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Councilwoman
Nicole George

601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1121
Contact Nicole

Legislative Aide
Rachel Roarx
Contact Rachel

Visit the District 21 Website

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IN THIS ISSUE...

• A MESSAGE FROM NICOLE GEORGE: LET'S STAY TOGETHER EDITION ON REDISTRICTING
• IMAGE OF THE ISSUE: DISTRICT 21 MAP AS OF 2013
• AREA ACTIVITIES
• NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS AND GROUPS
• SATELLITE OFFICE HOURS IN THE CITY OF LYNNVIEW

A MESSAGE FROM NICOLE GEORGE: LET'S STAY TOGETHER EDITION ON REDISTRICTING

District 21 "I’m so in love with you!"

If you do not know District 21 and its boundaries, you are not alone. While few spend time studying district maps, many have great familiarity with their neighborhoods and the cultural boundaries that bind their adjoining communities. Absent lines on a map, District 21 has been known as a collection of Southend neighborhoods within the Urban Service District. Over time it has moved east of I-65 while maintaining its core as it is bound by diversity of culture, socioeconomics, and experience in relationship with its proximity to intensive uses and community assets like Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Airport Industrial Center, Kentucky Exposition Center, etc. Understanding this core is important when considering redistricting efforts and what the future holds.

Background: 

Redistricting of our legislative boundaries occurs every 10 years following the U.S. Census. It is done to ensure equal (not equitable) representation when “reasonably possible.” When considering “one person one vote,” population is key. Over the last 20 years, there has been a population shift to the east, leaving District 21 with one of the lowest populations (i.e. 27,102) while at least 6 districts currently serve more than 30,000 residents.  While it is not inconceivable to think District 21 was undercounted, the general population shift east is undeniable. There is however at least a 5% deviation of cross population allowed in addition to other statutorily outlined requirements used in determining boundaries.  These requirements include being compact, contiguous, and in keeping with neighborhood and cultural boundaries when possible. This year the district boundaries for Metro Council must be complete by December 7. If this seems rushed there is good reason.  U.S. Census data was not released until August 16 because of COVID-19 and redistricting must be complete 30 days from the 2022 election filing deadline.   

Why this matters:

Redistricting and the boundaries it creates are incredibly important. It drives everything from candidate choice, representation, and community cohesion. It also has the power to reinforce the political strength of neighborhoods, foster cross neighborhood knowledge and collaboration, and create ease in communication and engagement with local government. This is incredibly important when serving a higher percentage of neighbors in transition with less capacity and less orientation to city services. Conversely “cracking” communities by dividing neighborhoods or cultural boundaries stands to diminish political power and promote disconnect.

How to get involved in redistricting: 

If you are interested in local government representation and the potential that boundaries have to bind when they are compact, contiguous, and connected, there are several ways to get involved. 

• Neighbors may start conversations on their blocks and with their associations. Discuss the characteristics of your community and points of identity.
• Follow the Metro Council Redistricting Committee (linked here) and watch for the new maps in the coming weeks.
• Ask questions and be vocal about unintended consequences. No one knows your community like you!    

Oxford defines a district as “an area of a city, especially one regarded as a distinct unit because of a particular characteristic.” At a minimum, District 21 is characterized by a collection of unique neighborhoods with various assets that collectively create a stronger community to shoulder times, “good or bad happy or sad” and should not break up.

IMAGE OF THE ISSUE: DISTRICT 21 MAP AS OF 2013

CLICK HERE FOR THE DISTRICT 21 (2013) INTERACTIVE MAP

Be on the lookout for proposed new redistricting maps by following the Metro Council Redistricting Committee over the next weeks.

AREA ACTIVITIES

Americana Community Center: Vaccines

Saturday, September 25, 2021
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Pfizer vaccine for ages 12+
• No ID or insurance card required
• Language interpretation available
• 4801 Southside Drive, Louisville, KY 40214

Beechmont Harvest Festival 

Food Literacy Project: Morning on the Farm

Saturday, October 2nd from 10 am - 12 pm
Iroquois Urban Farm located at 1400 Bicknell Avenue

• Please dress for the weather and a walk on the
  farm.
• Feel free to bring a lawn chair and snacks.
• Farmers love rain! A light drizzle on this day means
  we will gather in the high tunnel.

Jack O'Lantern Spectacular in Iroquois Park

The Walking Path Returns! You can support parks and enjoy a night of artistically carved pumpkins by attending the annual signature event hosted in scenic Iroquois Park. 

SEPT. 30 - OCT 31, 2021

Click here for more information about Louisville Parks Alliance events and tickets.

LFPL - Language Learning 

Learn a new language FREE with your library card!

LFPL now offers Transparent Language, an online language learning tool with more than 100 languages, including ESL/ELL. Explore a new language from home, at the library, or on the go using any Internet-connected device.

To learn more about all of LFPL's language learning resources, go to https://www.lfpl.org/Language/.

Metro Planning and Design Services: Invitation to Event Regarding Changes to Child Care Regulations

In an effort to provide greater and more equitable access to childcare, the Office of
Planning and Design Services (PDS) is reviewing existing city restrictions that limit where
childcare providers can operate, as well as their size.

PDS is seeking to identify existing barriers to access and listen to ideas for the future of
childcare rules in Louisville Metro at upcoming engagements.

Iroquois Park
Tuesday, October 12, 4 - 6 p.m.
5216 New Cut Rd. Louisville, KY 40214

Questions or Comments:
Please contact Joel Dock at 502 574 5860, by email at joel.dock@louisvilleky.gov, or submit comments online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning design/changes-childcare-regulation 

Save the Dates: Fall Green Heart Tree Plantings with Louisville Grows

All events will start at 8am at Wyandotte Park at the pavilion closer to Taylor Blvd.  

• October 23rd 
• December 4th 

130-150 volunteers needed to help plant 150-200 trees each planting date.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS AND GROUPS

• Beechmont Neighborhood Association: Meets 3rd Monday @7:00pm, Iroquois Library
• Iroquois Neighborhood Association: Meets 3rd Tuesday @7:00pm, DeSales High School.
• Lynnview City Council: Meet 2nd Tuesday @6:00pm, 1241 Gilmore Ln

SATELLITE OFFICE HOURS IN THE CITY OF LYNNVIEW

We will be available the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at Lynnview City Hall (1241 Gilmore Ln. 40213) from 9am-3pm.

Note: The District 21 office uses this time to address issues in the area in addition to being at Lynnview City Hall. You may want to call ahead (502-966-4086) to make sure we will be in the office before you stop in.