I did a little research. New Orleans has spent 673 million over the last 10 years on: New basketball arena, New Vintage Trolley Care system and just recently appropriated 315 million for the convention center expansion. Seems they had the money, but chose to spend it on pork projects rather than the poor and helpless citizens of New Orleans. Google search New Orleans basketball arena and trolley rail system.
So bringing $s into the city is more important than keeping their citizens safe.