Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 01/10/2025 11:55 AM EST
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
JOIN US IN-PERSON THIS MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN'S OFFICE AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
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.
News from Mayor Greenberg and the City of Louisville
Mayor Greenberg helped 265 residents access homeownership, make critical home repairs in 2024
Office of Housing and Community Development continues working toward 15,000 units of affordable housing goal
LOUISVILLE, KY (January 9, 2025) – Mayor Craig Greenberg is celebrating important progress toward the city’s goal of creating safer, quality affordable housing for neighbors across Louisville. Since taking office in January 2023, the city has created more than 4,800 new units of affordable housing through new construction and preservation, using federal and local dollars in addition to private investment.
“Creating 15,000 affordable housing units is one of our top priorities, and an urgent need,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I’m excited about the progress we have made. To promote a safer, healthier, and stronger Louisville, we must create more affordable housing. We will continue looking for more funds and new policies that will support additional projects and lift our neighbors.”
In 2024, the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), through Down Payment Assistance program, helped 116 families purchase their own home, and more help is on the way after Metro Council approved Mayor Greenberg’s budget proposal to appropriate just over $1 million of surplus funds to Down Payment Assistance.
“Since July 2021, we have helped nearly 450 families purchase their home through Down Payment Assistance,” said OHCD Director Laura Grabowski. “We’re grateful that the Mayor and Metro Council recognized the success and popularity of the program. These crucial additional funds will help nearly 30 more families close the gap to buy a home.”
OHCD also oversees Home Repair programs, which provide grant-funded repairs to low-income homeowners to help their homes become more safe, warm, dry, and healthy. In 2024, the program completed 149 Home Repair cases, which included 47 units that were made lead safe through Lead Safe Louisville. Metro works with partners to administer Home Repair programs, including New Directions Housing Corporation and Habitat for Humanity.
New affordable housing opened and underway
LMG celebrated groundbreakings for several new developments in 2024, including the long-anticipated Community Care Campus, which will serve as a central location for unhoused residents across Louisville to access emergency housing services. The first families moved on site in November after a temporary shelter space opened.
Additional projects supported by Louisville Metro include the House of Ruth in the Smoketown neighborhood, which will provide supportive housing for HIV-positive patients, and Bridlewood Crossing, off Outer Loop in south Louisville. The first project in Louisville from Ohio-based developer Woda Cooper, OHCD awarded a more than $2 million loan for gap financing for the development, which will provide 76 senior living units.
Turning to 2025, the construction of more affordable housing projects, including The Prestonian near downtown, The Eclipse at Russell, and Gateway on Broadway, are expected to be complete. Stay updated on our progress by visiting the OHCD website.
OHCD also supported important projects aimed to create more housing, including the opening of MMY’s first U.S. modular housing manufacturing facility in the Parkland neighborhood. This facility is Kentucky’s first sole modular manufacturer, pioneering new urban construction by delivering modular homes in 16 weeks – five times faster than traditional construction. MMY is producing several modular homes as part of a pilot project with the Louisville Landbank, with construction expected to be completed early in 2025.
In December 2024, Louisville Metro pushed two important programs forward. At the beginning of the month, Mayor Greenberg announced the launch of the lien forgiveness pilot program. The goal is to create newly renovated, affordable homes and support the redevelopment of vacant and blighted residential structures by forgiving code enforcement liens. This will help increase housing stock, promote local homeownership for low-to-moderate income families, and encourage reinvestment in our neighborhoods. OHCD is currently accepting applications.
OHCD also recently opened the Small Developer Loan Pool. This program offers partially forgivable loans to assist small developers who are rehabbing properties to be rented or sold as affordable housing. The goal is to increase the number of developers in Louisville who create units that are affordable for households earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI).
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About the Office of Housing and Community Development
With a focus on ensuring safe, affordable, quality housing for all, the Office of Housing and Community Development has helped thousands of residents attain and maintain homeownership through down payment and home repair assistance programs and enhanced neighborhood revitalization through the work of the Landbank Authority. Since January 2023, the city has invested more than $145 million to the creation and preservation of affordable housing. The ‘My Louisville Home’ plan is a guide to help Louisville Metro Government achieve its goal of creating and preserving 15,000 new affordable housing units by 2027.
Partnership between Mayor Greenberg and Fund for the Arts brings HeARTS: Healing Through the Arts to 22 community centers
LOUISVILLE, KY (January 9, 2025) -- Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg is supporting free arts programming at 22 community centers, including Louisville Parks and Recreation Community Centers and other designated community spaces, starting in January 2025 and running through the summer. This programming is offered as part of the HeARTS: Healing Through the Arts program and facilitated by Fund for the Arts.
"We are working to expand access to arts programs to our neighbors across the city," said Mayor Craig Greenberg. "Studies have proven that exposure to art as a child can help improve academic performance and spark creativity and innovation. I'm excited to see more people take advantage of these wonderful opportunities."
Participation in any HeARTS program is open-ended, and participants are not required or expected to pre-register; anyone participating may join at any time. Some classes are geared to ages 6 – 18, but all programs are open to anyone interested.
“As the HeARTS program continues, we have seen the relationships between teaching artists and participants, as well as the community centers themselves, take root and blossom,” said Fund for the Arts President and CEO Andre Kimo Stone Guess. “We have heard so many stories of people finding community, rediscovering their own artistic identity, and learning new, creative ways to deal with pain and trauma. Through HeARTS, we have seen in real time how art can build healthier and more connected communities.”
Programs in 2025 will operate seasonally. Instructors are offering courses in music, visual art, dance, technology and various types of interpretive and applied arts. Click here for more information about the HeARTS program or contact the center of your choice.
Winter Session
Backside Learning Center (3131 S. 2nd St. #389 / (502) 634-6543)
Artist Sara Noori
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 – March 6
Beechmont Community Center (205 W. Wellington Ave. / (502) 361-5484)
Rhythm Science Sound
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Jan. 8 – Feb. 26
Berrytown Community Center (1300 Heafer Road / (502) 456-8148)
Artist Anastasia Teper-Carrasquillo
Saturdays from 1 – 4 p.m.
Jan. 11 – March 1
Boys and Girl Haven (2301 Goldsmith Lane / (502) 836-6611)
EduCulture
Dates/Time TBA
Heuser Hearing & Language Academy, Inc. (111 E. Kentucky St. / (502) 636-2084 x 1008)
Louisville Ballet
Thursdays from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 9 – March 27
Home of the Innocents (1100 E. Market St. / (502) 596-1024)
Arts Angle Vantage
Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 15 – March. 5
Portland Community Center (3621 Southern Ave. / (502) 775-6598)
Artist Rebecca Cavalcante
Saturdays from 2 – 4 p.m.
Jan. 18 – March 8
Shawnee Community Center (607 S. 37th St. / (502) 775-5268)
Genesis Arts Kentucky Inc.
(February) Dates/Time TBA
Southwick Community Center (3621 Southern Ave. / (502) 775-6598)
California Community Center (1600 W. St. Catherine St. / (502) 574-2658)
Kidsview
Highview Arts Center (7406 Fegenbush Lane / (502) 224-7487)
Looking for Lilith Theatre Company
Maryhurst, Inc. (1015 Dorsey Lane / (502) 551-1797)
Rheonna Thorton
Metro Arts Community Center (8360 Dixie Hwy. / (502) 937-2055)
The Little Loomhouse
ABOUT FUND FOR THE ARTS
Fund for the Arts is a regional nonprofit with the mission to contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community by generating resources for, investing in, and supporting our local arts, artists, and arts organizations. The Fund envisions a healthy and vibrant community where everyone embraces the art that exists in our lives every day, everyone contributes to the well-being of our arts community, and it is understood that everyone belongs to the arts community. The organization facilitates the largest arts grant program in Greater Louisville and it conducts one of the two oldest united arts campaigns in the country. For more information, visit www.fundforthearts.org.
Louisville Metro Council News
Majority Caucus and Metro Council elect leadership for 2025
Louisville (January 9, 2025) – The Louisville Metro Council’s Majority Caucus and Metro Council elected their new leadership for 2025 during the organizational meeting, selecting experienced leaders to guide the council’s efforts in the coming year.
Majority Caucus Leadership
Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins was elected to serve as the Democratic Caucus Chair and Metro Council President Pro Tem. A member of the Metro Council since 2022, Chair Hawkins represents Council District 1, which includes neighborhoods in Louisville’s West End, including Parkland, Chickasaw, Lake Dreamland, Park DuValle, Parkland, Riverside Gardens, Russell and St. Denis. She has been a strong advocate for fostering stronger communication between local government and the communities she represents.
Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell, also elected to the Metro Council in 2022, was elected as the Democratic Caucus Vice Chair. She represents Council District 15, a diverse area that spans from Central to Southwest Louisville. Her district includes notable landmarks including the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs, as well as a mix of residential and business communities. Known for her community engagement, she brings a forward-thinking perspective to her leadership role.
Metro Council President
Councilman Brent Ackerson was elected as the Metro Council President for 2025, marking a significant milestone in his long-standing service to Louisville. He has represented Council District 26 since his initial election in 2008, focusing on issues like fiscal responsibility, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. Known for his collaborative leadership, he has earned a reputation for working across the aisle with all council members to enhance the quality of life for Louisville residents.
The next Democratic Caucus and Metro Council regular meetings are scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Newly elected Council members are sworn in in Metro Council Chambers on January 9, 2025.
Louisville Metro Health and Wellness News
Louisville rental property owners are reminded to enroll in the Lead-Safe Housing Registry
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are no safe levels of lead in someone’s blood. Lead can enter the body when someone inhales or ingests particles found in lead-contaminated paint, dust, soil or drinking water. Homes built before 1978, the year lead-based paints were banned for residential use, may contain lead hazards. Children under the age of 6 are at the greatest risk of developing health issues caused by lead exposure. Pregnant individuals can also be affected by lead and pass it on to their unborn baby, causing issues like premature birth, low birth weight, learning and behavior problems and even miscarriage and stillbirth.
Under the ordinance, rental property owners in Jefferson County – with a home built before 1978 -- will need to have their property inspected by a Kentucky Certified Lead Risk Assessor, who will be able to identify lead hazards in the home. If lead-based materials are discovered, they must be controlled through enclosure, encapsulation or abatement by a certified professional. Current and prospective tenants should be told about any lead hazards and the plan to remediate them.
Landlords may be eligible for grant funding to abate lead-based paint hazards at their rental property through the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Lead-Safe Louisville Program, which aims to eliminate lead hazards in all owner-occupied and rental units in Louisville. For more information about the Lead-Safe Louisville Program, including eligibility requirements, please visit Lead-Safe Louisville on louisvilleky.gov.
To learn about local trends and data when it comes to lead poisoning, visit louhealthdata.com.
Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia
As temperatures fall below freezing, the danger of frostbite increases significantly and can occur more quickly than you might expect.
Frostbitecauses loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes.
Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
Healthy Start launches Safe & Sound series for families
Safe & Sound Essential Safety Tips for Families series kicks off at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting Jan.15 at the South Central Regional Library, 7300 Jefferson Blvd. The series concludes Feb. 5.
Highlighted benefits:
Jan. 15: Baby-proofing & Safe Sleep
Jan. 22: Infant First-Aid, CPR, & Car Seat Safety
Jan. 29: Emotional Safety
Feb. 5: Care Provider Safety
Participants will gain valuable insights from experts on how to ensure the safety of their infants and children. They will also be provided with essential safety supplies, including electrical outlet covers, medicine storage boxes and more.
Raffles will feature items such as car seats and pack n’ plays.
Pregnant or postpartum individuals and families with infants under 18 months are encouraged to attend.
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for!
Don't contribute to the problem!
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.)
Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping.
Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.
Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it.
Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form.
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you, ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
Only set out large items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to communicate with our community partners about events and provide information you may find beneficial to have and share with your neighbors. Our monthly letter will provide you with an overview of crime trends within the division and highlight the work our talented women and men do each day serving our community. We will also provide any information that could impact our neighborhoods and travel such as construction and festivals. Please feel free and share this newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors. Signing up will ensure they receive the newsletter as soon as it is published.
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property and stay vigilant!
The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year. Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!
Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change. - Always lock your vehicle doors. - Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside. - Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them! - Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open. - Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. - Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!
Metro Emergency Repair Program
Eligibility criteria:
Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
Not available on rental property.
Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
May receive assistance once in a five year period.
Louisville-Jefferson County only.
Types of repairs:
Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
Electrical repairs/upgrades.
Water line repairs/replacement.
Sewer line repairs/replacement.
Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).
Peace Presbyterian Church (4210 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213)
Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm
Forest Baptist Church (4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218)
Open every 1st Thursday of the month -- 4pm - 6pm
Information about both pantries:
Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
First Come, First Served Basis
Picture ID & proof of residency required!
LouieConnect
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman Morgan McGarvey: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
