New Orleans, LA – The City of New Orleans has launched a public survey to gather community input for the development of its first citywide Heat Action Plan. The survey will remain open through Friday, May 1st, and residents are encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas to help shape how the city prepares for and responds to extreme heat. 

The Heat Action Plan is being led by the City’s Office of Sustainability, Department of Health & Human Services, and Office of Hazard Mitigation to establish a coordinated, citywide strategy that reduces heat risks, protects public health, and strengthens neighborhood resilience. As temperatures continue to rise and heat waves become more frequent and intense, the plan will guide both immediate response measures and long-term investments in cooling infrastructure and community services. Learn more about the City’s heat planning efforts at: https://nola.gov/heatplan 

The survey asks residents about their experiences with heat stress, how they receive emergency information, where they seek relief during extreme heat, and what cooling features and services they would like to see expanded across the city. Participation is voluntary, and responses are anonymous unless individuals choose to provide their contact information.

The city will also host a virtual public meeting on Monday, March 30, 6:00-7:30 PM CT to share initial findings and provide an overview of the Heat Action Plan development process.  

Residents can complete the survey online or register for the March 30 virtual public meeting at: https://nola.gov/heatplan 

 "New Orleanians are no strangers to the heat, but as our summers get longer and hotter, we have to be smarter about how we protect our people,” said City of New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. “This survey is the first step in creating a citywide strategy that treats extreme heat as the public health priority it is. I’m asking everyone to weigh in so we can build a more resilient, cooler New Orleans together." 

“Heat stress can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening medical emergencies,” said Deputy Mayor of Health & Human Services Dr. Jennifer Avegno.  “By listening directly to residents about their experiences, we can better align public health interventions, emergency response, and outreach efforts to reduce preventable harm during extreme heat events.” 

 “This Heat Action Plan will guide how we design cooler neighborhoods, expand shade and green space, improve access to cooling centers, and strengthen communication during heat waves,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Sustainability Meagan Williams, who oversees the Office of Sustainability.  “Community voices are essential to ensuring the plan reflects real needs and delivers lasting impact.” 

The city encourages all residents, workers, and community stakeholders to participate in the survey before May 1st and to attend the upcoming virtual meeting on Monday, March 30th. 

For more information, please visit https://nola.gov/heatplan.