Policy and Advocacy

Musician Pay Ordinance

In 2024, we worked with the City Council, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy, and other stakeholders to draft and pass an ordinance that mandates a minimum rate of pay of $200/hr per musician at city funded events.

Legalization of Outdoor Live Entertainment

Between 2019 and 2023 we worked with the City Planning Commission, City Council, neighborhood groups, and venue owners to permanently legalize outdoor live entertainment as a conditional use for venues in certain commercial and mixed use zoning districts.

Sound Ordinance

In 2014, we protested and successfully stopped revisions to the city’s sound ordinance that would have been catastrophic for local venues and musicians. Since that time, we have continued to push for culture-sensitive updates and modernization of the law.

Zoning Ordinance

During the rewrite of New Orleans’s zoning code, we drafted and successfully inserted a number of culture friendly changes that loosened severe restrictions on music and other cultural activity.

Master Plan Amendments

The Master Plan adopted by the City in 2010 contained very few references to the culture of the city or the needs of performers, practitioners, or small cultural businesses. We drafted and successfully placed a number of amendments that support and help guide the future development of culture and cultural spaces in New Orleans.

Opposition to ABO Surveillance Ordinance

In 2017, we successfully stopped a proposal that would have mandated real-time surveillance of all alcoholic beverage outlets in New Orleans, including bars and music venues. Since that time, we have remained active with other partners to track the use of surveillance technology, particularly when in intersects with cultural practices.