NEW ORLEANS — City, law enforcement, and community leaders gathered in New Orleans East today to announce the launch of Mayor Moreno’s “Lights On” initiative, a coordinated public safety and infrastructure effort focused on restoring visibility, accountability, and long-neglected services in one of the city’s largest and most historically significant regions.

Speaking at the Willows Apartments complex, a site long plagued by broken lighting, substandard housing conditions, and repeated calls for service, officials emphasized that this moment represents both a promise kept and a turning point for New Orleans East.

Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, Michael Harrison, said the initiative fulfills a central commitment made by Mayor Moreno and reflects what residents repeatedly called for during her transition process.

“Overwhelmingly, the number one thing community members told us the Mayor could do in her first 100 days was fix the lighting,” Harrison said. “And they told us one of the first places to do it was New Orleans East. The data from the DA Williams NODICE program confirmed what residents already knew: this was a priority location. Improving lighting is one of the most effective ways to improve public safety, and it’s where we start.”

District Attorney Williams framed the initiative as more than a symbolic gesture, calling it a decisive step toward addressing long-standing structural challenges.

“There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we all work together, not just elected officials, but faith leaders and community leaders as well,” Williams said. “This is a new day for this city, and it will be a new day for New Orleans East. We are  running towards our most difficult issues and we are tackling them together.”

Williams pointed to the location as emblematic of the conditions too many residents have endured for years, neglected infrastructure, repeated housing violations, and an absence of accountability that allowed crime to take root.

“When lights are broken, when infrastructure is neglected, and when accountability is absent, it becomes easier for crime and disorder to grow,” Williams said. “Light means visibility. Light means accountability. And light means no part of this city is forgotten.”

NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick underscored the direct connection between lighting and safety, noting that basic infrastructure improvements are often the most powerful crime-prevention tools.

“Where there is darkness, evil lurks,” Kirkpatrick said. “Being brilliant in the basics—like lighting—matters. This is just the beginning, and you are going to see a difference.”

Councilmember Jason Hughes, who represents District 8, called the initiative a clear sign that New Orleans East is no longer an afterthought.

“This is a new day in District 8,” Hughes said. “What you’re going to see over the next four years is action—citizen-driven action—with partners who are committed to executing on behalf of this community.”

Mayor Helena Moreno closed the program by emphasizing urgency, coordination, and accountability as hallmarks of her administration.

“New Orleans East has been ignored for far too long,” Moreno said. “Not anymore. We are not perfect, but what I expect from my team is urgency and excellence, because we work for the people of this city, and that’s what they deserve.”

Officials also highlighted the role of data-driven strategies such as NODICE and cross-agency collaboration in identifying priority locations and aligning enforcement, infrastructure repair, and community engagement. Leaders stressed that the “Lights On” initiative is not a one-day effort, but the beginning of sustained, measurable work to restore safety, dignity, and opportunity across New Orleans East.

“This is about turning the lights on—on overdue infrastructure improvements, on criminal activity, and on long-standing injustice,” Williams said. “Much more to come.”