This is the second year in a row that Clariant has donated Turkeys to the District 6 community! Thank you to Clariant for always thinking of ways to help our community! And Thank You to I Would Rather Be Reading for partnering with us to get these 300 turkeys delivered!
Let the West Saint Catherine Neighborhood be your Poinsettia Provider this holiday season! They have joined forces with Goodwin Greenhouse of La Grange, KY, to offer poinsettias for pre-order. Proceeds support our community building events and safety and beautification efforts.
Visit the link below to either order online, OR, to print out an order form and return! $10 each for 6.5" pots. Orders DUE Friday, Nov. 26 at Noon. Pick-up Thursday, Dec. 2, more details to come. Thanks for your support!
Mayor Fischer joined by Metro Council members and community representatives as he signs ordinance allocating 2nd round of city’s share of ARP funds
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 23, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer today was joined by Metro Council members and community representatives as he signed into law an ordinance allocating a second round of the city’s share of American Rescue Plan funds. That $182 million in spending will go to address critical challenges in public safety and homelessness, to build more affordable housing, to continue tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, and to recognize the efforts of public employees.
“In two days, Americans will settle into a holiday where we traditionally give thanks for the good things in our lives, the things for which we are grateful,” the Mayor said. “We’re starting a little early here in Louisville by formally assigning an infusion of critical federal funding to programs and efforts that will make all of us safer and healthier and will support our vulnerable residents by expanding opportunities and possibilities for them.”
Metro Council approved the spending on Nov. 11. Council Budget Chairman Bill Hollander said today: “This second round ordinance funds critical needs in the community – public safety improvements, public health efforts, and the thing the Council heard about most from constituents – investments in safe, decent, and affordable housing. This Thanksgiving week, I’m grateful for American Rescue Plan funds which will move Louisville forward.”
Council President David James said: “I am glad to have the opportunities presented by the Biden Administration to move our city forward. The programs supported through this second round of ARP funding will help create lasting change in Louisville.”
In remarks before signing the ordinance, Mayor Fischer agreed the infusion of funds will make “transformational differences … in lives and neighborhoods, in the most important of our city’s endeavors.”
Stressing that public safety is his No. 1 priority, he said “this funding builds on the whole-of-government work we are already doing to reduce violence and increase safety in every neighborhood.”
Specifically, the measure approved by Council includes $42.6 million for public safety, including:
Violence prevention: $15.8 million to expand the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods’ (OSHN) current Violence Deterrence and Prevention programs that have proven outcomes and long-lasting impact.
Public Safety Reforms: $17.5 million to address public safety reforms recommended by Hillard Heintze and ongoing reforms of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD).
Juvenile Assessment Center: $1 million over three years to develop a Juvenile Assessment Center to receive and assess youth who have been detained pre-custody, in coordination with the court designated workers assessment process.
Family Recovery Court: The ordinance provides funding for Seven Counties Services to continue the Family Recovery Court for an additional year. This initiative is a collaborative, client-centered approach promoting coordination of care, accountability, and healthy outcomes for parents who are involved with the child welfare system and have a history of substance use.
Gun crime analysis: $117,000 to match a grant provided by Everytown for Gun Safety to hire a data fellow who will provide in-depth gun crime analysis.
LMPD Technology: $6 million to LMPD for new equipment and increased storage capacity.
Among those speaking at today’s event was Rose Smith, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, who spoke of the loss of her own son and the need for violence protection.
“The devastating gun violence in Louisville will only end when we take proactive steps to ensure that our city has the tools to fight it,” Smith said. “We are very pleased that Mayor Fischer is signing this American Rescue Plan ordinance, which includes significant funding for evidence-based violence intervention resources and services that will improve public safety and save lives in Louisville's hardest hit communities.”
The ordinance also includes $89 million to support the city’s plan to address chronic street homelessness and boost affordable housing through immediate, intermediate, and long-term solutions. That includes:
Safe Outdoor Space: $1.5 million to provide 50 tents, portable facilities, water and electricity access, and supportive services at a new safe outdoor space pilot project at 212 E. College St.
College Street Property: $7.5 million to make necessary improvements to start conversion of the building at College Street to create affordable housing units.
Permanent Supportive Housing: $32 million for client-centered housing with wrap-around services.
Affordable Housing: $40 million will be invested in affordable housing units through the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Down Payment Assistance: $4 million for Louisville Metro Government (LMG) to increase down payment assistance to help approximately 160 new homeowners.
Home Repair: $4 million to boost an existing successful program that helps people stay in their homes; it would aid approximately 160 homeowners.
Councilman Jecorey Arthur said of the ordinance: “Thank you to the thousands of Louisvillians who provided input about how to spend these dollars. Because of your advocacy, we're about to house hundreds of families. Everyone should be proud of this.”
Eddie Alvis, a participant in the St. John Center’s permanent supportive housing program, and Cathy Kuhn, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, also spoke today about the impact of the funding.
"This exciting investment represents a growing recognition of how fundamental safe and stable housing is to the health and well-being of every Louisville resident," Kuhn said. "It is critical that we maximize the power of this one-time funding by ensuring ongoing investment in the construction of much needed housing units, while also disrupting intentionally discriminatory land use policies, creating greater housing opportunity and choice for all Louisville households."
Councilman Markus Winkler said, “The ARP funding presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in our city. I am proud of this allocation for the many families in our community it will impact. From those on the front lines of the pandemic serving our community to those most in need of housing, this second round of ARP funding makes a significant investment in the people of our city.”
The remaining $93.4 million in second round funding is to be distributed for the priorities of premium pay and public health.
Mayor Fischer thanked Metro Council members for their support and partnership in prioritizing the ARP spending, noting that collaboration will continue as the city designates a third round of ARP funding (from the remaining $160 million) to address workforce development, healthy Louisville/healthy neighborhoods, the Office of Youth Development, Public Health contingencies, and more.
Overall, the ARP funding represents “an opportunity to take some of the things we hoped to do some day – and do them now,” he said. “Someday is here. Today. Right now.”
Louisvillians encouraged to support local businesses throughout the holiday season
Mayor Fischer declares Nov. 27 to be Small Business Saturday
Louisville, KY (November 23, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer is joining Jennifer Rubenstein, Executive Director of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance, in calling on residents to support local shops, restaurants and entrepreneurs by doing their holiday shopping at locally owned businesses this year.
“As we head into another holiday season with the pandemic still a concern, it is important to support our small businesses, especially minority-owned businesses that are particularly vulnerable to any economic shifts,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Every small business brings character, jobs, and revenue to our city, so get out and show them support on Nov. 27 for Small Business Saturday and throughout the holidays.”
The Mayor also encouraged those who have not been vaccinated to make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine. “The holidays are a great time to gather with friends and family, but it is critical that we do so safely. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19,” he said.
Mayor Fischer will join Rubenstein and local business owners to kick off the South Points Small Business Saturday Market at Colonial Gardens, 818 W. Kenwood Drive, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27. Presented by LG&E, with support from UofL Health Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Republic Bank, and others, the pop-up market will feature South Points vendors, food, music, kids’ activities, and more.
“Mega retailers have seen huge sales boosts while our locals struggled when shopping habits shifted dramatically during the pandemic,” Rubenstein said. “Our locals now offer many of the same conveniences, anchor our neighborhoods, and give us a sense of community. Buying from locally owned independents is the ultimate gift to the community because it helps build a strong economy, creates jobs, and supports the businesses that make our town unique.”
Earlier in November, LIBA launched the South Points Buy Local Passport to encourage people to shop at locally owned businesses in south Louisville. Shoppers can pick up a passport at participating businesses through Nov. 26. Anyone who purchases an item from six of the businesses will receive a gift and be entered into a Grand Prize drawing. The drawing will take place at 2 p.m. at South Points Small Business Saturday Market.
MELANnaire Marketplace also is hosting the Galleria Remix Holiday Shop Extravaganza at 4th Street Live on Friday, Nov. 26, and Saturday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will include a variety of Black-owned businesses selling clothing, artwork, bath and body supplies, baked good, handcrafted jewelry, and more.
“This is the biggest shopping time of the year. As a way to bridge the wealth gap, we’ve created a shopping mall filled with Black-owned businesses,” said Nachand Trabue, Founder & Owner MELANnaire Marketplace.
Mayor and Snow Team review preparations for winter
Check for updates @LouPubWorks on Twitter during snow events
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 19, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer, joined by members of the Metro Snow Team and partners from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Louisville Fire and the National Weather Service, today outlined preparations for the upcoming 2021-22 snow season.
The Mayor thanked members of the Louisville Metro Snow Team, who have been driving all road treatment routes this week to prepare new team members for the season.
“It takes a special team to go out and handle significant winter weather, and I ,along with everyone in our city are truly thankful for their tireless commitment and service,” said the Mayor. “This team will jump into action any hour, any day, to make it safe for the rest of us to get where we need to go when the weather gets bad.”
The Snow Team is led by Metro Public Works under the leadership of Director Vanessa Burns and Assistant Director for Roads and Operations, Brian Funk. The Public Works Solid Waste Management Division, Metro Parks, the Department of Codes & Regulations, and the Department of Fleet Services are also part of the team.
Louisville will begin the snow season this year with 38,000 tons of salt on hand, which is about average for the beginning of most winters for Louisville Metro. Most of the salt will be stored underground in the Louisville Mega Cavern, while about 17,500 tons are stored at four above ground locations where the salt will be loaded onto spreading vehicles as needed. Because last winter season had more snow (approximately 40% more than normal), colder weather, and an ice storm, total salt usage was significantly higher. Total salt used in the 2020-21 snow season was about 29,000 tons.
The city will also continue to pretreat roads with brine ahead of snowfalls when appropriate. Brine is a saltwater solution that reduces the adherence of snow and ice to pavement and reduces slick spots.
City snow routes include arterial and collector roads, bus routes and roads to major employers and emergency facilities for a total of 2,734 two-lane miles. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and private contractors also clear routes in the city.
“During a snow event, our crews cover nearly 600 lane miles of roadway in Jefferson County and work to ensure interstates are clear and safe for travel,” said KYTC District 5 Chief District Engineer Matt Bullock. “Our snow fighters are prepared and ready to respond anytime winter weather impacts our area.”
The Louisville Fire Department praised the crucial role the Metro Snow Team plays as they respond to emergencies.
“Early response is critical when responding to any emergency incident. The work of the Snow Team allows us to arrive on scene safely and quickly to save lives and preserve property during snow events. We couldn’t do it without their support,” said Major Bobby Cooper, Louisville Fire Department.
When it comes to helping residents combat winter fires and indoor home safety, he added, “It’s important for the community to play a key role in keeping their home, families and neighbors safe. Simple safety precautions like maintaining home heating equipment, using space heaters and generators with caution, and replacing batteries in smoke alarms can help ensure a warm and safe winter.”
The city’s snow removal progress can be followed via an interactive online map. During snow events, a snow map will be posted on the city website, www.louisvilleky.gov, and the Department of Public Works site at www.louisvilleky.gov/publicworks.
Major Shannon Lauder joined the Louisville Metro Police Department in 2008. She served as a patrol officer in the 4th Division, primarily in the Old Louisville neighborhood. She also spent 6 years as a hostage negotiator and team leader for LMPD’s Hostage Negotiation Team. She was a detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) investigating physical, sexual and internet crimes against children across Louisville Metro.
She was then promoted to sergeant in 2015, where she served in the 6th Division before becoming a Professional Standards Unit investigator. She was promoted to lieutenant in 2018 and served as a patrol lieutenant in the 4th Division. Most recently she was assigned as the Commander of the Special Victims Unit. The SVU consists of the Sex Crimes Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit and the Crimes Against Seniors Unit. In 2020 Major Lauder was promoted to the rank of Major and serves as the Commander of the 4th Division.
Major Lauder holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville. She is a graduate of the 143rd Session of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officer’s Course at the University of Louisville.
Second Division
Major Steven Healey
Fourth Division
Tiffany Tatum
Tiffany Tatum is a 23 year veteran of LMPD. She began her career with the former Louisville Division of Police in 1998. She patrolled in the 1st and 4th divisions. In 2016, she was promoted to sergeant and worked in the 2nd and 4th divisions before being appointed to the Professional Standards Unit. In 2019, she was promoted to lieutenant and was appointed to Special Investigations Unit until transferring to the 1st division. She was recently promoted to Major in the 4th division.
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Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/Patrol+Divisions/ to sign up to receive the LMPD’s new crime alert update for your neighborhood. Simply select your LMPD division number, and click "Subscribe to Crime Alerts by Beat" to begin receiving the update.
Visit http://mapit.louisvilleky.gov/ and type in your address to find out when your junk pick-up date is as well as street cleanings and additional information.
Visit at https://lge-ku.com/outages/report/streetlight to report a street light outage in your neighborhood. When reporting a street light outage, be sure to have the pole number, which can be found on a metal plate on the pole.
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