District 4 Weekly E-News đź–¤

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 02/15/2022 03:00 PM EST

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Councilman Jecorey Arthur and Legislative Assistant Brianna Wright

Please take note that the District 4 office will be closed Friday, February 18, 2022 and Monday, February 21, 2022. As always you can use service numbers including 911 for emergency services, 311 for city services, and 211 for social services. You can also contact metro agencies directly by finding their information on the city contact page. The next e-news will be sent Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

District 4 Monthly Round Table

Our next call will be today, February 15th 6-7 PM. Please join us to discuss local issues.

Video-In: louisvilleky.webex.com/meet/D4

Phone-In: (415)655-0001

Access Code: 180-005-6522#

Stream: facebook.com/loudistrict4

COVID

For assistance in relation to hardships due to COVID click here.

For information about COVID facts, testing, vaccines and more click here.

For in depth updates on COVID in Louisville, including total deaths and confirmed cases click here.

A website has launched to offer the family and friends of Kentuckians lost to COVID an opportunity to memorialize their loved ones by writing and sharing stories. To view the virtual memorial click here. 

New Sites Offer COVID-19 Testing in West Louisville, Newburg and Outer Loop

COVID-19 testing continues to expand in Louisville with several new locations across the metro. Free rapid and PCR tests will be offered through partnerships with the Louisville Department of Public Health & Wellness (LMPHW), local churches, organizations and testing providers. For more information click here. 

Louisville Cardiologists Discuss the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Heart

Mayor Greg Fischer was joined by Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW); Dr. Kelly McCants, advanced heart failure specialist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s Advanced Heart Failure & Recovery Program and executive director of the Institute for Health Equity, a part of Norton Healthcare; and Dr. Dinesh Kalra, cardiologist and chief of the division of cardiology at UofL Health, to provide an update on COVID-19 and its effects on heart health. For more information click here.

CIVICS

Legislation

  1. American Rescue Plan — The next round of spending is expected in the first quarter of 2022. A placeholder ordinance is being held in the Budget Committee. We have co-sponsored in support of our work on different allocations. We have several items including libraries, housing, childcare, downtown, youth programming, and more that we're advocating for.
  2. Neighborhood Development Fund (NDF) Winter Shelter Program — This $60,000 allocation for shelter during inclement weather passed committee. It is on the consent calendar for Thursday's council meeting.
  3. Child Care Land Use Regulation — Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong introduced changes to zoning for childcare facilities to make them more accessible across the city. We have co-sponsored to support. It returns to committee next week.
  4. Louisville Metro Housing Authority — LMHA is reviewing their housing needs to estimate the cost of renovations. Once this is complete we will work with them on a budget ask to Louisville Metro Government. An estimate will be available in about 6 months according to their director. We want to negotiate a community benefits agreement with LMHA that supports the wants and needs of tenants. If you live in a LMHA property and wish to help us draft this agreement please let us know.
  5. Gun Buyback Ordinance — We've been working with county attorneys to draft an ordinance to start a pilot program to get guns off the streets. This is one of many efforts that are being worked on, including a  state campaign for more local gun control. We're working with the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods Director Dr. Monique Williams on this effort.
  6. Food Waste Ordinance — We've inquired with county attorneys about legislation to reduce food waste and get more food to food banks or similar nonprofits. This will likely be introduced in the first quarter of 2022.
  7. Corrections Resolution — We're working with Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong to introduce resolution with suggested criminal justice changes to address the ongoing crisis at our local jail.
  8. Natural Landscapes (Weeds) Ordinance — This amended ordinance will allow families more flexibility to grow native plants without being fined. It returns to committee next week.
  9. Historically Black Neighborhoods Ordinance — We've met Develop Louisville, and the Office of Housing, Vacant, and Abandoned Properties. They are in support of our land return policy. We will work with them on implementation as we finalize the next draft. We'll announce a Historically Black Neighborhoods feedback session tour next week.
  10. Capital Infrastructure Fund (CIF) Alley Paving Ordinance — We will be allocating approximately $17,000 to repave the alley between South 5th and 6th Streets, often used by seniors in the Chapel and Friendship Houses.
  11. Code of Ordinances Equity Review — We are drafting a formal process for reviewing Louisville Metro's Code of Ordinances to address inequities as they relate to social determinants of health perpetuated by local law.
  12. Budget Equity Review Resolution — We filed this to require Metro Council to follow the same review process we asked of the Mayor's Office when approving their budget. This is in committee next week.
  13. Neighborhood Development Fund (NDF) Bail Ordinance — A $10,000 grant helping support people low-risk, low-bonds at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. We are working with a nonprofit partner to file this by the next deadline.
  14. Industrial Revenue Bonds Resolution(s) — Thank you to the few dozens Smoketown residents and stakeholders for joining our community meeting last week. We are still working on incorporating everyone's wants, needs, and concerns into a community benefits agreement for the proposed developments at 930 Lampton St (Ferncliff Distillery) and 827 Logan St (Trellis Brewing). We filed resolutions yesterday to start the bond approval process. This will not be finalized until we pass an ordinance in the coming months. Until then, we will continue negotiations for public benefits.

All of our sponsored legislation can be viewed here. We welcome input.

CITY

Notice of Public Hearing via Video Teleconference

The Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control Board will hold a public hearing, via Video Teleconference due to the COVID-19 outbreak, on an Agreed Board Order with Clariant Corporation. Clariant is alleged to have violated District Regulation 2.03 (Authorization to Construct or Operate; Demolition/Renovation Notices and Permit Requirements) and 2.16 (Title V Operating Permits). For more information click here. 

Louisville Metro Teams With Terra and Digitunity to Close Digital Divide Through Refurbished Devices

Mayor Greg Fischer announced a new Digital Inclusion partnership with  TERRA and Digitunity to collect, refurbish, and return laptops and tablet computers to people in need. For more information click here. 

Mayor Fischer Delivers His Final State of the City Address, Reflecting on Accomplishments Since 2011 and Ambitious Plans for 2022

Mayor Greg Fischer delivered his 12th and final State of the City address reflecting on the many major accomplishments achieved over his tenure, and promising more ambitious work in 2022, including a pilot universal basic income initiative, an expansion of Lean Into Louisville and continuing efforts to recruit and retain quality Louisville Metro Government (LMG) staff, including those in public safety agencies. For more information click here. 

Mayor Fischer and Community Partners Launch New Guaranteed Income Pilot

Mayor Greg Fischer joined representatives from Metro United Way (MUW) and Russell: A Place of Promise (RPOP) to launch YALift! (Young Adult Louisville Income for Transformation), a guaranteed income pilot project to provide a financial foundation for young people transitioning to the working world. For more information click here. 

Metro Council Encourages District 1 Residents to Apply for Councilwoman Green’s Vacated Seat

Metro Council is encouraging District 1 residents interested in filling the upcoming Council vacancy to prepare their applications for submission. For more information click here. 

Mayor Fischer, Governor Beshear Highlight Major Economic Investments Kicking off the New Year

Economic development in Louisville is off to a roaring start this year, with companies committing to nearly $170 million in investments and 800 new jobs, according to Mayor Greg Fischer and Gov. Andy Beshear, who came together to announce and celebrate that momentous city and state growth. For more information click here.

City of Ali Documentary Airing Nationwide on Pbs Stations in Honor of Black History Month; KET Shares Film’s Classroom Curriculum

Mayor Greg Fischer announced that the Louisville-produced documentary City of Ali will air nationwide on PBS stations in honor of Black History Month. For more information click here. Fore more information click here. 

Louisville Asset Building Coalition Receives $30,000 in Funding From Intuit to Expand Free Tax Services

The Louisville Asset Building Coalition (LABC) announced it is receiving $30,000 in funding from the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation (IFFF) to support and grow its programs that help low- and moderate-income individuals and families save during tax season. For more information click here.

COMMUNITY

Alcoholic Beverage Control

There is an Alcoholic Beverage License memo for the location at 2548 Magazine Street. For more information click here. 

Broadway All The Way

Our city is planning to create a safe, vibrant, multimodal corridor that meets the needs of all citizens, especially those that live along Broadway, and that will serve as a robust catalyst for economic development throughout Louisville. Please click here to provide feedback.