In this Issue
Hello Neighbors & Friends,
Well, the Council did a thing last night. By a vote of 22 to 1, the Louisville Metro Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget for Metro Government, and in a unanimous vote, the Council approved the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Capital Budget. I was an affirmative vote on both budgets.
In my opinion, this budget was challenging, at best. In fact, I issued a statement to the media, stating that government spending is an expression of priorities and values. I also quoted Charles Dickens by stating that this budget reflects the best of times and the worst of times. Working with the mayor's proposed budget and the desires of Metro council members was like the theme in the novel, A Tale of Two Cities. The mayor, in his quest to fund his vision for Louisville, defunded programs and nonprofit entities that the council members had funded for years. Additionally, according to statements made by my colleagues, this budget was the most difficult to manage than in prior years. I agree. Why, you ask? Well, in my humble opinion, the mayor has a vision for our city that is slightly different than that which we had grown accustomed. For instance, the mayor campaigned on universal pre-k for every 3 and 4-year old in Louisville. In the budget, he originally asked for $5 million over a two-year period (although Council members awarded the $5M for a one-year period because we are on a one-year fiscal cycle). I wholeheartedly embrace universal pre-k, as I imagine most do. However, I posed the question about the creation of a 501c3 nonprofit organization in which to get this done. The main reason I questioned this concept was because when the board chair and others presented the initiative to the Budget Committee, they came empty-handed. They did not bring financial statements, a strategic plan, or documentation showing how the $5M would be spent. I spoke directly with the mayor to address my concerns and his staff ultimately provided me with some documentation. So, for me, the verdict is still out. I want universal pre-k to succeed in Louisville. What I hope for the most is that this new nonprofit, called Thrive by 5, is legitimate, transparent, and effective. Nothing is more important than the welfare of our children. Therefore, majority of the $5M MUST be spent on the education and development of children, instead of lining the pockets of highly paid executives. And let's all hope that the board members selected to serve on this newly created pre-k nonprofit are not PAID!
Another controversial issue that was a hot topic during budget discussions with my colleagues was a public/private initiative created by the mayor called the Louisville Economic Development Alliance. Its "mission" is to lead Louisville's business economic development, although this is what Louisville's Chamber of Commerce does, as well as what the city's existing economic development department does. The "idea" from Mayor Greenberg's perspective is to have the private board-regulated entity become self-sufficient and eventually not require city funding. Again, the verdict is still out on this one, too. I'm trying to imagine how private, mainly corporate citizens, will effectively attract new businesses, keep the current ones solvent, and create a marketing brand for our city that will continue to attract new businesses without benefiting those who serve on the board. I want this to be successful because our economy cannot afford fun and games at the expense of hard-working and barely thriving citizens of this community. I shall watch and see and give it a chance to succeed.
One of the better things about the budget is it addresses most of the city’s needs without adding additional debt above the Mayor’s recommended budget. Public safety dominates this budget, including a much-deserved increase in salaries for our invaluable public safety servants.
Here is a partial summary of what the budget reflects:
- District 7 - Infrastructure and Project on Hubbards Lane, $285,000
- Department of Justice consent decree expenses, $375,000
- LMPD - Helicopter, $4 million
- Louisville Fire Department, $800,000 for general repairs
- Louisville Metro Corrections Department, $2 million in general repairs
- Street paving, $30 million; Alley paving, $1M Sidewalk repairs, $2M
- Public Works - New vehicles and equipment, $4.4 million
- Belvedere, $10 million (the mayor originally asked for $15 million)
- Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District, $113,200 (the mayor's proposed budget defunded this agency completely)
- Jefferson County Cooperative Extension District, $182,500 (the mayor totally defunded this agency, but the Council was able to restore it to at least half of the requested budget)
- Louisville Community Ministries, increased to $1.4 million
- Dare to Care, increased to $400,000
- Russell: A Place of Promise, increased to $100,000
- Louisville Economic Development District, $1.5 million (this is a newly-created initiative of the mayor)
- Center for the Arts program HeARTS, $400,000
- House of Ruth, $851,300
- Metro United Way’s Youth Success Network, $150,000
- Deferred maintenance, $2.9 million
- City vehicles and equipment, $1.9 million
- Affordable housing, $25 million
- Volunteers of America Unity House, $834,300
The FY25 Operating and Capital Budgets will be available for review after August 1, 2024, online here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/management-budget.
To view the budget documents, please visit https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal
Click the photo below to watch the meeting summary on YouTube.
The Metro Council is on summer break until Friday, July 12th, and the next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, July 25th, at 6:00 p.m.
While meetings will not be held during the summer break, Metro Council offices will remain open with normal hours of operation (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), with the exception of July 4th, when the office will be closed for Independence Day.
You can view the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments by clicking here.
You can view the meeting on Facebook by visiting the Louisville Metro Council’s page by clicking here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 18, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued economic growth in Jefferson County as JQOL Global, a certified Minority Business Enterprise and full-service civil engineering firm, plans to locate a new facility in Louisville, creating 113 full-time Kentucky jobs with a $6.4 million investment.
“When a company locates a new operation in Kentucky, its leaders are choosing to trust and believe in our state’s unique resources, skilled workforce and business-friendly environment,” said Gov. Beshear. “JQOL is yet another quality company bringing its services and well-paying job opportunities to the commonwealth. I want to thank the company’s leadership and look forward to their success in Louisville.”
The project will see the company establish a new operation in an existing 5,000-square-foot building located at 501 Baxter Ave. in Louisville. JQOL’s investment will create 113 new job opportunities for the Louisville and Jefferson County communities with an average total hourly compensation of $59.15, including benefits. The new facility will serve as the company’s second Kentucky location, with an existing operation in Owensboro.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg looks forward to JQOL joining the community and bringing quality job opportunities with them: “Louisville is thrilled to welcome JQOL Global to our city, along with the 113 new, good-paying jobs the company is creating for our people. This investment underscores our city’s successful business environment and the talented future leaders emerging from the University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering. We welcome JQOL as they join a growing list of businesses investing in Louisville’s bright future.
Gov. Beshear announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) last month preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $2 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $6.4 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 113 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $59.15 including benefits across those jobs.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
JQOL’s investment and job creation build on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
For more information on JQOL Global, visit jqolusa.com.
A detailed community profile for Jefferson County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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Notice is hereby given that Brookfield Properties has filed an application with the Energy and Environment Cabinet to replace the superstructure at Bridge #2 at Oxmoor Center.
The property is located 0.5 miles from the US-60E and I-64 intersection.
Any comments or objections can be submitted via email to: DOWFloodplain@ky.gov, Kentucky Division of Water, Floodplain Management Section, 300 Sower Blvd. Frankfort, KY 40601.
If you have questions, please call (502) 564-3410.
There will be a meeting to present St. Matthews residents with a zoning change and Detailed District Development Plan (DDDP) to allow a doctor's office to be located at 4251 Westport Road; adjacent to the Westport Place Health Campus.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 25, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Matthews Eline Library, which his located at 3940 Grandview Avenue.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, or have any questions or comments, you can contact John C. Talbott of Bardenwerper, Talbott & Roberts, PLLC at (502) 741-8783 and john@bardlaw.net.
To view the full letter along with a development plan and summary sheet below.
Click here to read about the construction work being done at Bull Run townhomes on Wesboro Road from the week of June 17th to the Week of July 8th, which includes replacing topsoil at the pool area and fitness center, finishing interior and exterior, painting, and drywall instillation.
Temperatures are expected to climb up to 90 degrees today through Saturday and up to 96 degrees on Sunday. To prevent risks from excessive heat, individuals should do the following:
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Seek air-conditioning: If your home does not have air-conditioning, seek areas that do, including libraries, shopping malls, community/senior centers, grocery stores, and movie theaters during the warmest period of the day. If you must stay in a home without air-conditioning, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
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Avoid strenuous activities: This is particularly true during the hottest time of the day. Individuals who perform strenuous work during the heat of the day are especially at risk. Take more breaks, do less intense activities. Be watchful for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
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Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing: Light colors reflect the sun’s rays better than dark colors, which absorb the heat. Protect the face and head with a wide-brimmed hat.
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Check on family members, neighbors and friends who are vulnerable. Move them to air-conditioned places if possible.
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Drink plenty of fluids: Increase fluid intake even if you are not thirsty.
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Never leave pets or people, especially children and infants, unattended in cars.
If heat risks do occur, cool the body as soon as possible, and call 9-1-1 for symptoms of heat stroke. For guidance about extreme heat, visit our digital library on our Emergency Preparedness webpage to access guides in a variety of languages.
If air quality in Louisville is forecast to be at levels that may impact public health ("Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" or higher on the Air Quality Index), the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District will issue an air quality alert.
Here are some tips on how to reduce exposure and stay healthy on Air Quality Alert days:
- Know if you're in a group that is more sensitive to common types of air pollution (children, elderly adults, those with heart or lung disease).
- Avoid heavy outdoor exertion (take more breaks and reduce intensity of exercise).
- If the primary pollutant is ozone, try to do any outdoor activities in the morning, when levels are lower.
- Pay close attention to related symptoms and make sure you have a rescue inhaler if one may be needed.
Forecasts are valuable, but monitoring the air in real time can help you navigate your day, real-time AQI information from the APCD’s monitoring network can be found at Louisville Air Watch, and live AQI from throughout the country can be accessed at EPA’s airnow.gov.
The Summer Food Service Program, which is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education, will provide meals at no cost from June through August to children 18 and under who are from low-income families.
The Summer Food Service Program is part of the National Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Site locations and meal service times vary across the state. Visit the USDA Summer Meals for Kids site finder webpage or by call the USDA Hunger Hotline at (866) 348-6479 for detailed information about meal sites, distribution days and whether meals are eaten on site or are available to-go.
Families can also text “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304 for more general meal site information.
(FRANKFORT, KY) – The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is seeking public comment on its request for a waiver (called a Tydings waiver) to use carryover federal funds rather than returning them to the federal government.
According to 34. C.F.R. 76.709, KDE must return to the federal government any federal grant monies not obligated by the end of the grant carryover period. This waiver will apply to the following programs:
- Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP EANS);
- Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP ESSER); and
- Title III, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA.
If the waiver is granted, these funds will be used to support the ongoing administrative costs for the identified programs.
Any individual or organization may submit written comments on the proposed waiver through the close of business on June 24.
Send written comments on the proposed waiver to: Kelly Foster, Kentucky Department of Education, 300 Sower Boulevard, Fifth Floor, Sower Building, Frankfort, KY 40601, or email Kelly Foster.
The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods is partnering with Funds for the Arts, YMCA, and other youth serving organizations to create a safe and healthy summer.
This summer, visit a community center, YMCA location, or one of our other partners for youth activities of all types. The city is offering a great diversity of programs, from youth mentoring and lifestyle training to sports to swimming lessons to art expression. Don't let your youth miss the summer fun!
The Belle of Louisville is running an exciting promotion for the summer! Use code SUMMERTIME to get 20% off of ANY cruise in June, July, or August! This offer is valid for the $10 Harbor History Cruise and special events, such as the Fireworks Cruise on the 4th of July.
To book your tickets, you can visit the Belle of Louisville website by clicking here.
The National Jug Band Jubilee is back! The nonprofit is partnering with the Louisville Folk School to put on the “Summer Swing,” a FREE, family-friendly outdoor festival taking place in Douglass Park, outside the Douglass Community Center, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.
Enjoy great music, kids activities from the Jubilee and the Steam Exchange, and food and drink, which includes a beer booth from West Sixth Brewing Co. Performances will include Hubby Jenkins (former member of the Grammy Award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops), The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, the Juggernaut Jug Band, and Tin Can Caravan featuring Thomas Deakin and Stephanie Nilles.
For more information, you can visit the National Jug Band Jubilee website by clicking here.
Join the proudest bar crawl ever this Saturday, June 22nd, starting at 4:00 p.m.! The crawl will begin at Baxter's 942 Bar & Grill,
Dress in vibrant attire and express your true self in a safe, welcoming space. This event is more than just a pub crawl; it's a celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion. Meet new friends and be part of a community that celebrates you!
Not only is the bar crawl all about having a good time, it's also about making a difference, as a portion of every ticket sold goes directly to Pride Non-Profit Organizations nationwide, supporting those in the LGBTQIA+ community!
To purchase your tickets, you can visit the official Pride Bar Crawl website by clicking here, where you can also find the full route, complete Pride Bar Crawl schedule, as well as a list of participating bars and restaurants,
Get dolled up for the for the new fan-favorite Barbie, showing this Friday, June 21st, at the Louisville Zoo's Oasis Field, presented by Mercy Academy.
Gates open at 8 p.m. and the movie begins at sundown. Tickets must be purchased at the gate and concessions will be available for purchase.
For more information, you can visit the Louisville Zoo website by clicking here.
Hear ye, hear ye! You’re cordially invited to a royal celebration at the Zoo. Princesses have arrived from faraway lands to open the summer season with all their adoring (and adorable) subjects.
Meet and greet some of your favorite princesses and visit with their animal sidekicks at this exclusive soiree. Ball gowns are not required but guests are welcome to dress their best for this Royal Rendezvous.
The event is FREE with Zoo admission or your Louisville Zoo Membership.
Don't miss your chance to see Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Iroquois Ampitheater! The last showing of this timeless classic is Sunday, June 23rd.
To read more about the showing of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as well as the Iroquois Ampitheater's summer showings, you can visit their website by clicking here.
Eid Mubarak! The Louisville Muslim Community celebrates the Eid Al-Adha holiday this Sunday, June 23rd, with The Eid Al-Adha Carnival 2024 at The Waterfront Park!
Enjoy a day filled with delicious food, exciting games, and family-friendly activities, all in honor of this special holiday. Together, the Muslim community gathers to commemorate in gratitude and unity.
DOGA… Coming to Waterfront Park, Sundays before Bark and Brunch. Bring your yoga mat and your dog and join in the fun. We will be interacting with your pup, learning dog massage and how to connect with your dog heart to heart.
The class is $10 and is payable by Cash, Venmo, and Paypal.
Enjoy delicious plant-based cuisine from over 20 vendors both local and nationwide, craft beer and cocktails, live music, educational exhibits, and fun activities for the kids!
Admission is free and an Early Access Ticket is available for purchase, which you can access by clicking here.
To view the full list of vendors, you can visit the Bluegrass VegFest website by clicking here.
Hopefully you already know that new and expanded libraries are coming to Louisville. With major capital projects underway in Fern Creek, Parkland, Portland, and at the Main Library downtown, the Library Foundation is poised to make an exciting announcement that will accelerate the momentum of these projects and inspire our community to help see them through.
Join community leaders and library advocates at the Main Library this coming Monday, June 24, at 2:00 p.m., to help us usher in a new era for Louisville libraries.
The Frazier History Museum is now offering Step into History Walking Tours. They’ll be led by Hall of Fame teacher Patty Morris, who spent 23 years teaching history at Ballard High School and leading similar tours for students and Louisville Tourism. If you haven’t met her, she is a dynamo!
From the architecture of Main Street and City Hall to Abraham Lincoln and Lewis and Clark along the river, Patty will share key moments and uncover hidden details in the landscape perfect for both visitors and lifelong residents.
Tours are free to Frazier members and free to Cultural Pass holders. The tours are also free with the price of admission to the Frazier at $14.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, you can visit the Frazier History Museum website by clicking here.
Since this past Thursday marked the beginning of the summer season, here are some cool summer riddles!
1. I’m carried to the beach, full of snacks and treats. I keep things cool, even in the summer heat. What am I?
2. I fly in the sky, with colors so bright. I come out in summer and am a beautiful sight. What am I?
3. I’m a small, crustacean critter found on the shore. In the sand, I scuttle and explore. What am I?
4. I’m a line between land and sea, often walked with bare feet. In summer, I’m a path where waves and sand meet. What am I?
Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Metro311 Service Request Information
- Submit a Service Request in the online system.
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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.
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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.
- The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro311 at 311.
For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below:
To read about the most recent VA Medical Center construction events, go to: https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center
To request weekly updates about the construction events, send an email requesting updates to: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
For ALL construction-related inquiries, please email: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
Check us out on social media:
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
Please make note of the below tips to help make sure theft doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
Click here to Subscribe to the 5th Division E-Newsletter
District Resource Officers (DRO's)
After more than 3 years the 5th Division is happy to announce we have 2 DRO's! DRO's are the "Jack of all Trades" for the community. They are our problem solvers, ambassadors, community representatives and anything else you can think of. Congratulations to Officers John Keeling and Brad Steller, your 5th Division DRO's.
They can be contacted at the links below.
Officer John Keeling
Officer Brad Steller
Need support now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Are you thinking of hurting yourself or ending your life? Text LOU to 741741
Community mental health resources:
Metro United Way's Community Resource Directory can connect you mental health and crisis intervention resources. Or call 211.
Need to dispose of unwanted bulk items? Click the link below for details regarding Pop-Up Drop-Off event dates around Louisville. Click HERE
Accepted Items:
- Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)
- Metal & appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
- Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)
- Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
- Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
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Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
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Stay aware of new development in your area! Sign up for Gov Delivery notifications at:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYLOUISVILLE/subscriber/new
On January 1, 2019, a new Comprehensive Plan, called Plan 2040, went into effect. As a resident of District 7 (or any district in Louisville), it is important to review the Comprehensive Plan if you are interested in development that is proposed for the neighborhood. The Comprehensive Plan is the guidepost for all development, and the Planning Commission must use it as one of the guiding principles and tools for making decisions regarding the approval or denial of a neighborhood development project.
Read The Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040)
The Comprehensive Plan is representative of over 6,000 voices, including Metro staff, an advisory committee, and resident volunteers. The Advisory Committee, made up of diverse representatives from neighborhood and community organizations as well as development and business interests, finalized its recommended goals, objectives, and policies on February 21, 2018.
On April 16, 2018, the Planning Commission recommended the Comprehensive Plan for approval. The document was then reviewed by the Metro Council as well as 12 local municipalities with zoning authority for formal adoption. Those 12 local municipalities are: Anchorage, Douglass Hills, Graymoor-Devondale, Hurstbourne, Indian Hills, Jeffersontown, Lyndon, Middletown, Prospect, Shively, St. Matthews, and St. Regis Park.
Plan 2040 Survey Findings
Plan 2040 Demographic and Economic Projections
Plan 2040 Core Graphics
Louisville Metro Council livestreams 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.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Click here to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council.
1. A cooler.
2. A kite.
3. A crab.
4. The beach/the shoreline.
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