NEW ORLEANS, LA – In what officials are calling a “minor digital oversight with historic consequences,” the New Orleans City Council has unintentionally approved a $2 billion, multi-decade infrastructure overhaul after someone accidentally clicked “Accept All” during a late-night budget meeting conducted via shared Google Docs.
The budget, which included long-term street repairs, levee reinforcement, and a full-time “Asphalt Diversity Coordinator” tasked with ensuring potholes appear equally across all neighborhoods, was reportedly bundled with dozens of unreviewed line items. “We thought we were just accepting edits to a typo on page 3,” said Councilmember at Large, Helena Moreno. “Turns out we greenlit 27 years of construction, three new task forces, and a subscription service that notifies residents when their street might be drivable again.”
City officials have since committed to honoring the plan, noting that “it’s probably for the best” and that the streets “aren’t going to patch themselves.” The new timeline includes a phased rollout: by 2028, residents can expect signage; by 2036, shovels may enter the ground.
Local response has been mixed. “I’m just glad something’s finally happening,” said Mid-City resident Andre Dupre. “Even if it took a misclick.”
Officials stressed that while the vote was accidental, the delays will be very much on purpose.
