District 14 Councilwoman

and

Vice Chair of Democratic Caucus

Contact Cindi Fowler

Legislative Assistant

Amy Stewart

Office Locations:

CityHall
601 West Jefferson St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-1114

Southwest Government Center
7219 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40258

2024 Committees:

Chair of Parks & Sustainability

Budget & Appropriations

Visit Councilwoman Fowler's website 

In This Edition...

• For Rental Property Owners
• This Saturday at Jefferson Memorial Forest
• First Pop-Up Drop-Off Event this Saturday
• Train Show, Saturday, March 16th
• Cole Crop Sale in the Portland Neighborhood Start your garden with Louisville Grows
• Lifeguard Training Opportunity Starts March 17
• Ohio River Film Screening Tues., March 19
• Don't Miss Derby City Wrestling at the SW Library, Register Today!
• Trash for Cash Application Deadline Extended
• Easter Egg Splash at the YMCA
• Mill Creek Cleanup March 23rd, Sign Up Today
• Salsa for Beginners
• LEGO Party
• Wildlife Education at the Library
• Spring Break Activity for the Kids
• Southwest Community Ministries Giving Back Gala, April 13
• Brightside Looking for Volunteers
• Food Literacy Project Moves to PRP Area, Now Hiring 15-21 Year Olds
• South End Community Market
• Call for Vendors - Farmer's Market at Riverside
• Jefferson Memorial Summer Camps
• Career Opportunities with Louisville Metro Government
• Need Legal Assistance? Here's a Free Resource
• Do You Need Help Preparing Your Taxes? VITA Can Help!
• Free Tax Service at SW Government Center
• Gun Violence Dashboard is Live
• Meals on Wheels
• Reporting Potholes
• Report a Litterer!
• How Can You Help with Illegal Dumping
• Southwest Community Ministries, Donations Needed
• Meriweather Waste Reduction Center
• Contact Metro311

For Rental Property Owners

Attention Rental Property Owners,

The Department of Codes & Regulations has initiated their new Rental Registry program and your action is required. Property owners must register all their rental units with the city and pay a fee ranging from $25 to $250; failure to register is subject to a fine up to $100 per day per housing unit.

The registry will provide accurate and up-to-date contact information for property owners and management companies to help the city better identify and contact the responsible parties should Code Enforcement Officers find code violations at a rental property. Louisville Metro Government will randomly select properties from the list each year to undergo inspections to ensure the units meet the city code of ordinances.

Registration is available online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/codes-regulations/. Property owners/managers may also apply in person with the Department of Codes & Regulations at 444 S. 5th St., Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40202.

This Saturday at Jefferson Memorial Forest

Jefferson Memorial Forest has released its lineup of public programs for 2024! More information on these events and others can be found at this link.      Mar 16 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Map and Compass Horine Conference Center 12408 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, United States Map and landscape reading are skills every outdoor person should possess. Equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to read and interpret topographic maps and locate destinations while using a compass. These in-field exercises are a hands-on learning experience. Program meets in the Horine Reservation main parking lot. Ages: 8 and up. A parent/legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Pre-Registration required. Register online or by calling 502-368-5404. Fee: $5/person   Mar 16 @ 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Fairies in the Forest Horine Program Field 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, United States Enter a magical, hidden world in the Forest, where creatures of the imagination live. Bring your children on an enchanted hike in search of forest fairies living among the wildflowers and trees. Along the way, your child may use their creativity to make a fairy house of natural materials. We will end at our Nature Explore Classroom and enjoy s’mores at the campfire! Program meets in the Horine Reservation’s Environmental Education Center. Address: 12400 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Fairdale, KY 40118

First Pop-Up Drop-Off Event this Saturday

2024 Pop-Up Drop-Off Schedule  All events are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on a Saturday. Please do not arrive early. Vehicles waiting cause traffic backups.

Train Show, Saturday, March 16th

Cole Crop Sale in the Portland Neighborhood Start your garden with Louisville Grows

WHAT: Louisville Grows will be selling cole crop plant starts for all gardeners beginning their gardens.
Stop by the greenhouse to purchase nutritious, high-quality plant starts to commence the growing season!
Proceeds from the sale directly support a sustainable and equitable food system in our community by
benefiting community gardens and orchards through our grant and giving grove programs. The upcoming
sale dates are March 16, April 13, and May 11—more info on the April and May Sales to come. As a
volunteer-based organization, Louisville Grows depends on community members to help us. Volunteers are
instructed by staff during the sale event. Volunteers receive a 10 percent discount at the Seeds & Starts
sales.
WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 2024. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
WHERE: Louisville Grows Greenhouse, 1639 Portland Ave, Louisville, KY 40203
WHO: Louisville Grows is an environmental, 501©3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to
grow greener, healthier neighborhoods. Louisville Grows works in solidarity with
community residents to create a more just and sustainable community through urban
agriculture, urban forestry, and environmental education. More information about
Louisville Grows can be found at louisvillegrows.org.
WHY: All proceeds from the Seeds & Starts sales go toward funding our urban agriculture grant
and Urban Agriculture programs. Supporting local food production empowers individuals
to source their food, contributes to our well-being, and improves the quality of life for
residents throughout the community.
HOW: To view available plants, visit: https://www.seedsandstarts.org/ for additional
information, contact Ellie Davenport.

Lifeguard Training Opportunity Starts March 17

Ohio River Film Screening Tues., March 19

Don't Miss Derby City Wrestling at the SW Library, Register Today!

The Louisville Free Public Library is partnering with Derby City Wrestling to think outside the box in promoting children’s literacy. LFPL and DCW will host “Reading & Wristlocks” on Friday, March 22, 6 p.m., at the Southwest Regional Library.

This free community event will feature superstars from Derby City Wrestling reading to children, taking pictures, and signing autographs, before they lock up and square off inside the ring for a night of exciting pro wrestling action.

“Reading & Wristlocks” is a free, non-televised live event and space is extremely limited. Seats must be reserved in advance online at www.LFPL.org/Wrestling.

Reading & Wristlocks

Friday, March 22, 2024

Southwest Regional Library

9725 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY. 40272

Story Time: 6:00 p.m.

Bell Time: 6:30 p.m.

Trash for Cash Application Deadline Extended

Easter Egg Splash at the YMCA

Mill Creek Cleanup March 23rd, Sign Up Today

Salsa for Beginners

LEGO Party

Wildlife Education at the Library

Spring Break Activity for the Kids

Southwest Community Ministries Giving Back Gala, April 13

Join us Saturday, April 13th, 2024 as we celebrate Southwest Community Ministries 40th Anniversary of giving back at our Giving Back Gala!  Click here for information and tickets. 

Who We Are

Our mission at Southwest Community Ministries is to unite Community Partners to fulfill the needs of our neighbors in crisis.

Because of You

Last year because of sponsorships and donations we were able to impact 573 households with rent/utilities assistance, 140 students with the tools they needed to learn, 326 children experience the magic of Christmas, provided 7,536 individuals with food, and made sure that 18,832 meals were delivered to home bound seniors.

Our Vision

Our vision is to support our mission by connecting our neighbors with the information and resources they need to get through challenging times so they, and their children, can lead fulfilling and purposeful lives. We work diligently with our community service providers, churches, sponsors, other non-profit agencies, and volunteers to be a helping hand during their time of need.

Brightside Looking for Volunteers

Food Literacy Project Moves to PRP Area, Now Hiring 15-21 Year Olds

South End Community Market

Call for Vendors - Farmer's Market at Riverside

Jefferson Memorial Summer Camps

Career Opportunities with Louisville Metro Government

Come work for Louisville Metro Government! You can search for all open positions and submit your application now. You can access career opportunities by clicking here.

Louisville Metro Government is committed to providing our employees with the tools they need to lead a fit and healthy life. Aside from community-wide initiatives like the Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle event every Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the Healthy Hometown Movement, Metro Government provides employees with programs designed to enhance their life and well-being, like a Wellness Center that allows employees and their dependents with Metro health insurance to take care of their basic medical and health needs for a $5 co-pay. Louisville Metro Government understands that a team of healthy, vibrant employees is the greatest asset we have.

Note: For assistance with the application process, please contact the NEOGOV Customer Support Help Desk at (855) 524-5627 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Need Legal Assistance? Here's a Free Resource

Do You Need Help Preparing Your Taxes? VITA Can Help!

VITA Hours at Sun Valley Community Center (6505 Bethany Lane):

Mondays from 12 pm - 6 pm

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am - 4 pm

For detailed information about the VITA Tax Program, click here.

In order to qualify, your household income should be $66,000 or less. 

Sun Valley Contact Number (502)653-7823

Free Tax Service at SW Government Center

Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and electronic filing for all ages, with emphasis on lower to moderate income.

Our site at Southwest Government Center will open Feb 1st.  We are open Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am - 1pm, and operate by appointment.

New this season, Taxpayers can use our Online Scheduler to make their appointment. This is available at AARP-tax-aide-lou.org website, or AARP.org.

As always, Taxpayers can call and leave a message for an appointment on our Tax-Aide Southwest site phone number at 502-830-9925

What do I need to bring? Government issued photo ID and social security records for all persons on the return Taxpayers should bring the prior year tax return with all attachments and schedules. All W-2’s and employment/unemployment statements and SSA-1099 if you received Social Security payments are needed. All 1099 forms (i.e. 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B and any brokerage statements) documentation of the date and price of acquisition and sale of capital assets such as stocks, bonds will be required. All 1099-Misc’s, 1099-R’s and all forms showing federal or state tax withholding If claiming dependent care, bring information on the provider including name, EIN or SS, address and costs. Complete written documentation for all items being claimed as itemized deductions including medical, interest, tax, contributions, and other misc items. Any other documents related to the tax return and ACA related forms and information.

Gun Violence Dashboard is Live

The city’s new “Metro Gun Violence Dashboard” is now live on OSHN’s Louisvilleky.gov website.

The dashboard is a real-time, comprehensive reporting tool that will expand government transparency and will aim to create more collaborative work opportunities with and within the Louisville community.

The dashboard is a collaborative project between OSHN and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and was funded with a $100,000 competitive grant from the national Everytown for Safety Support Fund.

The dashboard will use data from Mark 43, LMPD’s record management system and will show a variety of reporting elements. For example, it will show maps and trends on where shots are fired, where homicides and non-fatal shootings happen, literal neighborhood and block reports, and historic, comparative, and detailed data starting from the year 2010.

It will give anonymized information on victims of gun violence, trend reports and provides an array of measurements, including, for example, what is shown as the likeliest or most common times and/or days for violence.

Visit the LIVE Dashboard Here!

Meals on Wheels

Reporting Potholes

We need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below; Use an online form by clicking here. Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues. Call our office at 574-1114, 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.

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.  Click here to report. Click here for more information

How Can You Help with Illegal Dumping

Illegally dumped trash is more than just an eyesore! It is expensive to clean up, it negatively impacts our quality of life and economic development, and the plastic debris may end up in our waterways and oceans. Individuals caught dumping illegally may have their vehicle impounded and face fines and fees totaling about $1,000.  We have recently posted images on social media asking for help identifying illegal dumpers caught on camera and reporting when a vehicle was impounded. WDRB also helped spread the word about the negative impacts of illegal dumping. View their story here.  Residents are encouraged to fill out this online form if they witness illegal dumping. The form can also be used to share home security camera footage or images of illegal dumping occurring with our Solid Waste Enforcement Department. Go to Louisvilleky.gov/IllegalDumping to learn more about how you can help prevent illegal dumping.  Did you know..? Many waste materials can be dropped off legally and for FREE. Up to three large household items, up to 4 passenger tires, and up to 3 electronics items can be dropped off for free at the at the Waste Reduction Center, located at 636 Meriwether Avenue. A pickup truckload of yard waste or construction debris can be disposed for only $60.00. Residents can also utilize the free Pop-Up Drop-Off events that occur monthly, on a Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., March - November, in various parts of Jefferson County. Items must be separated into the various categories for easy off-loading. Know before you go! View the accepted items list here: Louisvilleky.gov/PopUps.

Southwest Community Ministries, Donations Needed

Southwest Community Ministries is currently overwhelmed with families who have never needed assistance before but are running out of household and hygiene products! They are asking for help from members of the community, youth groups, or anyone willing to donate. If you would prefer to give food donations, items such as ravioli, ramen, fruit cups, canned meats, soups, and peanut butter crackers are always good options. Things like Ensure and pull top lids are good for seniors as well! Items can be dropped off at the Ministry (8504 Terry Rd.) Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information please call (502) 935-0310. Donations can also be made by visiting SouthwestCommunityMinistries.org/donate.

Meriweather Waste Reduction Center

At the Waste Reduction Center, Louisville/Jefferson County residents can dispose of tires, household bulky waste such as metals, appliances, electronics, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, unbagged yard waste, construction debris, and furniture.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Appointments available Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Up to three household bulky items per day may be dropped off at no charge. Bulky loads or drop-offs exceeding three items will be charged according  - CASH ONLY.  

Examples of single items

• Up to 4 passenger tires*
• One appliance
• One large household item such as mattress, box spring, sofa or chair

*No more than 4 tires will be accepted for free drop-off at one time regardless of the number of other items