I know some have objections to their state policy positions but I am focused exclusively on their work with the city and what I have influence over. It is true that before merger, it was decided that the city would own the property under Churchill Downs and we would lease the property back to them. This exempts them from Metro and JCPS property taxes. In lieu of that exemption, they have paid the equivalent of the JCPS rate which currently amounts to about $1.3M/year to JCPS. Although they don’t pay Metro property taxes (which would amount to about $750,000 per year), they pay full occupational taxes, income taxes, sales taxes, gaming taxes, etc.

To put it bluntly, any company willing to invest $1 Billion dollars into our city would get a series of tax breaks far, far more extensive than one portion of their property taxes. Further, the real issue is Churchill Downs’ existence costs JCPS nothing (e.g. this is not a residential property which has kids using the school system). They do cost Metro in police support, fire support, roads, waste removal, etc. If this project moves forward, the proposal on the table is for Churchill Downs to keep paying the current tax rate they are paying (which will go up as they are reassessed) to Metro instead of JCPS. To be clear, this represents approximately one five-hundredth (0.05%) of a percent of JCPS’ budget and, over 30 years, would bring in an additional $40-$50 Million in new taxes to Metro to pay for policy, fire, roads, parks, etc. I am more than happy to support any local business that is investing $1 Billion in our city especially when it means they will pay almost all their taxes and the change will have an unobservable effect on a government body who has increased taxes multiple times in recent years. As a reminder, Metro Louisville has not only not raised taxes since I have been in office, additionally, the property tax rate you currently pay is the lowest it has been since before merger.

Finally, a few colleagues and I have proposed additional requirements to reduce the use of online meetings at Metro Council and require Councilmembers to attend meetings in person. You pay our salaries, you pay for the buildings, and I think we need to use them the way they are intended. Further, we are more productive and collaborative when we are in person at Council. This has only just been proposed so I will keep you updated on how this progresses.

I will have another newsletter shortly to talk about the Mayor’s budget proposal. I hope everyone enjoyed their Passover or Easter recently with friends and family.

Humbly Yours,

Anthony Piagentini

Connect With Your Councilman

The UL Shelby Campus-April 5th Pop-Up Drop-Off/Shredding RESCHEDULED for May 31st!

List of all the Pop up drop off Events for 2025

Pop-Up Drop-Off Waste Disposal Events | LouisvilleKY.gov

Step into Wellness with the New Louisville Zoo Walking Club

Free registration at the Zoo daily from 8 - 9:15 a.m.

The Louisville Zoo Walking Club is reopening with a new name and new way to join! From March 1 through October 31, participants are invited to walk the Zoo before regular hours and watch as the Zoo wakes up during this free program. Entry is from 8 to 9:15 a.m., with exit by 9:30 a.m.

Membership to the Zoo is not required to enroll in the Walking Club. Walkers must simply register in person at the Zoo’s entrance before their first walk. Registration is available daily during program hours. After registering, members will receive a Walking Club membership card for quick entry on future visits.

The one-mile, paved walking loop includes both flat areas and hilly terrain, with directional signs to keep walkers on track. Walkers enter at the front gate and are checked in by a Zoo staff member.

Zoo exhibits, concessions, rentals, and other services are not open during Walking Club hours. If walkers wish to see the animals, they must re-enter the Zoo via the front gate at 10 a.m. with a paid admission receipt or Zoo membership.

More information at louisvillezoo.org/walk.

Kentucky Humane Society with LMAS - Hammer's Lou Adopts! - May 10th

Stay Informed - Planning & Design Department

Public Meetings/Notices

Click the dates below to view the Weekly Activity Report for that week.

• IARC Report 042325.pdf

Click the link below to view details about upcoming PUBLIC MEETINGS regarding NEW OR AMENDED DEVELOPMENT! 

• 25-CUP-0074_Notice_050525.pdf
• BOZA Participation Guide_2025.pdf

New Requirement to Renew Driver's License in Kentucky

Starting January 1, 2025, all Kentuckians must undergo a vision screening to renew their driver’s license. Multiple states have adopted mandatory vision screenings to ensure drivers have the visual acuity required to operate a vehicle safely.

This new requirement, enacted during the 2021 General Assembly, aims to promote highway safety by ensuring that all drivers maintain good vision throughout their driving career. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet  (KYTC) is responsible for administering the vision requirement law for drivers seeking to renew their license. Drivers have two options for vision screenings when renewing their license. Click on the link below for additional details. https://drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Documents/KCTC_fact%20sheet_public_.pdf

New Kentucky Drivers License Info

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.

To learn more about applications, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/boards-commissions-and-committees 

Report Potholes

We need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below:

1. Use an online form by clicking here.
2. Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
4. You can also call my office at 574-1119 or email chanelle.smith@louisvilleky.gov and we'll turn it in on your behalf.

To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov or click here.

Message from LMPD

Over the past month, the 8th Division has experienced a concerning increase in thefts from vehicles and auto thefts, particularly in our residential areas. In response, our dedicated officers and detectives, in collaboration with various units across the Louisville Metro Police Department, have worked tirelessly to address and combat this criminal activity. Their diligent efforts have led to several arrests, and investigations continue as we identify additional suspects. Although we have seen a decrease in these incidents, they remain a top priority for our patrols and enforcement actions. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your property. Most of the recent car break-ins involved unlocked vehicles, and the stolen vehicles had keys left inside them. Additionally, several incidents involved open garages resulting in thefts from vehicles and auto thefts. By taking simple preventative measures, we can significantly reduce the attractiveness of our neighborhoods to criminals. Please consider the following prevention tips to greatly reduce your chances of being victimized: ·        REMOVE KEYS FROM INSIDE VEHICLES ·        LOCK VEHICLE DOORS ·        CLOSE GARAGES ·        REMOVE GARAGE DOOR OPENERS FROM VEHICLES ·        REMOVE ANY VALUABLES FROM INSIDE VEHICLES Your cooperation is essential in making our neighborhoods safer and less appealing to potential thieves. By locking your vehicles and ensuring keys and garage door openers are not left inside, we can collectively deter criminal activity. In addition to our enforcement efforts, the 8th Division has hosted several community events over the past month, with more planned in the near future. These events provide an excellent opportunity for you to engage with our officers, ask questions, and learn more about our efforts to keep our community safe. Below are some pictures from our recent events, as well as a schedule of upcoming events. We warmly invite you to attend and participate.

Report a Litterer

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window.

LMPD Nextdoor

The Louisville Metro Police Department is now on Nextdoor to engage with residents of Metro Louisville. Detective Sergeant Roderick Beasley is active on the platform representing the 8^th Division. He is sharing information with residents of the 8^th Division about current crime trends, crime tips, and community events for your neighborhoods. To join us on Nextdoor use the link below.

Link to LMPD on nextdoor

Guidelines for Calling the Police

Find the Latest Crime & Safety Info from LMPD

Crime Trends from Louisville Metro Police  Click here and view our interactive crime mapping tool. Save it in your favorites, it's updated daily. Forward this email to your friends and family!  Or use the crime mapping iPhone app: Crime Mapping | Louisville Metro PD, KY (louisville-police.org) If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related help or to find a towed vehicle. Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips.

Call Before You Dig