District Six Dispatch

Cooking with Kin

"After King": A Man Up Film

"AFTER KING-JANUARY 18, 2020." Just in time for the Martin Luther King Week of Service.

Cafe LOUIE: Meet Your Legislators

2020 Urban Homesteading Course

Louisville Launches $11.5 Million Bus Rapid Transit System Along Dixie Highway

Louisville launched a new bus rapid transit system on Monday that city officials expect will cut travel times along Dixie Highway, and improve job access. Officials touted the $11.5 million system as the region’s first — it will shuttle people on Dixie Highway from Valley Station to downtown Louisville. Its nine buses will be in service from 4a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays and from 4:30 a.m. to midnight on weekends, traveling between bus stops every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the day and time. It is part of Louisville’s $35 million Dixie Highway Project, which aims to address traffic congestion, fatalities and inconveniences along Dixie. Transit Authority of River City Executive Director Ferdinand Risco Jr. said the highway corridor is one of TARC’s busiest routes, but the new rapid transit line will help residents and the city.

WFPL

https://wfpl.org/louisville-launches-11-5-million-bus-rapid-transit-system-along-dixie-highway/

Notice of Historic Structure Demolition

Invitation to Neighborhood Informational Meeting - 1253 S. Floyd St.

Vision Russell Updates

Friday Hiring Information Sessions

Attention Beecher Terrace & Russell Neighborhood Residents who are interested in construction employment opportunities at the Beecher Terrace Redevelopment Project. Urban Strategies, Inc. will be on site at the construction trailer Every Friday from 11am – 1pm. Urban Strategies, Inc. can assist you with:

• Job Application Assistant
• Interview and Soft Skills Coaching and Training
• Free TARC Pass
• And other work-related resources

For more information, please contact Urban Strategies, Inc. at 502-384-0786.

Become A Digital Inclusion VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America)

The Office of Civic Innovation and Technology is looking for service-oriented candidates to apply for VISTA service opportunities

Benefits of joining VISTA:

• Opportunity to work on program of Computer Donation, Computer Classes, Computer Set up and Low-Cost Internet opportunities in Louisville Communities.
• Ability to connect households in need to community resources for digital learning and computer donations
• Earn working stipend and post-service federal employment incentives and opportunities 

APPLY NOW – CLICK HERE Deadline is 1/30/2020.

Kentuckiana Builds Orientations

·      THURSDAY, JAN. 9 @ 10 AM & 5:30 PM

·      MONDAY, JAN. 13 @ 10AM & 5:30 PM

·      THURSDAY, JAN. 16 @ 10 AM & 5:30 PM

·      THURSDAY, JAN. 23 @ 10 AM & 5:30 PM

·      MONDAY, JAN. 27 @ 10 AM & 5:30 PM

·      THURSDAY, JAN. 30 @ 10 AM & 5:30 PM

Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway

Kentuckiana Builds is a 6-week training program that prepares you for a quality profession in fields like electrical, carpentry, pipefitting, plumbing, masonry, insulation and much more. For more information, please call 502-566-3371. Click the following link to watch the class visit the Louisville City FC (Football Club) Stadium in Butchertown:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_KKxZp3wmg&feature=youtu.be

Mama Matters

Thursdays, January 9^th & 23^rd @ 10 am – 12 pm

Catholic Charities of Louisville, 2911 S. 4^th Street

Family Support of Catholic Charities of Louisville offers a space where mothers with children birth to five can meet, socialize, and support one another through the joys and challenges of motherhood.  Join us to engage in conversation around matters related to parenting and self-care, gain useful knowledge, and participate in fun games and activities. Light refreshments and limited childcare are available for children up to five years. For more information or to register, contact Cydnei Dean at cdean@archlou.org or 502-637-9786.

Homebuyer Seminar 20/20 Vision

Saturday, January 11^th @ 12pm – 2 pm

Louisville Central Community Center, 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

Is buying a home a goal you have set for 2020? Do you have questions about how the process works from start to finish? Join us for the first Money Matters workshop of the year.  To register for this event CLICK HERE or for more information contact Patricia Williams at (502) 583-8821 or pwilliams2@lcccnews.org.

Upcoming Events for Beecher & Russell Residents

Urban Strategies, Inc., Liberty Green Community Room 500 W. Jefferson Street

• Tuesday, January 14^th @ 2pm – 4pm – USI Workshop: Identifying your job skills.
• Thursday, January 16^th @ 2pm – 4pm – BINGO/JenCare Stress
• Thursday, January 30^th @ 11am – 2pm – Accessing and Using the Parent Portal/Truancy

For more information, please call Urban Strategies, Inc. at 502-384-0786

Second Chance Opportunities – Soft Skills Boot Camp

Monday’s, January 13^th & 20^th @ 5 pm – 8 pm

Molo Village CDC, 1407 W. Jefferson Street

Attendance is mandatory for both sessions of Boot Camp in order to receive 30-day credit toward time served. To register email molovillage@att.net or call 502-583-5544.

Louisville Urban League AM (A Community Action Meeting)

Friday, January 17^th @ 8 am – 9 am

Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway

Louisville Urban League Action Meeting (AM) are community discussions designed to 1) inform community members or current activities and issues; 2) inform the League of pressing community concern; and 3) promote alignment between the League and other community organizations and members.  To RSVP please CLICK HERE. Meetings will be held on the third Friday, every 4 months.

Mother-Infant - Care Earn While You Learn

Tuesday, January 21^st @ 10 am – 12 pm

Catholic Charities of Louisville, 2911 S. 4^th Street

Catholic Charities of Louisville is offering a 6-week course covering a variety of topics related to pregnancy and newborn care. Upon completion of the course, participants can select a brand new item such as a crib, car seat, pack-n-play & more! Other baby items are offered throughout the program. Childcare is available for children under 6 years old, but space is limited. To RSVP your spot or for more information, contact Cydnei Dean or Shala Bottoms at 502-637-9786.

Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Initial Class

Class beginning Feb. 10^th – Feb. 14^th @ 8 am – 4 pm

National Environmental Contracting, Inc., 2600 Technology Drive

This 40-hour class (attendance is mandatory for all five 8-hour days) will cover the requirements for the EPA/AHERA accreditation for individuals that supervise activities with respect to friable Asbestos containing materials in schools or public and commercial buildings. Completion Certificate will allow for Licensing in both Indiana and Kentucky. To Register call Steve Swift @ 502-640-2951. Deadline for Registration:  January 31^st @ 3 pm.

Employment Opportunities – Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative

Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm

Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway

In 2020, the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) will open 54 Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms in Jefferson County serving almost 600 children.  Everyone must have a Child Development Associate credential.  OVEC, the University of Louisville and the Louisville Urban League will offer CDA training throughout 2020 for those interested in working for OVEC Head Start. Visit www.lul.org or call 502-647-3533 ext. 233 for more information.

Are you an experienced IT professional? Become A Mentor.

Seeking Mentors skilled in one or more of these areas:  Computer Hardware, Networking, Operating Systems, System Administration, Security and Desktop Support.

Tech Louisville is a new training by KentuckianaWorks that will support residents of neighborhoods most in need to start a career as an IT Support professional.  Work with a class 2 hours per week (6-8 p.m.) as they complete a 4-month online curriculum in technology support provided by Google and answer questions online.  For more information or to become a mentor contact https://www.techlouisville.org/.

Interested in purchasing a home in Russell?

Russell Homeownership Incentive Program (SPRHIP)

The Russell Homeownership Incentive Program is an exciting opportunity to be a homeowner in a neighborhood rich with history. Incentives are being offered for individuals and families who already live in Russell and are ready to purchase a home, and to those looking to move into the neighborhood.  If you meet the following criteria, this program is for you!

• Interested in being a homeowner and residing in the Russell Homeownership Incentive Area
• Committed to keeping the house as your primary residence for five years.
• Excited about making up to $24,999 in qualified improvements to your home. Participants must be approved prior to repairs being made and any cost over $24,999 will be the responsibility of the homeowner and paid in full prior to Louisville Metro Government (LMG) paying the remaining cost.
• Willing to complete homeownership counseling, if a first-time homebuyer.
• Willing to conduct a lead inspection on the property if it was built prior to 1978. LMG can help provide contact information of qualified companies.

For more information click on the following link: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing

In Case You Missed it: The Works Week

Re-accreditation For the second time in five years, the Louisville/Jefferson County Environmental Trust has earned national recognition for excellence in land conservation. The trust protects land for future generations through cooperative programs, educates the community about the need to preserve natural areas, and manages conservation easements for almost 2,000 acres of private land. Metro Public Works provides staff support for the organization, who also works closely with other Metro departments and other local government agencies. Transportation Planner Supervisor, Tammy Markert, received the re-accreditation plaque on the Trust's behalf. For more information on the work done by the Trust, visit: Louisville/Jefferson County Environmental Trust

Repurposed Seats Sometimes simple but unexpected uses and materials can activate visitors' imagination and make peoples’ day a little better. On September 26, 2019, Louisville District 8 Councilman Brandon Coan and Patrick Piuma, through the University of Louisville’s Urban Design Studio, unveiled the prototype installation of the Stadium Seat Bus Stop Project with the hope to do just that. Through a collaboration with Metro Public Works and the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), appropriate sites for the stadium seats were determined with the first phase being along the Bardstown Road commercial corridor. Local artist and craftsman shop RockerBuilt developed the 3-seat prototype, sandblasting and powder-coating the metal frames, rebuilding the seats and providing new mounting steel. (By Patrick Piuma - 10/22/19). Metro Public Works’ Roads and Operations Division crews installed these seats in 19 different street locations, with the latest round completed just before the year’s end. (Featured in the photo, L-R: George Sparks, Luster Dix and David McMurtry).

Know Waste: Start 2020 right!  Here are some tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes our crews see during waste collection in the Urban Services District: Garbage Bring in your garbage cart after collection! This helps keep it from being damaged and helps reduce litter, especially in alleys. Garbage should always be inside your cart with the lid closed. You can purchase an additional garbage cart or request a repair if your lid is damaged. Recycling Styrofoam is NOT accepted in Louisville’s recycling programs. Accepted items flyer Keep your items loose and not bagged. If you have an open bin, try using an additional container for overflow instead of bagging your items. The bags can be a problem for the sorting machinery at the recycling facility.  Yard Waste Yard waste may NOT be in plastic bags. Yard waste may NOT be placed in garbage carts. Bundle limbs properly. Yard Waste Guidelines Large Item Pickup Construction materials are NOT allowed. Accepted items flyer Yard waste and tree trimmings must be bundled correctly. Better yet, use yard waste collection instead! Know your set out dates and set reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents serviced by private companies should check with those companies for container requests and large item collection information.

Large Item Collection in Area G Click the map for a detail view of Area G where Project Pickup Large Items waste collection is scheduled for the week of January 13. Residents may begin setting out items Friday afternoon January 10. Reminder: Construction and demolition materials are NOT accepted and tree trimmings must be bundled properly. Collection Guidelines click the map for a detail view of Area G where Project Pickup Large Items waste collection is scheduled for the week of January 13. Residents may begin setting out items Friday afternoon January 10. To receive automatic reminders of large items waste pickup dates, download our Recycle Coach waste information and calendar app at the App Store or on Google Play

Mayor Fischer honors civil rights pioneer Mattie Jones with the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award

Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that nationally renowned civil rights and social justice activist Mattie Jones is the 2020 recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award. Jones, a native of Memphis, Tenn., moved with her family to Louisville as a child, after her father took a job at the Quartermaster Depot in Jeffersonville. Jones’ public activism began not long after her graduation from Central High School in 1951. She attended Indiana University but says she quickly decided it was not safe or welcoming for black students, so she transferred to the University of Louisville, which had recently desegregated its main campus. But after being denied a work study position and being told white co-eds would not accept working alongside her, Jones left college and joined the Black Workers Coalition to fight for equality in employment. In over six decades of activism since, Jones has organized countless demonstrations, public conversations, and boycotts focused on women’s and worker’s rights, environmental justice, peace and police/community relations. She was a founding member of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and has helped lead and staff numerous local and national justice operations during her long career. “At the tender age of 86, Mattie Jones has outlived some of our community’s original civil rights stalwarts, and to this day, she outworks many others to remain an active advocate for justice, equality and equity,” said Mayor Fischer. “Mattie’s battles and victories over the years against racism and sexism only make her advocacy and inspiration more powerful. There is no quit in Mattie. She is most worthy of this significant recognition." Mayor Fischer will present the Freedom Award on Sunday, Jan. 19 during the “Keepers of the Dream” community arts celebration dedicated to Dr. King, in Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center on Main Street. The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 5 p.m., with lobby activities from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Jones, who describes herself as “just another soldier in the army for peace, justice and equality,” said she is honored by the award. “I appreciate Mayor Fischer making me this year’s honoree, and I appreciate too, that Mayor Fischer did not forget west Louisville after Election Day. When invited, he shows, and that’s important,” Jones said, adding that she’ll be accepting the award on behalf of her family and her community. “If it wasn’t for God, my family and my community, I would never had made it. My husband caring for the children, my mother’s support, the people who maybe didn’t march or demonstrate but would walk by and wave and say, ‘Miss Mattie, we’re praying for you,’ I needed them all,” she said. “To experience and be a part of the changes in my lifetime, I am blessed to have been a soldier, a majorette for justice!” Jones said receiving the Freedom Award is especially poignant for her, since she is a native of Memphis and was there helping prepare for an upcoming demonstration on April 4, 1968 when Dr. King was assassinated. “It’s hard to describe how awful that was,” Jones said. “Dr. King was not the only organizer, and not the only agitator of our time, but he was a beacon for justice, and his death brought such darkness.” Mattie Jones and her husband Turner Harris Jones, a teacher and later a tax auditor, were married in 1955 and had nine children and raised 120 foster children. Working as a cook at local hotels, she said she focused her greatest energies raising her children and fighting for justice. In the 60’s she marched against segregation in public schools and for open housing, and credits the late Sen. Georgia Davis Powers, then a neighbor in the Parkland neighborhood, for inspiring her to get involved. “She asked me to attend a meeting, and when I got there, there was Dr. King, Rev. Abernathy and so many other inspirational people. I left there on fire,” Jones said. In addition to helping found the National Alliance against Racist and Political Repression in 1973, she worked on a local level with the Kentucky Alliance against Racist and Political Repression, alongside the late Rev. Louis Coleman, Anne Braden and countless others. In the 1980s, Jones traveled the South as a staff member for the Southern Organizing Committee for Economic and Social Justice, and in 1991 accepted a position as Coordinator of Racial and Economic Justice at the Fellowship of Reconciliation in New York. With the support of her family, Jones worked in New York, with frequent trips back to Louisville. She said one of her most treasured accomplishments in that role was organizing a Women of Color in the Workplace Conference, which hosted women from around the country and the world. After returning from New York in the late 1990s, Jones began working full time with Rev. Coleman at the Justice Resource Center. On the environmental justice front, Jones fought against toxic emissions in Rubbertown and for greater oversight of the companies there, through the Strategic Toxic Air Reduction program. And through the Louisville Black Chamber of Commerce, she and Coleman worked to see a high percentage of minority-owned construction companies involved in the building of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and the YUM! Center. In 2018, in honor of Mattie Jones’ 85th birthday, then-Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton announced that two blocks of River Park Drive would be honorarily designated as Mattie Jones Way. The route intersects Louis Coleman Jr. Drive, which Jones’ bio notes reflects “a meaningful reminder of all these two influential civil rights leaders accomplished together in Louisville and far beyond.” The Mayor’s Freedom Award, sponsored by Republic Bank and first presented in 1988, recognizes residents who have dedicated their lives to promoting justice, peace, freedom, non-violence, racial equality and civic activism. Last year’s winner was Diane Porter, chairwoman of the Jefferson County Board of Education. (See list of other previous winners below.) Jones will be presented an award of blown glass created by Ché Rhodes, Associate Professor, Head of Glass, University of Louisville Hite Art Institute. The 10th annual Keepers of the Dream Community Arts Celebration of Dr. King’s Vision is presented by Kentucky Performing Arts’ ArtsReach, in collaboration with the city and the River City Drum Corp. The Jan. 19 event, hosted by WKU student Jayla Ransom, will feature presentation of the Mayor’s Freedom Award, ArtsReach Living the Vision Awards, Keith McGill’s recitation of Dr. King’s speech, “Another America,” along with dance, music and spoken word. The ArtsReach Living the Vision Award will be presented to educators Edna Graham, Johnetta Anderson, and those who have led Maryhurst’s programming team – Joyia Johnson, Stacie Vaughn, Demarco Harris, Jayme Thiem. Performers include those from ArtsReach Dance, Percussion and Violin Studios at the Chestnut Street Family YMCA, Portland Promise, WESTEC and West End School. Other featured artists are Phoenixx Lee with the art of LaNia Roberts, poets Writeous Soul and Brea Brea, Every Known Mastermind, Made New Acapella, D.E.S.T.I.N.E.D. Dance, and the Percussion Ensemble and Drumline of River City Drum Corp. In addition to the performance and awards ceremony, the lobby will be bursting with activity prior to the event, with pre-show entertainment by River City Drum Corp Pipe Drummers, a selfie station, Civil Rights button-making with Gwen Kelly, and exhibitors from local organizations. ABOUT THE KENTUCKY PERFORMING ARTS’ ARTSREACH PROGRAM: Since 1991, The Kentucky Performing Arts’ ArtsReach Program has empowered community centers to program the arts, nurtured and developed diverse artists and audiences, engaged youth and created community through the arts. For more information ,please visit https://www.kentuckyperformingarts.org/education/artsreach  or find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/artsreachky.   PREVIOUS FREEDOM AWARD WINNERS: Lyman T. Johnson, 1988 Rev. W. J. Hodge, 1989 Former State Senator Georgia Davis Powers, 1990 Rev. William E. Summers III, 1991 Rev. Thomas F. Moffett, 1992 Father Patrick Delahanty, 1993 Art Walters, 1994 Sam Watkins, 1995 Willie Gray, 1996 Deborah Todd, 1997 Dr. Kevin Cosby, 1998 Rev. Charles E. Kirby, 2000 Dr. Samuel Robinson, 2001 Dr. J. Blaine Hudson, 2002 Ed Hamilton, 2004 Beverly Watts, 2005 Raoul Cunningham, 2006 Ben Richmond, 2007 James O. Chatham, 2008 Dr. Bernard Minnis, 2009 Mervin Aubespin, 2010 Charlie Johnson, 2011 Darryl T. Owens, 2012 Ishmon Burks, 2013 Suzanne "Suzy" Post, 2014 Ed White, 2015 George Burney, 2016 Manfred Reid, 2017 Rev. Charles Elliott, 2018 Diane Porter, 2019

Mayor Fischer, community partners, urge residents to be counted in 2020 Census

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 8, 2020) — With the 2020 U.S. Census less than 90 days away, Mayor Fischer today rallied with community partners working to help ensure a complete and proper count of all Louisville residents. The official Census 2020 date is April 1 and households will begin receiving Census information in March.

“The data from the Census is used to allocate federal resources to many programs affecting communities and families, and that means we need everyone in our state and within the city of Louisville to be a part of it,” the Mayor said. "This is our one chance in 10 years to make sure Louisville and Kentucky gets everything we’re due."

The Mayor added that the Census also determines representation in Congress and is a factor in education funding, grants, research, and business site selection decisions.

Mayor Fischer made the remarks during an address to the Municipal Complete Count Committee, which is comprised of Louisville Metro staff, community leaders, and faith organizations. The committee is co-chaired by Deputy Chief of Staff Katie Dailinger and Senior Policy Adviser Ashley Parrott, and is assisted by Census Coordinator Catalina Cordova.

The Municipal Complete Count Committee is working to raise awareness of the Census throughout the community, particularly with historically under-counted populations such as immigrants and children age 5 and younger.

“We have groups in our city that are at risk of being undercounted, and we must work together to reach out to them to make sure they are involved,” said Cordova. “Particularly within the immigrant community, there are concerns about privacy. We hear those concerns, and want our immigrant friends to know that the Census is confidential, safe, easy and important.”

How will the census be taken? For the first time, all households will be invited to complete the Census online. In mid-March, addresses will receive a mailed invitation to respond online. If there is no response to the online invitation, a paper form will be mailed with options to respond to the form or by phone.  The form has only 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. See a Sample Census Questionnaire, available in English and Spanish, at https://louisvilleky.gov/census.

Census Bureau Employment Opportunities

The 2020 Census is hiring thousands of temporary workers. In Louisville, the pay is up to $21.50 per hour for part-time, temporary, work from home position plus mileage reimbursement. Apply online at: 2020census.gov/jobs. The application takes about 30 minutes and averages 30 to 60 days to hear back.

Additional 2020 Census jobs are available at the U.S. Census Bureau's National Processing Center, located across the river in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Job vacancies at this facility are posted on USAjobs.gov and include clerks, technicians, warehouse positions, office staff and supervisory staff.

Become a Census Champion

Members of the Complete Count Committee and other community partners are serving as Census Champions — trusted messengers who have the tools to educate their communities about the Census and its impact on our city.  Census Champions will share information through a grassroots, neighbor-to-neighbor approach, provide trainings and/or computer access, and other supports. Go to louisvilleky.gov/census to see an interactive Census Champion Map listing sites and services offered.

More information about the 2020 Census and the Municipal Complete Count Committee can be found at louisvilleky.gov/census, or contact Catalina Cordova at Catalina.Cordova@louisvilleky.gov or at (502) 574-5168.

2020 Census Key Dates

March 12-20: Invitations mailed March 16-24: Reminder letters sent March 26-April 3: Reminder postcards April 1: Census Day April 8-16: Hardcopy Census mailed April 20-27: Final postcards mailed May 1: Non-response follow-ups begin  

Upcoming Census Outreach Events

Jan. 11: Spanish Census Solutions Workshop at Americana Community Center at 10 a.m.  Located at 4801 Southside Dr. Jan. 16: AARP KY: 2020 Census Jobs Informational Session, 2-3:30 p.m. Located at St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Ave. Registration at https://aarp.cvent.com/KYCensusJobs

Mayor and Council proposing property tax change to fight neighborhood displacement

Proposed amendment would help longtime residents stay and thrive as their communities experience rapid investment

LOUISVILLE, KY (January 6, 2019) – Mayor Greg Fischer and several Metro Council members are proposing changes to the city’s property tax moratorium program that would enhance anti-displacement efforts in neighborhoods experiencing rapid investment.

An amendment filed today would make the Property Assessment and Reassessment Moratorium Program more accessible to homeowners in west Louisville, Smoketown and Shelby Park. The goal is to avoid the displacement that can occur when a neighborhood sees such quick investment that property values rise markedly, which in turn can raise property taxes beyond what current residents can afford and put pressure on existing homeowners to sell.

The moratorium program will work in concert with other anti-displacement measures such as the recently launched Russell Homeowner Repair Program, which provides funding to help Russell homeowners make critical home repairs.

Established in 1983, the moratorium program encourages residential and commercial property owners to make improvements to properties that are at least 25 years old, and in return, their Metro Government and Urban Services District taxes are frozen for five years, even if their property values rise.

The proposed amendment would lower the amount of money that homeowners in west Louisville, Smoketown and Shelby Park would have to spend on such improvements to qualify for a tax moratorium. Under the amendment, homeowners would qualify if their improvement costs equal at least 5 percent of the value of the improvements, based on the latest assessment made by the Jefferson County PVA. For example, the average single-family home in Russell is valued at $36,717, meaning the owner would need to spend at least $1,836 on upgrades and improvements to qualify.

Commercial and residential properties located outside of west Louisville, Smoketown and Shelby Park may also still be eligible for the tax moratorium program.

Those properties are eligible if the improvement costs equal at least 10 percent of the value of the improvements and if the property is in a census tract where at least 50 percent of household incomes are less than 60 percent of the area median income.

The amendment to the moratorium program is possible because of Section 172B of the state Constitution, which governs the ability of local governments to offer a property tax moratorium and limits this action to qualifying repair activity and no more than five years.

Measure is part of a broader effort

Mayor Fischer said the proposed changes – including a waiver of the program’s $40 administrative fee for qualifying low-income owners – represent just one piece of a broader effort by Louisville Metro and its partners to stave off displacement and build wealth among longtime residents.

“We are seeing significant reinvestment in some of these neighborhoods, and we want to be sure that the people who live in these communities, the people who are the soul of these communities, can stay and grow with these communities,” he said.

Colleen Younger, Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator, agreed.

“New investment is good and necessary to stabilize neighborhoods, but an important piece must be to offer protection to current, longtime homeowners who are the heart and soul of these urban neighborhoods and the households that are the most financially fragile and at risk,” she said. “Property values in west Louisville neighborhoods rose for the first time in eight years during the 2019 assessment, and this program will offer some protection as property taxes rise due to fast growth in the target areas.”

The Smoketown and Shelby Park neighborhoods will be reassessed this year. Property owners can challenge their assessment through Jefferson County PVA’s “You have a right to appeal” program, where residents can submit photos and documentation through mail, in person or online. For more information about the program, call (502) 574-6380 or visit jeffersonpva.ky.gov.

Council President David James, who is among five sponsors of the amendment, said, “I’m happy to be a sponsor of this ordinance as we try to fight against gentrification and protect our citizens and neighborhoods.” (See other Council comments in support of the amendment below.)

Other anti-displacement efforts

Additional anti-displacement efforts in Louisville include the Russell Homeowner Repair Program, the Emergency Repair Program, the citywide Down Payment Assistance Program, and additional funding for Russell homebuyers to make repairs.

The Russell Homeowner Repair Program, which launched in 2019, assists existing Russell homeowners in building equity by granting up to $25,000 per unit to help owner-occupants make critical improvements to their homes, using $2.3 million in CBDG funds. The city’s Office of Housing, which administers the CBDG funds, has received more than 90 applications for assistance and is still accepting applications for the program. For more information, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/russell-homeownership-incentive-program.

Through its Down Payment Assistance Program, Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Housing gives qualified homebuyers up to 20 percent of the purchase price to help them buy homes in neighborhoods throughout Jefferson County. In addition, the city will grant up to $35,000 to qualified residents buying a home in Russell, in an effort to promote homeownership among Russell residents.

The city also is continuing to work with key partner organizations and residents on additional measures aimed at advancing its anti-displacement work, including consideration of Renter Equity Models to help renters build wealth, and the possible establishment of a Community Land Trust to create permanent affordable homeownership opportunities, among other measures.

Louisville Metro Government’s 2020 legislative priorities include seeking more tools to address blighted, deteriorated, and vacant properties and pursuing funding and policy solutions to meet the growing demands for affordable housing, including a state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Council statements in support of the amendment

Other Metro Council members offered these comments in support of the tax moratorium program amendment:

Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey, D-3: "For more than 35 years, this program has offered stability to our neighborhoods through a special partnership with Metro Government. We should always review any program to see if it is working to its full potential for property owners. Using reliable Census data, we will now be able to help more homeowners repair and revitalize their property. When this occurs, we will make more areas of our city stronger and safer, thereby improving the quality of life for all."

Councilwoman Jessica Green, D-1: "The strength of our neighborhoods is built by those who want live and thrive with others raising families or just staying in a place they call home. Updating this program to expand its reach will go a long way building stronger neighborhoods. It is a good investment for everyone."

Councilwoman Donna Purvis, D-5: “This is a great opportunity for constituents in my district to make improvements and updates with value increase, but without the fear of tax increase.  This should also relieve the threat and fear of the possibility of gentrification.”

Councilman Pat Mulvihill, D-10: “We want to enable our residents to stay in their homes and be able to make the repairs they need in order to do so. This change to our ordinance is a way we can help achieve that for them.”

Councilwoman Barbara Sexton-Smith, D-4: “This is a small step that eventually will go a long way in giving some homeowners a much-needed tax break at a time when many worry about gentrification. I applaud Laura Grabowski and her team for the prodigious amount of work they have put forth on this long-term strategy.”

Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin, D-2: “This program is a chance for those who decide to improve their homes to be rewarded by staying where they have become a part of the community. I support these changes because Metro Government needs to be a partner not a problem in helping people make a difference.”

Landbank Launches New RFP Properties for January!

City announces opportunity to apply for the External Agency Fund Competitive Grants

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 6, 2020)  - Louisville Metro Government (LMG) will begin accepting External Agency Fund applications on Jan. 17 for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021). These grants funded through the city’s general fund are awarded to non-governmental or "external” agencies that contribute to the city's cultural, social and economic vitality.

A summary of the application process is as follows with more details listed below:

• Starting Jan. 6, application questions may be viewed for reference at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund
• All applicants are required to attend a mandatory application orientation on Friday, Jan. 17.
• Following the mandatory orientation, the city will begin accepting applications. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 7, at 5 p.m.

All agencies wishing to apply are required to have at least one representative participate in a mandatory application orientation on Jan. 17. The orientation will provide information about deadlines, how to access the application and other general information. There will be a morning session held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and an afternoon session held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Both sessions will take place at Metro United Way, 334 E. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202.

It is only necessary to attend one of the two sessions, and no RSVP is required.

The External Agency Funds are awarded annually to nonprofit organizations offering programs or services in Louisville/Jefferson County that align with the Mayor's and departments' strategic goals. The competitive grants are available for Social Services programs, administered by the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS), and for Arts and Creative Industries programs, administered by Louisville Forward.

For the Social Services funding program, qualified nonprofits 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; and/or
• Increasing access to services and resources for a targeted population. 

For the Arts and Creative Industries funding program, qualified nonprofits committed to providing programs that achieve meaningful outcomes for Louisville citizens in the following focus areas are encouraged to apply:

• Arts experiences for everyone;
• Creative workforce; and/or
• Creative community spaces and neighborhoods.

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 FY21 Metro budget.

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, outcomes and how the taxpayer dollars are spent.

The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 7, at 5 p.m.

For more information about EAF and to access the EAF applications and guidelines, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund.

Please submit all questions to EAF@louisvilleky.gov.

Pet Licensing Amnesty

Pet Licensing Amnesty: This month only, LMAS is waiving late fees for Jefferson County residents who purchase or renew a Pet License. The Louisville Metro Animal Ordinance requires pet owners to purchase a one-year license for their dogs, cats and ferrets. Pet licensing can be purchased or renewed in-person at the LMAS Shelter located at 3528 Newburg Road. Visit from 12-6pm, Monday-Saturday. To purchase a license online or find a participating Veterinarian office, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/animal-services. The Louisville Metro Animal Ordinance requires a 1-year Pet License and Rabies vaccinations for all dogs, cats and ferrets - four months of age and older. If your pet(s) isn’t registered with LMAS, please do so to avoid fines.   A Pet License is different than a Rabies tag. You will receive two tags when you register your cat, dog or ferret with Louisville Metro Animal Services. Pet Licensing must be issued the same month your pet received its Rabies vaccination; both expire on the same date. A license is insurance that if your pet is picked up by an LMAS Animal Control Officer or a Good Samaritan, we can get it back to you as quickly as possible - and can prevent your pet from being impounded and the fees associated with their stay at the shelter. HOW MUCH IS A PET LICENSE? A 1-year Pet License for a spayed/neutered pet is $10, or you can purchase a 3-year License for $27 if your pet received a 3-year Rabies Vaccine. For senior citizens, the cost is $5 purchase or renew a Pet License (Limit 2 per household). For cats, dogs and ferrets that are not spayed or neutered, the fee $60 for a 1-year Pet License. Pet Licensing can be purchased or renewed in-person at Animal House Adoption Center or online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services. You can also get license by mail or at a participating Veterinarian office Visit our website to find a participating Veterinarian office, or to download a Pet Licensing application. Mail the form and a check payable to Louisville Metro Animal Services to Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218. Please, include 50 cents for postage.

Pets of the Week

Dogs of the Week: It’s always nice to have a guardian on your side, especially if they’re as handsome as Guardian! The approximately 2-year-old German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix is a wiggly, friendly sweet boy that gets along with other dogs. You can adopt Guardian for free with an approved application, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Guardian weighs 60lbs. His adoption include neuter, vaccinations and a microchip! To meet Guardian, visit Animal House Adoption Center daily from 12-6pm. Email questions about Guardian to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.

Cat of the Week: Harley Quinn is a stunning gray Tabby with big yellow eyes - and she’s ready for a forever home! The shy, 2-year-old can be fearful so she needs time to warm up to strangers and new surroundings. Harley Quinn gets along with other cats but her ideal home would be one without any children. Harley Quinn’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Harley Quinn weighs approximately 8lbs. She’s already spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. You can meet Harley Quin at Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road – now open daily from 12-6pm. For more information about Harley Quinn, contact Louisville Metro Animal Services at 502-473-PETS.

Pit Bull of the Week: It’s always free to adopt adult Pit Bulls from LMAS! Don’t shop when you can rescue a Pit Bull like Makaveli from the shelter. Makaveli is approximately 2-years-old and weighs 60lbs. He’s laidback, good-natured dog that’s a great co-pilot. Makevli’s friendly with everyone he meets on field trips away from the shelter. Makaveli is also laidback, easy to leash walk and loves an adventure. At the end of a long day, he turns into a couch potato and an expert cuddler.  Adopt Makaveli for free, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program! He’s also a Long-Stay Champion so his adoption includes: FREE wellness checks and vaccinations for 3-years, Canine License (3-year), leash, harness, collar, large crate and 7-days of free daycare at PetSuites-Louisville! To adopt Makaveli, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road) daily from 12-6pm. Email questions about Makaveli to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov, or call 502-473-PETS.

Police Reports This Week

Crime Mapping

First Division

Major Andy McClinton Andrew McClinton began his career in law enforcement on January 22, 2001 with the former Louisville Division of Police (LPD). As a patrol officer, he served in the former Sixth District (LPD) and First Division. As a detective, he served in the First Division Flex Platoon and in the Criminal Intelligence Unit. He was also a member of the Dignitary Protection Team for three (3) years. After being promoted to Sergeant in 2008, he served in the First Division, Robbery Unit, Professional Standards Unit and the Public Integrity Unit. In 2016, he was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in the Third Division and Administrative Services.  In 2017, McClinton was promoted to Major and commanded the Administrative Services Division. Major McClinton holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from Hanover College. He is a graduate of the Academy of Police Supervision at Eastern Kentucky University and the 136th Session of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officer’s Course at the University of Louisville. Major McClinton is married with two (2) children.

Second Division

Major Ryan Bates Bates began his law enforcement career in August 1997 with the Louisville Division of Police. He served in the former Second, Fourth, and Sixth Districts. He was also a member of the Street Crimes Unit and the Gang Squad. After merger, Bates served as a patrol officer in the First Division. He was promoted to sergeant in August 2005. He served as a sergeant in the Second Division where he supervised the mid-watch platoon, FLEX Unit, and Detectives Unit. In 2012, Bates was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the late-watch platoon in the Fourth Division. He also served in the Second Division, where he supervised the mid-watch platoon and Division Resource Officers (DROs).   After being promoted to the rank of major, Bates commanded the Fourth Division. Major Bates served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for 14 years. He served on the SWAT Team as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He was appointed as the Assistant Commander in 2012 and Commander in 2015. Bates has also served on two (2) task forces which were created to address violent crime in the community. Major Bates is a graduate of Xavier University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officers Course.

Fourth Division

Major Tim Burkett Major Tim Burkett began his career with the former Louisville Division of Police (LPD) in 1999 . He was a patrol officer and division detective in the former Fourth District. Additionally, he was a Sex Crimes detective and served on the Dignitary Protection Team (DPT). In 2007, Burkett was promoted to sergeant where he was a patrol sergeant and a division detective sergeant in the Eighth Division. In 2010, Burkett was promoted to lieutenant and commanded the Property Room. He also served as a Special Events lieutenant in the Special Operations Division. While in the Special Events Unit, he was responsible for planning and operating medium to large scale special events. He has been part of the command group for the PGA Championship, the Ironman Triathlon, Thunder over Louisville, the National Rifle Association (NRA) National Convention and many other events. He has been the lead on numerous events including marathons, parades, Muhammad Ali's Memorial Service and the world renowned Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. After being promoted to major, Burkett commanded the Special Operations Division Major Burkett holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a cognate in Public Administration. He was a Dean's Scholar graduate of the University of Louisville's Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course. He is a certified instructor with the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training

Job Announcement

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.

To learn more about applications, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/interested-serving-board-or-commission '

Please find below a list of boards and commissions for an opportunity to serve:

BOARD VACANCIES

• Metropolitan Business Development Corporation
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
• Bardstown Road Overlay District
• Building Code Board of Appeals
• Cemetery Board
• Civil Service Board
• Code Enforcement Board
• Community Action Partnership
• Jefferson County Public Law Library
• Deputy Sheriff Merit Board
• Downtown Development Review Overlay Board
• Downtown Management District
• Ethics Commission
• Fire Protection Districts (Fairdale, Harrods Creek, Highview, Lake Dreamland, Lyndon, Middletown, Okolona, St. Matthews & Worthington)
• Hazard Materials Ordinance Appeals & Overseers Board
• Housing Authority Board
• Human Relations Commission Advocacy Board
• Human Relations Commission Enforcement Board
• Kentuckiana Works
• Landmarks
• Library Advisory Commission
• Louisville Arena Authority, Inc.
• Louisville Public Media
• Merit Board
• Medical Center Commission of Jefferson County
• PARC Board of Commissioners
• Police Merit Board
• Redevelopment Authority
• Science Center
• Urban Renewal Commission
• Vacant Property Review Commission
• Waterworks
• Zoo Foundation Board

REMINDERS

Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/Patrol+Divisions/ to sign up to receive the LMPD’s new crime alert update for your neighborhood. Simply select your LMPD division number, and click "Subscribe to Crime Alerts by Beat" to begin receiving the update.

Visit http://mapit.louisvilleky.gov/  and type in your address to find out when your junk pick-up date is as well as street cleanings and additional information.

Visit at https://lge-ku.com/outages/report/streetlight to report a street light outage in your neighborhood. When reporting a street light outage, be sure to have the pole number, which can be found on a metal plate on the pole.

If you would like to unsubscribe to this e-newsletter (though we don't know why you ever would) please email shalanna.taylor@louisvilleky.gov with the subject "REMOVE". We won't be hurt (much).

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