For New Orleans to become a world-class city, and for the region and State to progress, we must overcome critical challenges. Forward New Orleans provides a mandate to city leadership on the most significant of those challenges. This document was created by more than 30 civic, neighborhood and business organizations that represent the diverse landscape of New Orleans. These organizations are unified in expecting city leaders to manage toward, and strive for, excellence in city government.

Forward New Orleans imposes an overriding requirement of redirecting city government toward reform. It embodies the cornerstones of all effective government: accountability, transparency, efficiency and the appropriate exercise of fiduciary responsibility. We want our elected officials to be committed to these principles.

During the 2010 campaign, representatives from Forward New Orleans met with and asked each of the Mayoral and City Council candidates to review and pledge their support for the reform mandates outlined in the Forward New Orleans platform.

The elections are over. Reform is finally in reach.

The elections are over and the results are very encouraging. The vast majority of the newly elected officials, including the Mayor-elect, pledged to support the implementation of all of the Forward New Orleans reform mandates; and every elected official signed at least six of the seven.

In another sign of encouragement, the Mayor-elect has appointed many representatives from the Forward New Orleans coalition to head up his important transition task forces on blight, crime, education and other issues.

There is now every reason to believe that the reforms mandated in the Forward New Orleans platform will be implemented.

We will be watching. As promised, the next task for the Forward New Orleans coalition is monitoring for accountability. Following their first 100 days in office, a forum will be held to assess the progress of these new officials on fulfilling their pledges to the citizens of New Orleans.

We ask that you join us in presenting Forward New Orleans as the collective will of the We ask you to require each newly elected official to demonstrate the clear ability to accomplish the Forward New Orleans mandates. This time we must be certain our officials are aligned with principled reform. This time we must move our New Orleans forward.