 The
Louisville Metro Council and the Community Affairs Committee are once again
celebrating Black History Month by honoring the
incredible African American leaders of our city.
With so many deserving African American leaders who's work and
compassion shines through each and every day, we are asking for your help in
nominating honorees to be chosen to represent District 25! If you
know of an exceptional individual who deserves to be recognized for their
contribution to our community and city, please follow the steps below to have
their name be one of those chosen to be honored this year.
*Please include ALL following contents in your submission
- Your Honoree’s Name
- Mailing Address
- Contact Telephone Number
- A "Brief Bio"
PLEASE NOTE: All honoree nominations must be
submitted by email to District 25 Legislative Assistant, Brian Boles, via email at Brian.Boles@louisvilleky.gov by
the close of business on Friday, February 10th.
The selected honoree will be
recognized at the 15th Annual Black History Month Program on Thursday, February
23, 2017 an noon in the Metro Council Chambers.
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 Technology is
changing quickly in all fields – including traffic lights. Traffic signals are
“smarter” and more dynamic than ever, and can adjust signal timings to changing
traffic conditions. This technology is called Intelligent Transportation
Systems or Advanced Traffic Management Systems.
The New Dixie
Highway project will include upgrading intersections with this technology. The
ability to monitor and respond to traffic conditions will improve traffic flow,
relieve congestion and reduce crashes.
The new system will
be connected to Louisville’s Traffic Operations Center using fiber-optic cables
that will support communications technology for intersecting streets, traffic
cameras, dynamic message signs and other future ITS systems and equipment.
In addition to the systematic block by block Pothole Blitz we do beginning in March each year, our Roads and Operations Division works year round patching potholes whenever they are reported to us. We encourage anyone who spots a pothole in Louisville to report it to MetroCall as quickly as possible. There are several ways to do it:
Call 311 or 574-5000
Email to metro.call@louisvilleky.gov
Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall
Tweet @LouMetro311
Include #502pothole in any tweet
Whichever method you choose, make sure to be as specific with location information as you can. Don't assume someone else has reported it.
Prairie Village Neighborhood will be holding a meeting at the Life Church. Representatives from President Yates' office, LMPD, Code Enforcement, MSD, and Representative Cantrell's office will be in attendance to hear your concerns and questions.
WHEN: Monday, January 30th at 6pm
WHERE: Life Church, 4413 E Pages Ln, Louisville, KY 40272
Prairie Village welcomes all neighbors of the Prairie Village and surrounding areas to attend to learn more about your community!
 Louisville
MSD has completed an extensive analysis of the wastewater, stormwater and flood
protection systems that protect the community. Now, MSD wants to talk directly
with the public about the risks, the solutions, and most importantly how soon
the work will begin.
Flooded roadways, destroyed homes, and raw sewage overflows are
reminders that Louisville’s ability to transform depends on the most basic
public health and safety protection systems - wastewater, stormwater and flood
protection. MSD has identified the critical needs in these areas in a draft
20-year Critical Repair & Reinvestment Plan, developed solutions and is
ready to move forward.
However, the solutions come with a large price tag - $4.3 billion
over the next 20 years, including almost $500 million to finish the remaining
federal Consent Decree obligations for managing sewer overflows. Recognizing
the magnitude of the impact on ratepayers and the community, MSD is embarking
on a wide-reaching community conversation.
Interested citizens can
review the Critical Repair & Reinvestment Plan and summaries through March
1, 2017 at any branch of the Louisville Library or on MSD’s website at www.LouisvilleMSD.org/CriticalRepairPlan.
 Groups may request an MSD representative present at community meetings.
Developing the Critical Repair & Reinvestment Plan
The draft Plan contains a breakdown of the critical risks in six areas and the estimated cost solutions:
- Ohio River flood protection system
- Stormwater drainage and inland flooding
- Viaducts
- Crumbling sewer infrastructure
- Wastewater treatment facilities
- Consent decree and support systems
Substantial public input was provided during development of the Plan from MSD’s Wet Weather Team consisting of community opinion leaders associated with environmental advocacy, business and industry, elected officials, local government, community neighborhood, recreation, public health, environmental justice, and organized labor interests. This group has adopted an official position in support of the Plan and its implementation.
Interested citizens can review the Critical Repair & Reinvestment Plan and summaries through March 1, 2017 at any branch of the Louisville Library or on MSD’s website at www.LouisvilleMSD.org/CriticalRepairPlan.
 Free tax preparation for residents begins Monday
VITA, AARP volunteers available across Louisville also will help residents determine eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit
Louisville Asset Building Coalition's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, and AARP Tax Aide programs utilize trained, IRS-certified volunteers who offer free tax services at more than 20 free sites across the city. The free service is available to individuals and families who earned less than $64,000 in 2016.
Appointments are recommended for VITA free tax assistance service and can be made now by calling (502) 305-0005 or scheduling online at https://louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com.
Starting Monday, the VITA free tax preparation sites are located at:
- Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
- Bates Community Development Center, 1228 S. Jackson St.
- Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway St.
- Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
- Salt & Light Community Development Center, 3025 B Gerald Dr.
- Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
- Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Highway
For a complete list of VITA locations, including mobile sites, as well as hours of operation, visit http://labcservices.org/ or call Metro United Way’s 211 help referral service.
Also visit the website at https://www.labcservices.org/index.php/free-tax-filing-at-labc-services for information about a free service for those interested in filing their own taxes online. Starting Monday, two software packages — MyFreeTaxes and Turbo Tax Freedom Edition — will be available for those who meet eligibility.
In addition to the VITA sites, AARP Tax Aide's mission is to serve any person comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older. AARP sites will open Feb. 1 at the following locations:
- Buechel Park Baptist Church, 2403 Hikes Lane
- Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
- Clifton Christian Church, 131 Vernon Ave.
- East Government Center, 200 Juneau Dr.
- Iroquois Branch Library, 601 W Woodlawn Ave.
- Jeffersontown Senior Center, 10631 Watterson Trail
- Lyndon Baptist Church, 8025 New LaGrange Rd.
- Portland Branch Library, 3305 Northwestern Parkway
- Shively Municipal Building, 3920 Dixie Highway
- Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway
For a full AARP schedule and listing, including mobile sites, visit http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org or call (502) 394-3443.
VITA and AARP volunteers will help determine if residents are eligible for the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit), a refundable federal tax credit for low- and middle-income working individuals and families. Eligibility for the EITC is based on income, the number of family members and other criteria, as is the amount of your credit. Working families who earn about $53,000 or less may be eligible, with average credits last year more than $2,400.
Collectively, tax refunds filed by Louisville residents last year through the VITA campaign and AARP sites processed over 20,000 returns, adding over $19 million to the local economy, including more than $6 million in Earned Income Credits to residents.
To help preparers accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring:
Picture ID and Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return
Copy of 2015 tax return with all attachments and schedules
W-2s and 1099s from your employers
Other 1099s for interest, dividends, state tax refund or other income
1095 for health insurance
1098 for education credit, plus detailed financial statement from the school
Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit
Child care information, including Provider ID and actual amounts paid
Summarized list of other income/expenses for those who itemize or are self-employed
Additional tax information that may be required
Visit http://labcservices.org/ or http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org for more information about the required documentation.
The work of the Louisville Asset Building Coalition and the AARP Tax Assistance Program is made possible by Metro United Way, Louisville Metro Government, the IRS, the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation and dozens of other partners.
 Take the Survey!
In order to get a comprehensive picture
of compassion across Louisville, we need to collect 67 survey responses from
each of the 37 standard ZIP codes in Jefferson County. Help us reach our goal
and take the brief survey today!
Participants in the study must be over the
age of 18 residing in Jefferson County. Participants can complete the survey online at here or
contact the Institute at (502) 852-5228 to receive a paper survey to complete.
Study
volunteers also are needed to participate in a 30-minute semi-structured
interview. If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact Lauren
Humpert, study coordinator, at (502)852-5228 or lauren.humpert@louisville.edu
 Grants available to social services and arts and creative industry organizations
LOUISVILLE, KY (January 13, 2017) – Louisville Metro Government will begin accepting External Agency Fund applications today, Friday, January 13, 2017 for FY18 (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018). These General Funded grants are awarded to non-governmental, or "external” agencies, that contribute to the city's cultural, social and economic vitality.
All agencies wishing to submit an application are required to have at least one representative participate in a mandatory application orientation. The mandatory orientation is available on the External Agency Fund (EAF) website at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund. The orientation will provide information about the deadlines, how to access the application and general information about the application.
The grants are available for Social Services programs, administered by the Louisville Metro Department of Community Services (LMCS), and for Arts and Creative Industries programs, administered by the Louisville Metro Department of Economic Development. The External Agency Funds are awarded annually to non-profit organizations offering programs or services in Louisville/Jefferson County that align with the Mayor's and departments' strategic goals.
Applications will be reviewed by two External Agency Fund panels, which include Metro Council members and community members, and those recommendations will be included in Mayor Fischer’s Recommended FY18 Metro budget.
For the Social Services funding program, qualified non-profits committed to providing services that achieve meaningful outcomes for Louisville citizens in the following key areas are encouraged to apply:
- Decreasing homelessness
- Increasing household financial stability
- Increasing youth, teen, and/or young adult engagement in quality programming; or
- Increasing access to services and resources for a targeted population.
For the Arts and Creative Industries funding program, non-profits committed to providing arts and cultural attractions and opportunities to the Louisville community are encouraged to apply. Eligible arts and creative industries organizations should demonstrate how a program supports the following primary focus areas of Mayor Fischer's Strategic Plan:
- Economic development initiatives related to arts and creative industries
- Creative place making and arts-based programs in neighborhoods that have experienced disinvestment
- Opportunities for citizens to access and engage with visual, performing and other arts experiences
Louisville Metro Government employs a competitive granting strategy and strives to award funding to agencies that demonstrate measurable positive impact in the community and are good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Successful grantees will be required to report on their success in meeting goals and outcomes.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, February 10, 2017 by 5 p.m.
For more information about EAF, and to access the application orientation, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund. Please submit all questions to EAF@louisvilleky.gov.
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 Rental Housing Registry
Effective March 1, 2017, all property located in Louisville Metro and occupied or offered for occupancy in exchange for money or any other consideration must be registered with Louisville Metro Government. Failure to register is subject to a fine up to $100 per day per housing unit.
Registration must include the rental unit street address along with current contact information of the owner and managing operator.
New owners must register within thirty days of any ownership transfer. Any change in contact information must be updated on the registry within thirty days of said change.
Registration requires an account with Develop Louisville. Click the links below to establish an account and access the registry, or to get detailed information and instructions on registry requirements.
Get Started Below
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/codes-regulations/rental-registry
 They are a service organization
of dedicated people who every year host a delicious event that helps various
programs in the community.
That is why three members of the Louisville Metro
Council are encouraging everyone to come out to the Valley Women’s Club Annual
Soup Supper and Bake Sale.
“The Valley Women’s Club began a great
tradition with this supper many years ago,” says Councilwoman Cindi Fowler
(D-14). “Their work is far reaching in our community and this supper helps them
raise the money they need to continue their charity work.”
"Come out for food and fellowship while
supporting the Valley Woman's Club. This group works hard to promote and fund
scholarships and other worthy causes," says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey
Welch (D-13).
“The Valley Women’s Club deserves our thanks
for helping people throughout our community,” says President David Yates
(D-25). “I encourage everyone to support this great organization. Those who
come out to this supper know nothing is better than warm soup on a cold winter
night.”
The Annual Soup Supper and Bake Sale will get underway:
WHEN: Friday, February 3rd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
WHERE: Sun Valley Community Club on Bethany Lane.
MENU:
- All you can eat assorted soups
- Cornbread
- Crackers
- Dessert
- Beverages.
TICKETS: $6.00 for Adults and $4.00
for children 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
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 West
Louisville has over 60,000 residents, who need convenient, affordable options
for shopping. West Louisville residents need employment opportunities. And,
West Louisville residents pledge their support for the Wal-Mart Superstore
#6391 at West Broadway and 18th Street.
Wal-Mart's
decision to cancel plans for the new supercenter leaves residents in West
Louisville without access to affordable goods and services that many other
communities take for granted.
We,
in Southwest Louisville, have certainly seen the economic impact that
development can have on a community. As our development momentum grows along
Dixie Highway, please consider supporting our neighbors and fellow citizens in
their plea to bring this store to their neighborhood.
Please sign the petition here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/654/659/716/
 The latest unemployment rate is 3.5%, compared to 4.5% at the same time last year.
The latest size of labor force is 644,166, compared to 625,566 at the same time last year.
The latest number of monthly online job postings is 8,796, with 2,178 of those requiring a Bachelor's degree or higher.
The latest number of quarterly (July-September) online job postings is 31,322, with 7,140 of those requiring a Bachelor's degree or higher.
*All above data refers to the Louisville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
 The Legal Aid Society in conjunction with the Jefferson County Public Law Library is offering a Know Your Rights Clinic to citizens who are interested in information about domestic violence hearings in our Family and District Courts. (EPO, IPO, DVO)
WHAT: Know Your Rights Clinic: Domestic Violence Hearings
WHEN: Friday, February 10, 2016 at 12:00 pm, Noon
WHERE: Jefferson County Public Law Library (514 W. Liberty Street 2nd Floor.)
PURPOSE: Clients will receive assistance from attorneys regarding filing protection orders.
Safety will also be discussed.
RSVP: Call the Law Library at (502) 574-5943 to make a reservation.
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 Update as of 11/17/16
Dixie Highway Repaving to be suspended between November 15th and April 2017
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that the
primary resurfacing work along Dixie Highway will be suspended
for the season beginning November 15th.
All lanes of traffic will be restored to it's original
configuration, including medians and turning lanes, with all the barricades and
cones removed before Thanksgiving, November 24th, 2016.
The work will resume in the Spring of 2017 to complete the
project to Greenwood Road.
For additional
information, you can visit the KYTC District 5 website at http://transportation.ky.gov/district-5/
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The 3rd Division LMPD will host a weekly “Peace Walk” each week. Major Hardison will be joined by a lieutenant and resource officer from the 3rd Division and they will be walking to promote unity and compassionate inclusion of all members of our community. Please see the schedule below and join the LMPD officers for a positive community event.
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