The New Orleans city council has been urged to increase their investment in youth ages 0 - 24, which currently sits at only 3% of the city's budget. Criticism has been leveled at the council for prioritizing surveillance tools over basic necessities such as affordable housing and education, which are seen as key to supporting young people and creating a safer community. There are also concerns about the lack of reliable transportation for young people, with calls for the council to invest in public transit as an investment in future generations. The council has been criticized for failing to prioritize recreational spaces for youth. This is viewed as a shortcoming, as recreational spaces are seen as important for the mental health and well-being of community members. The lack of recreational spaces also feeds into concerns about the quality of life in residential areas, which has been highlighted as a pressing issue by the council. There is an underlying bias in the council's actions, favoring surveillance and law enforcement over investment in youth and community resources. This appears to be based on the assumption that surveillance tools will make the city safer, despite evidence to the contrary. The council has also been accused of failing to prioritize the needs of all neighborhoods equally, with resources concentrated in areas that are already well-serviced. The broader societal impacts of these issues include a lack of opportunities and resources for young people, which could lead to higher crime rates and a lack of social cohesion. Additionally, the lack of investment in public transit and affordable housing could exacerbate issues of social inequality and hinder economic growth. The council's decisions also have implications for the city's reputation and attractiveness as a place to live and work. The council's actions and discourse also reflect a lack of engagement with community members and a failure to adequately address their concerns and needs. For example, there have been calls for the council to support urban agriculture and green spaces, which could provide both recreational and economic benefits. However, these calls appear to have been largely ignored. In conclusion, the New Orleans city council needs to reevaluate its priorities and take a more community-focused approach to decision-making. This includes increasing investment in youth, affordable housing, public transit, and recreational spaces, and reducing reliance on surveillance tools. Successful implementation of these changes could lead to a safer, healthier, and more equitable city.