Louisville Metro Council District 4 E-News
Councilman Jecorey Arthur | Legislative Assistant Brianna Wright
601 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202 | (502)574-1104
Hopefully this new year is a blessing for you. Metro Council starts meeting again in a couple weeks. Before we start our new session, let's celebrate some achievements from the last one. Here are 23 wins from 2023:
- We launched our first neighborhood advisory board, bringing together all our residential neighborhoods in the district to help advise the office.
- The neighborhood advisory board helped create a sidewalk repair plan that uses constituent complaints, neighborhood preference, and sidewalk quality to prioritize funding.
- We submitted letters of support for reentry programs, sustainability, public parks, and tenant rights.
- We sponsored a grant for the Office of Arts and Creative Industry to work with LouiEvolve, Louisville's premier local hip hop festival, to create workshops at community centers around town.
- We funded emergency shelter in this year's city budget to get people off the streets during extreme weather.
- We drafted a right to shelter ordinance with the Coalition for the Homeless and its members to help shelter people all year round.
- We passed a resolution calling on public and private employers to be flexible as families of public school students get adjusted to the new start and stop times.
- We funded rental assistance in this year's city budget to help families in our district stay housed.
- We funded repairs for the California Park and Community Center in this year's city budget.
- We sponsored several events events including Victory Park Day, California Day, No COMPLY 3, Buy Local Fair, Buy Local West Louisville, and more
- We hosted over 25 community meetings and town halls, including our fall town hall, bringing government departments directly to the people they serve.
- We contracted with the historic WLOU radio to promote our newsletter on air, which helped us reach tens of thousands of subscribers this year.
- We reallocated American Rescue Plan funding towards public parks, libraries, and nonprofits helping with workforce development.
- We funded a $30,000 grant for the Housing Stabilization Program to help households with rent, finances, and other wraparound services.
- We approved funding for new staff in the Office of Sustainability and approved federal grants for them from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office.
- We funded repairs for Ballard Park in this year's city budget, the first city funding to that park in over 20 years.
- We sponsored over $60,000 in Neighborhood Development Funds for organizations like Jeff Street Baptist, the Louisville Independent Business Association, Kentucky Shakespeare, the Coalition for the Homeless, and Junior Achievement.
- We sponsored over $195,000 in Capital Infrastructure Funds to repair sidewalks across the district.
- We approved a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help restore our local tree canopy.
- We approved funding for organizations from the Opioid Settlement to address substance use.
- We passed an ordinance updating regulations for short term rentals to better protect local residents.
- With chairmanship of the Parks and Sustainability Committee, we held special discussions with Louisville Water, Parks and Rec, the Office of Sustainability, MSD, Air Pollution Control, and more to help with policy, transparency, and accountability of public agencies.
- We passed the anti-displacement ordinance, to help families who faced discrimination get their land back, give community members more voice in Louisville's housing needs, and protect households from government sponsored displacement.
In 2023 we sponsored 59 pieces of legislation, 57 passed and we withdrew our sponsorship of 2. A special shoutout to the District 4 Legislative Assistant Brianna Wright who opened and closed several hundred constituent cases this year. Also shoutout to Mikayla Hicks, our teen intern, who helps create social media content, and our University of Louisville Political Science Intern, Jayvon Rankin, who helped research legislation. And most importantly shoutout to YOU. So many people worked with us last year to make our district and our city better, and we're ready to do even more for our last year in office. Happy New Year.
Kentucky General Assembly 2024
The Kentucky General Assembly, the state legislature, is in session. To watch their meetings go to ket.org/legislature. You can also find your legislators, check the status of bills, and leave messages about bills by calling numbers here.
District 4 Tele-Town Hall
Tuesday, January 16th 6:00-7:00 PM
Video-In: https://louisvilleky.webex.com/meet/D4
Phone-In: (415)655-0001
Access Code: 180-005-6522 #
Note: You do not need to download WebEx to join by video on a computer. Once you press 'cancel' on the link's popup there is an option to join by browser at the bottom of the screen. If no one attends by 6:15, the tele-town hall will end early.
Legislation
- Homeless Shelter Resolution — This resolution will request the Planning Commission to review regulations for homeless shelters to make them more accessible. This will create more shelter space for people experiencing houselessness. To show support, sign the petition here.
- FY24 District 4 Sidewalk Repairs — Louisville Metro Council District 4 has about a million dollars worth of unfunded sidewalk repairs. Councilman Jecorey Arthur is paying for repairs through the Capital Infrastructure Fund (CIF). To review the order of repairs please go here.
- Capital Infrastructure Funds — Councilman Jecorey Arthur is funding new trash cans throughout District 4. Please contact the office for requests.
- Capital Infrastructure Funds — Councilman Jecorey Arthur is funding new street lights throughout District 4. Please contact the office for requests.
Some of the legislation above is drafted but may not have been filed. We welcome input from constituents, experts, and stakeholders. To learn more about what's coming up on Metro Council please go here.
LIHEAP Crisis Phase Is Open
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is now accepting appointments for the annual Crisis Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program assists income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs on a first-come, first-served basis, now through March 29, 2024, or until funds are depleted. To learn more, click here.
Waste Collection Holiday Delays and Closings
There will be no waste collection on Monday, January 15 within the Urban Services District in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Collection will resume Tuesday, January 16 and will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week. Residents serviced by private companies should check with those companies for the holiday schedule.
The staffed recycling drop-off locations, HazBin, and Waste Reduction Center will be closed on Saturday, January 13 in observance of the holiday.
Mayor Greenberg Joins Publix to Cut Ribbon on First Location in Louisville, Creating 150 Jobs
Mayor Craig Greenberg joined local officials and leaders from Publix Super Market to cut the ribbon on the chain’s first Louisville location, which will create 150 jobs. To learn more, click here.
Call For Artists: Applications Now Open for the Sixth Annual Art in City Hall Exhibition
Louisville Metro Council and Louisville Visual Art (LVA) are now accepting applications for artwork to display in City Hall as part of the sixth annual Art in City Hall exhibition.
The annual program, which will be administered by LVA, invites artists to submit original, two-dimensional works of art through an online application process by Monday, January 15, 2024. The submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of Metro Council and LVA representatives. To learn more, click here.
Metro Council Republicans Elect Kramer and Reed as Caucus Leaders for 2024
During their first Caucus meeting of 2024, the nine Republican members of the Louisville Metro Council’s Minority Caucus unanimously elected Kevin Kramer (District 11) to the position of Caucus Chair. The Metro Council’s Minority Caucus has also unanimously elected Councilman Scott Reed (District 16) as Caucus Vice-Chair.
Kevin Kramer will serve his eighth year as Chair of the Caucus and fourteenth in a position of leadership. Scott Reed will serve his fourth year as vice-chair, having previously served in that position from 2020-2022.
Notice of Public Meeting on Proposed Permit
The Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (District) is holding a public meeting starting at 6 p.m. on January 18, 2023, to discuss the proposed renewal of a Title V operating permit for Clariant Corporation (Louisville South Plant) (catalyst manufacturer), 4900 Crittenden Drive. The public meeting is less formal than a public hearing and provides an opportunity to learn more about the facility and the proposed renewal permit. The meeting will be held in the Edison Room at the Edison Center, 701 West Ormsby Avenue, 40203, and via video teleconference. Instructions for attending the meeting via video teleconference will be posted on the District website. The public comment period, first published on November 1, 2023, and extended on December 8, 2023, runs until January 24, 2023. A public hearing to take oral comment will be held on January 23, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To learn more, click here.
City Approved More Than $3.2 Million in METCO Loans for Small Businesses in 2023
Louisville Metro Government approved more than $3.2 million in loans to 28 businesses through its Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) program in 2023, leveraging $12.3 million in private investment and creating dozens of new jobs in neighborhoods across the city. To learn more, click here.
Councilwoman Flood Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2024
Councilwoman Madonna Flood (D-24) announced she is not seeking re-election in 2024. As a founding member of the Louisville Metro Council, Flood was first elected to serve District 24 in November 2002 and was re-elected in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020. She is currently serving her fifth term. To learn more, click here.
Legal Aid Society Guide to Protections Against Landlord Discrimination
Please view the short legal guide to protections against landlord discrimination based on lawful source of income. To learn more, click here.
Land Development Code Reform
The Land Development Code (LDC) is a set of rules and laws that defines how land can be used, how a development such as a new shopping mall or apartment must be designed, and the procedures for approval. The LDC Reform is an equity focused approach to revise the LDC consistently with Plan 2040 to allow for increased housing choices and opportunities in new and existing neighborhoods, to create procedures and regulations that are easier to use, and increase the quality of life by reducing the concentration of environmental hazards near housing.
Work to reform the LDC began in the summer of 2020. Initial recommendations, including accessory dwelling units, notification procedures, and urban agriculture were all adopted within the first year. The work continues and we encourage you to participate!
To learn about the currently proposed amendments to the LDC, please click HERE to view the content or copy the following link into the address bar of your web browser: https://arcg.is/05LCLX0.
Please contact Joel Dock, Planning Coordinator at 502-574-5860 or send an email to ldcreform@louisvilleky.gov with any questions or comments.
Community Free Day at the Ali Center | January 15th, 10 AM - 5 PM
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Muhammad Ali Center will be open free to the public on Monday. The Center will be showing Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the top of each hour.
In addition, the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) will host their annual, “Continuing the Dream, Continuing the Legacy” youth leadership panel discussion at noon.
Visitors can shop at the Muhammad Ali Center Museum Store during this time, which will be offering a special promotion all day.
144 N. 6th St., Louisville, KY 40202
Harlem Nights in the Derby City | January 12, 2024, 8 PM - 12 AM
Join the Louisville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for the inaugural Harlem Nights in the Derby City! The event will feature live music, Motown Bingo, culinary stations, door prizes, giveaways, and more!
General Admission tickets include 1 complimentary Motown Bingo Card (extra cards are available for purchase), $10 value chips, and 1 signature drink ticket.
VIP-High Rollin' tickets include general admission access, $25 value chips for VIP access to the High Rollin' for Donors gaming room, an additional drink ticket, and a Swag Goodie Box.
Purchase your tickets here.
Proceeds benefit The Family Scholar House, The Healing Place, and LAC Community Outreach.
1860 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40206
Silent Disco at TEN20 | January 12th, 8 PM - 12 AM
Dance with Louisville Silent Disco at TEN20 this Friday! Enjoy and OG silent disco experience with 3 channels of music - Decades on red, Hip Hop on blue and Pop/Top 40 on green.
For $10 you get a pair of headphones that have 3 different channels of music playing simultaneously. Choose which channel you want to listen to and have fun dancing with friends!
Get your tickets in advance here.
1020 E. Washington St., Louisville, KY 40206
Soul Sunday MLK Weekend Dayparty | January 14th, 5 PM - 10 PM
Join Goodtimers for their annual Soul Sunday MLK Weekend Dayparty at the Tavern on Fourth. Enjoy sounds by DJ Emptybeats, games, food and drink specials, and keep an eye on the NFL playoffs!
Dress code strictly enforced, no hoodies, solid tees, ball caps, athletic wear, or purses larger than a clutch. Must be 21 and over to attend.
Tickets are available here.
427 S. 4th St., #B, Louisville, KY 40202
Keepers of the Dream: Freedom Award | Sunday, January 14, 2024, 5 PM
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.
This event is free and open to the public, FREE parking available in The Kentucky Center Garage.
501 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202
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