Kristopher Beavers Data News Weekly Contributor
With one month left, New Orleans voters will return to the polls to elect a new mayor, sheriff, city council members and other court and civil positions. Early voting begins this month on Sep. 27th until Oct. 4th with elections on Oct. 11th, 2025. Residents say they are going to the polls hoping to elect leaders who will focus on the city’s recovery, expand opportunities for young people and tackle persistent problems of crime, addiction, and homelessness.“One of the main things that needs to happen is for the crime rate to be lowered,” said Daniel Smith, a ninth ward native and brass band musician. “Our city doesn’t have enough resources compared to cities like Houston or Atlanta.”
The latest 2025 data from the New Orleans Police Department indicates that violent crimes continue to fall in the city, with homicides dropping by 35 percent. These are among the lowest rates for violent crime the city has seen since the 1970s. However, recent prison escapes at the Orleans Parish Prison, as well as the terrorist attack at the start of this year has residents continuing to keep public safety as a priority.
For young people, residents say there is a lack of youth programs and organizations that provide safe spaces for children and teenagers to build their skills and connect with peers. Without those opportunities, mental health challenges are growing, residents said…