Metro Council Budget Committee Announces Hearing Schedule for American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

Louisville – Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee has released a schedule for an initial committee meeting and public hearings on Louisville’s use of American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery (“ARP”) Funds. Louisville Metro is receiving $388 million and more than $340 Million has yet to be appropriated.   

Metro Council wants to hear from experts and the public about the use of the funds, according to Budget Chair Bill Hollander.  “Louisville and other cities and counties across the country can make meaningful and long-lasting change with ARP funds. We want to understand the permissible uses, hear from the public about community needs and make wise funding decisions,” Hollander said.

Budget Vice Chair Kevin Kramer said “We have an opportunity to have a major impact for several generations, it is important that we be very deliberate in determining the best use of these funds.  Taking time to understand all of the possible uses, and carefully selecting those areas where we can bring about lasting change is the most pressing issue as we move forward.”

The Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 13 at 3:00 pm to hear testimony about eligible uses of the funds and to begin discussing priority areas. No decisions about funding will be made at the meeting.

In the next two weeks, the committee will have three hearings across the community to take public comments about the use of ARP funds. Speakers may sign up before the start of each meeting to speak for a maximum of five minutes.  The meeting schedule is: 

Saturday, July 17                               11am - 1pm  

ShelbyHurst Campus, Founders Union Building - Meeting Room 201

9001 Shelbyville Road

Monday, July 19                                6:30 - 8:30pm  

Southwest Regional Library

9725 Dixie Highway

Monday, July 26                                6 - 8pm 

West Broadway Church of Christ

3921 West Broadway

An online form for written comments is also available at https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/zmw8u5j0366emk/ and https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk.

FREE City of Ali Film Screening

Tuesday, July 20 at 8:30 p.m.

The Iroquois amphitheater will show the new film "City of Ali" on July 20. This 80-minute documentary captures some of the stories and events that occurred in Muhammad’s hometown of Louisville during the week between his passing and his memorial.

Click here to learn more. 

Kentucky Ends Drug Felony Disqualification for Snap & KTAP

As of June 30, 2021, eligible Kentuckians with drug-felony convictions are no longer disqualified for SNAP or K-TAP and can again receive this assistance if they meet all other requirements. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-306-8959 to apply or for info about benefits.

The Louisville Free Public Library is now fine free

Staring this month, LFPL will no longer charge fined for overdue items. Louisville officially joins library systems across the country who recognize that fines do not ensure the return of borrowed materials but merely create a barrier to library services that disproportionately affects people who need access the most.

Click here for more information.

Mayor Fischer outlines impact of new FY22 investments in the city’s new Clean Collaborative initiative

Louisville, Ky (July 8, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer joined with Louisville Metro Director of Public Works Vanessa Burns and Brightside Director Dave Bell today to highlight the benefits of the city’s additional funding for its Clean Collaborative program.

“The Clean Collaborative team’s work is important because we want to show off the beauty of our hometown, for ourselves and for the people who visit our city,” the Mayor said.

The collaborative is slated for $1.5 million in the recently approved FY22 budget. Its crew includes stakeholders from across Louisville Metro, including:

• Louisville Metro Public Works & Assets, whose staff leads urban and suburban street sweeping, litter hotspot cleanings, homeless camp cleanings, and more.
• Brightside, which coordinates volunteer community cleanups and anti-litter messaging.
• Louisville Downtown Partnership, which assists in maintaining the cleanliness in the city’s downtown business core.
• Louisville Metro Codes & Regulations and its Vacant Lots Team.
• Louisville Waste Management District, which provides extra litter collection along the interstates during the winter, supplies for litter cleanup events, and anti-litter education through Brightside.

The 13-person Clean Collaborative crew – first deployed in February – has already cleaned 1748.5 curb miles and collected 7,132 bags of trash, and 665 tires throughout the city – removing 5.13 tons of litter from downtown alone.

A significant part of the Clean Collaborative is to assess the level of cleanliness along major arterial roadways to ensure cleaner roads continuously throughout the year. Assessments began in February and will continue throughout the initiative. Cleanliness scores can be found on the Cleanliness Assessment Map.

Mayor Fischer said the additional funding for FY22 will allow the crew to expand its work, increasing staffing and purchasing new equipment for cleanups, street sweeping, graffiti removal and vacant lots mowing.

He reminded residents that there are many ways to get involved in this cleanliness effort.

• Choose not to litter and make a commitment to always dispose of trash properly.
• Understand litter laws in Louisville and pick up litter when it’s spotted.
• Report a litterer online.
• Organize a neighborhood cleanup with Brightside.
• Only set out junk or bulk items during its scheduled set out period.

“I appreciate everyone doing their part to keep the city clean. We all have a role to play and it’s going to take all of us, not just the Clean Collaborative crew, to ensure the place we call home remains a beautiful and clean city,” said the Mayor.

To learn more about the collaborative program and how you can help, visit louisvilleky.gov/cleanlou. For residents who would like to track the crews’ progress, please visit the Interactive Data Dashboard.

Geeva Arts Festival

Saturday, July 17 & 18 at 4 p.m.

Join the Indian diaspora for an exciting cultural festival featuring Indian classical arts. The festival will be available virtually from July 9-10 while the in-person festival will take place on July 17 and 18 at 4 p.m.

Click here for more information.

World-Renowned expert “Dino Don” Visits Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo is excited to announce that acclaimed dinosaur expert and author “Dino” Don Lessem will be at the Zoo on Saturday, July 10.  He will talk about the Louisville Zoo’s Dino Quest exhibit and all things dinosaur! The public will get a chance to meet Dino Don and ask questions at his two public presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the MetaZoo stage. These “Meet the Expert” sessions are free with Zoo admission or membership Dino Quest presented by Great Clips runs through Sept. 19 and invites guests to travel back 65 to 210 million years in time to visit 21 life-sized robotic dinosaurs. This exhibit is the world’s largest, most lifelike robotic dinosaur exhibit. Dino Don, Inc. makes the biggest and most accurate dinosaur robots in the world. Lessem advised Steven Spielberg on the original “Jurassic Park” film and for Universal and Disney theme parks. He has written 40 books for children including encyclopedias for National Geographic, Random House and Scholastic. Lessem has also hosted NOVA documentaries and written documentaries for Discovery Channel. In addition to raising $3 million for dinosaur research, Lessem has excavated and assembled the largest dinosaurs in the world: the 110-foot-long, plant-eating Argentinosaurus and the 45-foot-long, meat-eating Giganotosaurus.  Louisville Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.) through September 19. To learn more about Dino Quest presented by Great Clips or the dinosaurs featured, visit LouisvilleZoo.org/dino.

Vaccination Event at Americana Community Center

Purdue Pharma Moves Closer to Opioid Settlement as 15 States Drop Objections

Fifteen state attorneys general have dropped their opposition to a bankruptcy plan for OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma that will require the Sackler family owners to payout roughly $4.5 billion. They include attorneys general from Massachusetts and New York, who were among the most ardent critics of the original bankruptcy settlement plan.  

Now just nine states and the District of Columbia remain in opposition to the proposal, raising the odds that a bankruptcy court will approve the plan.

Those who backed the agreement Thursday said they did so because it requires Purdue Pharma to make significant public disclosures and it will help speed up the proceedings to get much needed money into communities ravaged by the opioid epidemic.

“While this plan is far from perfect, allowing it to move forward now is the best way to ensure that billions of dollars in desperately-needed funding flows to the communities in North Carolina and across the country,” said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein in a statement.

Read Route Fifty full story by Andrea Noble here. 

Community Based Organizations Learning Circle

RPOP Black Wealth Building

SKS Accounting & Consulting Firm chosen to launch new minority business incubator

LOUISVILLE, KY (July 8, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Louisville Metro Government has chosen SKS Accounting & Consulting Firm Inc. to create and operate a new minority business incubator called The Well.

Founded in 1999 by Kena Samuels Stith, SKS Accounting & Consulting Firm is a Black, woman-owned comprehensive accounting and consulting services firm with three locations and 15 full-time employees.

“We are proud to fund the creation of a minority business incubator as we seek to grow the number of Black and minority-owned businesses in our city, as well as provide additional support for and increase the resiliency of existing businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Mayor said. “Through The Well incubator, SKS Accounting & Consulting Firm will fill gaps in the small business resource ecosystem for new and existing Black and minority-owned businesses.”

In late March, Louisville Metro issued a Request for Proposals to organizations seeking a qualified business or organization to develop and operate an incubator focused specifically for Black and minority-owned businesses. Organizations could propose a new incubator or use the funds to expand an existing incubator.

The city received 10 responses, and SKS Accounting & Consulting Firm was chosen following interviews with the top three applicants. SKS Accounting & Consulting Firm will receive $100,000 to start the incubator. An additional Fiscal Year 2022 commitment of $100,000 will go to the incubator to help sustain its operations in the first and second years.

The Well will focus on business development services such as accounting, marketing and technology implementation to drive sustainable business growth that can withstand potential market disruptions.

“The Well draws its name from the idea that water wells were the center of communities, providing basic sustenance people needed to survive and thrive. The Well incubator will strengthen Louisville’s Black community through entrepreneurship-driven generational wealth creation,” said Samuels Stith, who will serve as interim director of the incubator. “The goal of the incubator is to increase the number of Black-owned businesses, steer Black entrepreneurs toward high-growth, high-revenue industries, and use transformative technology to increase resilience among existing Black-owned businesses.”

Located at 1702 Dixie Highway, The Well will offer fellowships to early-stage entrepreneurs and growth-stage businesses. The incubator also will host regular virtual and in-person workshops around finance and accounting, human resources, marketing, public relations, growth hacking, and small business operations, as well as networking opportunities through monthly “Brunch & Builds” events and mentor office hours.

Through The Well, SKS Accounting & Consulting Firm will offer in-house operational support services, including accounting, human resources, public relations and marketing, and IT/technology. The Well also will provide access to desk space, wireless internet, high-quality printers and Chromebooks, software discounts, private meeting space and a database of small business resources and tools.

To help sustain itself, The Well will sell bundled memberships and sponsorship opportunities to local companies to ensure memberships are accessible to those in low-income communities and those who are facing economic hardship.

Applications are now open for down payment assistance and home repair programs

The Mayor’s approved budget includes $3 million for down payment assistance program to help individuals achieve homeownership and $7.7 million for the city's four home repair programs - Regular Home Repair, At-Risk, Russell Rental Rehab, and Exterior Code Alleviation - which help homeowners afford critical repairs. Households must be at or below 80% median income (AMI) to be eligible for the down payment assistance and home repair programs. Click here to apply. Paper copies are also available at Metro development Center, 444 S. 5th St. Individuals who have questions can call the Office of Housing at (502) 574-5850.

The Louisville Free Public Library is now offering cultural passes to children ages 0 to 21

The 2021 Cultural Pass offers families in Greater Louisville with children ages 0-21 access to participate in arts and cultural activities provided by 51 venues, free of charge, from now through August 8.    The Cultural Pass will offer both in-person and virtual experiences this year. Click here to register for a cultural pass. Click here to see full list of participating venues.

Job Announcement

5 positions available at Catholic Charities

9 Positions available at TARC

Bilingual Analysts at The Rawlings Company

Multiple job openings at The Center for Women and Families

Look for jobs available at Louisville Metro

4 part-time positions are available at Americana

Americana World Community Center is hiring 4 individuals to join their team. 

They are seeking a diverse pool of applicants to join us front desk assistant, family education lead teacher for 3-5th grade, family education toddler teacher, and family education toddler teacher assistant.

Anyone interested in the the available part-time positions can email emilie@americanacc.org. 

The Works Week

Recycling Cart Update

As of Friday, July 2, the original recycling cart delivery list was completed! Special thanks to our contractors OTTO and WasteRec for the complex task of documenting addresses that were recycling with 18-gallon bins last fall and delivering the new carts last month.  Frequently Asked Questions: Why was the "waste container audit" done last fall and not more recently? This entire project was paid for through a grant from The Recycling Partnership, the Southeast Recycling Development Council, our Waste Management District, and more contributors. In order to pursue this grant funding, we needed to show how many households were still recycling using an 18-gallon bin. Therefore, the container audit had to be done earlier than the grant was completed and awarded.   What if I recycle with an 18-gallon bin, but I didn't receive a new cart? We understand there are households that recycle with 18-gallon bin(s) but did not receive a cart. Many of those residents have already filled out the Cart Request Form.   What if I already had a cart and received a new one?  If you already had a recycling cart and received another, please contact Metro311 and we will retrieve it and give it to a household that did not already have a cart. The grant funded carts were only for households that recycled with 18-gallon bin(s).    I filled out the Cart Request Form - when will I receive my cart? On Thursday, July 8, we will begin delivering recycling carts to qualifying addresses reported on the form, starting with those that have Monday recycling collection, then Tuesday recycling collection, and so on. The Cart Request Form is still accepting submissions, but any requests made after July 7 will be included in the next round of deliveries.    Every other week recycling begins the week of July 12.  What if I have more recycling than my container holds?  In order to conserve space, be sure to only recycle accepted items, recycle items loosely, crush containers, and flatten cardboard before placing in your cart. You may purchase an additional recycling cart from our website. You may also use a store-bought container as long as it is 30-40 gallon, has handles, has a lid, and is labeled "RECYCLING." Stickers to label these containers are free and available from the Solid Waste office at 600 Meriwether Avenue Monday-Friday, 8-5. Or Contact us to request one.   Can I exchange my 65-gallon cart for a 95-gallon cart?  Yes. We understand that some residents would now rather have the larger cart for every other week recycling. Please note: The grant-funded carts may NOT be used for these exchanges because they are ONLY for residents who did NOT already have a cart. We ordered more 95-gallon recycling carts that can be used for these exchanges and we will take care of those requests when the new carts are in stock. (We will also exchange the 95-gallon cart for a 65-gallon cart!) Please contact Metro311 to request an exchange.   For more information about recycling, please go to our website Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleMore and stay up to date with the Recycle Coach app!

Paving Projects & Road Work - Week of July 12

Below is the list of Louisville Metro Public Works paving projects scheduled for the upcoming week, of July 12, 2021. Note: the schedule is subject to change due to weather and/or operational factors. Arnold Palmer Blvd from Landmark Dr to Old Henry Rd Trail Crest Ct from Trail Ridge Rd to dead end Falls Ridge Ct from Trail Ridge Rd to dead end Spring Branch Ct from Albrecht Cir to dead end Fawn Meadow Ct from Albrecht Cir to dead end Doe Spring Ct from Albrecht Cir to dead end Albrecht Ct from Albrecht Cir to dead end W Jefferson St from S 22nd St to S 28th St

Clean Collaborative Crew - Weekly Report-June 28-July 2

The Crew of 13 staff members and their equipment, fall under our Bulk Waste Department within the Solid Waste Management Services Division. They are primarily tasked with collecting litter and debris along Metro roadways.

Below is the weekly update on the Clean Collaborative Crew’s actions from June 28, 2021 to July 2, 2021. The crew cleaned approximately 72.6 curb miles and collected 239 bags, 12 Tires, and 25 other items. Other items include everything from vehicle wreckage to illegally dumped bulky items. Also, from June 28 to July 4, the Louisville Downtown Partnership’s Clean Collaborative Crew collected 1,388 pounds of litter and debris in their expanded area. The Louisville Downtown Partnership also collected 2,566 pounds of litter and debris from the Downtown area.

To learn more about the collaborative, track the crews' progress, and find out how you can help, visit: Louisvilleky.gov/CleanLou.

Pets of the Week

LMAS joins the Bissell Pet Foundations ‘Empty the Shelter’ event July 9-11. All cat, dog, kittens and puppy adoptions will be free! Every adoption includes spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccinations. Don’t shop, adopt a shelter pet during this 3-day, national event. Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-6pm. For more info about ‘Empty the Shelters’, click here.  For more info about LMAS adoptions or to view adoptable pets, click here.

Links

LMAS website:  https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services/services/adopt-pet

Bissell website: https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters/

Interested in serving on a board or commission?

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

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

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

BOARD VACANCIES

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

To apply for a board:

1. Search here for the board you are interested in: Boards and Commissions - List
2. Apply online.

Office of Councilwoman Jessica Green | Louisville Metro Council | District 1

601 West Jefferson Street  Louisville, Kentucky 40202

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