Crews on The New Dixie Highway Project will begin installing medians next week between Upper Hunters Trace and Heaton Road. This means the crews are launching a critical part of the project almost a month ahead of schedule.

By installing medians, The New Dixie Highway Project will restrict mid-block left turns – and guide drivers to turn at signalized intersections or designated U-turn points.  Installing medians is both the most transformative part of The New Dixie Highway project – but also the most dangerous for workers because they will be working in the middle of the roadway with traffic on both sides.

“In the long run, medians will prevent accidents and safety is our first priority,” said John Callihan, project manager of The New Dixie Highway Project. “But in the short-term, this is a dangerous part of the construction process and we ask for extra vigilance from drivers during this phase of the project.”

Crews had been expecting to start work on medians in June, but recent favorable weather conditions meant they were able to complete sidewalk and gutter work between Upper Hunters Trace and Heaton Road ahead of schedule. They will begin median work in that same section of roadway as soon as possible, sometime during the week of May 6.

During median installation, the interior lane immediately adjacent to the work will be closed in each direction. Work will be happening in more than one location at a time. As one section is complete, work will move to a new section, meaning that drivers should stay alert as lane closures may change without notice.  

The New Dixie Highway Project broke ground in December of 2017 and all the major components will be complete by December of 2019. Some final parts of project – such as landscaping and final surfacing – require warm weather and will be completed in the summer of 2020.

Medians will be “non-mountable” so passenger vehicles cannot drive over them. Widths will vary with available space, with landscaping at key locations. While it may seem counter-intuitive to drivers, restricting mid-block left-turns creates not only a safer corridor, but a more efficient corridor. While some drivers will have to drive slightly further to reach their destination, the improved efficiency and reduction in accident-related congestion will mean a better traffic flow for everyone.

About the New Dixie Highway Project

The New Dixie Highway Project is a $35 million investment to improve safety, mobility and livability along the corridor.  The project will concentrate on three major areas of improvement:

• Roadway safety and design improvements, including raised medians and left-hand-only turn lanes along the most congested and dangerous section (Crums Lane to Greenwood Road).
• A new Intelligent Transportation System that will improve and coordinate traffic signal timing along the entire corridor.
• The region’s first TARC bus rapid transit route, with eight priority buses and 37 highly visible bus stations and stops that will improve travel times for both transit riders and drivers.

Mayor Greg Fischer and Ocala (Fla.) Mayor Kent Guinn today made their annual wager on the Kentucky Derby, placing a bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon and Ocala brandy on the line.

This is the sixth year of the friendly wager between the mayors of the two cities, both of which are steeped in thoroughbred tradition and consider themselves spirited rivals for the status of Horse Capital of the World.  

Mayor Fischer this year picked Improbable, breaking from post position 5, to win the 145th Kentucky Derby and make the time-honored walk to the infield Winner’s Circle for the garland of roses. Improbable was bred in Kentucky, is trained by Bob Baffert and will be ridden by Irad Ortiz.

“Improbable is one of the Baffert trio of horses, which is what makes it interesting to me, and is the same owner/trainer combination as last year’s Triple Crown winner. As a bonus, Improbable has won at Churchill Downs, and as we all know, a win at Churchill helps in the Derby,” Mayor Fischer said.

Mayor Guinn chose Win Win Win, breaking from post position 14, because he’s a Florida-bred thoroughbred raised in Ocala at Live Oak Stud. Win Win Win is owned by Ms. Charlotte Weber, trained by Michael Trombetta and will be ridden by Julian Pimentel.

Mayor Guinn noted that it will be an “Ocala Derby,” with the honoring of J.B. McKathan, an iconic member of the Florida horse racing family and trainer of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. McKathan tragically passed away Feb. 2, 2019.

Last year, Mayor Fischer’s choice, Mendelssohn, trained by Aidan O’Brien, finished 20th, and Mayor Guinn’s pick, Magnum Moon, finished 19th.

“The road to the Kentucky Derby begins in Ocala, Fla., Horse Capital of the World. This year is no different with 17 of the 20 horses having ties to our city,” Mayor Guinn said. “This annual bet with Mayor Fischer has become a tradition I look forward to, and it’s a fun way for us to unite the equine industry. We hope this will finally be the year that one of our horses is victorious!”

Mayor Fischer bet a bottle of Louisville-based Brown-Forman Corp.’s Woodford Reserve signed by Master Distiller Chris Morris and artist Keith Anderson. Woodford Reservice is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Mayor Guinn again bet Marion Black 106 — the Spirit of Florida Tangerine Brandy, distilled by Fishhawk Spirits of Ocala.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Mayor Guinn and his return to Louisville for the Derby,” Mayor Fischer said. “No matter which horse you pick, you always win with a trip to the Derby and experiencing all that Louisville has to offer.”

For more than 20 years, he was known as the man who knew just about any or everything when it came to the Kentucky Derby and thoroughbred racing. He was an ambassador for the Historic Churchill Downs Racetrack and one of the friendliest people you would ever meet.

          On Monday, a section of Central Avenue, in front of the place where he loved to work, was honorarily named “John S. Asher Way” for the late Vice President of Racing Communications who passed away in August of 2018.

          “John Asher was a stranger to no one and if you had a question about the history of the Kentucky Derby, he had the answer,” said Councilman Kevin Triplett (D-15). “It is fitting that during this week we honor him, and my hope is these signs will remind everyone who comes to Churchill Downs about a man who was just as important to racing as any trainer, jockey or owner.”

“John’s Churchill Downs’ family misses him dearly on a daily basis, and even more so during Kentucky Derby Week – his favorite time of the year,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “John was an icon in horse racing and our community. To have a stretch of Central Avenue named ‘John S. Asher Way’ adjacent to his beloved Churchill Downs and the iconic Twin Spires is an incredible honor and a fitting tribute to a great man.”

“John Asher represented Churchill Downs, the Derby and Oaks, Louisville and Kentucky to the entire world with intelligence, charm, enthusiasm and compassion,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “This is a fitting tribute to this wonderful man who was a racing legend and community leader.”        Councilman Triplett sponsored the Resolution calling for the honorary street signs. On Thursday, April 25th, The Louisville Metro Council gave unanimous approval to placing of the signs along Central Avenue to be known as “John S. Asher Way” at the intersections of Fourth Street, Ninth Street and Taylor Boulevard.

Churchill Downs paid for a fourth sign that was presented to John’s wife, Dee Asher at an unveiling ceremony held Monday at the new Infield Gate to the track.

 Asher was born in Leitchfield, Kentucky in 1955. He graduated with a degree in Journalism from Western Kentucky University. Asher was an award-winning radio journalist at WHAS -AM and WAVE -AM. As a broadcaster, it was horse racing where he showed his greatest talents and skills in communication as a five-time Eclipse Award Winner for Outstanding National Radio Coverage of Thoroughbred Racing.

He joined Churchill Downs in 1997 and then became Vice President of Racing Communications at Churchill Downs in 1999. He was well known and loved around Louisville and the United States for his unbelievable knowledge of the History of the Kentucky Derby and horse racing in general.

In an effort to help everyone slow down and handle the chaos of Kentucky Derby Week and everyday life, there is an event which can help show you a way to take a step back and take a deep breath.

Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) is encouraging everyone to participate in the 2nd Annual “Quiet Louisville” on Tuesday, April 30th.

The event is sponsored by the Passionist, Earth & Spirit Center of Louisville. It’s an hour-long meditation event that will combine meditation, music, community and wellness to cultivate calm minds and compassionate hearts in a turbulent world.     

“As a student of mindfulness meditation, I can attest to the powerful calmness one achieves as we care for the Earth, our soul and the community,” says Sexton Smith.

This is the second year for the event.

The Mission statement of the Passionist, Earth and Spirit Center is to cultivate a community of transformative learning service, committed to spiritual development social compassion and care for the earth.

“We are proving that you can find calm in a hectic world, by hosting a free meditation at the busiest season, during the busiest time of the year at 4th Street Live,” says Tom Kerrigan of the Center.

“Quiet Louisville” is free an open to the public. There is no registration required for those who wish to attend.

To learn more about the Passionist, Earth and Spirit Center of Louisville, go to their website at: https://earthandspiritcenter.org/

Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee has released its schedule for reviewing Mayor Greg Fischer’s proposed 2019 -2020 Capital and Operating Budgets.

The Committee will review the proposal over the months of May and June. The Metro Council extended the budget review process by an extra month beginning in 2017, in order to hear from the public and thoroughly review and discuss the needs of each department and agency of Metro Government.

“Increased pension costs make this an extraordinarily difficult budget, with reductions and significant changes proposed throughout Metro Government. The Committee is looking forward to continuing to hear from the public and various departments and agencies before the Council adopts a final budget on June 25,” says Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9), Chair of the Committee.

“The need to find approximately $35 million in operational savings has helped encourage hundreds of people to offer ideas on how we can reduce spending and improve the delivery of services. These hearings will offer more opportunities for people to speak with their elected officials and offer their vision, ideas and suggestions for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget” says Councilman Kevin Kramer (R-11), Budget Committee Vice Chair.

The Committee begins budget hearings on Monday, May 6th at 3:30 pm with a presentation on projected Revenue, Operations, Capital and Debt, followed by a presentation on Human Resources.

The Committee schedule includes three opportunities for the public to speak about the budget.  Public hearings are scheduled for May 7 at 6:15 pm; May 16 at 6:00 pm and May 20 at 6:00 p.m. 

The May 7 public hearing follows a discussion about funding for External Agencies. A sign-up sheet will be available on the third floor of City Hall beginning at 5:15 pm on May 7 and all applicants for External Agency funding who wish to speak about their applications or funding (it is not required) are strongly encouraged to speak on May 7.  

The May 16 public hearing will be open to all speakers on the budget.  On May 20, no External Agency applicants will be permitted to speak and the committee hopes to hear from the public about more general aspects of the budget. 

Sign-up sheets for the May 16 and May 20 meetings will be available one hour prior to the public hearings.

Here are highlights of the 2020 Budget Hearing Schedule:

• Metro Parks & Recreation – Wednesday, May 8 at 4:30 pm
• Louisville Forward, to include Economic Development, Develop Louisville, Codes & Regulations and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund – Monday, May 13 at 3:30 pm
• Louisville Fire – Tuesday, May 21 at 5:30 pm
• Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods – Wednesday, May 22 at 4:30 pm
• Louisville Free Public Library – Wednesday, May 29 at 3:30 pm
• Public Works and Assets – Wednesday, May 29 at 4:30 pm
• Emergency Services – Thursday, May 30 at 3:30 pm
• LMPD – Thursday, May 30 at 4:30 pm
• Public Health & Wellness – Monday, June 10 at 3:45 pm

For a complete schedule of meetings, current as of today, click here!

All Metro Council Committee meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and UVERSE Channel 99. The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk by clicking on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.

It is the classic play of political ambition that leads to murder and tyranny. Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) invites the community to a free presentation of “Macbeth”, this year’s Shakespeare in the Parks event presented by Kentucky Shakespeare.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great work of Kentucky Shakespeare and the arts cannot find a better audience than the people of our neighborhoods,” says Sexton Smith. “The arts enhance our quality of life and when you have the chance to experience a classic play such as this, I hope everyone will take advantage of it.”

Macbeth is Kentucky Shakespeare’s 6-actor, 90-minute production which will have toured 28 parks and locations in Metro Louisville and Southern Indiana from April 6th to May 25th.

It tells the story of a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. He is then wracked with guilt and paranoia that to more murder and his becoming a tyrannical ruler.

This Sunday, it is a free performance in Smoketown at the Muhammad Ali Boxing Glove Monument beginning at 2:00pm. In the event of rain, the location will be moved to the Smoketown Wellness Center.

“So please come and join us. Bring a chair, blanket, or plan a picnic for this free, family-friendly community event,” says Sexton Smith.

For more information about Shakespeare in the Parks in Smoketown, contact Councilwoman Sexton Smith’s office at 574-1104.

Bloomberg Philanthropies announced that Louisville Metro Government is one of seven cities to achieve 2019 What Works Cities Certification, a national standard of excellence in city governance. What Works Cities Certification evaluates how well cities are managed by measuring the extent to which city leaders incorporate data and evidence in their decision-making.

Louisville achieved Certification at the gold level, moving up from the silver level in 2018. In announcing Louisville’s increased level of Certification today, What Works Cities pointed to efforts led by the Office for Performance Improvement & Innovation to create on-demand traffic studies in partnership with the Waze app in place of more costly, slower-to-develop traditional traffic studies. What Works Cities also cited the city’s ongoing efforts to improve its engagement and quality of publicly open data.

“What Works Cities Gold Certification means our city government is performing among the very best in the U.S. and that our work to use innovation and data to more efficiently expend tax dollars is a national model,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “There are always more efficiencies to implement, more breakthrough innovations to explore — and we have the right team to guide us in the Office of Performance Improvement & Innovation, led by Grace Simrall and Carmen Moreno-Rivera.”

Mayor Fischer created the Office of Performance Improvement & Innovation in 2012 to guide Louisville Metro Government in improving the use of evidence, data and innovation to achieve more efficient and effective services for residents. OPI2 has helped the city increase revenue, reduce staff time, increase program reach and avoid costly consultants. This includes:

• A 29% reduction in repair time at Louisville Metro Parks’ Central Services repair facility.
• Savings of $72,000 by taking over the Employee Engagement survey from an outsourced company while substantially increasing the participation rate.
• Hackathons that drew in community partners to help us better use our data.
• Getting more people involved in the digital platforms that are essential for the economy of today and tomorrow. That includes more than 500 low-cost internet sign ups with local providers and distributed more than 350 refurbished donated computers for residents in need in 2018.
• Bringing in more than $13.5 million in grants.

“We are proud to celebrate Louisville and the other certified cities and recognize their achievements for others to learn from,” said Simone Brody, Executive Director of What Works Cities. “These well-managed cities are better solving the problems facing their communities and addressing residents’ needs. They are stretching every dollar by using data to set priorities, budget effectively, and ensure investments are yielding desired results. They are also putting data at the core of their efforts to prepare for future challenges.”

What Works Cities Certification evaluates how well cities are managed and how city leaders incorporate data and evidence in their decision-making. Cities are evaluated on factors such as whether they have dedicated staff responsible for helping departments use data to track their progress; whether contracts are awarded based on past performance; meetings are focused on numbers; key datasets are open to the public; and whether there is transparency both in the goals set and the progress toward achieving them. Cities must demonstrate that they have policies in place to manage the risks associated with sophisticated data practices. The program also requires that cities publicly communicate their use of data best practices and engage community stakeholders in the process.

The Certification program launched in April 2017, and U.S. cities with populations of 30,000 and higher are eligible to participate. Cities are awarded silver, gold, or platinum Certification depending on their level of data sophistication. The Certification program was developed by a team of experts in close consultation with the What Works Cities Certification Standard Committee, which comprises leaders in the field from more than a dozen organizations that support cities. What Works Cities experts, along with members of the Standard Committee, then join in-person site visits to the highest-performing cities to determine the city’s Certification level. The seven 2019 certified cities were identified from over 90 assessments.

To date, a total of thirteen cities have achieved Certification:

Arlington, TX (2019 Silver), Boston, MA (2018 Silver), Kansas City, MO (2019 Gold, 2018 Silver), Los Angeles, CA (2018 Gold), Louisville, KY (2019 Gold, 2018 Silver), Memphis, TN (2019 Silver), New Orleans, LA (2018 Silver), Philadelphia, PA (2019 Silver), San Diego, CA (2018 Silver), San Francisco (2018 Silver), Scottsdale, AZ (2019 Silver), Seattle, WA (2018 Silver), and Washington, DC (2019 Gold, 2018 Silver)