Louisville Metro Council approves 2020-2021 Capital and Operating Budgets
By a vote of 24 to 1, the Louisville Metro Council on Thursday approved the 2020-2021 Capital and Operating Budgets for Metro Government for the coming Fiscal Year.
Here are the highlights:
Housing:
$5 million in additional funding for the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (LAHTF) and its partners to address vacant and abandoned properties through the creation of direct purchase or lease-to-purchase opportunities. $2.5 million for programs that support home repair, address vacant and abandoned properties, and increase home ownership. $1 million is allocated for a new Homeowner and Rental Repair Loan Fund to support improvement of residences $413,400 will put a Metro Public Works crew into neighborhoods, and particularly alleys, to clean areas which have a high level of illegal dumping. $170,000 to hire two additional Code Enforcement Officers working with Develop Louisville to revitalize disadvantaged neighborhoods. $21.2 million, supported by the federal CARES Act, for rent assistance needed to prevent evictions as a result of coronavirus-related financial issues. $21.2 million, supported by the federal CARES Act, for small business assistance needed as a result of coronavirus-related financial issues. $3.5 million to help build and support a community grocery. $1 million is appropriated for youth and young adult programs, to be approved by Metro Council.
Law Enforcement Reform:
$763,500 in funding for a civilian oversight system. $1.2 million in state LMPD funds for exploration and implementation in deflection along with co-responder approaches which place behavioral health specialists with police to offer case management connections to treatment, housing, and services $1.6 million in federal funds redirected to recruitment efforts for a police force which more closely looks like and lives in the community; and training, including use of force, de-escalation, and implicit bias.
Other Budget Changes:
$14.3 million for infrastructure improvements such paving and includes $700,000 for a study of all Louisville Metro road conditions. The sidewalk repair budget is increased by $500,000 and additional funds are appropriated for facilities, parks and library maintenance and repairs$700,000 for a required dry-dock inspection and repair and $500,000 in operating funds for the Belle of Louisville $500,000 to outfit the Middletown Library, at a location provided at no cost to Louisville Metro by the City of Middletown.
Mayor announces telephone line to help residents with survey on LMPD Chief hiring
LOUISVILLE, KY (June 24, 2020) — Mayor Greg Fischer today announced the launch of a telephone option to help residents fill out a survey about their priorities for Louisville’s next permanent chief of police.
Starting Thursday, June 25, 2020, residents can call (502) 528-3543 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, and they will be assisted by call-takers who will input their answers to questions on a community survey, which has been available online since early this month.
The survey asks:
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What are the three most important qualities or skills you would like to see in the next police chief;
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What are suggestions for improving police services; and
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What a new chief must accomplish immediately, and over the next 2-3 years.
Both the phone line and the online survey will be operational through Friday, July 3. Already, more than 8,000 people have completed the online version of the survey, which can be accessed at https://arcg.is/18fTnS.
“I’m encouraging everyone in our community, especially those who are speaking out about police policies, to participate in the process to hire a new permanent chief by calling or completing the online survey,” Mayor Fischer said, adding that Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers are also being surveyed. “The new Chief must be able to communicate and have trust with both our police officers and the larger community they serve, and that starts with hearing what residents want and expect from our police department.”
The Mayor relieved former LMPD Chief Steve Conrad of his duties on June 1, and named Robert Schroeder as LMPD’s acting chief, pending the hiring of a permanent chief.
Mayor Fischer announced on June 3 that the city had hired the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a non-profit Washington, D.C.-based police research organization to lead the search, noting that PERF has identified best practices for cities across the country on fundamental issues such as reducing police use of force; developing community policing and problem-oriented policing; using technology to deliver police services to the community; and evaluating crime reduction strategies.
In addition to the survey, PERF will hold listening sessions over the next month, with various focus groups being held across the community. After that, PERF will review and analyze all the information residents provide to help pinpoint the qualities and characteristics needed for the city’s next police chief. They will use that information to conduct a national search and create a list of qualified candidates.
Next steps include convening a small group of community and Louisville Metro representatives to review the list, narrow it, conduct interviews, and send the Mayor their final recommendations. The entire process is expected to take four to six months.
In announcing the survey earlier this month, the Mayor stressed that Metro Council will be involved in the process, encouraging people to take the survey, participating in listening sessions, and helping identify other participants in the process.
Kentucky State Fair Gets Green Light
Gov. Andy Beshear approved a plan allowing the Kentucky State Fair to be held Aug 20-30 with new safety guidelines.
The Landbank Authority launches a new RFP
The Landbank Authority launches a new RFP for June 2020! Click here for available buildings and guidelines on how to submit a proposal. Proposals are due by July 13th, 2020 by 5 p.m. EST.
UofL is offering a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning - Award Winning Program
The UofL College of Education and Human Development LEAD department offers an award winning program, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning The program is designed specifically for adults with some college and 3 or more years of work experience (and no bachelor’s degree), and provides the Prior Learning Assessment class.
In this 3.0 credit hour class, students document their training from on-the-job training, workplace training and seminars, military training, badges and certificates, etc. At the end of the class, they present the portfolio of learning for evaluation and can receive up to 48 credit hours free.
UofL Free electric fans for older adults and disabled individuals starting July 6, 2020
LOUISVILLE, Ky (July 2, 2020) - Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, community organizations, and residents, hundreds of electric fans have been collected to provide heat relief for older adults and people with disabilities.
The Fan Fair giveaway qualifications and guidelines are as follows:
- Person 60 years of age or older
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Or documentation verified by a physician of a disability
- Resident of Jefferson, Oldham, Henry, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble or Bullitt Counties
- Proof of address and age
- One fan per household
- Household must not have functional central air conditioning
Local public libraries to get free access to Kentucky Virtual Library
Submitted by: Sue Patrick
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) announced a partnership that will provide all state residents with free access to the Kentucky Virtual Library during the upcoming school year.
The virtual library – administered by CPE – is a consortium of nearly 300 libraries and institutions across the state, including colleges and universities, public libraries, K-12 schools and hospitals, among others.
The virtual library offers over 60 research databases and resources for users of all levels. This year, KDLA support allowed it to offer Ancestry Library Edition throughout Kentucky, and KDLA will continue to support access to Ancestry in the year ahead.
Kentucky Science Center provides Virtual Outlet
Like many other organization, the Kentucky Science Center had to temporarily close their doors due to COVID-19. In response to this, they have been filming and posting “Do Science at Home” videos on their social media platforms. Click here to view!
Museum From Home
Experience The Speed Art Museum from home like never before!
Louisville's Virtual Attractions
As attractions got creative during quarantine, some are still offering virtual tours and events for you and your family to enjoy – all at an appropriate social distance. Click here to see a list of virtual events taking place in Louisville.
Locally owned retailers List
Visit the "Shop Local" list of Louisville's locally owned retailers offering online ordering or curbside pick-up. Louisville's independent businesses help the city retain its unique character. There are currently 58 businesses listed from bourbon chocolates to mint julep soaps for purchasing and helping support.
Survivor's Corner Offering Resources for Those in Need
Survivors’ Corner is taking calls from families experiencing overwhelm. They provide peer support (including coping skills and self care strategies) and resource information; not direct therapeutic services, however. On top of their standard programming, Survivors' Corner is providing temporary and confidential lodging, transportation services, food/hygiene items, etc. to trauma survivors. If you are in need of their services. You can contact them directly through their website, or you can call them at (502) 203-8917.
Standing Against Domestic Violence in Quarantine
The Center for Women and Families is taking precautions due to the coronavirus, but will continue to provide services free of charge 24/7. They ask that any person seeking services first call our 24-hour crisis and information line at 1-844-237-2331 or 502-581-7222. They are working to increase distance and minimize traffic in our building.
Some services will be provided via phone or FaceTime Groups, but community activities are cancelled for the time being
Until further notice, The Center for Women and Families will only be accepting the following in-kind donations: temporal thermometers + hand sanitizer.
Please show them your continued support as they continue to provide services to those affected by sexual and domestic violence.
The Office of Housing Programs
The Office of Housing operates multiple programs within Louisville-Jefferson County. Take a look at a few of the programs below:
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Home Repair Program-This program is focused on the Russell Neighborhood and select other neighborhoods. Those are currently the neighborhoods of Russell, California, Portland, Chickasaw, Shawnee, Park Hill, Parkland, and Park DuValle, Smoketown and Shelby Park. Applicants for this program must be owner and occupants the property to be assisted and they must be less than 80% of Area Median income, unless they live in Russell, which can go all the way to 100% of area median income. All other neighborhoods listed above may begin applying August 1, 2020 for assistance. Assistance is limited to the available funding. The submission of an application does not guarantee assistance, as funds are limited and historically this program runs out of money by about December of each year.
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Emergency Repair Program-This program assists owner-occupants of single-family homes to correct specific emergency situations in the home that could cause danger or impede the health of occupants in the home. The homeowner must be income eligible and be living in the home for one year or more. Specific emergency situations that are addressed by this program are:
Electrical - Conversion of old fuse boxes to breaker systems; repair/replacement of electrical components considered hazardous by the Fire department or Metro Louisville Electrical Inspectors;
Heating Systems and Air Conditioning – Replacement or repair of heating systems or duct work if necessary. Install or replace air conditioning systems upon written documentation from a physician confirming a medical necessity;
Plumbing – Replacement of nonfunctioning hot water heaters, repair/replacement of gas or water supply lines from utility connection to the house; and sewer lines from MSD connection from the street to the house;
Roofing - Assists owner-occupants of single-family homes that are eligible with cost for roof replacement, chimney repair, gutters, and downspouts.
Applications will be accepted beginning August 1, 2020. Assistance is limited to the available funding. The submission of an application does not guarantee assistance, as funds are limited and historically this program runs out of money by about December of each year.
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Lead Safe Louisville-The objective of this program is to eliminate any lead hazards in units built prior to 1978, in both owner-occupied homes and rental units in Metro Louisville. The program assists households that have a child under the age of six for more than 6 hours a week, and are at or below 80% of the median income. This program will remove lead hazards in the home through abatement. Households assisted will need to be temporarily relocated for a period of up to 2 weeks for the work to be completed. Applications are accepted year-round until funds are depleted.
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Russell Homeownership Incentive Program (RHIP)-This program assists participants, who are interested in buying a home in Russell area, in receiving qualified improvements to the home that is purchased. Households who purchase a unit in Russell, can be provided up to $35,000 to make necessary repairs. Applicants can combine the Down Payment Assistance funds with the RHIP Funds to complete the purchase, but are not required to do so.
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Down Payment Assistance-- The Down Payment Assistance(DPA) Program provides qualified homebuyers (households at or below 80% of area median income) with a partially forgivable loan to assist with purchasing a home which will be their primary residence. The DPA Program is available to any homebuyer that is looking to purchase an existing or newly constructed home in the Louisville Metro area. You do not have to be a first time homebuyer to qualify. However, all homebuyers must be credit and income qualified
The goals of the Down Payment Assistance Program are to:
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Encourage homeownership throughout the Louisville Metro area which is economical to low-moderate income consumers in order to assist in preventing future foreclosures;
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Encourage mixed-income neighborhoods and the de-concentration of poverty;
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Encourage homeownership in Metro’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area - Russell;
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Assist homebuyers in becoming informed consumers in order to successfully navigate real estate transactions and to understand the responsibility of homeownership;
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Encourage reinvestment in Louisville Metro’s vacant and abandoned properties.
Apply for ONE Louisville Fund Assistance
Now there's an even easier option for applying for the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.
Eligible households seeking assistance can apply online and submit required documentation via a secure portal.
See more details Here
Income eligible households, with a verifiable loss of income - directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic - and a demonstrated need, may be eligible to receive payment assistance up to $1,000 per household. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis until available funding is expended.
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