New Orleans 'Smart City' Program Would Install Video Cameras in Public

The video cameras would be used to collect data on street light outages, but could also potentially used by police in the city's crime surveillance program.

1 minute read

February 27, 2020, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Security Camera

kuzmaphoto / Shutterstock

"New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is asking the City Council to approve a $3.2 million contract with Entergy New Orleans to create a “Smart City Pilot” program in the Central Business District," reports Michael Isaac Stein.

"The plan is to install two pieces of technology on street lamps along Poydras and Canal Streets — 'Photo Nodes' to help collect data on streetlight outages and 'Advanced Camera Sensor Devices,' or ACSDs," adds Stein.

Stein provides more details on how the video cameras fit into New Orleans' larger smart city efforts, and how the data collected by the cameras also will be accessible to other programs in the city, like the Real Time Crime Center.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 in The Lens

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Aerial view of flooding during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls

The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.

30 minutes ago - NC Newsline

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.