In this Issue
Dear Neighbors and Friends of District 7,
As the holiday season wraps us in its warm embrace, I am reminded of the beauty of togetherness, gratitude, and hope. Christmas is a time to celebrate the joys of giving, the love of family and friends, and the magic of the season. However, I also understand that this time of year can bring mixed emotions, especially for those among us who are navigating grief, loss, or challenging times.
In the midst of the holiday bustle, let us not forget to care for the most precious gifts of all—our health and well-being. I encourage you to take moments to nurture your mental, spiritual, and emotional health. Whether it’s finding solace in quiet reflection, sharing heartfelt conversations with loved ones, or offering yourself grace and compassion, remember that your well-being is essential.
For those who have lost loved ones, I know that Christmas can be bittersweet. My heart is with you as you cherish their memories and find strength in their love. Please know that you are not alone; our community is here to support and uplift you.
As we celebrate this season of light and love, let us also remember to extend kindness to others. A simple smile, a warm word, or an act of generosity can make a profound difference in someone’s life.
I wish each of you a restful, peaceful, and warm holiday filled with moments of joy and reflection. May the spirit of Christmas brighten your hearts and homes, and may the coming year bring renewed strength, health, and happiness to you and your families.
Merry Christmas, District 7!
Warm regards,
Councilwoman Paula McCraney
Pictured are Mayor Greenberg, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, and Councilwoman McCraney.
To learn more about the consent decree, click here.
On December 12, 2024, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the signing of a historic consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), aiming to reform the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD).
The consent decree places LMPD under federal oversight to address patterns of unconstitutional policing, including excessive use of force and racial discrimination. This initiative seeks to rebuild community trust and ensure public safety through comprehensive reforms.
Before I go any further, I pause to congratulate LMPD and sing their praises for implementing several key changes in policies and procedures before the signing of this consent decree. From embracing the No-Knock warrant and the mandate on body-worn cameras, the police department has reviewed and overhauled its policies, offered additional training to officers, and maintained a new health and wellness center for members of LMPD. According to a report from the mayor, in just one year, the number of LMPD missed workdays due to illness shrunk dramatically from 2,700 to 700 days. LMPD worker’s comp costs decreased by more than $1 million dollars.
Highlights of the Consent Decree
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Use of Force Policies: Implementing revised protocols emphasizing de-escalation and proportional responses.
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Traffic Stops and Searches: Eliminating racial bias to ensure equitable treatment of all citizens.
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Public Demonstrations: Establishing guidelines that protect citizens' rights during protests.
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Accountability Measures: Creating mechanisms for officer accountability and transparency.
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Independent Monitoring: Appointing a federal monitor to oversee compliance and progress.
Attending the press conference on December 12, 2024, it was notable to observe the differing perspectives presented by Mayor Greenberg and Police Chief Humphrey regarding the consent decree. While both expressed commitment to reform, their interpretations of the decree's implications varied. While the information presented during the conference did not reveal new information beyond the initial announcement of the consent decree a couple of years ago, Assistant Attorney General, Kristen Clarke, did not mince words. She was clear on what violations led to the need for a consent decree, and she outlined the elements of the decree with clarity. She also, however, was complimentary of Louisville for already implementing several key provisions of the consent decree. Additionally, she was optimistic that Louisville would become the model and standard bearer for excellence in policing.
Examining other cities under consent decrees provides insight into potential outcomes for Louisville:
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Baltimore, Maryland: Since entering a consent decree in 2017, Baltimore has reported progress in police reforms, including policy updates and improved community relations. However, challenges remain in achieving full compliance. Baltimore Police Department
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Ferguson, Missouri: Following a consent decree in 2016, Ferguson experienced an initial increase in crime rates, attributed to the transition period. Subsequently, from 2015 to 2019, there was a 45% decrease in violent crimes, indicating positive long-term effects of the reforms. UIC Law Repository
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Seattle, WA: In 2012, Seattle entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice. By 2023, the DOJ acknowledged the city's consistent compliance with core requirements, leading to a proposed agreement to replace the original decree. This new agreement mandates ongoing assessments to ensure the reforms' effectiveness, particularly concerning the use of force in crowd management and accountability measures. Department of Justice
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Chicago, IL: Chicago's police department has been under a consent decree since 2019. The decree mandates comprehensive reforms, including improved training, supervision, and community policing efforts. As of December 2024, the city continues to work towards full compliance, with ongoing monitoring and periodic assessments to evaluate progress.
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New Orleans, LA: The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has been under a consent decree since 2013 due to past misconduct. In October 2024, the city and the DOJ filed a motion to end federal oversight, citing significant progress in implementing reforms. If approved, the NOPD would undergo a two-year sustainment period to demonstrate continued compliance before the decree is fully lifted. However, some community members express concerns about persistent issues and the potential premature end of oversight. Associated Press
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Minneapolis, MN: Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Minneapolis faced increased scrutiny over its policing practices. In July 2023, a court-enforceable consent decree was approved, requiring the Minneapolis Police Department to implement a series of reforms to address discriminatory practices and improve community relations. An independent monitor has published a multi-year plan to guide these reforms, with the agreement expected to last at least four years.
As a Louisville Metro Council member, I plan to:
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Advocate for Transparency: I will encourage regular public updates on the consent decree's implementation.
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Engage with the Community: I will participate in the facilitation of forums for residents to express concerns and provide input on policing reforms.
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Monitor Progress: I shall review reports from the independent monitor to assess compliance and effectiveness. (I will also monitor the monitor to make sure he or she is doing the job expected of them.)
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Support Policy Development: I will be open to collaborating on legislation that aligns with the consent decree's objectives.
As a citizen of this community, you can contribute by:
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Staying Informed: Attend public meetings and review official communications regarding the consent decree.
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Participating in Oversight: Join community advisory boards or forums related to police reform.
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Providing Feedback: Share experiences and suggestions to help shape effective policing practices.
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Supporting Local Initiatives: Engage with programs aimed at improving police-community relations.
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Attend District 7 “Muffins with McCraney” neighborhood meetings: Receive updates and ask questions about the status of the consent decree. Dates of these meetings are announced in this eNewsletter at least one month in advance
Collective efforts from city officials, community leaders, and residents are essential to ensure the successful implementation of the consent decree and the advancement of equitable policing in Louisville. Let’s make the best of a bad situation. We can and will do this together, Louisville!
The Louisville Metro Council held its last scheduled Council meeting of the year last Thursday, December 12th. Click here to watch the recap from Metro Council President Winkler on YouTube or check out the highlights below!
Old Business
Approved
- R-121-24: resolution amending Metro Council Rule 10 regarding Metro Council vacancies.
- O-259-24: an ordinance amending Chapter 150 of LMCO to give greater notice to those affected by the demolition of removal of a building or structure.
- O-282-24: an ordinance appropriating and reallocating funds from Opioid Settlement funds through Public Health & Wellness.
- O-290-24: an ordinance authorizing year-end operating budget transfers for FY 2023-2024.
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously
- R-146-24: resolution approving the Jefferson County Sheriff’s 2025 Budget.
- R-147-24: resolution approving the Jefferson County Clerk’s 2025 Budget.
- R-139-24: resolution amending the Metro Council Policies and Procedures and Council Personnel Policies.
- R-138-24: resolution urging the mayor to declare Veterans Day a Metro Holiday.
- O-265-24: an ordinance amending the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances (LMCO) to require permits for events held in Metro Parks and establishing civil fines and enforcement procedures for the failure to obtain or comply with a permit.
- R-144-24: resolution requesting the Planning Commission review the Metro Land Development Code Regulations with regard to development along substandard roads.
- R-150-24: resolution approving the noncompetitively negotiated sole source contract for Metro Animal Services for trap neuter and return program with Alley Cat Advocates.
- R-151-24: resolution accepting $963,000 from the Department of Justice for the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.
- R-155-24: resolution ratifying and approving a collective bargaining agreement concerning certain employees of the Department of Public Works and Assets.
The Council meeting and attachments may be viewed online here: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal, and on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil/.
The Metro Council meeting will take a break until the organizational meeting on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
While it has been over a month since the 2024 election, you may have seen some campaign signs that have remained for several weeks.
As a friendly reminder, Kentucky state law (KRS section 381.800) states that "signs shall be displayed no earlier than thirty (30) days before any special, primary, or regular election and no later than seven (7) days after that election."
If you have seen and would like to report any campaign signs that still up after election day, please call Metro311 at either 311 or (502) 574-5000, or Metro Public Works at (502) 574-5810.
As construction on the new Louisville Veterans Affairs Medical Center continues, you can read the latest construction updates from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District below, which includes utility work, interior and exterior framing, and near-completion of the water tower.
Please keep our veterans in mind during this holiday season. Many are hospitalized without a family to celebrate with or receive gifts from. I am grateful, this season, for the VA Medical Center being built in District 7. This construction has been a nightmare for many residents, and the massive building is an eyesore. Still, I have not heard one resident say they are unhappy for our veteran community to get a well-built, well-deserved facility.
‘Tis the season to put everything in perspective.
Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services and MSD recently provided preliminary approval to a proposed zoning change from R-4 to O-R to allow a doctor's office to be located at 4521 Westport Road on the site referenced above.
The property is located on the north side of Westport Road and adjacent to the Westport Place Health Campus and near Walden School.
A hearing date has been set for January 16th, 2025 by the Louisville Metro Land Development and Transportation Committee.
For additional questions, you can reach out to Molly Clark, the proposal's case manager, through the Louisville Metro Office of Planning at molly.clark@louisvilleky.gov.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 19, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that the state has achieved another historic tourism milestone in 2024, demonstrating the continued strength of tourism in the commonwealth, which marked a new record for economic impact and the launch of the New Kentucky Home initiative. Ten new tourism development projects are set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects are also expected to create approximately 1,696 jobs once they become operational.
This year marks the second straight record-breaking year for the most projects granted final approval in a single year by the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority since the tourism incentive was created in 1996. Today’s announcement reflects ongoing growth in Kentucky’s tourism industry, as last year, the state achieved its best year for tourism on record, generating an economic impact of $13.8 million and sustaining 95,222 jobs.
This year, the commonwealth has given final approval to 10 tourism development projects approved through the Tourism Development Act, which supports the development, rehabilitation and expansion of tourism projects.
This program allows developers to recover up to 25% of the project’s development costs over a 10-year term through sales tax generated onsite. Projects including but not limited to lodging facilities constructed on state parks, federal parks or national forest lands are eligible to recover up to 50% of the development costs over a 20-year term.
For more information on the Tourism Development Incentive Program, please visit Tourism Development Incentive Program.
For the latest Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet updates, follow the cabinet on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn. To learn more about tourism and arts in Kentucky, visit tah.ky.gov.
Raise a toast to tradition with the Kentucky Derby 151 Mint Julep Glasses Two-Pack available for order at the Kentucky Derby Store!
These 12 oz. glasses feature exclusive Kentucky Debry 151 graphics, giving them that finish line touch that makes them a must-have for any Derby goer.
Make sure to get your verified tickets to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks before they sell out! From 2-Day Packages to Single Day Passes, a variety of ticket options are still available.
Secure your spot today and experience the thrills, traditions, and unforgettable moments at Churchill Downs by visiting the official Ticketmaster website for Churchill Downs.
Now through Feb. 28, 2025, your Louisville Zoo is teaming up with Kroger for our Wild Winter Days program.
Visitors who bring in one canned food item or non-perishable food item (per person) to donate to Dare to Care may purchase tickets at the Zoo ticketing windows for $10.50 per adult and $7.50 per child / senior ticket.
Remember that 25 cents of every admission ticket sold supports Louisville Zoo conservation efforts in Kentuckiana and around the world.
This discount is available at the ticketing windows only; not valid for online purchases.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Fëte de Noël in Paristown!
This winter wonderland features Louisville's only outdoor skating rink, a festive holiday market, and Santa's Workshop. Enjoy gourmet treats, shop for unique gifts, and create unforgettable memories with families and friends.
Fëte de Noël is open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm each day until January 5th, so don't miss out on this enchanting celebration!
For more information and to get your tickets for ice skating and other festive activities, you can visit the Louisville Tourism websit here.
Experience the largest Christmas event of its kind in Kentucky with the all-new Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the season among dazzling displays of over 1.5 MILLION lights, over 300 Christmas trees, and holiday decor as far as the eye can see.
Take your experience to new heights on the LARGEST snow tubing hill in Kentucky, racing down a 175-foot-long hill covered in real snow.
Create family memories, including meeting the Most Famous Reindeer of all, a unique opportunity to stop by Santa's House, and SO much more!
You can experience this holiday thrill on select days from now until January 4th, so make sure to get your tickets before they're gone on the Kentucky Kingdom Website!
For new and old fans alike, Louisville Mega Cavern’s Lights Under Louisville is an event to remember.
With over 40 themed displays, multiple projection areas, over 900 lit characters, new themes, two laser locations, multiple light tunnels, and a holographic Santa, this attraction transforms the impressive giant caverns into a winter wonderland of more than five million lights.
Consistently ranked as one of Louisville’s top tourist attractions, Lights Under Louisville is the only underground light show of its kind. Embrace the spirit of the season and discover the magic of Christmas in the mega caverns!
Lights Under Louisville is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will run through Saturday. January 4th, 2025. To get your tickets, you can visit the Lights Under Louisville website by clicking here.
Let someone else take the work of finding holiday decorations with Rudolph's Run!
Take your car and solve clues to find some of the most incredibly decorated homes for the holidays. Follow clues to solve puzzles and FIND HOLIDAY LIGHTS & FUN!
Enjoy this driving adventure from now until December 28th and get your tickets at the Rudolph's Run website.
Louisville’s Loveliest Holiday Tradition returns to Waterfront Botanical Gardens for its fifth year!
Make lasting holiday memories this December as you take a magical stroll through Waterfront Botanical Gardens' festive lights and illuminated displays, including giant flowers, snowflakes, glistening deer, and twinkling archways.
Enjoy hot drinks and sweet treats at the Jingle All the Way Café. Come indoors to create a craft, write a letter to the North Pole, and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Gardens Aglimmer is open from 5:45 pm to 8:45 pm each day (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) and runs until December 31st.
For tickets, you can visit the Waterfront Botanical Gardens website here.
Don't miss the Kentucky Flea Market New Years Spectacular at the Kentucky Expo Center!
Shop thousands of bargains and incredible deals on antiques, collectibles, electronics, clothing & accessories, name-brand fragrances, arts & crafts, As Seen on TV, and much more!
Take part in a Louisville tradition for over 50 years from December 29th to 31st!
See if you can read through this scrambled text! If you can, your brain must be pretty sharp!
Click here to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council.
Just for Fun Descrambled
If you can read this, you have a strong mind.
Studies show that people with an intelligence level above normal can read words without having the letters in the correct order.
In fact, only the first and the last letters need to be in place, then your brain will take care of the rest.
If you can read this, share it.
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