New Orleans voters pushed it through, but how much input will they have in the city's new Master Plan? Tuesday’s vote gave the plan legal teeth – setting the wheels in motion to begin the project.

Zoning issues and development decisions down the road, will have to meet the plan's guidelines. From new parks to businesses to revamping housing, it's a push to help boost quality of life in the city.

The City Planning Commission will make decisions on a request, followed by a  City Council vote. Project leaders say however, all of that will come after listening to residents.

"The people of New Orleans have complete say. When a plan has the force of law, the plan that people create is the plan, others can't go around it," said David Dixon, who was tapped to take the lead on the master plan.

The Boston-based consultant says now is the time for New Orleanians to speak out.

"Invite us to take a tour of your neighborhood with your community organization, and we can drive around every neighborhood. But hearing from you about what you care about, what your aspirations are for your neighborhoods, is hugely important to us," Dixon said.

Residents are invited to attend a series of public meetings, where leaders will begin to tailor the specifics. Councilman James Carter offers more assurance, saying safeguards are in place to keep everyone involved.

"Now it's time to go forward to make sure that the citizens participate in the process that the council will vote on," Carter said.

Dixon says it is a chance for residents to take charge of the city’s future.

"What is great about giving a plan the force of law, is that instead of waiting until the process is over and trying to go around it, this is a real incentive to bring everybody to the table so everyone talks to each other and creates a plan that they all believe in and will make work," he said.