BGR said that SWBNO has major issues in its governance structure that are directly affecting problems with the city’s water, sewer and drainage systems.
NEW ORLEANS — BGR, a research nonprofit, released its findings on the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, proposing a multitude of changes to the board’s governance and structure.
BGR highlighted three key points in their report:
- They criticized the S&WB’s governance structure. BGR said that the laws and policies that guide decision-making weaken finances, coordination, and public accountability.
- BGR suggested strengthening the S&WB as a stand-alone utility that operates separately from city government, or replacing it with a municipal utility. BGR admitted that this will require further research from the Mayor.
- BGR recommended several near-term solutions to improve financial sustainability, drainage performance and coordination between S&WB and the City.
BGR said in their report that the S&WB current governance structure is ineffective because the qualities of a stand-alone utility and a municipal …