More than thirty business and community groups joined forces to create Forward New Orleans, a mandate for city leadership prior to the 2010 spring city elections. The purpose of Forward New Orleans was  to demand reform and excellence in city government. Seven key issues were identified:  crime, blight, city finance, economic development, city services and infrastructure, city contracting, and public education.

Mayor Mitch Landrieu and every elected city council member signed a pledge to support all or most of the platform mandates on those seven issues. Since the elections, many members of the Forward New Orleans coalition have partnered with the new leadership, serving on task forces and providing input during the transition process.

In coming weeks, the Forward New Orleans coalition will present a report to the public on the progress so far regarding the seven priority platforms for reform.