In this Issue
 Hello Neighbors and Friends,
At the first Majority Caucus meeting of the new year, my colleagues re-elected me as the Caucus chairwoman, which carries with it the title and responsibility of President Pro-tem. I served in this capacity in 2023 and ended the year with accomplishments of which I can be proud. However, I have so much more to accomplish this year. I aim to work more closely and cohesively with my colleagues to build coalitions and consensus because societal challenges remain the same, although we have entered a new year.
Violent crime is up, and it disproportionately affects disadvantaged neighborhoods because of scarce resources and investments in those areas. Drug addiction is rampant, and homelessness is at an all-time high. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in the United States was 11.6% in 2023, which translates to about 37.9 million Americans living in or below the poverty line. A family of four that makes less than $29,950 annually lives in poverty; for a single person, that number is $14,880.
A community is measured by the health and welfare of its residents. So, in 2024, I will be more conscientious about the needs of others and more adept at choosing wholesome and helpful solutions to the societal problems that make living in Louisville less favorable for some than others. I will accept whatever life presents and expand my ability to respond strategically, methodically, and with a sense of urgency.
I entered the new year with great optimism and the motto to expect more in 2024. Also, because I live my life with the understanding that to whom much is given, much is required, I shall approach every issue and each task knowing that there is no mountain too high as long as I am willing to climb it. I plan to climb.
Thank you for the faith you show in me and the choices you have made to take this journey with me. I will strive daily to keep earning the great honor of representing you. Here’s to making more cherished memories in 2024!
 During the first organizational Metro Council meeting on Thursday, January 4, the Metro Council re-elected Councilman Markus Winkler (D-17) as the Metro Council President.
The Minority Caucus, consisting of the nine Republican members of the Louisville Metro Council, unanimously elected Kevin Kramer (D-11) to the position of Minority Caucus Chair and Councilman Scott Reed (D-16) Minority Caucus Vice-Chair.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, February 1, at 6:00 p.m.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
These proceedings can also be viewed live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or UVERSE Channel 99, or streamed live from Swagit’s page at https://louisvilleky.new.swagit.com/views/506/ (only when live) and on Facebook on the Louisville Metro Council’s page at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil (when live and after the meeting).
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has several state road projects that impact residents in District 7. Some are already underway, while others are planned for the future. Click the project titles below for full information about each project, including timing, status, and impacted roadways. Click here for the District 5 Roadshow, a weekly summary of major KYTC projects in Jefferson County. For a full list of projects in Jefferson County, visit transportation.ky.gov.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of lane closures on KY 841 (Gene Snyder Freeway) beginning Monday, January 8, in Jefferson County.
Daily Lane Closures:
Time: Monday, January 8 - Thursday, January 11 from 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Gene Snyder North & South between mile marker 35 and mile marker 37.7 (near and through the East End Tunnel) requiring daily lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., through Thursday, January 11.
Overnight Closures:
Time: Tuesday 1/9 at 7:00pm - Wednesday 1/10 at 6:00am
Location: KY 841 North will be closed beyond Exit 37/Prospect (U.S. 42), limiting access to the East End Tunnel/Lewis and Clark Bridge to Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Suggested Detour: The suggested detour is to continue south on U.S. 42 to I-264 East, then take I-71 South to I-65 North to the Abraham Lincoln Bridge.
You are invited to attend a review for a VARIANCE to allow a structure to encroach into the required side yard setback.
You may also participate online, and view case material by visiting:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For meeting agenda and staff report, please visit:
https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal
More information is available in person at:
Louisville Metro Office of Planning (Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
444 S. 5th Street, 3rd Floor, Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-6230
If you wish to submit comments in writing on this case, please submit to the case manager by 9:00 A.M. Friday, January 5.
If you would like to provide verbal testimony, please attend the meeting or participate online. Additional information or written comments submitted after applicable deadlines must be approved by the Board at the meeting; the Board may choose to not accept such information or comments.
Persons who desire special accommodations should contact the Planning Commission office at (502) 574-6230 at least one week prior to this meeting. TDD users please use the Relay Service, 1-800-648-6056.
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Being safe in dangerous winter weather means not only to taking the appropriate steps during the storm, but also having the right supplies beforehand. If you wait to stock up on supplies until a watch or warning is issued, you run the risk of the supplies being out of stock or the store being closed.
The checklist below provides some basic guidance on what to have in your house/apartment during the winter if you are forced to stay indoors or lose electricity.
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Disposable dishware: plates, bowls, utensils
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Specialty items: Medications, infant formula
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Portable radio: AM/FM radio and batteries
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Warm clothing: hats, mittens, parkas, boots
- Extra blankets
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Bottled water (in case pipes freeze)
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Matches: for candles and gas fireplaces
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Shovel/snow blower: check condition and maintenance
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Flashlights (extra batteries)
- First-Aid Kit
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Cellphone (fully charged)
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Firewood: Wood fireplaces
Be sure to learn more tips on how to plan ahead for cold weather.
The Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens is pleased to announce the newest edition of the OADC Resource Guide. The updated resources guide will connect aging and disabled citizens, along with their caregivers, to a variety of service providers, government agencies and non-profit organizations in the city of Louisville.
View, save, or print the updated Resource Guide, here.
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The Age Friendly Louisville Initiative is hosting a kickoff event as move on to Phase II and begin new workgroup meetings. We would like to invite each of you to this event being held January 25 at South Central Library. Start time is 10am, however please feel free to join us for refreshments beforehand.
This event is open to the public, with pre-registration. Please feel free to place in your newsletters and/or share at any upcoming community meetings. If you have questions, please contact us at agefriendlylouisville@gmail.com
The Louisville Sports Commission is accepting nominations for the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame (KSHOF) through March 31, 2024. Eligibility and selection criteria and the nomination form can be accessed online at KySportsHOF.com. Nominations received by March 31 that meet the Selection Criteria will be placed in a pool for consideration for the KSHOF Class of 2024.
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Click HERE or scan the QR code above to apply!
The Freedom Award will be given to citizens who best exemplify the ideals of Dr. King's vision, while the celebration will honor and recognize all the outstanding citizens of Louisville who have received this honor. The event serves as a time for the community to come together and reflect on past struggles while celebrating forward progress towards a brighter future.
The 2024 Keepers of the Dream program will highlight Black Joy. The Civil Rights Movement was a trying time but, through the crevices of trauma, Black Americans still managed to find hope and joy.
Mayor Craig Greenberg will present the Freedom Award in Whitney Hall honoring this year's two recipients, Carolle Jones Clay and Senator Gerald Neal.
There will be performances by River City Drum Corp, Keen Dance Theatre, and Redline Performing Arts. Also featuring LaNita Rocknettes School of Dance, The Real Young Prodigys, The Louisville Living Room, Joshua Percell and Courageous, UofL African American Theatre Program, and much more. Preshow performance 4 to 4:45 p.m. by Redline Performing Arts in The Kentucky Center Lobby, and a post-show performance from River City Drum Corp.
This event is free and open to the public, FREE parking available in The Kentucky Center Garage.
The Freedom Award is generously sponsored by Republic Bank.
The Louisville Sports Commission will host the 3rd annual Louisville Indoor Games High School Open on Feb. 3 at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, a state-of-the-art facility with a 200-meter banked hydraulic track built to USATF championship specifications for all events. The meet is open to high school athletes in grades nine through 12. Spectators are invited to attend; admission is $15 for an all-day pass
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The Louisville Sports Commission’s fall three-race series is back. The Louisville Pure Tap® 5K will be held on Sept. 7, the Norton Sports Health 4-Miler on Sept. 30 and the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon on Oct. 12. When you sign up for the three-race bundle, you'll automatically receive a 10% discount off each race’s registration. With the discount, you can compete in all three races for only $112.50 if you sign up by Jan. 31. That price increases to $117 when early bird closes on Feb. 1. Registration is NOW OPEN.
Find 6 differences in the pictures below.
Answers are at the end of the newsletter.
 Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Metro311 Service Request Information
- Submit a Service Request in the online system.
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Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
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To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue.
- Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
- The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro311 at 311.
 For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below:
 To read about the most recent VA Medical Center construction events, go to: https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center
To request weekly updates about the construction events, send an email requesting updates to: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
For ALL construction-related inquiries, please email: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
Check us out on social media:
Safety Reminder:
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
Please make note of the below tips to help make sure theft doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
 Click here to Subscribe to the 5th Division E-Newsletter
District Resource Officers (DRO's)
After more than 3 years the 5th Division is happy to announce we have 2 DRO's! DRO's are the "Jack of all Trades" for the community. They are our problem solvers, ambassadors, community representatives and anything else you can think of. Congratulations to Officers John Keeling and Brad Steller, your 5th Division DRO's.
They can be contacted at the links below.
Officer John Keeling
Officer Brad Steller
Pop-UP I Drop-Off
Need to dispose of unwanted bulk items? Click the link below for details regarding Pop-Up Drop-Off event dates around Louisville. Click HERE
Accepted Items:
- Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)
- Metal & appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
- Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)
- Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
- Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
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Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
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Stay aware of new development in your area! Sign up for Gov Delivery notifications at:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYLOUISVILLE/subscriber/new
On January 1, 2019, a new Comprehensive Plan, called Plan 2040, went into effect. As a resident of District 7 (or any district in Louisville), it is important to review the Comprehensive Plan if you are interested in development that is proposed for the neighborhood. The Comprehensive Plan is the guidepost for all development, and the Planning Commission must use it as one of the guiding principles and tools for making decisions regarding the approval or denial of a neighborhood development project.
Read The Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040)
The Comprehensive Plan is representative of over 6,000 voices, including Metro staff, an advisory committee, and resident volunteers. The Advisory Committee, made up of diverse representatives from neighborhood and community organizations as well as development and business interests, finalized its recommended goals, objectives, and policies on February 21, 2018.
On April 16, 2018, the Planning Commission recommended the Comprehensive Plan for approval. The document was then reviewed by the Metro Council as well as 12 local municipalities with zoning authority for formal adoption. Those 12 local municipalities are: Anchorage, Douglass Hills, Graymoor-Devondale, Hurstbourne, Indian Hills, Jeffersontown, Lyndon, Middletown, Prospect, Shively, St. Matthews, and St. Regis Park.
Plan 2040 Survey Findings
Plan 2040 Demographic and Economic Projections
Plan 2040 Core Graphics
Government & Politics Information
Louisville Metro Council livestreams all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
State Government Website Information
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Kentucky General Assembly
 Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Click below to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/louisville-metro-council-social-media-public-comment-policy.
Just for Fun Answers:
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