Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 04/23/2021 01:42 PM EDT
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
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.
NEW MEETING OPPORTUNITY: JOIN US ON ZOOM NEXT MONTH TO MEET WITH LMPD AND COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN:
LMPD:
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us//j/99092698789?
pwd=TU5HZUZLQXpkSGN6M0RVWGZZamVSQT09
Meeting ID: 990 9269 8789 Passcode: 7ctnfN
Councilwoman Shanklin:
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92248648621?
pwd=SnN4SHptNENlNldQT0ZPZ1FiUTVmdz09
Meeting ID: 922 4864 8621 Passcode: xVF968
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
Updated (04/23/2021): Important Information Regarding the Current COVID-19 Outbreak and the Commonwealth of Kentucky/the City of Louisville Response
Official Team Kentucky sources for information concerning COVID-19
COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725
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
Vaccine distribution update from Dr. Sarah Moyer
On April 12th, UofL Health opened it’s mass vaccination site at Cardinal Stadium. 4,000 vaccinations can be provided there each day. They have many available appointments. Here is a video that provides more information on the site and how to schedule an appointment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtoG3Hfu_h4.
Getting vaccinated is one more tool each of us can use to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Once you’ve been vaccinated, you have the upper hand against the virus, because it means that even if you are exposed, you’ll be OK. Getting most people in our community vaccinated will allow us to get back to travelling, attending birthday parties, baby showers, full attendance at sporting events, visiting and hugging grandparents…reclaiming all those moments we missed last year.
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As of Monday April 5, all Kentuckians age 16 and over are eligible to be vaccinated, and we are in a race against the variants. We must now pivot from asking for patience to encouraging haste. Links to all providers are on our website at: louisvilleky.gov/vaccine
Also, now that vaccines are readily available from many providers, we are taking LouVax on the road. At Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, our mission is to achieve health equity, and to do that, we must focus on improving access and meeting people where they are. If you know of a group that would benefit from a mobile mission, please have them email louvaxmobile@louisvilleky.gov.
The city’s COVID-19 data dashboard, a complete list of COVID-19 testing sites, vaccine information, prevention and contact tracing can be found at www.louisville.gov/covid19. The LOU HEALTH COVID19 Helpline is also available: 502- 912-8598.
*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.
Latest News from Gov. Beshear and the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Gov. Beshear, Dr. Stack Update Kentuckians on Healthy at Work Policies
Governor also recognizes National Minority Health Month, state’s progress on COVID-19 health outcomes equity
FRANKFORT, KY (April 19, 2021) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, updated Kentuckians on the state’s Healthy at Work requirements aimed at keeping all employees and their families safe.
“We have fought really hard to get where we are – a much better place than in the fall and winter – allowing us to streamline some of our guidance,” said Gov. Beshear. “I hope people are able to enjoy some of these capacity increases. We can do so safely if we continue to wear our masks.”
The minimum requirements list includes specifications for:
Physical distancing;
Facial coverings;
Hand washing and sanitizing;
Ventilation;
Telework;
Common areas; and
Daily temperature/health checks.
Events with 1,000 or fewer people in a single space are limited to 60% capacity, or the maximum number of people that allows for physical distancing. Events with more than 1,000 people in a single space are limited to 50% capacity, or the maximum number of people that allows for physical distancing.
“What we’re doing today is simplifying our guidance so it’s easier for Kentuckians to follow and easier for them to stay safe,” said Dr. Stack. “I look forward to the day when we put COVID behind us and none of these requirements are necessary. The way we get there is for everyone to make the choice to get vaccinated. These vaccines are amazing tools to help us get our lives back.”
Gov. Beshear also said that Black and Hispanic Kentuckians are no longer disproportionately represented among the commonwealth’s COVID-19 deaths.
“I’m proud to report in our newest statistics, we have now either achieved proportionate or even disproportionately low numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths among most groups of minority Kentuckians,” said Gov. Beshear. “For instance, Black and African-American Kentuckians make up 8.4% of the state’s population; to date, they make up only 8% of all of Kentucky’s COVID-19 cases and 8.1% of Kentucky’s COVID-19 deaths. This used to be 16% and it’s been cut in half.”
Gov. Beshear: In-Person Unemployment Appointments Open April 7, Services Begin April 15
After being closed for more than three years, regional offices to reopen for in-person unemployment insurance assistance
FRANKFORT, KY (April 6, 2021) — Gov. Andy Beshear and Labor Cabinet Secretary Larry L. Roberts announced today that in-person unemployment insurance (UI) services will open April 15 at more than a dozen regional Kentucky Career Centers (KCCs).
KCC staff will be available for in-person assistance by appointment only. At 1 p.m. EDT [on] April 7, Kentuckians can begin scheduling Monday through Friday appointments at kcc.ky.gov.
Openings tomorrow will be for appointments April 15-30. Beginning April 19, appointments for May 3 will become available, with additional appointment times opening each day thereafter.
“When you combine years of painful staffing cuts, an out-of-date system designed to tell people no and the effects of a once-in-100-years pandemic – many Kentuckians have been unable to obtain benefits,” Gov. Beshear said. “In addition to taking many new actions to help Kentuckians in need, we are now making good on our promise to begin putting unemployment specialists back into the local career centers.”
Labor Secretary Roberts said the Kentucky Career Center staff is working diligently to prepare for opening day.
“It has taken a lot of work to make it happen in a short window of time, but our staff has worked hard in recent weeks to pull everything together to get us in a position to once again provide services that unemployment claimants need at this critical time,” Roberts said.
Under the previous administration, KCC locations around the state stopped providing in-person assistance to UI claimants in the fall of 2017.
The record level of unemployment spurred by the pandemic and years of painful staffing cuts, location reductions and failure to upgrade IT systems slowed the state’s ability to help many Kentuckians who lost jobs through no fault of their own.
The Governor’s proposed budget included General Fund spending of $1.1 million in fiscal year 2021 and $8.4 million in fiscal year 2022 to provide funding to restore employees to help with unemployment claims at the career centers throughout the commonwealth.
On March 31, Gov. Beshear spoke about the need for additional state funding to bolster career center staffing for the long term. The Labor Cabinet will be utilizing current staff in the career centers that normally provide career counseling services to begin offering in-person UI assistance.
Kentucky Career Center Regional Locations
The cabinet will also be opening a new, temporary facility in Lexington, which will also provide UI assistance.
Ashland
1844 Carter Ave.
Ashland, KY 41042
Bowling Green
803 Chestnut St.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Covington
1324 Madison Ave.
Covington, KY 41011
Elizabethtown
233 Ring Road, Suite 100
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Hazard
412 Roy Campbell Dr.
Hazard, KY 41701
Hopkinsville
110 Riverfront Dr.
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
Lexington
2624 Research Park Dr.
Lexington, KY 40511
Louisville
600 W. Cedar St.
Louisville, KY 40202
Morehead
1225 U.S. Hwy. 60 West, Suite 160
Morehead, KY 40351
Owensboro
3108 Fairview Drive
Owensboro, KY 42303
Paducah
416 South 6th St.
Paducah, KY 42001
Prestonsburg
686 North Lake Drive
Prestonsburg, KY 41339
Somerset
410 East Mt. Vernon St.
Somerset, KY 42501
Special instructions
Anyone attending an appointment must wear a mask at all times.
Photo ID is required to enter a KCC building.
Temperatures will be taken before entering KCC buildings due to COVID-19.
Accommodations will not be made for those without appointments.
While staff make every effort to answer all questions during this appointment, UI specialists may not be able to provide a resolution during a single appointment. Some claims could require additional paperwork or take additional time to complete. An additional appointment will not be necessary.
Latest News from Mayor Fischer and the City of Louisville
Louisville receives Tree City USA designation during Arbor Day tree planting
Community volunteers plant 100 trees in Champions Park
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 16, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced the National Arbor Day Foundation has once again designated Louisville as a Tree City USA for the 20th consecutive year. He was joined by Metro Councilman Bill Hollander (D-7), Division of Community Forestry Manager Barry Edgar, Metro Parks Arborist Steve Ashley, Kentucky Division of Forestry representatives and community volunteers to celebrate this achievement and to plant 100 trees in Champions Park in honor of Arbor Day and as part of the Mayor’s Give A Day.
“Becoming a healthier city is one of our core city values, and that applies to both our individual physical health and the health of our environment. We know those two things are deeply interconnected and trees are critical to our health by improving our air quality and reducing our urban heat island effect,” said the Mayor. “I’d like to thank the National Arbor Day Foundation and the Kentucky Division of Forestry for recognizing our efforts to plant more trees and improve the tree canopy and health throughout the city. These efforts will continue to grow through the hard work of our Louisville Parks and Recreation team and our forestry program.”
Members of Louisville Parks and Recreation were joined by volunteers from Louisville Grows and Trees Louisville, two important partners in the city’s efforts to boost tree plantings throughout Louisville. The city will have planted more than 1,500 new trees in parks, easements and public lands across Louisville by the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2021).
“Now is not the time to slow down. This is a critical need in our city,” said Dr. Mesude Duyar Ozyurekoglu, Assistant Director for Louisville Parks and Recreation and Manager of the city’s forestry program. “I’d like to thank Trees Louisville and Louisville Grows and all of our volunteers for helping in this effort. It’s only going to get bigger and better.”
Louisville Parks and Recreation and volunteers will be planting 100 new trees in the Shelby Park neighborhood on Saturday, April 24. Those who are interested in participating in the project should call (502) 574-7275 (PARK) or visit mygiveaday.com.
Louisville Metro Council News
Metro Council Budget Committee Announces Hearing Schedule for FY22 Capital and Operating Budgets
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 22, 2021) – Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee has released its schedule for reviewing Mayor Greg Fischer’s proposed 2021-2022 Capital and Operating Budgets.
The Committee will review the proposal over the months of May and June. The Metro Council extended the budget review process by an extra month beginning in 2017, in order to hear from the public and thoroughly review and discuss the budget for each department and agency of Metro Government.
“While the pandemic has dramatically affected the financial condition of many individuals, families and businesses, Louisville’s economy as a whole has held up much better than we feared at this time last year. That is reflected in the budget proposed today. Tax receipts, combined with federal funds and reduced expenses, will allow us to invest in human services, public safety and infrastructure. The Budget Committee will have thirty hearings to determine how best to spend the funds available to us,” says Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9), Chair of the Committee.
“We have accepted the challenge of finding efficiencies and streamlining services during years in which revenues were limited. Today we face a much better outlook, but our focus on rightsizing government as well as addressing long deferred infrastructure needs must take precedence. I am hopeful that the Metro Council will use these two months of hearings as an opportunity to continue our work towards a budget that better positions our community for today and for future generations,” says Councilman Kevin Kramer (R-11), Budget Committee Vice Chair.
The Committee begins budget hearings on Monday, May 3, at 3:00 pm, with an overview of the proposed budget, focusing on projected Revenue, Operations, Capital and Debt, followed by a presentation on Human Resources.
Under a declaration issued by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness to slow the spread of COVID-19, public access to Historic City Hall has been limited.
As a result of, and in accordance with, this directive, Metro Council meetings, including all Budget Committee meetings, are open to the public through remote access only. The public may watch the proceedings live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, on UVERSE at Channel 99, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil. Proceedings may also be streamed live from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page at http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
While the pandemic prevents the public from attending Budget Committee meetings in person, the Committee will be taking public comments. An online form for written comments will be available on May 3 on the Metro Council Clerk’s website at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk. Comments will be taken through May 31.
The Committee schedule also includes two opportunities for the public to speak about the budget, via WebEx.
May 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (A link on the Metro Council Clerk website will be active to sign up to speak on May 12 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
May 27, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. (A link on the Metro Council Clerk website will be active to sign up to speak on May 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
All applicants for External Agency fundng o wish to speak about their applications or funding (it is not required) are strongly encouraged to speak on May 13.
Here are highlights of the 2021 Budget Hearing Schedule:
Public Health & Wellness – Monday, May 17 at 4:00 pm
Office for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods – Monday, May 17 at 5:30 pm
LMPD – Tuesday, May 18 at 4:30 pm
Public Works & Assets – Wednesday, May 19 at 3:00 pm
Louisville Free Public Library – Tuesday, May 25 at 4:00 pm
Parks & Recreation - Tuesday, May 25 at 5:00 pm
Louisville Forward, to include Economic Development, Develop Louisville, Codes & Regulations and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund - Wednesday, May 26 at 3:00 pm
Louisville Fire – Thursday, May 27 at 4:00 pm
Resilience & Community Services – Tuesday, June 8 at 4:30 pm
Metro Council Meeting to Adopt FY 22 Budget – Thursday, June 24 at 6:00 pm
Buy Black Lou launches portal to increase Black-owned vendor and supplier visibility
City contributed $50,000 to start the Black Contractors Network
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 20, 2021) – With technical and financial support from Louisville Metro Government, Buy Black Lou, LLC has expanded its already thriving Black Business App to include a new network designed to increase supplier diversity by making it easier for companies to connect with Black-owned contractors in the city.
The new Black Contractors Network, which Louisville Forward supported with technical assistance and a $50,000 grant, allows Black-owned businesses such as carpenters, electricians and landscapers to create a profile making themselves available for companies and organizations looking for their services. Conversely, companies and organizations looking for contractors can create a profile to list jobs/projects for bid and to review resumes that companies post. Contractors and employers can also communicate with one another over the Network.
Buy Black Lou developer and owner Tanika Bryant, a self-taught coder, is calling on businesses large and small to populate the new site with their profiles. “This labor of love is so needed and even though I didn’t know what it would become when I started it in 2019, I knew I was filling a critical need in the business community,” said Bryant.
“The city is proud to support Tanika’s vision and execution of the Black Contractors Network,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “What we hear repeatedly is that Black business owners struggle with a lack of capital, lack of advertising and lack of resources. This resource will make great strides in connecting Black-owned businesses to jobs that they are ready to bid on and execute.”
The portal is free to use by both contractors and employers.
Bryant started Buy Black Lou in 2019 as a Facebook group providing a place for Black-owned businesses to advertise their services and provide a central location to find Black businesses to patronize.
This effort complements other initiatives taken in the past year to help invest in more equitable economic development. Greater Louisville Inc. yesterday launched the Racial Equity Pledge and toolkit for employers, Louisville Metro Government and institutional partners formed the Equity in Contracting and Procurement Task Force, which will work to increase the level of expenditures with Minority-, Female- and Disabled-owned Business Enterprises through supplier diversity initiatives, and the city currently has an open Request For Proposals for the creation or expansion of a Minority Business Incubator.
To view the Black Contractors Network, create a business profile, submit a resume or list a job, please visit https://blackcontractorsnetwork.com/
ORCS News
Metro COVID-19 Utility Assistance Program
Do you need help paying your LG&E bill? Eligible residents may qualify for up to $1,000 in utility assistance.
Eligibility includes: -Be a resident of Jefferson County -Have experienced a COVID-related economic hardship -Have a past due/delinquent LG&E electric or gas bill (arrearage must have occurred March 16, 2020 – March 31, 2021)
To apply: -Go to louisvilleministries.org and fill out an online application, or call 2-1-1 to connect with your local Community Ministry -Schedule appointment at 502-977-6636, or visit louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoodplace (click on COVID Assistance for the option to apply online)
Download this flyer for more details, or visit here.
Do you need help managing your money?
Louisville Metro Government, in partnership with LHOME, has launched a no-cost Financial Navigator Program. You can receive assistance and guidance over the phone to help you manage the financial impact of COVID-19. During your free 30-minute session, Navigators can help you address concerns including:
• Prioritizing daily expenses like housing, utilities, and food • Maximizing income through accessing benefits, emergency cash assistance, and emergency loans • Managing debt including credit cards, student loans, and child support • Avoiding predatory scams • Budgeting for future loss of income
Dear Louisville Community Members and Public Stakeholders,
The Draft of the 2021 Annual Action Plan is now available. You can read the Draft version of this plan online at our Federal Plans Webpage.
Public meetings to review the Draft and hear public comment will be held virtually on April 21 and 22. These meetings will be available via WebEx online and Facebook Live stream. More information about logon access can be found below. Persons who desire special accommodations should contact the Planning Commission office at (502) 574-6230 at least one week prior to this meeting; TDD users please use the Relay Service, 1-800-648-6056.
Beginning Wednesday April 7th, there will be a 30-day public comment period on these drafts. Comments will be accepted until 5:00pm on Thursday, May 6th. Comments may be emailed to Joseph.Greenwell@louisvilleky.gov, or presented at the public meetings below.
Our online community meetings about the 2021 Jefferson County PVA assessments have been so successful we added one additional meeting. The community-wide meeting will be on Zoom on April 20th and 6:30pm. Increasing public understanding of property assessments and the right to appeal is a top priority of Property Valuation Administrator Colleen Younger to fulfill our mission: to provide fair and equitable assessments with best-in-class customer service. This meeting will not be area-specific, rather for all areas being reassessed in 2021. According to our reassessment map, a portion or all of your Metro Council District will be reassessed. Thank you for helping us to engage the community by sharing this information.
The role of the PVA is to fairly assess the value of all property. This is an important part of the process to determine the taxes collected to fund our cities, school districts, and emergency services.
Your help to share information and drive attendance at our public meeting is extremely important because the first step of the appeals process in 2021 is available from April 23rd to May 17th.
If you need additional information, go to www.JeffersonPVA.ky.gov, or call the office at 502-574-6380.
Louisville Metro Revenue Commission to extend 2020 occupational license tax filing and payment deadline
LOUSVILLE, KY (March 25, 2021) – Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission (LMRC) will extend the 2020 annual occupational license tax filing and payment deadline from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021.
The extension is for all taxpayers that file Forms OL-3, OL-3EZ, OL-3A, OL-3S, OL-3EXT and I-2. All other LMRC deadlines will remain in place.
The commission has approximately 102,000 active occupational license tax accounts, and roughly 60,000 of those accounts represent local individuals that file once a year. The extension follows the federal government’s decision to allow individual taxpayers to defer filing and payments of federal income tax from April 15, 2021, until May 17, 2021.
Starting April 5, 2021, the LMRC will provide in-person customer service by appointment Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Please refer to www.metrorevenue.org for more detailed information on the extended deadline or hours of operation. Anyone with questions can contact LMRC staff at (502) 574-4860 or taxhelp@metrorevenue.org.
Evolve502 Apply Week – Members of JCPS Class of 2021 Opportunity for 2 Years of College Tuition-Free
Starting April 26th Evolve502 and its partners will conduct a week-long campaign to encourage JCPS seniors to complete their Evolve502 scholarship applications and begin the next steps in the application process – completing the federal financial aid form and applying to eligible institutions. To date, more than 830 JCPS seniors have applied for the scholarship.
The scholarship allows eligible students in the Class of 2021 to begin postsecondary studies tuition-free at any Kentucky Community and Technical College school, including Jefferson Community and Technical College, or Simmons College of Kentucky to pursue an associate degree, career credential, technical certification or take 60 hours of credit. The Evolve502 scholarship is a last dollar scholarship, meaning Evolve502 will fund the difference between federal and state financial aid and college tuition.
Evolve502 will host two events to support students and families during Apply Week:
College Kickstart is 11:30-3:30 April 24 at the JCTC Downtown Library, 622 S. First Street. Students will be able to receive one-on-one, in-person assistance completing the Evolve502 Scholarship application process. In addition, representatives from the JCTC admissions will be on-site to assist in completing the JCTC application. The first 100 students to attend will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
Limited assistance is available for those who needs help completing their FAFSA form. Register in advance for FAFSA support time sessions at ly/E502FAFSAHELP. Students may bring one adult with them to complete the FAFSA form.
Social distancing and masks are required.
Sponsors include Jefferson Community & Technical College, Simmons College of Kentucky, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, KentuckianaWorks College Access Center, University of Louisville, Spalding University, Bellarmine University and Family Scholar House.
Evolve502 will also host a Facebook Live at 2 p.m. April 28. Evolve502 Student Success Coordinators will walk students and families through the application process and answer questions from viewers. Tune in at facebook.com/evolve502.
For questions or assistance about the Evolve502 scholarship applications, email scholarships@evolve502.org.
Mayor Fischer and local leaders kick off SummerWorks 2021
Louisville youth 16-21 can now register online for help getting a summer job
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 18, 2021) - Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today joined Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) President and CEO Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, and other community partners at the YouthBuild Louisville headquarters downtown to announce the start of SummerWorks 2021.
“As we kick off the 11th season of SummerWorks, it’s amazing to see the impact this program has made and the resilience it has shown,” said the Mayor, who praised the SummerWorks team for finding innovative ways to operate despite the challenging circumstances presented by COVID-19. “This year, we have an opportunity to keep building on our strong foundation to make it the best season yet for youth and employers.”
The Mayor drew attention to a new set of online tools available to SummerWorks participants this season, which will make it easier than ever for youth to get prepared for and connected to good summer jobs. He also highlighted the partnerships SummerWorks has forged in recent years with the Academies of Louisville at JCPS and GLI, who have embraced the common goal of building the nation’s leading talent pipeline.
“JCPS values our partnership with SummerWorks and the hundreds of students who have received real, paying jobs through this program,” Pollio said. “We’re looking forward to the expansion of our partnership this summer.”
"GLI is always proud to support SummerWorks and its impact on Louisville’s youth,” said Davasher-Wisdom. “Our youth are the future of our workforce, and it is imperative we continue investing in their learning and education. These opportunities are also important to keeping talent in our city and growing a well-rounded homegrown workforce.”
One example of a young person who has benefited is Sheikhnoor Hussein, a student in the IT and Law Academy at Waggener High School, who has worked in the IT Department at Humana the past two summers. Sheikhnoor, whose family immigrated to the United States from Somalia, said his SummerWorks experience at Humana gave him valuable professional experience and improved his collaboration skills. “SummerWorks also helped me see what kinds of careers and jobs might be out there for me,” he said.
Promoting equity will continue to be a priority for SummerWorks in 2021. Youth applicants who face barriers and come from disadvantaged backgrounds are prioritized in the job-matching process to ensure that those who are most in need of a good summer job have a better chance of landing one. SummerWorks is also continuing to sponsor jobs and work-learn experiences at nonprofits and agencies across the community that share this commitment to equity.
All Louisville youth who are between the ages of 16-21 (as of June 1) are eligible to enroll in SummerWorks. Once they register online and complete a new virtual job readiness training course, youth will be able to apply for job opportunities geared toward them.
SummerWorks, which was founded by Mayor Fischer in 2011 after federal funding for summer jobs was eliminated, has directly placed Louisville youth in more than 6,700 summer jobs. The program’s core operating funds are approved by the Louisville Metro Council. Private donations sponsor jobs for youth in greatest need of the opportunity. Those contributors include the James Graham Brown Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, the Gingko Foundation, the Community Foundation of Louisville, the Diaz Family Foundation, and other organizations and individuals.
SummerWorks is operated by YouthBuild Louisville in partnership with KentuckianaWorks, the Louisville Region’s Workforce Development Board. To learn more about SummerWorks and how to get involved as a participant, employer, or supporter, visit www.summerworks.org.
How to purchase vacant or abandoned property in Louisville
Have you ever thought about buying a vacant or abandoned property in Louisville? The city has many vacant or abandoned lots and buildings for sale at all times. If you’re a contractor or fixer-upper, you might consider buying an abandoned home to rehab. Once you fix it up, you could live in it or sell it for a profit. Or you may want to buy a vacant lot or a property in need of demolition, and build a new home. Other properties are suitable for starting a community garden or other agricultural project.
To manage the sale of vacant or abandoned properties, the city has a program called The Landbank Authority. The program’s goal is to put these properties back into productive use. The Landbank currently has about 500 properties available for sale and some are available for as little as $1. But in order to purchase properties, you must be able to prove to the Landbank that you can pay to refurbish or demolish the property, and you must complete the project within a set deadline. To see what’s available, visit the Landbank website. https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-development/purchase-vacant-property-landbank You’ll see two links, one for Lots and one for Structures. Choose Lots to view empty lots for sale and an explanation of the types of programs, including “Adjacent Side Yard”; “Cut It, Keep It”; “New Construction”; and “Agricultural Projects”. Choose Structures to see a list of vacant houses and other buildings for sale. Landbank has two categories for the sale of structures: “Save the Structure” and “Demo for Deed”. To save a structure, you must prove you have funds to rehab it and you must complete renovations within six months for exterior and 18 months for interior renovations. To buy a "Demo for Deed," you must simply prove you have funds to demolish the property.
Both the Lots and Structures pages have links and instructions to apply for purchase when you’re ready. Speaking of funds, that’s where we come in. At LHOME, we can’t help you purchase a property but we can help you renovate one. Qualified property owners can borrow up to $30,000 for 12 months, paying only interest on the loan. After the year is up, you can sell your renovated property or refinance it.
To learn more, please visit lhomeky.org or give us a call at 502-882-8091. One last tip: The city has a great tool called Lojic (lojic.org). Lojic lets you search by address for a specific property you want to know more about. Just type the address in the search bar and you’ll get reports about the property owner, the assessed value, zoning, voting district and more. Happy hunting!
Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
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.
Mayor Fischer kicked off 2021's Pothole Blitz on Monday. Though pothole repair takes place year-round, during the Blitz, which takes place in March and April, Metro Public Works' Roads & Operations crews will deploy at least six teams every day throughout Metro Louisville to keep the roads in safe condition. In recent years, on average crews repaired about 40,000 potholes (per year). That number will likely be higher this year due to the number of snow events experienced this past winter. Three ways to report a pothole: Call 311, on Twitter #502pothole, and online at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/services/report-pothole-or-other-city-services-issue
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 and stay vigilant!
The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year. Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!
Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change. - Always lock your vehicle doors. - Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside. - Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them! - Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open. - Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. - Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
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).
Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
First Come, First Served Basis
Picture ID & proof of residency required!
Sponsored By:
Peace Presbyterian Church
4210 East Indian Trail
Louisville, KY 40213
Louisville Free Public Library News
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Louisville Free Public Library announces plans for new Children’s Bookmobile
Library Foundation, area donors join to help LFPL reach underserved in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 13, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer today joined members of the Louisville Free Public Library, The Library Foundation, and JBS Louisville to announce that Louisville is getting a new Children's Bookmobile, thanks to some generous donors.
The purchase of a new bookmobile comes at a critical juncture in Louisville. Only 35% of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) 4th graders score at or above proficient in reading. Two out of every five JCPS students are facing housing insecurity. Meanwhile, more than 10% of students have struggled to access educational resources via remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has also highlighted disparities in access to the library’s resources for families without reliable transportation or dedicated internet in the home.
“Those with the greatest need for information andresources are often the individuals who have the most barriers to access it. Bookmobiles enable us to provide books and services directly to children in our community – meeting their needs where they are,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Today’s announcement takes us one step closer to reaching even more children with educational resources that will set them on a path for success.”
When furnished, this new mobile library will visit daycares, YMCA programs, community centers, and faith-based organizations, as well as parks, block parties, and more—delivering not only books, but also library storytimes, sensory experiences, and innovative programming to under-resourced communities. The vehicle will also be equipped with computers and free, accessible Wi-Fi.
“A new bookmobile will not only allow us to provide more continuous and dependable service to the community, but with the purchase of a larger vehicle, we will be able to carry more books and serve more children,” said Library Youth Services Manager Kate Schiavi. “With the help of donors to the Library Foundation, we are excited to strengthen our commitment to ensuring that children in our community have access to resources that will help them be successful in school and life.”
The Bookmobile project was made possible by a generous donation from Eleemosynary by LMH Foundation, which challenged area donors and organizations to match funds. JBS more than answered that call donating $145,000 toward the purchase of the vehicle. To date, The Library Foundation has raised $257,500 to fund the project.
“We are proud to partner with others in our community to make this meaningful impact for children in Louisville,” said Pete Charboneau, general manager, JBS Louisville. “Investing in future generations is something we believe in, and we look forward to seeing the positive impacts the bookmobile will have. Through our Hometown Strong initiative, we are contributing $1.2 million in the Louisville area.”
"We are excited to announce these generous gifts," said Chandra Gordon, Executive Director of The Library Foundation. "Together, the community can put this bookmobile on the road and into our neighborhoods, serving the children who need it the most."
While the funding goal has been reached to purchase the new Children’s Bookmobile, fundraising is ongoing as The Library Foundation looks to raise another $50,000 to outfit the vehicle with books and technology. If you would like information on how to donate, visit www.lfplfoundation.org.
Library staff anticipates the bookmobile will be ready to roll out in spring 2022.
Opportunity to have your artwork featured in one of Louisville's Libraries
The Louisville Free Public Library and the city’s Commission on Public Art (COPA) are now accepting proposals to commission five new temporary artworks in Louisville's public libraries. We are very excited about this project and wanted to let you know since one of the eligible library locations serves people in your council district. Proposals are now being accepted for the Iroquois, Newburg, Shawnee, Portland and Fairdale branches.
This opportunity is open to any artist in Louisville/Jefferson County, and any artistic discipline—including visual art, installation, performance, spoken word, event-based, and media art. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply and artists may apply as an individual or as a team.
Shakespeare in the Park returns to Petersburg Park on May 8th at 2:00PM!
A message from Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director Kentucky Shakespeare
Good news!
Louisville Metro Parks has just given permission for all of our Shakespeare in the Parks tours!
We’re looking forward to the Petersburg Park performance - Saturday, May 8 at 2:00PM.
We’ll be required to close off the audience area with our rope and stakes and will have one entry point, and we’ll have extra front of house staff to help out.
Metro Parks also requires that we ask people to RSVP in advance if possible, to collect name/contact info for health department if needed for contact tracing. But we will also be able to welcome and register people at the park just showing up. They’ll just need to give their name and contact info upon arrival.
We’ve created an RSVP link specific to the show at Petersburg Park, and it will go live the day before the performance - May 7. That will ensure higher likelihood that people will show up and will know what their plans are, etc.
We also have all of the parks and RSVP links on our site at https://kyshakespeare.com/season/parkstour/ if you would like to attend a performance at one of the other parks around the city.
Looking forward to serving your district with Romeo and Juliet!
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
Don't know what to make for dinner? Try our semimonthly recipe suggestion!
Today's recipe comes from allrecipes.com and can be found here.
Chakchouka (Shakshouka)
Chakchouka (also called shakshouka) is a Tunisian and Israeli dish of tomatoes, onions, pepper, spices, and eggs. It's usually eaten for breakfast or lunch, but it may be eaten any time of the day. And it's easy to make. It is similar to the Turkish dish 'Menemen' and to the Latin American breakfast dish 'Huevos Rancheros.'
