DISTRICT 3 NEWSLETTER - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 11/15/2022 12:27 PM EST

NOVEMBER 14, 2022

In this newsletter:

Local Interests
News
Funds & Financial Aid
COVID-19 in Kentucky
Resource Corner

Local Interests

Councilwoman Dorsey announces proposed ordinance to support businesses which hire persons convicted of a crime

Louisville (October 31, 2022) - Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3) was joined today by Rob Moore, Chaplain of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Michelle James, Co-Owner of NTC Safety and Verna Goatley, Director of the Human Relations Commission to announce a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 37 of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Code of Ordinances to support businesses which hire persons convicted of a crime by requiring a good faith effort to increase procurement from those second chance businesses.

Councilwoman Dorsey believes it’s in the public interest to address barriers to employment and to help people with criminal records have a fair chance at obtaining employment.

A Second Chance supporting business is defined as a business whose work force, on average, is composed of at least 10% of people who have been convicted of a felony or Class A misdemeanor.

The proposed ordinance has been assigned to the Labor and Economic Development Committee and is scheduled to be discussed on Tuesday, November 1 at 3 PM. The meeting will be available for viewing on Metro TV or online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/calendar-agendas.

A copy of the ordinance is available online: https://louisville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5867346&GUID=3767FD8B-C95A-41EF-A423-BA3082894824&Options=ID|Text|&Search=second.

For more information, please contact Councilwoman Dorsey’s office at 574-1103.

Louisville Parks and Recreation partnering with Alpha Media for Santa Sleigh 5K for Kids

Louisville Parks and Recreation is partnering with Alpha Media – 99.7 DJX, 102.3 The Rose, ALT 105.1, Magic 101.3 and B96.5 – to host the 3^rd annual Santa Sleigh 5K for Kids.

The family-friendly Santa Sleigh 5K for Kids will take place Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 9 a.m. in Joe Creason Park (1297 Trevilian Way, 40213). Registration is $25 and includes a professionally timed 5K run/walk, a custom Santa hat and a finisher’s medal. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK), whose mission is to provide a home and support for families while focusing on the healing of their sick children.

“We’re so thankful this event is benefitting RMHCK and our families,” said Had Hedley, RMHCK CEO. “We have seen record numbers of families who have stayed with us this year. The support of our community partners ensures we can continue providing the comforts of home and support so families can focus on their child’s health during a critical time.”

Litfest by West Louisville Math and Science Project

Read. Write. Analyze. Feel. Express. Come explore literacy through intergenerational learning. Free food! Register now at https://www.bit.ly/readville

Councilwoman Dorsey announces proposed ARP funding to address redlining in Louisville

Louisville (October 24, 2022) - Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3) was joined today by Councilmembers Angela Bowens (D-1), Dr. Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Jecorey Arthur (D-4), Donna Purvis (D-5), President David James (D-6), Paula McCraney (D-7), Christie McCravy, Executive Director of Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (LAHTF), Dr. Kevin W. Cosby, Executive Director of Simmons College, and Denise Sears, CEO & President of Supplies Over Seas to announce $13 million in recommended funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to address redlining and the effects in Louisville.

The Federal Housing Administration established in 1934 refused to insure mortgages in and near African-American neighborhoods. This practice became known as "redlining." Maps were color-coded by first the Home Owners Loan Corporation, then the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), then adopted by the Veterans Administration, and these color codes were designed to indicate where it was safe to insure mortgages. Areas near or where African-Americans consisted as the primary residents were colored ‘red’ to indicate to appraisers that these neighborhoods were too risky to insure mortgages. African-Americans were left out of the new suburban communities — and pushed instead into urban housing projects. The FHA was subsidizing builders who were mass-producing entire subdivisions for whites — with the requirement that none of the homes be sold to African-Americans.

Stabilization Contractors Needed

The Office of Housing and Community Development is seeking contractors to stabilize and repair vacant/abandoned and Metro-owned properties. Saving structures/properties from further damage, which may compromise the neighboring homes, degrade historical significance, or cause the structure to be declared emergency demolitions. These repairs could range anywhere from $1.00-$20,000 per job.

1. Login to Bonfire Portal (link below)

2. Apply under project "RFP230094"

3. Complete Application process following prompts in site.

More information at ht tps://louisvilleky.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunitieshttps://www.louisvillezoo.org/schools-out-safari

Any questions, contact Kim Henry at kim.henry@louisvilleky.gov

Louisville Branch NAACP Opposes Constitutional Amendment

The Louisville Branch NAACP is urging voters to say “NO” to two proposed constitutional amendments on the November General Election ballot that it views as government overreach and an attack on women’s civil rights.

Amendment 1 is being pushed by the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly and would give the legislature authority to call itself into special session and extend regular sessions. A special session would only need the joint approval of the House Speaker and Senate president – not the entire legislature.

Currently, only the Governor is empowered to call special sessions and set the agenda. The governor would retain that authority.

The constitution also does not allow regular sessions to be extended, but the amendment would allow lawmakers to extend a session with a three-fifths vote.

The NAACP said Amendment 2 would virtually eliminate abortion rights in Kentucky. It would take away a woman’s right to choose how she manages her body and restricts reproductive freedom.

The amendment would add the phrase “To protect human life, nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion.”

The NAACP said: “Passage of Amendment 2 would represent a major intrusion into a woman’s personal choice.”

The Louisville Branch works daily for equal justice under the law and sees the passage of Amendment 2 as antithetical to the policies and principals of the NAACP.

Louisville Zoo "Schools Out Safari Discount"

The Louisville Zoo is excited to announce its NEW School’s Out Safari discount to help provide our community with fun, safe and educational experiences at the Zoo this fall and winter.

Guests can receive one free child admission (ages 3 – 11) when they buy one adult general admission ticket. Tickets must be purchased at the admission window on the day of your visit. The offer cannot be redeemed for more than one child admission per single adult admission. This discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Children 2 and under do not require a ticket.

This discount is available on the following days:

Tuesday, November 8
Wednesday, November 23
Friday, November 25
December 19 – 23
December 26 – 30
Monday, January 2
Tuesday, January 3
Monday, January 16

Air Justice Launches!

It’s time to talk about Air Justice. Our coalition of community leaders and scholars are here to listen. What do you know about air pollution? We'd love to hear your story and learn from you through this project.

The Air Justice team wants to amplify the voices of District 3, so we are creating a community website that shares stories related to air pollution and makes the science of air quality easier to understand. A collection of stories highlights the need for local legislation related to environmental justice. If you have a story to share, fill out this contact form: https://bit.ly/3f2G5AP

Become and Ambassador!

Become an ambassador for Louisville Metro's Office for Women. The Office for Women Ambassadors is a 6-month training program for women who represent the diverse communities across Louisville. Click here to apply; applications due November 15, 2022.

LIHEAP Vendor Solicitation for 2022-23 Season

Vendors wishing to participate in the LIHEAP 2022-2023 program must complete required paperwork and return the appropriate documentation. Vendor Packets can be downloaded from the louisvilleky.gov website by clicking here, or arrangements can be made to pick up in person by calling 502/574-6082.

LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to help eligible, low-income households meet their home heating needs. LIHEAP vendors are defined as any business that supplies energy, such as rental facilities where utilities are included in the rent or provides home heating fuel to individuals applying for the LIHEAP program. Examples of home heating fuel include oil, kerosene, propane, bottled gas, wood, electric or natural gas.

Complete the Streets Coalition

Public Works has been actively recruiting for the Complete Streets Coalition, which Metro Council created through an edit to the Complete Streets Ordinance. We have received over 30 applications and plan to appoint 13 people to the coalition’s initial membership. Unfortunately, the applicants do not fully represent the diversity we believe is needed to fully represent Louisville.

We are reaching out to you to ask for your assistance in recruiting individuals from your district. Please reach out to Nathan Keltch, Nathan.keltch@louisvilleky.gov, if you have any questions regarding the application or Complete Streets Coalition. Here is a link to the application: https://arcg.is/aXP4K

Know where to access current air quality conditions and forecasts

Louisville Air Watch provides real-time air quality information for Louisville, including a live map of the air monitoring stations throughout the area. Each site operated by the APCD also has its own page with more detailed monitoring data.

The EPA's AirNow provides live air monitoring and an air quality forecast for a few days ahead of time. There is also an AirNow app that provides the AQI live directly to your phone.

The Air Pollution Control District Twitter and Facebook pages post a daily air quality forecast each morning along with air quality tips, updates, and meeting, hearing, and event announcements.

Get your voice heard! Parks Alliance of Louisville needs your feedback!

Parks For All will collect new data, listen to new voices, share new information, and create a roadmap for equitable and transparent investment in our public parks.

CREATING AN ACTION STRATEGY FOR EQUITABLE INVESTMENT IN OUR PUBLIC PARKS

Take the survey by clicking this link.

Office of the Inspector General

The Office of Inspector General was established in 2020 by Mayor Fischer and Metro Council by Ordinance § 36.78 to increase transparency and oversight of LMPD. Edward Harness was appointed as the city’s first Inspector General because of his unique background in law, law enforcement, and police oversight. The office is an independent agency that investigates complaints against and reviews the practices & policies of Louisville Metro Police Department. Complaints may be submitted online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-inspector-general.

Upon receiving a complaint, the case will be assigned to an investigator who will evaluate the merits of the complaint and conduct an initial screening. The Inspector General then presents recommendations to the Civilian Review and Accountability Board so that they may vote regarding how to proceed with investigating the complaint. The Civilian Review and Accountability Board meets on the 4^th Wednesday of each month from 3 – 5 pm in Metro Hall, Room 106. The meetings are open to the public. For more information and meeting summaries, click here.

Once the investigation is concluded, the Inspector General will make recommendations to the Chief of Police, the Mayor, Metro Council, or other appropriate bodies. The Inspector General shall make a final written report available to the public upon the conclusion of each investigation that includes any recommendations.

Councilwoman McCraney’s District Download podcast will be released on Tuesday, September 27 - https://district-download-a-louisville-metro-council-pod.sounder.fm/.

The Know Waste Education Team is Hiring!

The Know Waste Education team is seeking part-time employees to implement the Recycle Right Program. This program was piloted in three neighborhoods in the Urban Services District to reduce recycling contamination and increase the quality of recycled materials so more new products can be made from them. Unaccepted materials or accepted materials with food and liquid can damage machinery and contaminate the recycling at the Materials Recovery Facility. This program proved to reduce recycling contamination in the Deer Park, Southside, and Shawnee neighborhoods.

The new part-time employees will survey solid waste containers in both the Urban Services District and suburban areas for contamination. Feedback and education will be provided to residents using a “Way to Know!” or “Oops” tag attached to their container. Applicants should be able to spend prolonged periods standing and walking and will work weekday mornings.

Apply Now!

News

From the Mayor's desk:

Community call to action against domestic violence

Mayor Fischer was joined by representatives of The Center for Women and Families, La Casita Center and other advocates today in a news conference to call greater attention to the scourge of domestic violence, as well as services available in Louisville to those in need.

Though Louisville is seeing some positive trends resulting from its whole-of-government approach to public safety, it’s also seeing a sharp uptick of domestic violence homicides. Louisville Metro Police statistics show that at this time in 2020, there were two domestic violence homicides in the city; in 2021, there were five; and so far this year, there have been 12. Learn more.

The Center for Women and Families’ 24/7 emergency hotline: Call 1-844-237-2331

The Metro United Way Community Resource Database: Call 211.

Investing in a healthy Louisville

On Tuesday, the Mayor joined Metro Councilmembers to outline an ordinance proposing to spend $87.4 million of the city’s share of federal American Rescue Plan dollars on projects that range from opening two new libraries to investments in childcare and early learning, as well as in parks, pools and public health. Learn more.

Never too late for compassion

Mayor Fischer asks residents to help the annual Give A Day Celebration of Service to a strong finish this week by contributing to community projects, or starting their own. Learn more at mygiveaday.com.

Vaccines work

The Mayor and Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness reminds residents to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more at louisvilleky.gov/covid19.

The Metro Council has passed zoning changes to increase access to childcare facilities.

Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey and other members of the city council supported this proposal from District 8's Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong.

Link to the full story!

Funds & Financial Aid

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy begins November 7 to provide utility assistance for income-eligible residents

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 4, 2022) - Today Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services began accepting appointments for the annual Fall Subsidy Component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which operates November 7 through December 16, 2022, or until funds are depleted.

During LIHEAP Subsidy, individuals or families in Jefferson County at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines who are responsible for home energy cost, whether directly or as an undesignated portion of rent, are eligible for assistance. Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills.

The Subsidy component provides households a one-time ranging from $50 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. Payments are be made directly to the heating vendor (i.e. LG&E).

Appointments are required in advance to apply. Starting today, November 4, the toll-free automated appointment system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to schedule an in-person appointment at one of seven locations. The automated scheduler will provide details about these locations as well as eligibility and required documentation.

Please note residents who applied for LIHEAP Fall Subsidy in October during the early registration phase for elderly and disabled citizens, do not need to reapply during the regular LIHEAP Subsidy Phase.

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy Component

How to apply: Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at https://www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Eligibility:

Jefferson County households within 130% of 2022-23 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Must be responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs if utilities are included as an undesignated portion of rent.
LIHEAP Subsidy is a one-time benefit. You do not need to have a past-due balance or disconnect notice to be eligible.

Louisville Metro reopens applications for Landlord-Tenant Rental Assistance Program

Louisville Metro Government is now accepting applications for its Landlord-Tenant Rental Assistance Program (LTRAP), allowing landlords to request bulk rental assistance on behalf of tenants who are behind on rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal of the program is to streamline the process for rental relief and reduce paperwork barriers, including requiring tenants to sign an income and COVID-19 certification rather than providing a paystub.

Tenants can still apply for rental assistance through the state's Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund by visiting www.teamkyhherf.ky.gov/Home.aspx or calling 833-597-3687.

Utility Assistance through LG&E

Residential Assistance Programs available here.

COVID-19 in Kentucky

Jefferson County is experiencing a low number of cases at this time. We encourage residents to continue following CDC guidelines and to act with the community in mind to keep our case numbers down and to keep everyone healthy.

Mask up, stay safe, and remember we're all in this together.

Learn more at louisvilleky.gov/covid19.

How to Sign up for Gov Delivery

Signing up for gov delivery is a great way to stay informed of development proposals in your our District. See the graphic below to learn how!

Meetings for the Metro Council

Metro Council Meetings Now Live-streaming on Facebook

Louisville Metro Council is now livestreaming 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.

If you would like to see the agenda for any of the Metro Council’s Committee meetings click here.

Resource Corner

UofL Peace Hospital offers mental health treatment in District 3!

Adult Outpatient Center 4414 Churchman Avenue, Louisville, KY 40215

MetroSWAP - A Safe Zone for Online Sellers

Did you just sell an item online and need a place to meet to complete the transaction? Marketplace, Craig's List, and all other online sellers, if you are looking for a public place to exchange your items, look no further than in the parking lot of a police station. Do you share custody of a child and are looking for somewhere to exchange custody? Again, a great place to consider is at a MetroSWAP Zone.

The Louisville Metro Police Department is providing MetroSWAP Zones around the city. These areas are located outside of some of our Divisions. There is 24 hour video surveillance.

Tips for using MetroSWAP:

Agree to meet the person ONLY at a MetroSWAP station.
Meet only during daylight hours.
Tell someone you trust where you are meeting and at what time.
Meet in the parking lot. There will be two (2) designated parking spots at each location for use.
Make this interaction brief and to the point.

MetroSWAP Locations

2nd Division - 3419 Bohne Avenue

3rd Division - 7219 Dixie Highway

7th Division - 7201 Outer Loop

8th Division - 200 Juneau Drive

Crime Maps - Updated Daily

Always Remember to Lock Your Car and Remove All Valuables, it's the Easiest Way to Prevent Crime

Click Here to view LMPD's interactive crime mapping tool.

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.

Stay informed!

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