photos.
Firefighter pay dispute and FY2026-27 budget
The council adopted next year's operating and capital budgets, restoring the general fund balance to about $10.1 million and moving money to council district capital accounts for streets and drainage. The mayor warned that repeatedly cutting capital money could cost the city state and federal matching funds for big projects.
Pontchartrain Center parking agreement
A proposed Premium Parking deal would upgrade and monetize the Pontchartrain Center lot before the Squadrons' November 14 home opener, but councilmembers balked at approving a proposal without an attached contract. A 4-3 deferral delays paid parking, and a special meeting may be called.
Wastewater improvements and Clean Water loan
The mayor announced $8.1 million in federal funding, secured through Senators Cassidy and Kennedy and Rep. Carter, to rehabilitate six badly needed projects at the wastewater treatment plant — important as airport expansion strains the system.
Open Meetings Law Violation
The Louisiana Attorney General says Kenner’s City Council violated open meetings law, meaning public business may have been discussed behind closed doors. That’s a transparency problem for residents who expect to see how decisions are made. The finding could lead to legal costs, penalties, or do-overs of improperly handled business.
Council Legal Violation
Louisiana’s attorney general says some Kenner City Council members broke state law by sending a letter about the airport board. That’s a direct hit on the people running city government—and it could mean legal and political fallout.
$3.5 million in state aid to the Kenner Police Department
SWAT is getting 20 new ballistic helmets now, and a $415,720 armored tactical response vehicle was introduced. The city also ratified emergency fire apparatus repairs and celebrates the new Duke Street fire station opening Monday.
Roosevelt Boulevard construction ahead of schedule
Northbound concrete pours April 21 and 23 will close the road to northbound traffic; the project is running roughly eight months ahead of schedule.
G-League arena renovations change order
The council awarded a $3.44 million contract to Kent Design Build to renovate the convention center for the Pelicans' G-League team, who reimburse the city over time through rent offsets. The team should be playing there this fall.
Sale of paper streets for airport-area hotel development
The council sold two never-built street segments near the airport so a developer can assemble land for a new hotel, with the developer building and re-dedicating the rest of Lexington Street. One councilmember worried about selling a street behind an existing hotel and fire access.
Rivertown mural regulations veto stands
The council amended new mural rules for the historic district to require a final council vote after the Historic District Commission signs off. Business owners say the extra step deters mural investment; supporters say elected officials need final say on what goes on buildings. The mayor has promised a veto.
Command Construction site complaints in District One
A resident read a 2006-era list of promised buffers and protections around the industrial yard near Reverend Richard Wilson Drive, saying the company never delivered. City staff confirmed some violations have been cited and talks continue.
School-zone and stop-sign safety
Councilman Riehm flagged viral resident concern about speeding and thanked police for traffic enforcement, reminding drivers the limit is 20 mph in neighborhoods.
Firefighter cancer screening compliance
A resident flagged that a state-approved voluntary cancer screening program for firefighters, passed in mid-2024, hasn't reached Kenner firefighters yet. The mayor and fire chief explained they're building a first-in-the-nation tracking registry with LSU and Ochsner and expect testing to start within a month or two.
Recycling contract renewal
Kenner's ten-year recycling contract expired, and the council had to decide whether to keep curbside recycling at $3 a month (up 70 cents) or drop it. Both town halls supported it, but a social media poll showed 80% opposition. The council approved it 6-1; the mayor says corrected billing errors mean no bill increase until at least the next budget cycle.
Power Boulevard resurfacing and U-turn safety
Design starts within a month on a federal-aid resurfacing of Power Boulevard from West Esplanade to Vintage, with construction expected within about two years.
Driftwood Entergy undergrounding project
Entergy unveiled a roughly $20 million underground hardening plan for the Driftwood neighborhood, with smaller switchgear and sectioned loops so outages hit 38 customers instead of 237. Timeline still depends on equipment manufacturing.
Motorized scooters and bicycles in traffic
A resident described a near-miss with an unlicensed motorized bicycle weaving between cars. The police chief said enforcement is active, including arrests, and a public awareness and school outreach program is planned before summer.
Missed garbage and bulk pickups by Waste Pro
Council members from Districts 2, 3 and 4 reported whole streets skipped, bulk piles missed, and rude call-center responses. Waste Pro's division manager blames new-driver training gaps and promised GPS/video reviews, better internal communication, and customer-service coaching.
New four-way stop signs at Thirty-Second Street and Arkansas Avenue
Cars keep crashing at this intersection — sometimes straight into a house at the corner. A city traffic study backed a four-way stop, and the council approved it unanimously. Councilwoman Dunn wants police to publicize the change so drivers actually stop.
Arthur P. Clay Community Center and South Kenner medical clinic
A $3.875 million rebuild of the tornado-damaged community center is underway, and InclusiveCare will open a clinic and pharmacy there bringing medical, dental and behavioral health services plus an estimated 158 jobs to a 'medical desert.'
Vehicle Inspection Ordinance Repeal
Kenner’s City Council voted to scrap the brake tag requirement, so drivers there no longer need the annual vehicle inspection sticker. If you own a car in Kenner, that means one less errand and one less fee each year.
Ponchartrain Center layoffs
Legends terminated its management contract June 30, and ten long-time workers were given a week's notice with no severance. Workers appealed to the council; the mayor says the city cannot pay severance to non-employees.
Brake tag elimination legislation
Kenner is dropping its own vehicle inspection sticker rule, aligning with the state's new QR-code system. Supporters say it saves residents money and hassle; opponents worry unsafe cars will go unchecked.
recreation department Nike purchasing ban
Skate park lights come on tonight after an 82-week grant wait — a $225,000 solar lighting project with a 25-year warranty, plus inclusive sports nights at Lincoln and new pickleball courts coming to Girouard/Beach Free Heights.
Airport expansion and drainage capacity
A lifelong University City resident asked what's being done about canal overflow and flooding. Jefferson Parish — not Kenner — controls the pump stations; a new pump is being added at the Parish Line Pump Station and a new 200 CFS station is planned at Seatham Park.
Election Results
Kenner voters have decided: Mayor Michael Glaser narrowly won a second term, and the City Council races are now settled. That means the same mayor and a finalized council lineup will shape city decisions for the next four years. If you live in Kenner, these are the people setting budgets, services, and priorities.
Mayoral Election
Kenner voters pick their next mayor tomorrow, May 16, from three candidates. The winner runs City Hall for the next term, so this is a direct call on who sets the city’s budget and service priorities.
City Council Elections
Kenner voters are deciding City Council district races that mix newcomers and incumbents. The results could change who calls the shots at City Hall and what priorities get attention. If you care about local decisions, this is one to watch.
Fire department equipment maintenance
A resident flagged a social media list of fire truck repairs, prompting an administration breakdown showing most items were minor, several already fixed, and only one truck briefly out of service that day. Two new trucks arrive this week; a new maintenance contractor has begun preventive maintenance.
Firefighter cancer screenings
The fire department is screening active members for eleven statutorily mandated cancers through Ochsner's MD Anderson partnership, with retiree outreach ongoing.
2026 Property Tax Millage Rates
The council re-adopted the same millage rates for a third year — 28.16 mills — meaning no property tax rate change for 2026. Next reassessment is 2028.
Concrete street maintenance funding boost
The city committed up to $1.2 million a year to fix aging drain lines and structures, addressing open joints that can cause sinkholes.
Loyola Drive and Veterans Memorial Blvd. resurfacing
Two federally funded road projects are moving: Loyola Drive (31st to West Loyola) with a $1.49 million construction bid, and Veterans Memorial Boulevard (LA-49 to Roosevelt) with a $1.14 million bid. The feds pay 80%, the city 20%, and work starts in April — expect some traffic jams.
Major road resurfacing push
The mayor announced DOTD clearance to design the Powers Boulevard overlay, with lots of road work expected citywide over 18 months. Roosevelt Boulevard work is already underway with driveways expected usable soon.
Flood insurance and fortified roofs
Senator Talbot said NFIP Risk Rating 2.0 is 'a disaster' and a federal commission is reviewing it. He promoted the $10,000 fortified roof grant, which cuts homeowner's insurance about 22% on average and reopens in June with about $30 million available.
Laketown Pelicans at Pontchartrain Center
The council approved bringing the G-League Pelicans affiliate to the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center, with the city keeping sales taxes on concessions. Councilmember LaHatte called it a huge benefit for District 3.
Derelict property at 54 Verde Street
A neighbor described a home overrun with vermin, with a downed fence, a pool untended for 25 years that nearly drowned a man, and an owner who can't be located — even his agent can't reach the former Saints player thought to own it.
287(g) immigration agreement and ICE operations
A resident asked what the city will do if ICE returns, citing kids dropping out of soccer programs out of fear. The police chief said the department will keep patrolling, de-escalating, and answering 911 calls for everyone, maintaining open communication without participating in federal operations.
Traffic Congestion
Kenner residents are fed up with the 'Catahoula Crunch' traffic mess and are pressing city leaders to finally fix it. If you commute through that area, this debate could directly affect your daily drive.