Mayor Helena Moreno and the City Council have unveiled a $2.8 million investment aimed at overhauling street and interstate lighting across New Orleans. This initiative, dubbed “Lights On,” is funded by remaining proceeds from a 2018 Entergy penalty, and it aims to reduce outages and deter crime by upgrading key infrastructure vulnerable to copper theft.

On February 3, 2026, the City announced this significant funding package, with the ordinance initially introduced during the January 28 City Council meeting. It was scheduled for a final vote on February 4, with construction expected to commence promptly following approval. This initiative is a short-term push targeting major corridors, including the High Rise Bridge in New Orleans East and Interstate 10.

The project involves replacing fixtures prone to copper theft with solar and aluminum alternatives and expanding the city’s capacity by hiring in-house electricians. These measures aim to streamline minor repairs that were previously outsourced. The $2.8 million investment builds on earlier efforts that repaired over 600 lights in New Orleans East as part of the initial “Lights On” activities.

For real estate stakeholders, improved lighting directly impacts safety, pedestrian access, and reduces vacancy risks for properties along these major routes. This funding not only repurposes utility penalty proceeds into tangible infrastructure improvements but also demonstrates a reinvestment into public safety and urban development.

Stakeholders eagerly await confirmation of the City Council’s final vote outcome and the exact starting date of the construction efforts. These upgrades promise to enhance New Orleans’ streetscapes and may influence future redevelopment projects along these vital corridors.

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