In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
This week, Metro Council hosted budget hearings to listen to the concerns of Louisville residents. As the picture below indicates, City Hall was packed with citizens lined up to address the Council. In fact, over 50 residents spoke about the budget. As persons spoke, members of the audience held up signs to advocate for funding of a particular project, organization, or program. It was an interesting evening and a great opportunity to assess the pulse of the community regarding perceptions of the mayor's proposed budget.
 |
The overarching themes throughout the evening were disappointment in the amount of cuts to nonprofit agencies, defunding of the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, the increased budget amount for LMPD, and the need of support and funding for TARC. I am looking forward to discussing the budget in detail with my colleagues. I can assure you that the budget will be adjusted from the version Mayor Greenberg proposed. However, I can't guarantee that everyone will get all that they want, advocated for, or wish to see in the FY25 budget. I recently stated to a group of citizens that, if I had my way with the budget, I would scrap all new initiatives and programs and use the entire budget, except a reasonable portion for safety, housing, and food deserts, on our city's infrastructure. Imagine what our city would look like if we dedicated an entire budget to fixing our roads, sidewalks, public transportation, and public facilities (buildings). A smart strategy, huh?
According to a 2023 report by the Council on Foreign Relations, entitled The State of U.S. Infrastructure, infrastructure is critical for U.S. economic competitiveness. The report stated that "U.S. infrastructure is both dangerously overstretched and lagging behind that of its economic competitors, particularly China." I believe the same is true for the City of Louisville. Poor infrastructure is a threat to human safety, and inadequately maintained roads and public buildings cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost economic productivity. I plan to share with Mayor Greenberg and my colleagues that it would be smart to focus on infrastructure and come up with increased public spending and advocate for more public/private partnerships. The private sector would benefit greatly by attention and investment in our local infrastructure.
Again, I look forward to discussing the budget in detail with my colleagues. Rest assured that I will take into consideration everything I have heard and read from you, the concerned citizens of our community. Along with your interests, I plan to advocate strongly for effective and measurable public safety, infrastructure, housing, hunger, homelessness, and youth programs that have a parenting program component.
I encourage you to participate in the budget process by submitting your comments on the Metro Council's online portal. Click this link to access the comment form: https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/m1ch63vw16xojrl/. The form is available through 5:00 p.m. on June 7, 2024. The Council is scheduled to vote on the revised budget on Thursday, June 20th during the 6:00 p.m. Council meeting.
To watch Council proceedings live on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil.
In closing, I remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the United States of America, and I wish for you a peaceful Memorial Day weekend filled with reflection and gratitude. May our fallen heroes inspire us to live life on purpose and be kind to one another.
This week, I talked with WHAS11's Shay McAlister about the District 7 Constituent Tour. Click on the photo above to watch, or click on this link:
https://www.whas11.com/video/news/local/metro-council-chat-councilwoman-paula-mccraney-d-district-7/417-47c039c1-fbb8-4f5f-9117-b33db29cc653
Speaking of the Constituent Tour, I have some EXCITING NEWS! We have updated the agenda to include a stop at Louisville Riverwalk to witness the latest art unveiling of the (Un)Known Project (see itinerary below).
Don't miss the opportunity to join me and other District 7 residents and guests as we explore the heart of West Louisville.
CHECK OUT THE ITINERARY:
8:30 a.m. - Board the bus! Westport Middle School - 8100 Westport Rd.
9:30 a.m. - Kentucky Center for African American Heritage – 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Learn about the rich history of the Russell neighborhood and notable Louisvillians.
***11:00 a.m. – Louisville Riverwalk – In Our Elders’ Footprints Public Art Installation Unveiling and Dedication - Between 9th and 10th St.***
Witness the unveiling and dedication of new public art installation created by (Un)Known Project co-founders Hannah Drake and Josh Miller, featuring over 20 sets of footprints from Black Louisville elders including activists, educators, and civil rights leaders.
12:30 p.m. – Simmons College of Kentucky and Enjoy Lunch @ the Administration Building – 1000 S. 4th St.
Eat a catered lunch and hear firsthand from President Dr. Kevin Cosby about the comeback story of Simmons College of Kentucky.
1:15 p.m. – Board bus to drive by, view, and take pictures of the following Simmons College campus sites:
- Ida B. Wells Hall – 550 W. Kentucky St.
- The Tolbert House – 613 W. Kentucky St.
- Student Housing ($6 million investment from Spalding University)
- Steward Hall – 1018 S. 7th
- Parrish Hall – 1015 S. 8th
1:45 p.m. – Goodwill Opportunity Center - 2820 W. Broadway
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky now calls West Louisville its new home! By joining its partners to invest $100 million in an Opportunity Campus in the Parkland neighborhood, the 100-year-old nonprofit organization is a vital part of a community that has endured years of disinvestment.
3:00 p.m. – Return to Westport Middle School
Spots are filling up quickly! To reserve a seat on the bus, call the District 7 office at (502) 574-1107 and leave your name, email address, telephone number, and indicate the number of tickets requested, or email Councilwoman McCraney at paula.mccraney@louisvilleky.gov.
"We don't know them all, but we owe them all."
Please take time this Memorial Day weekend to reflect on the many men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their selfless sacrifices are what protected our freedoms, so pausing to recognize their bravery is crucial.
Consider these acts of gratitude:
- Stop for one minute at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day in honor of the National Moment of Remembrance Act, in an act of national solidarity and remembrance of those who died in military service and the loved ones they left behind.
- Attend the Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, 4701 Brownsboro Road, at 2:00 p.m.
- Display the U.S. flag (correctly).
- Decorate or place flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.
Keep in mind that Memorial Day is a solemn time to reflect on and pay tribute to those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. It is inappropriate to wish people a "Happy Memorial Day" because someone may be grieving the loss of a loved one. Again, Memorial Day is for the fallen. Take the time to reflect on their patriotic sacrifices for our freedoms and consider doing one or all acts of gratitude listed above.
Additionally, in observance of Memorial Day, City Hall will be closed, along with all Jefferson County and federal offices.
"Fallen, but never forgotten"
Next week at City Hall, the Louisville Metro Council will host regularly scheduled committee meetings. The final agenda will be available twenty-four hours prior to each of the meetings. Click here to access the agenda: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal?fromiframe=true.
Please Note
Unless a meeting is designated as a meeting being held by video teleconference, members will be gathering in person. All meetings are held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted, and the public may attend in person.
If a meeting is designated as meeting by video teleconference, that meeting will be held pursuant to KRS 61.826 and Council Rules Chapter 5A. Members will participate virtually, or in person from the Metro Council Chambers on the third floor of Historic City Hall, 601 West Jefferson Street. Metro Council Chambers will serve as the primary location from which members of the public may view the video teleconference.
These proceedings can also be viewed live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or UVERSE Channel 99, or streamed live on the Metro Council’s PrimeGov page at https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal?fromiframe=true and on Facebook on the Louisville Metro Council’s page at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil.
Archived meetings will soon be available on PrimeGov as well, but currently, they can be viewed on Legistar at http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
 |
|
|
Gov. Beshear: Kentucky To Help Feed 450,000 School-Age Children in Need This Summer
Eligible students will receive one-time federally funded food benefit of $120
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 24, 2024) – As the school year draws to a close, Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that Kentucky has been approved to provide food to approximately 450,000 school-age children who are eligible for a one-time, federally funded benefit of $120 for the summer period to purchase food.
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (SEBT) program will automatically enroll students ages 6 to 18 who currently receive benefits through programs offered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program or Kinship Care. Of the 450,000 students, approximately 80% will automatically be enrolled in the program and can expect $120 to be issued by June 30.
“Team Kentucky believes we have a moral duty to make sure no child goes hungry, and this program helps meet the goal by filling the meal gap while schools are closed for summer break,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am proud of this step we are taking to strengthen the health of our youngest citizens.”
Students not automatically enrolled but who attended schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program with household incomes at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify. Kentuckians who believe they should qualify but have not received the $120 issuance by June 30, have from June 25 through Aug. 15 to apply at kysebt.ky.gov. Parents and guardians can also call 855-306-8959 or visit a local Department for Community Based Services office for assistance.
Kentuckians who are facing hunger are encouraged to visit kynect.ky.gov/resources to find nearby food assistance sites or call the United Way helpline by dialing 211.
Kentucky is also leading the agritech industry, which will help fight hunger in the long-term. Companies like Bosch Berries in Pulaski County, 80 Acres Farms in Florence, AppleAtcha in Inez and Kentucky Fresh Harvest in Stanford are helping Kentucky lead into the future with innovative food technologies.
This past session the Governor also fought to stop a bill that aimed to strip tens of thousands of Kentuckians of their SNAP benefits. More than 580,000 Kentuckians rely on this program, and two-thirds of participants are families with children.
###
|
| |
|
 |
 |
The City of Windy Hills is seeking bids to provide Snow Removal/Ice Treatment on its roads for the winter of 2024-2025. Bids must be submitted by June 17, 12 p.m., and specifications can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk at info@cityofwindyhills.com or (502) 895-4778.
Click here to read about the construction work being done at Bull Run townhomes on Wesboro Road through the week of June 10th, which includes plumbing, interior treatments, and mechanical instillations.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness has opened a survey for community members to help identify what programs, services, and resources are needed to improve the health of Louisvillians.
You can do your part by filling out the survey linked here or on the Community Health Improvement Initiative page on louisvilleky.gov.
Here's a visual exercise to try out: A wuzzle combines words and visual cues to represent a casual phrase or saying, so the word "head" written above the word "heels" represent "head over heels!"
Try solving the wuzzles below!
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.
-
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.
-
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:
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
Need support now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Are you thinking of hurting yourself or ending your life? Text LOU to 741741
Community mental health resources:
Metro United Way's Community Resource Directory can connect you mental health and crisis intervention resources. Or call 211.
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)
-
Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
|
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
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.
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Click here to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council.
Answers top to bottom, left to right
1. Falling Temperature
2. Two Under Par
3. Fat Chance
4. Broken Heart.
5. Hot Under the Collar.
6. Head in the Sand |
