New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has announced that the city has been able to save millions of dollars in overtime spending in the first quarter of 2026.
Moreno said they have saved the city $8 million in overtime spending, compared to the same period in 2025.
According to the city, in 2025, the Q1 total was more than $18 million, and the Q1 total in 2026 was more than $10 million.
The administration said the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras are usually when overtime spending is at its highest, making the first quarter more expensive than other quarters.
“This shows we can do both: run a safe, successful major event and still be smart with taxpayer dollars,” Moreno said. “That’s the kind of disciplined, results-driven government the people of New Orleans deserve.”
This quarter, the city spent more than $6 million, which they say is about $1.6 million less than in 2025.
According to New Orleans & Company, the city welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors during Mardi Gras, with 1.2 million of them being out-of-town visitors who visited New Orleans between Feb. 12 and 17.
READ MORE:New Orleans saves $8 million in overtime spending during first quarter of 2026
