When New Orleans voters approved a sweeping $500 million bond package in 2019, the cash was slated for specific city facilities, infrastructure improvements and affordable housing, though millions were redirected to the jail's court-mandated mental health wing or to legal settlements.

But this time around — and as the city grapples with a massive budget deficit — City Council members say they’ll ensure a new round of proposed bond proceeds are spent as advertised.

Up for consideration on the Nov. 15 ballot are three separate bond propositions totaling $510 million that would help build affordable housing projects, fill potholes, improve public parks and playgrounds and meet a host of other critical needs.

The money would also ensure a slew of long-blighted or deteriorating sites, such a

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