Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 11/25/2020 01:05 PM EST
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant (502) 574-2787 Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
Newburg Library
***November Meeting Cancelled Due to COVID-19 pandemic***
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PMwhen we meet with LMPD, and 6:30PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
Councilwoman Shanklin and the District 2 Office would like to wish you a Safe, Healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Official Team Kentucky sources for information concerning COVID-19
COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725
The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as we are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review the website prior to calling the hotline. Guidance is being added as it becomes available.
Click here for to visit the official Team Kentucky source for information concerning COVID-19 (updated daily).
For general inquires, email KYcovid19@ky.gov. Please be patient as we handle a high volume of emails.
COVID-19: Louisville Information
Louisville Metro has a website with updated information about COVID-19, including information from Mayor Greg Fischer’s briefings about City services. You can access it here.
*PCR is test for COVID, Serology is antibodies test
**Based on a 7-day rolling average; Switched on 10/19/2020 to electronic laboratory reports as the sole source of data for the positivity rate. Learn more about how KDPH determines the Statewide Positivity Rate. Note: Data includes cases of COVID-19 reported to KDPH.
COVID-19 message from the Department of Public Health and Wellness
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 29, 2020) – The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and Lacuna Health has increased staffing for its COVID-19 Helpline to even more quickly provide support and answers to residents and businesses with questions about COVID-19 – and to initiate the contact tracing process among those testing positive for the virus.
Louisville is in the red alert level status which means there are more than 25 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents daily. On Tuesday, Public Health officials announced the city added 1,888 new cases.
Metro’s Contact Tracing team is available to answer the hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days, and bilingual team members and language translation services are available. The number is 502-912-8598.
Karen Handmaker, a population health expert and former executive at IBM Watson Health, who is overseeing the city’s contact tracing and helpline efforts, said it is important that people who test positive reach out to the contract tracing team, because as many as 40 percent of positive COVID-19 test results the department receives have no contact information.
“We can’t call to check on someone who has recently tested positive if we don’t have a phone number,” Handmaker said. “We encourage anyone who has recently tested positive to please call the helpline. Our contact tracers and care advocates want to make sure you get the care you need, have what you need to safely isolate and quarantine, and answer any questions you have.”
Handmaker said the COVID-19 Helpline is also helpful for businesses. “Our care advocates can provide helpful guidance and information to businesses who have an employee test positive,” she said.
Residents, businesses and employees are encouraged to reach out to the LOU HEALTH HELPLINE (502-912-8598) if:
They or a family member has tested positive and needs to know their next steps;
They are waiting for a test result and aren’t sure what to do;
They were in close contact with someone who tested positive and need guidance;
They have questions about safely isolating, quarantining;
They’ve test positive and want to ensure others they’ve been in contact with are notified of their risks by contract tracers.
Louisville breaking records with over 3,000 new cases; our next actions are crucial
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 24, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer, joined by Public Health and Wellness Director Dr. Sarah Moyer, today declared Louisville in a state of ‘deep red’ as the amount of COVID-19 cases escalate daily.
For the second consecutive week, Jefferson County reported more than 3,000 new positive cases, a trend Dr. Moyer urged needed to change course.
In the last two weeks, 1,541 contacts of COVID-19 positive cases became cases themselves. Fifty-eight percent of the contacts who tested positive live with or are intimate partners of positive cases and 17 percent who later tested positive caught it from other family members or co-workers. Dr. Moyer added that before symptoms onset, individuals who test positive go to grocery stores and retail establishments, bars and restaurants, places of employment and healthcare settings when they are likely most infectious.
“We keep breaking records, but these aren’t records of achievement. It means we have too much rapid spread of the virus,” she said.
Expressing his concerns over the rise of cases in Jefferson County and the state of Kentucky, Mayor Fischer supported Governor Andy Beshear’s new temporary restrictions put in place last week. While he wishes the restrictions weren’t necessary, Mayor Fischer said it is essential to stop the spread of the virus.
“Our challenges with COVID-19 are only growing,” he said. “COVID-19 in our city and our state is out of control. We won’t get it under control by wishing or waiting for it to go away. We are not doing what we need to be doing as a city to contain this virus until we get to a vaccine. The only reason for these restrictions is to save lives and save suffering.”
Here are the key data metrics for the week of November 24, 2020:
There were 3,592 new cases over the previous week.
Louisville’s rolling two-week average positivity rate is at 6.2 percent.
Hospitalization data:
21.3% of patients currently hospitalized have COVID-19.
83 patients in ICU with COVID-19 as of November 24, an increase from 75 the week prior.
56 COVID-19 patients on ventilators as of November 24, compared to 45 last week.
COVID-19 cases are in every ZIP code and almost every part of our community is in the red zone. Remember that you probably interact with people who live in a red zone for COVID.
Cases are higher in 20-34-year-old demographic at 27.6%.
Given the high level of community spread, any interaction with members outside the household leaves individuals at greater risk of bringing an infection home. Once one person is infected in a household, it is likely to spread to other members.
Dr. Moyer acknowledged that residents are being asked to make sacrifices right now, especially with the alternative Thanksgiving holiday recommendations to restrict travel and family gatherings outside of the immediate household. She added that as cases are increasing exponentially, we must work to curb the transmission of COVID-19.
“A lot of damage has been done, but we know that the actions we’re taking today are important. Remember, the numbers we are seeing today reflect our actions two weeks ago,” she said. “We all need to comply with the restrictions in place to drastically stop the spread.”
New Co-Immunity Project Data shows spike in rate of infection
Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar, Director of the Christina Lee Brown Environme Institute at the University of Louisville and Dr. Rachel Keith, assistant professor of environmental medicine at the University of Louisville, joined the Mayor to present the latest research from the Co-Immunity projects Phase III community study of COVID-19.
Researchers sent out 30,000 letters throughout Louisville for a random sampling survey to get equal representation for an estimate on the rate of COVID-19 infection in the city. Of the 30,000 letters, Dr. Bhatnagar said 1,000 people agreed to participate in the study. An additional 1,800 volunteered to be tested for sampling as well.
Out of 2,800 participants, the latest data illustrates infection rates in Jefferson County saw a dramatic increase from September to November from 0.2 percent to 2 percent.
Dr. Bhatnagar stated that a 2 percent indication equates to roughly 13,000 people that are infected with the virus in Louisville during the aforementioned time frame, a figure much higher than the 2,800 people identified through the study. Further study of antibody testing – which indicates if someone was infected before – shows that as of November, 45,540 people have been infected with the virus.
“From the data that we gather from people who come forth and get tested, that only represents the tip of the iceberg. This is very alarming and a process that we don’t think is going to abate anytime in the future because of the likelihood of more movement and temperatures plummeting. We have to be extra vigilant.”
Dr. Keith reminded all that the geographical distribution of the virus can change at any moment in the community as it will infect anyone it comes in contact with. She added that while Shively and Northeastern Jefferson County currently show the highest rates of infection, the virus has no boundary.
“You don’t get the infection if you don’t come in contact with it,” Dr. Keith said. “If we limit our opportunities to be around the infection, we won’t have the spread.” She encouraged vigilance in people limiting their movements and who they’re around.
Effect new restrictions can have on saving lives
In collaboration with the Department of Public Health and Wellness, the University of Louisville School of Public Health and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Dr. Seyed Karimi, Health Economist with the department, presented data from the Kentucky Regional Hospital Preparedness report on how compliance with the Governor’s restrictions can affect COVID-19 trends seen in Louisville with regards to hospital capacity in region 3.
Dr. Karimi said based on the current trajectory of cases if everyone were to follow the governor’s current restricted measures in place, by January the region would only face a projected 100 hospitalizations and approximately 900 lives can be saved.
"If there is very high compliance that shows that the virus is very manageable and with two weeks or so we could start a downward trend."
First Responder Data
Currently, 103 members of LMPD, Louisville Fire, Metro EMS, Metro Corrections and the Sheriff’s Office are off-duty due to COVID-19:
52 are off with positive tests and in self-isolation
25 are off and quarantined due to exposure to someone who tested positive
26 are off with symptoms, pending test results
Positive test numbers for first responders/public safety since the incident began:
379 positive tests
327 have fully recovered and returned to duty
Metro Corrections inmate data:
Total Tested: 4285
Total Positive: 271
Total Recovered: 253
Total currently under medical isolation: 18
Total tests pending: 0
The city’s COVID-19 data dashboard, a complete list of COVID-19 testing sites, information on symptoms, prevention and contact tracing can be found at www.louisville.gov/covid19. The LOU HEALTH COVID19 Helpline is also available: 502-912-8598.
Executive Order effective Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 13. See slides here.
Restaurants, Bars – No indoor food or beverage consumption; carryout and delivery encouraged; socially distance outdoor seating
Private social gatherings – Up to eight people from a maximum of two households
Gyms, fitness centers, pools, other indoor recreation facilities – 33% capacity limit; group classes, team practices and competitions prohibited; masks must be worn while exercising
Venues, event spaces and theaters – Each room will be limited to 25 people. This applies to indoor weddings and funerals, but excludes in-person worship services, for which the Governor will provide recommendations Thursday.
Professional services – Office-based businesses limited to 33% of employees; all employees who are able to work from home must do so; all businesses that can close to the public must do so
To view current guidance for activities not listed above visit the state's Healthy at Work website.
Schools – All public and private schools (K -12) to cease in-person instruction:
Middle and high schools will remain in remote or virtual instruction until at least Jan. 4, 2021.
Elementary schools may reopen for in-person instruction Dec. 7 if their county is not in the red zone and the school follows all Healthy at School guidance.
***GUIDANCE***
KYCOVID19.KY.GOV This website is Kentucky's central resource for all COVID-19 information and guidance. The COVID-19 Hotline – (800) 722-5725 – is a service operated by the health care professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. For general inquiries, please send an email to KyCovid19@ky.gov. KyCovid19.ky.gov also includes weekly White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE Go to KCC.ky.gov for more information and to file a claim. You can also call 1-502-875-0442 (File a Claim) or 1-877-369-5984 (Request a Payment). See other UI contact information (email and phone numbers) here.
KYNECT Website available in: Arabic (عربى); Bosnian (Bosanski); Chinese (中文); English (English); French (Français); Russian (русский); Somali (Somali); Spanish (Español); Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
Visit kynect.ky.gov to apply for health insurance; benefit programs covering food assistance (SNAP), child care assistance, financial aid for children and caregivers (KTAP) and more; and to learn more about local help with food, transportation, housing, employment, finances, physical and mental health are closer than you think.
RESTAURANT AND BAR RELIEF To help offset the financial impact on restaurants and bars, the Governor also announced he is dedicating $40 million in CARES Act funding to provide qualifying entities $10,000 in relief for various expenses, with a maximum award of $20,000 per business entity.
***FULL COVID-19 RESPONSE FROM GOV. ANDY BESHEAR***
To see previous COVID-19 actions from Gov. Beshear, which began when he declared a state of emergency on March 6, 2020, click here.
Latest News from Mayor Fischer and the City of Louisville
COVID-19 status: Red
Mayor Fischer and Public Health & Wellness leaders are urging every resident to abide by Gov. Andy Beshear’s guidelines for communities such as Louisville in the “red zone” for COVID-19, which continues to spread rapidly throughout the city.
In addition, city leaders are calling on residents to consider the risks of the deadly virus before making holiday plans with people who reside outside their own home. “We have to factor COVID-19 into our plans, or we are potentially putting ourselves and our families in serious danger,” the Mayor said.
Watch the briefing on Tuesday here, and see details here.
Mayor Fischer encourages Louisvillians to Shop Small this Saturday to support local businesses
Additional federal assistance needed to support small businesses
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 25, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer proclaimed Nov. 28 Small Business Saturday in Louisville and asked residents to support locally owned businesses throughout the holiday season.
“Our small businesses are struggling right now. Just as we have come together to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we must do the same to support our small locally owned businesses,” Mayor Fischer said. “I want to thank longstanding organizations like the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA), which has been championing small businesses for 15 years, and new groups like Buy Black Lou that are shining a greater light on our local Black-owned businesses. Every one of them needs our dollars and support.”
Small businesses play a critical role in our local economy, offering unique goods and services that people can only find here. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the bottom lines of these diverse enterprises. Overall revenue among small businesses in Louisville has declined 25.8 percent compared to January 2020, according to Opportunity Insights, a non-partisan research and policy institute based at Harvard University. Nationally, small business revenue has declined by 23.2 percent.
“Additional assistance is needed from the federal government to help support small businesses,” the Mayor added. “Please get in touch with your federal representatives to let them know you want action on federal relief. People are being put out of work by COVID-19. This is a time when we have to rely on each other, and the federal government has a role in helping to support businesses, families, frontline government workers and others harmed by this pandemic.”
On Small Business Saturday, LIBA is hosting Shop West Louisville and South Louisville Stroll to highlight businesses and vendors in those areas. Both events will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, and people can enter to win door prizes and giveaways as well as take advantage of specials.
The participating businesses are spread out, and some stops will feature vendors in outdoor tents to help ensure that people can socially distance while supporting local businesses. Everyone is asked to follow CDC and state COVID-19 guidelines. For more information about these events, visit www.keeplouisvilleweird.com/SmallBizSaturday.
LIBA also is launching on a brand-new e-commerce site, www.ShopLocalLou.com, on Cyber Monday, Nov. 30, that will allow people to purchase goods from multiple local businesses all in one transaction. All the participating stores will offer pickup, and some will also offer delivery. The goal is to continue to add new local businesses to the site, which will continue operating after the holidays.
“Your purchases this holiday season are truly an investment in the future of our community. Studies have shown that when you spend money at locally owned independent businesses, a greater share of your dollars stays right here in Louisville,” said LIBA director Jennifer Rubenstein. “This year, it is particularly important to keep money flowing through our local economy as our small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic impacts of the pandemic. That is why we are making it even easier for Louisvillians to remain safe and support local businesses through the launch of ShopLocalLou.com next week.”
Those looking for minority-owned businesses to support are encouraged to visit www.Buyblacklou.com or follow Buy Black Lou on Facebook, where the organization will be highlighting goods and specials offered by minority vendors. You can also search the hashtags #BOBFridayLou and #BOBChristmasLou on Facebook to see some of the products and deals from black business owners.
“Entrepreneurship is the engine of our economy. When we support local, black and small businesses, we are supporting the growth of our communities and our neighbors. This year, it is particularly important that we be intentional about where and how we circulate our dollars to make sure our communities are benefiting,” said Tanika Bryant, founder of Buy Black Lou and the Black Business Association.
To help our small businesses, Louisville Forward, the city’s economic and community development arm, launched two new programs this year – the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program and the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Loan Program.
Through the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, 824 small businesses have received grant dollars totaling $27.1 million to help mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program closed after all funds were awarded on Nov. 12.
To date, 42 small businesses have been approved for loans, totaling $1.7 million, through the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Loan Program. The application window for the program closed on Nov. 20 because of the overwhelming response.
City announces 2020 Light Up Louisville plans designed to keep people safe, avoid spread of COVID-19
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 17, 2020) – Citing dangers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Louisville Metro Government today announced adjusted plans for the city’s annual Light Up Louisville kickoff to the holidays.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, “large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area” pose the highest COVID-19 risk to attendees and staff. And with Louisville maintaining a red alert status for COVID-19, the traditional gathering in downtown Louisville is not appropriate, city leaders said.
“In a normal year, bringing thousands of people to celebrate this annual kickoff of the holiday season is a wonderful thing,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “But this is not a normal year, and at a time when we see the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths rising steadily, our usual celebration is simply not safe. I am pleased, though, to announce alternative plans that spread the festivities around our community.”
Here are the details of Light Up Louisville 2020, which will again be powered by longtime sponsor LG&E, along with 106.9 Play, AT&T and other sponsors:
Holiday lights will go up at Metro Hall and City Hall, and a brightly lit Christmas tree will be set up on the grounds of Metro Hall. The light display, set up largely by Axxis Inc., will include a rainbow of colors to celebrate Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukah, reflecting the diversity of the community. Holiday-themed gobos will also be displayed on Metro Hall. The Mayor is also encouraging residents and businesses to put up their own rainbow of colors at their homes and workplaces.
Here Comes Santa Claus! Instead of having people come downtown for the annual Light Up countdown and an appearance by Santa, the city is sending Santa out into the community. In partnership with 106.9 Play FM and Neil Huffman Subaru, as well as LG&E and AT&T, Santa and his caravan will travel through approximately 20 neighborhoods, selected through nominations from area residents, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Christmas music will be playing, and a large mobile video screen will play highlights from previous Light Up Louisville events as Santa’s caravan drives through the selected neighborhoods. Follow this link to nominate your neighborhood for a Santa stop.
The Mayor thanked event sponsors for their support and their flexibility in helping provide the alternative Light Up Louisville.
LG&E and KU President and CEO Paul W. Thompson: “While we can’t come together as we always have, this creative approach to our holiday festivities enables us to celebrate safely while still experiencing the joy that comes with the season. We’re proud to be a part of it and to once again help our community shine brightly this holiday season.”
AT&T Kentucky President Hood Harris: “AT&T is proud to support Light Up Louisville and help bring this family friendly event to our community. It’s encouraging to turn our attention to the holiday season and activities that unite our community, and we’re thrilled to see the tradition of Light Up Louisville continue.”
106.9 Play Operations Manager Cagle: “We are excited to join forces with Light Up Louisville and the North Pole to bring Santa Claus to Louisville. We have talked to Santa, and he is very excited to see the children in Kentuckiana this Christmas season.”
Mayor Fischer urges people to share their photos from this alternative Light Up Louisville on social media using the hashtag #AroundLou. For more information, go to: www.lightuplouisville.org.
In addition, the Mayor is reminding residents of these other holiday traditions in the city:
Toys for Tots
Noting that the holidays are a perfect time for our compassionate city to spread even more compassion, Mayor Fischer is asking residents to get involved in this year’s community-wide Toys for Tots drive.
Since 1947, Marines have collected toys for families in need – and they aren’t letting the pandemic stop them this year. Residents are asked to purchase toys for children ages 10-13 and 14-17 because the Marines have a surplus of toys for younger children.
From 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, there will be a special drive-thru lane in front of Metro Hall for an easy drop-off. Marines and staff will be masked and wearing gloves to help facilitate the drop off. Other drop-off points include Paristown Point, Mission BBQ and the PRP Fire Department stations.
Winter Woods Spectacular
From the producers of the popular Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, Winter Woods Spectacular will debut in Iroquois Park from Nov. 27– Jan. 2. Winter Woods is a half mile drive of lighting and artistry that will explore and celebrate the holiday season. Proceeds will benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation. Visit https://www.winterwoodsspectacular.org/ for more information.
Fête de Noël
Paristown’s Fête de Noël is back this year, featuring Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice-skating rink. Residents are invited to skate, shop, eat and drink in the heart of Paristown and enjoy holiday movie nights, karaoke, silent disco on ice, Stoneware & Co. ornament decorating, and much more. Fête de Noël is open Nov. 25th – Jan. 3rd. For more information, visit www.paristown.com/fetedenoel
Lights Under Louisville
Each year, the Louisville Mega Cavern is transformed into an underground holiday light spectacular for the Christmas season. Enjoy a 30-minute ride through 17 miles of underground passageways. Featuring more than 850 lit characters with over 3 million points of light. Lights Under Louisville is open Nov. 13 – Jan. 3. For more information, visit www.lightsunderlouisville.com
Louisville Metro streamlines process for eviction prevention assistance programs
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 21, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Louisville Metro Government has removed the income requirement for all of its eviction prevention assistance programs in an effort to streamline the application process for all applicants. The income requirement has been replaced with a maximum cap on monthly rental assistance.
Eligible residents can now receive a maximum of $1,750 per month in rental assistance for up to six months. The amount of assistance will continue to be determined based on applicants’ individual rental rates and amount of back rent owed, and all other requirements will remain in place, including proof of COVID-19 impact and notice of overdue payment or pending eviction case.
“We’re making this change to streamline the intake process to get help to our residents facing eviction more quickly. So many tenants have accumulated rent debt due to previous COVID-19-related unemployment, and while some may have regained employment, they’re still in a catch-22 where they might never be able to get caught up on their rent payments and stabilize their household without assistance,” said Mayor Fischer.
“Thank you to our teams at Louisville Metro’s Office of Housing and Office of Resilience and Community Services, as well as our many partners, who are working every day to connect residents to resources,” he added.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people from all neighborhoods and walks of life. While we work to control the spread of COVID-19, we must also tackle the economic fallout the pandemic has created in our community,” said Metro Council President David James. “Providing assistance to Louisvillians facing eviction is a critical part of stabilizing our economy and preventing a wave of homelessness.”
This summer, Louisville Metro Government allocated $21.2 million in federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security) Act money toward eviction prevention assistance. The city has established a program to assist individuals, the Eviction Prevention for Households Program, through the Office of Resilience and Community Services, as well as a program that allows landlords of subsidized units to apply for assistance on behalf of their tenants, the Landlord Tenant Rental Assistance Program, through the Office of Housing.
In addition, the Office of Housing has partnered with the court system and Legal Aid Society on the Eviction Diversion Pilot Program, which acts as a backstop for eviction as cases enter the court system. As of Oct. 16, the three programs have allocated $5.4 million, assisting 3,246 households and 6,199 total residents in Jefferson County.
Recently, Louisville Metro also reallocated $3 million from the Landlord Tenant Rental Assistance Program for external agency agreements with the Coalition for the Homeless and the Association of Community Ministries to administer eviction prevention programs.
“Secure and safe housing is the most basic need and right of every Louisvillian, and the expansion of the eviction prevention program is not only important, but essential,” said Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey, D-3. “There is unprecedented need at this time that spans beyond race, socioeconomic status and geography. This program is the very best for anyone facing their worst, and it shows we are a compassionate Louisville.”
On Aug. 25, Gov. Andy Beshear rescinded an executive order suspending residential evictions for failure to pay rent and replaced it with a new order requiring landlords to provide at least 30 days’ notice to tenants that they plan to evict for failure to pay rent. Under the order, landlords cannot apply penalties, late fees or interest related to non-payment of rent from March 6 to Dec. 31, 2020.
In addition to the other eviction prevention programs, the Office of Resilience and Community Services has distributed more than $2.8 million raised through the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund to landlords and/or utility companies on behalf of 3,324 households.
Louisville Metro also has allocated $5.5 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) toward eviction prevention and housing stabilization for low-income and homeless persons.
Eviction assistance
The Mayor reminds residents of eviction assistance programs available through Louisville Metro Government and partners. Eviction assistance was also recently the subject of an episode of the Mayor’s podcast. Learn more about assistance here, and listen to the podcast here.
For information about all the resources and services available to those facing eviction, visit StopMyEviction.org
Speed hump construction and installation set to be completed by November 16th
The construction and installation of speed humps on several neighborhood streets in the Newburg community has recently been completed. This long-awaited project was funded by Councilwoman Shanklin and her District 2 office in June of this year; signage and marking for the new speed humps was competed in September. The streets receiving speed humps in this round of installations were: Brenda Dr., Cedrus Cir., Oaklawn Ln., Unseld Blvd. continuing into part of Garden Green Way, and one additional hump on Shasta Trl. Several additional streets in the neighborhood have already completed the steps below, and are in the queue for next year's round of speed hump installations.
Do you and your neighbors want speed humps on your street?
If you and your neighbors have noticed a high number of speeders on your street and would like to be considered for speed hump installation, please contact the District 2 Council office at (502) 574-1102 or via email at Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov. Assuming that your street is eligible (must be Metro owned/must be long enough to support speed humps/etc.), after speaking with a representative from our office you will be asked to collect signatures (with individual names and addresses) from all of your neighbors that live on the street that is requesting the installation of speed humps. At least 70% of all of the residents currently living on the street requesting speed humps must provide their signature/address in support in order for the street to be considered by Public Works.
Upon completion of this signature page, the original document must be given to Councilwoman Shanklin or Legislative Assistant Caleb Howard personally, or sent to our office at City Hall (601 W. Jefferson St., First Floor, 40202; ATTN: Barbara Shanklin/Caleb Howard). As soon as the signature document is received, LA Howard will deliver it to Public Works, and that department will survey the street to determine whether or not speed humps will be appropriate to install--assuming Public Works signs off on the request, Councilwoman Shanklin will make the final determination with regards to moving forward with the installation or not.
Councilwoman Shanklin announces drive thru COVID-19 testing for the people of District 2
Testing offered on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month beginning Sept. 28th
LOUISVILLE, KY – Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2) announces a new drive thru COVID-19 testing site will be available to the people of District 2 beginning on Monday, September 28th.
“It is important to make testing for COVID-19 available in as many places around the city as we can,” says Councilwoman Shanklin. “I hope the people of District 2 will take advantage of what is being offered. It’s convenient, easy to drive thru, and no appointment is necessary.”
The medical team administering the tests has been approved by Louisville Metro Government. This COVID-19 drive thru testing location is in partnership with Councilwoman Shanklin and the Newburg Church of Christ.
The COVID-19 testing is available on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at 4700 East Indian Trail on the corner of Unseld Blvd. and East Indian Trail in the church’s parking lot.
UPDATE: As of November 25th, over 300 residents have been tested for COVID-19 via this drive-thru event. Additionally, over 100 residents have received flu, pneumonia, or shingles shots via our office's partnership with the Kroger Pharmacy that has been accompanying our COVID-19 testing. While no firm date/time is established as of the release of this newsletter, Councilwoman Shanklin and her office is currently working with the Kroger Pharmacy to schedule additional vaccination events. Once dates and times are confirmed, we will endeavor to spread the word throughout the community.
Louisville Metro's Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods offers resources to residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
As cities across the country anticipate an unprecedented wave of evictions, we want to be sure to share some important resources available to Louisville renters, small-business owners and everyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides the establishment of vital resources for Louisville residents, we are pleased to see the groundwork for innovative solutions such as the establishment of a Community Land Trust as well as review of the Land Development Code. These measures will help ensure equitable housing solutions moving forward. Finally, we want to ensure citizens are aware of the resources available to them, so be sure to share the below resources with friends, family, and neighbors in need.
Funds are available to households making up to 80% of Area Median Income limits. Please see the above chart for qualifications. Anyone with a pending court eviction or a past due notice from their landlord is encouraged to apply.
In an effort to preserve the countless unique small businesses across Louisville Metro, the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants Program is available. Eligible businesses who can demonstrate need can qualify for up to $50,000 in assistance.
Up to $1,000 in funds are available for households, with a demonstrated need, that have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications and supplemental documentation can be completed online. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling funds are available until October 31, or until funds are depleted. Applicants must be Jefferson County residents whose household makes 60% or less of the Kentucky State Median Income. Click the above link or call 502.991.8391 to begin.
Eligible applicants can receive a 10% reduction on MSD charges through July 31, 2021. Discount applies to MSD wastewater service charges, wastewater volume charges and consent decree surcharges. Total household income must be at or below 150% of the poverty line and with supporting documentation
The Louisville water company has not suspended water service for late payments since the onset of the pandemic. However, with over 12,000 late accounts, Louisville water Company has implemented Drops of Kindness, a catered payment solution that takes into account customer hardships as well as pairs them with community resources that can provide assistance. To learn more, click on the above link. Call 502.583.6610 to get started with a customer care representative.
Visit the Kentuckiana Job Board, which is updated weekly, to find a wide range of opportunities.
Small business grant program helps 824 Louisville businesses
Louisville Forward distributes $27.1 million in COVID-19 relief grants
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 13, 2020) – Through Louisville Forward’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, 824 small businesses have received grant dollars, totaling $27.1 million to help mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In total, 1,286 applications were received from small businesses since Louisville Forward began accepting grant applications on July 1.
“I am proud of the work that our Small Business Team has done to preserve the hundreds of small businesses that make Louisville unique,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “And I continue to urge Congress to return to the negotiating table and pass additional relief measures to aid our nation’s small businesses. It is clear that more assistance is needed as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and weather the resulting economic impacts.”
Because of the pandemic, overall revenue among small businesses in Louisville has declined 25.8 percent compared to January 2020, according to Opportunity Insights, a non-partisan research and policy institute based at Harvard University. Nationally, small business revenue has declined 23.2 percent.
Businesses seeking relief grants requested between $845 and $50,000; the average approved grant amount was $32,888. Businesses receiving the relief grant are located in every council district in Jefferson County. Of the grant dollars awarded, 28% percent went to minority-owned businesses, and 33.8 % percent went to women-owned businesses.
A volunteer Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Review Committee, composed of small business leaders from the community, held its last meeting to review and vote grant applications on November 12. Current federal regulations regarding the CARES dollars that fund the program require that all expenses paid for by the grant funds be incurred by December 30.
In this fiscal year’s budget approved by Metro Council in late June, $21 million in federal CARES dollars were appropriated to Louisville Forward for the creation of the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. In late September, Louisville Forward received an additional $6.1 million for the program. The additional funds were unspent federal CARES dollars carried forward from fiscal year 2020.
In addition to the grant program, two new low-interest loan programs were launched this year specifically targeted toward businesses impacted by COVID-19.
In mid-September, Louisville Forward launched the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Loan program, providing small businesses affected by the pandemic with low-interest 66-month loans of up to $50,000. Since then, the METCO Board has awarded nearly $1 million in loans to 23 small businesses from the $2.8 million revolving loan fund.
Shortly after the start of the pandemic, Louisville Forward worked with LHOME, Render Capital, Greater Louisville Inc., and Lenderfit to start the Small Business Continuity Loan Fund Program. LHOME, a Louisville-based community development financial institution, administered the program, which gave zero-interest loans of up to $25,000 to Louisville’s smallest businesses impacted by COVID-19.
LHOME has approved loans totaling $1.5 million to 68 local businesses.
LIHEAP Vendor Solicitation for 2020-21 Season
Vendor packet is available on-line or in person
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 28, 2020) - Vendors wishing to participate in the LIHEAP 2020-2021 program must complete required paperwork and return the appropriate documentation. Vendor Packets can be downloaded from the louisvilleky.gov website by clicking here, or arrangements can be made to pick up in person by calling 502/574-3082.
LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to help eligible, low-income households meet their home heating needs. LIHEAP vendors are defined as any business that supplies energy, such as rental facilities where utilities are included in the rent or provides home heating fuel to individuals applying for the LIHEAP program. Examples of home heating fuel include oil, kerosene, propane, bottled gas, wood, electric or natural gas.
Vendor paperwork will provide information about changes in the LIHEAP program this year and the LIHEAP staff members are happy to address any questions. Vendors who participated in the 2019-2020 program should receive a packet in the mail to update records for this year’s participation.
The Subsidy Component of LIHEAP begins Nov. 2 and ends Dec. 11, 2020 or until funds are expended. The Crisis Component will begin January 4, 2021 and will end March 31, 2021 or until funds are expended. Please contact Brandon Oneal at (502) 574-6082, or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for more information.
Louisville Metro Government is committed to promoting access, equal opportunities, and the meaningful participation by minority-owned, women-owned, and disabled owned businesses in all of its procurement activity.
Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) administers the local LIHEAP program for Jefferson County residents. For more information about RCS, visit our website at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-serviceswww.louisvilleky.gov/RCS or call 502/574-5050. For more information about Community Action of Kentucky which administers LIHEAP through a network of 23 community action agencies across Kentucky, call 1-800-456-3452.
JCPS News
Meal Pick-Up Schedule Changing in November
October 29, 2020 – Jefferson County Public Schools’ (JCPS) meal sites will undergo several scheduling changes in November in observance of holidays:
The new evening pick-up time will be 3 - 5 p.m. instead of 4 - 6 p.m. at the eight sites currently offering evening meal distribution:
Butler Traditional High School
Carrithers Middle School
Eastern High School
Greathouse Shryock Traditional Elementary School
Male High School
Seneca High School
Valley High School
Westport Middle School
Roosevelt-Perry Elementary School will resume evening pick up on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Farnsley Elementary School will no longer offer evening meals.
Click here for a list of schools distributing meals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.
Several of you may have questions about the P-EBT cards that were mailed to students earlier this month, and I wanted to provide you with some clarity in case you get additional calls.
The P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards are being provided courtesy of the federal government and are being administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services with the assistance of the Kentucky Department of Education. A couple of notes:
- Constituents who received cards that don’t need them may choose to simply cut up/destroy the card without using it or they can purchase food using the card and donate the food to a local food bank.
- If a family who received the card(s) is not eligible for Free/Reduced Price Meals during a normal school setting, they may use the card. The cabinet has assured us that they will not encounter any issues if they choose to purchase the food for their own household.
- This is a federal benefit for specific children, so these cards can only be used at the point of sale by the families they are intended for. You cannot transfer, give, or donate the cards – they won’t be able to be used.
- Although likely rare, if you are a constituent who believes that you were supposed to receive a card and did not, please let us know so we can work with CHFS to help them get that benefit.
Constituents having more questions about how to use the cards or about the benefit can call the 855 number on the back of the card.
The cards in distribution at this time are monthly benefits, meaning they will be distributed by the cabinet each month. We have been assured by the CHFS that the next round of cards will not be issued to households that are not eligible for Free/Reduced Price Meals.
KDE commissioner won't recommend state management, assistance in Jefferson County
(FRANKFORT, KY) – Kentucky Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass will not recommend state management or state assistance to the Kentucky Board of Education in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) after reviewing the results of an audit of the district’s management.
On Sept. 21, an audit team appointed by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) initiated the management audit of JCPS, pursuant to an August 2018 settlement agreement between the state and district and pursuant to KRS 158.785.
Based on the findings of the KDE management audit team, Glass stated he will not recommend state management or assistance and that all requirements of the settlement agreement have been met.
Glass notified the Jefferson County Board of Education and Superintendent Marty Pollio on Nov. 20 in writing that evidence collected during the audit establishes that neither state management nor state assistance is necessary to correct any inefficiencies and ineffectiveness within the district.
He recommended the district should “review the recommendations of the audit in detail and incorporate the recommendations into weekly cabinet meetings and the JCPS District Improvement Plan.”
“Based upon the findings outlined in the Management Audit Report, I have determined that there is not a pattern of a significant lack of efficiency and effectiveness in the governance and administration of JCPS,” Glass said. "I commend Dr. Pollio, his team and the Jefferson County Board of Education for their dedication to the implementation of the corrective action plan and their dedication to building sustainable systems that will provide stability to the district and allow the district to move forward."
Between Sept. 21 and Oct. 9, 2020, the KDE management audit team virtually conducted 1,588 interviews with various JCPS stakeholders, including members of the school board, members of school-based decision making councils, district and school administrators, and certified and classified staff. The team reviewed district data, documents and the corrective action plan throughout the process.
Glass said the settlement agreement should be considered fulfilled and JCPS released from further implementation of formal corrective action implemented pursuant to the agreement.
JCPS wants to assure families that a plan is in place to safely reopen our schools when the data supports that decision. When they see a significant reduction in the number of cases, they will consult local and state health officials and make a determination about when they can safely return to in-person instruction. Students in middle and high schools will alternate between classroom and virtual learning once in-person instruction resumes at Jefferson County Public Schools, and those who refuse to follow COVID-19 guidelines could face disciplinary action. The updated planning document is available on JCPS website.
Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the new system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
Anything submitted in the old reporting system (prior to June 19, 2019) will not show in the new system. It is still being processed however. Please call Metro311 for status.
To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue with Metro 311 by following this link.
Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro 311 at 311.
Waste Management News
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Batteries, light bulbs, oil-based paint, varnishes, stains, and other household hazardous waste (take to Haz Bin)
Tree trunks
Boats, hot tubs
Items from businesses
Trailers greater than 10 feet in length (larger loads can be taken to the Waste Reduction Center)
COVID-19 Policies: Staff will wear personal protective equipment, including face coverings, and will stay at least 6 feet away from citizens. Citizens should remain in their vehicle if possible and must wear a face covering if exiting their vehicle.
And all Louisville Metro residents will have the option to dispose of them for free at one of three drop-off sites beginning Tuesday, November 10.
The Metro Public Works free leaf drop-off sites will be open Tuesday-Saturdays, November 10 through December 12. Drop-off will not be available on November 26 and 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.
Leaf drop off sites:
Public Works Yard
10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
Tuesday – Saturday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Public Works East District Operations Center
595 North Hubbards Lane
Tuesday – Saturday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Waste Reduction Center
636 Meriwether Avenue
Tuesday – Friday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
MSD Public Survey Regarding Beargrass Creek Improvements
As part of our mission to ensuring safe, clean waterways, we’re looking to residents for what they think our next steps should be toward improving Middle Fork Beargrass Creek.
Help shape the future for Middle Fork Beargrass Creek!
We need your input for how you live, work and play within the Middle Fork Beargrass Creek watershed.
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and help support the development of this plan.
One of the things we missed this Spring was the annual Pothole Blitz. But Louisville Metro fills potholes in streets and alleys every day and we need your help to report them.
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
LMPD News
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property!
A reminder to lock your vehicle, and never leave valuables in plain sight. This includes any and all keys, key fobs and firearms.
Police report that some drivers are making it easy for thieves by leaving their vehicle running. Please secure your property.
LMPD suggests making a 9 p.m. routine, as seen below.
Remove valuables from your vehicle.
Lock your car.
Secure your weapons.
Close your garage.
Lock your doors and windows.
Remember to report any suspicious behavior to LMPD’s non-emergency line at 574-7111. To speak to a call taker, press 5.
Metro Emergency Repair Program
Eligibility criteria:
Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
Not available on rental property.
Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
May receive assistance once in a five year period.
Louisville-Jefferson County only.
Types of repairs:
Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
Electrical repairs/upgrades.
Water line repairs/replacement.
Sewer line repairs/replacement.
Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).
With one in three Kentuckians out of work because of the coronavirus, many in our community face anxieties around paying bills and affording basic necessities.
Louisville Water understands the stress this may cause and is launching Drops of Kindness, a new customer assistance program for an unpaid water and wastewater bill.
Drops of Kindness offers a customized approach to help customers resolve unpaid bills. CLICK HERE for more information.
Louisville Water program can help customers remove privately owned lead service lines
Louisville Water has a program in place to assist in the removal of privately owned lead service lines. Under the program, Louisville Water will pay 50 percent of the removal cost up to $1,500. If a customer meets certain income criteria they may be eligible for a Louisville Water Foundation grant to cover the remaining cost. Additionally, Louisville Water offers free water quality testing for any customer who has a concern.
Louisville Water reports that there are 814 properties with privately owned lead service lines in Louisville Metro.
To make customers aware of the program Louisville Water is mailing each of those 814 customers a letter outlining the program. If they don’t hear back from those customers LWC will follow up with a postcard and phone call.
Food Pantry open in District 2
Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm
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Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
***Beginning in August, the food pantry began holding a second give-a-way day! Through December 2020, the pantry will be open for guests on both the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 10am - 12pm. Please visit us if you are in need!***
Upcoming Events at Newburg Library!
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We are pleased to announce that the Newburg, St. Matthews, and Shawnee libraries are now open for in-person public computer use by appointment. These three locations join the Main Library and Northeast, South Central, and Southwest regionals in offering in-person computer use and limited free printing and faxing services by appointment. Computer access islimited to one 90 minute session per day. To make an appointment, patrons should call their preferred participating location at the numbers listed below.
Main: (502) 574-1616
Newburg: (502) 479-6160
Northeast: (502) 574-1751
St. Matthews: (502) 574-1772
Shawnee: (502) 574-1722
Southwest: (502) 933-0029
South Central: (502) 964-3515
In order to reopen safely to in-person visits, library spaces and computer stations have been reconfigured to ensure safe physical distancing can be maintained. Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented and masks and temperature checks are required to enter library facilities. The Library will have masks available for patrons who arrive without them. The browsing of books and other materials is also not permitted at this time.
More information on computers by appointment can be found at LFPL.org/appointment.
New interactive map makes legal Short Term Rentals easy to find
Short term rental enforcement continues in large part to be complaint-driven, based on public reporting of alleged violations to administrators.
Now, there is a new tool available to help. This interactive map contains all of the registered short term rentals in Louisville having an active permit to rent their property out to paying customers on STR websites like Airbnb.
In the map sample at upper left, light blue represents properties with active registrations. Green indicates properties with active registrations and a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which is required to rent the property if it is not the owner's primary residence.
If you believe someone is using a property as a short term rental but it does not show up on this registry, or if the registry indicates a non-owner occupied property does not have a CUP, then please report the issue here (select “Zoning and Business Concerns,” “Zoning Concern,” “Short Term Rental,” complete the form and submit). Or contact our office.
Report a Litterer!
Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles, or any type of litter out of their car window.
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman John Yarmuth: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
