Mayor Craig Greenberg announced this past Thursday he has chosen Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel as Louisville’s Chief of Police. Gwinn-Villaroel currently serves as interim chief and will now be the permanent leader of LMPD, the largest law enforcement agency in Kentucky with more than 1,000 sworn officers.

Gwinn-Villaroel was selected following a thorough nationwide search, which resulted in 20 candidates from across the United States. Each finalist was interviewed by an advisory committee of elected officials, nonprofit leaders and affected residents. “Over the past six months, Chief Gwinn-Villaroel has shown our city that she has exactly what I’m looking for in a chief and exactly what our community is looking for in a leader,” said Mayor Greenberg. “She has extensive experience in law enforcement leadership and a record of reform. She is also a magnificent community leader and pastor who cares about the people she serves. Chief Gwinn-Villaroel has my trust, and I look forward to continuing to serve with her in this new role.” Gwinn-Villaroel spent 24 years with the Atlanta Police Department, beginning in 1997 as a patrol officer and serving in numerous capacities including detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. In 2020 she was promoted to commander of the Atlanta Police Department’s Training Academy before joining LMPD as deputy chief in 2021. In seven months as interim chief, she launched the department’s first nonfatal shooting unit, expanded the successful Crisis Call Diversion Program and opened the new LMPD Officer Wellness Center. She also created the new narcotics tip line and worked with the Office of Inspector General on an agreement to promote transparency and accountability in OIG investigations. “Louisville has welcomed me with open arms, and I am honored to be the leader of our police department,” Gwinn-Villaroel said. “My team and I are dedicated to building trust between LMPD and the people of this city through community policing, transparency and accountability. And to the LMPD officers who dedicate their lives to public service every day: Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice. I look forward to working with all of you to make LMPD the best police department in America."

The Neighborhood Institute is a leadership education program designed to equip neighborhood leaders with the skills and resources needed to initiate positive change in the community through their neighborhood, homeowner, and condo associations. Classes meet every Tuesday, 6:00 - 8:00PM at Center For Neighborhoods Offices (1126 Berry Blvd. Suite 300), for 11 consecutive weeks (August 8th, 2023 – October 24th, 2023), followed by a Graduation Celebration. Dinner is provided each week. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. Applications will be accepted through 5:00PM on August 4th, 2023.

The Lucille Leggett Neighborhood Institute Spring 2023 is open to all neighborhoods, Metro Council Districts, and the whole community. 

To apply for the 12-week program, contact Ja’mel Armstrong at 502-589-0343 or jamela@centerforneighborhoods.org. You can also apply online at www.centerforneighborhoods.org 

Automated appointment line now open to schedule appointments in advance!

The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services joins with Community Action Agencies across the state to begin accepting applications for the 2023 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy Cooling Component and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). These federally-funded programs are designed to help offset the cost of higher utility bills. Applications will be accepted beginning July 25, 2023, through Sept. 22, 2023, or until funds are depleted.

The LIHEAP Summer Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. The benefit amount is paid directly to the electric vendor (i.e. LG&E).

For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP. Residents may also call the automated LIHEAP information line at 502/991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web:  louisvilleky.gov/tell311, or download the free Mobile Louisville Metro 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.