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SubscribeMayor Greg Fischer and several Metro Council members are proposing changes to the city’s property tax moratorium program that would enhance anti-displacement efforts in neighborhoods experiencing rapid investment.
An amendment filed today would make the Property Assessment and Reassessment Moratorium Program more accessible to homeowners in west Louisville, Smoketown and Shelby Park. The goal is to avoid the displacement that can occur when a neighborhood sees such quick investment that property values rise markedly, which in turn can raise property taxes beyond what current residents can afford and put pressure on existing homeowners to sell.
The moratorium program will work in concert with other anti-displacement measures such as the recently launched Russell Homeowner Repair Program, which provides funding to help Russell homeowners make critical home repairs.
Established in 1983, the moratorium program encourages residential and commercial property owners to make improvements to properties that are at least 25 years old, and in return, their Metro Government and Urban Services District taxes are frozen for five years, even if their property values rise.
The proposed amendment would lower the amount of money that homeowners in west Louisville, Smoketown and Shelby Park would have to spend on such improvements to qualify for a tax moratorium. Under the amendment, homeowners would qualify if their improvement costs equal at least 5 percent of the value of the improvements, based on the latest assessment made by the Jefferson County PVA. For example, the average single-family home in Russell is valued at $36,717, meaning the owner would need to spend at least $1,836 on upgrades and improvements to qualify.
Commercial and residential properties located outside of west Louisville, Smoketown and Shelby Park may also still be eligible for the tax moratorium program.
Those properties are eligible if the improvement costs equal at least 10 percent of the value of the improvements and if the property is in a census tract where at least 50 percent of household incomes are less than 60 percent of the area median income.
The amendment to the moratorium program is possible because of Section 172B of the state Constitution, which governs the ability of local governments to offer a property tax moratorium and limits this action to qualifying repair activity and no more than five years.
Measure is part of a broader effort
Mayor Fischer said the proposed changes – including a waiver of the program’s $40 administrative fee for qualifying low-income owners – represent just one piece of a broader effort by Louisville Metro and its partners to stave off displacement and build wealth among longtime residents.
“We are seeing significant reinvestment in some of these neighborhoods, and we want to be sure that the people who live in these communities, the people who are the soul of these communities, can stay and grow with these communities,” he said.
Colleen Younger, Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator, agreed.
“New investment is good and necessary to stabilize neighborhoods, but an important piece must be to offer protection to current, longtime homeowners who are the heart and soul of these urban neighborhoods and the households that are the most financially fragile and at risk,” she said. “Property values in west Louisville neighborhoods rose for the first time in eight years during the 2019 assessment, and this program will offer some protection as property taxes rise due to fast growth in the target areas.”
The Smoketown and Shelby Park neighborhoods will be reassessed this year. Property owners can challenge their assessment through Jefferson County PVA’s “You have a right to appeal” program, where residents can submit photos and documentation through mail, in person or online. For more information about the program, call (502) 574-6380 or visit jeffersonpva.ky.gov.
Council President David James, who is among five sponsors of the amendment, said, “I’m happy to be a sponsor of this ordinance as we try to fight against gentrification and protect our citizens and neighborhoods.” (See other Council comments in support of the amendment below.)
Other anti-displacement efforts
Additional anti-displacement efforts in Louisville include the Russell Homeowner Repair Program, the Emergency Repair Program, the citywide Down Payment Assistance Program, and additional funding for Russell homebuyers to make repairs.
The Russell Homeowner Repair Program, which launched in 2019, assists existing Russell homeowners in building equity by granting up to $25,000 per unit to help owner-occupants make critical improvements to their homes, using $2.3 million in CBDG funds. The city’s Office of Housing, which administers the CBDG funds, has received more than 90 applications for assistance and is still accepting applications for the program. For more information, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/russell-homeownership-incentive-program.
Through its Down Payment Assistance Program, Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Housing gives qualified homebuyers up to 20 percent of the purchase price to help them buy homes in neighborhoods throughout Jefferson County. In addition, the city will grant up to $35,000 to qualified residents buying a home in Russell, in an effort to promote homeownership among Russell residents.
The city also is continuing to work with key partner organizations and residents on additional measures aimed at advancing its anti-displacement work, including consideration of Renter Equity Models to help renters build wealth, and the possible establishment of a Community Land Trust to create permanent affordable homeownership opportunities, among other measures.
Louisville Metro Government’s 2020 legislative priorities include seeking more tools to address blighted, deteriorated, and vacant properties and pursuing funding and policy solutions to meet the growing demands for affordable housing, including a state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
Neighborhood Place partners will host several events in January including several Census Bureau hiring events for positions with the National Processing Center and Census Takers; a Women’s Empowerment session covering eight modules; an Energy Management workshop; a Foster Parent/Adoption Information meeting, and more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Jan. 6, 13 and 27 – Kentucky Health Career Center Outreach at two locations
Call 502/595-4003 for more information. A KentuckianaWorks Health Career Center professional will provide valuable information to help increase your occupation potential including training funds for in-demand occupations; resources for individuals seeking advance healthcare careers; resume writing, career assessments; interview planning; computer essentials, work-based learning opportunities and more.
- Jan. 6 and 27, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- Jan. 13, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.
Jan. 7, 8, 14, 16, 21 and 28 – National Processing Center (NPC) Hiring Events at multiple locations
National Processing Center (NPC) is the U.S. Census Bureau’s primary center for mail processing, survey processing, data capture, imaging/scanning and warehouse operations. A U.S. Census Bureau’s representative will be available to share information about the hundreds of entry-level office and warehouse clerks employment opportunities for the Jeffersonville location. NPC recently increased the starting hourly pay rate for entry level clerks to $14.54 per hour.
- Jan. 7, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- Jan. 8, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- Jan. 14, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 485-7310 for more information.
- Jan. 16 and 28, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.. Call 485-7130 for more information.
- Jan. 21, Neighborhood Place satellite site at Valley High School, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 485-7310.
Jan. 9 and 14, 2020 Census Employment Recruitment at two locations
Become a 2020 Census Taker and support your community. The position entails collection of important data that will determine the state’s representation in Congress as well as how funds are spent in your community on things like roads, schools or hospitals.
- Jan. 9 and 14, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- Jan. 14, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.
Jan. 9, Sodexo Hiring Opportunity at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Jan. 9, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
Jan. 13, Foster Parent/Adoption Information Meeting at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Details will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Jan. 15, Passport Health Care Informational Table at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. A community engagement representative is onsite to answer any questions that Passport members have regarding their plan, benefits and updates on the upcoming waiver.
Jan. 15, Louisville Forward – Office of Community Development/Office of Housing Outreach at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. Representatives from Louisville Forward will be onsite monthly to provide valuable information to assist median to low-income residents such as Down Payment Assistance, Home Repair and Lead Safe Louisville programs as well as current efforts to reduce vacant and abandon properties in our community. For more information, visit Develop Louisville website at www.Louisvilleky.gov/DevelopLouisville.
Mondays, Jan. 27 – March 16, Bridges of Hope Women’s Empowerment Group, 5 – 7 p.m.
Located at 1411 Algonquin Pkwy. Call 634-6050 for more information. The Bridges of Hope Women’s Empowerment Group was created by women to serve women to provide a safe and welcoming space to speak openly and candidly about topics such as relationships, parenting, addressing vicarious trauma, mental and physical health, grief and self-care. Each of the sessions is free and snacks will be provided.
Jan. 28, Energy Management Workshop at Ujima Neighborhod Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register. This workshop will provide all the information and tools you need to help weatherize your home. Energy saving tips and weatherization demonstrations will prepare all attending to keep drafts away. Materials are free to all that attend. Sponsored in collaboration with Project Warm.
Gov. Andy Beshear and Mayor Greg Fischer joined U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth today in announcing that YouthBuild Louisville is receiving a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand its services in the Louisville Community.
YouthBuild provides at-risk youth, ages 16-24, with education and occupational skill development to obtain employment in construction and other in-demand industries. In all, the Labor Department awarded 67 grants totaling up to $85 million to support and expand YouthBuild programs across the country.
“Job training and education are key to preparing our nation’s young men and women for economic success,” U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia said. “By investing in these local workforce development programs, the Department is expanding opportunities for at-risk youth in communities across the country.”
Lynn Rippy, president and CEO for YouthBuild Louisville, said the money will support ongoing programming and allow the agency to assist 10 additional youths a year.
“All young people need support to successfully reach adulthood,” Rippy said. “YouthBuild offers our previously challenged young adults a chance to grow with the love, skill building and future-creating opportunities that we afford our own children. We are so grateful to be able to expand our work together with some of Louisville’s most resilient young adult leaders.”
“This federal funding is well-earned and highlights YouthBuild Louisville’s success in making our city home to one of the best youth education and workforce development programs in the nation,” said Congressman Yarmuth, who is chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The dedicated young people who participate in this program are working to embrace their full potential while also contributing to the community around them. I’m so proud of the work Lynn Rippy and her team have done to empower our local youth and make YouthBuild Louisville such a nationally recognized success story.”
“This funding will provide more young people in Kentucky an opportunity to learn valuable skills, provide for their families and succeed,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Everyone matters in Kentucky, and this grant will create a pathway for more young people in the Commonwealth to thrive.”
“This grant means more young people can come through the doors here at YouthBuild and develop skills that will make them an asset to companies that are thriving in our growing city,” said Mayor Fischer. “I’m so proud of programs like this that create concrete opportunities for kids who struggle, opening doors to a brighter future.”
“YouthBuild programs have the ability to change the lives of thousands of American students,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John Pallasch. “Today’s announcement will provide new opportunities for young people across the country to take the first step toward good-paying careers.”
The Department has administered the YouthBuild program since 2006. Program participants learn construction skills while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods, as well as other occupational skills for in-demand industries that also require real-world work experience components. Young people split their time between the occupational skills training site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree and prepare for postsecondary opportunities.
Mayor Greg Fischer recently announced Amy Hess as Metro Louisville’s new Chief of Public Services, a role where she will oversee such critical departments as Public Works, Emergency Services, Corrections, Fleet and Facilities, and Animal Services.
Hess currently serves as Executive Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch, and is the highest-ranking woman in the FBI. A native of Jeffersonville, Ind., she previously served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville field office, with responsibility for all FBI personnel and operations throughout the commonwealth of Kentucky. In that role, she led the FBI’s participation in strategies to reduce violent crime and combat the opioid epidemic; and oversaw the pursuit and capture of fugitive Eric Conn. (See her full bio here.)
Louisville’s Business First honored Hess among its Enterprising Women award winners in 2018, naming her “Woman Making a Difference.”
“With her vast management experience, and her deep knowledge and experience with our region and complex systems, Amy is an incredible addition to our team,” Mayor Fischer said. “I welcome Amy home, and look forward to her helping Louisville continue on its path as a global, breakout city.”
Hess thanked Mayor Fischer for the opportunity to return to the community she has served and loves, adding, “I know from my previous role here that the men and women of Louisville Metro Government are hard-working, talented and committed to public service. I look forward to contributing to this great team.”
Hess will start on February 1, 2020, after transitioning from her current job and moving back to Louisville.
Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) Director Ozzy Gibson, who has been serving as interim Chief of Public Services, will continue as LMAS director, assist with Hess’ transition into her new role, and take an additional role in the Mayor’s Office as Senior Advisor on Special Projects.
“I am deeply grateful to Ozzy for stepping up in this interim period and serving as a strong leader for the Public Services Cabinet,” Mayor Fischer said. “We will continue to utilize his vast talents, knowledge and love for our city by having him not only continue to serve as Director of Animal Services, but also in this new role as Senior Advisor on Special Projects, or, as I like to call it, Senior Troubleshooter!”
Mayor Greg Fischer today joined representatives from Louisville’s faith, education and business communities to announce the launch of a new 501c3, Compassionate Louisville, an independent organization to oversee and further Louisville’s compassion work. The organization, led by Dr. Muhammad Babar, will build upon the city’s momentum and strengthen its culture of compassion and volunteerism.
“Compassion is one of our core city values and is part of our legacy in Louisville, from the life and work of compassion champions like Justice Louis Brandeis, Thomas Merton, Muhammad Ali, Anne Braden and others,” said the Mayor. “The creation of Compassionate Louisville will champion our cause of compassion, make it sustainable and ensure it lives on beyond any administration.”
The organization will exist as a portal to support and empower existing local organizations that are doing year-round compassion work. By identifying issues that need to be addressed through compassionate action, the board will build awareness and facilitate connections and partnerships to support the needs of the community.
The launch of Compassionate Louisville builds upon compassion initiatives like the Mayor’s Give A Day Week of Service, the city-wide festival of volunteerism, service and compassion. In 2019, the city broke its own world record with more than 235,000 acts of service or compassion.
In November 2011, the Mayor, along with Metro Council members, signed the Charter for Compassion, committing Louisville to a 10-year Compassionate City campaign. This work has helped the city form a strategic partnership with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and earn the distinction of being named an International Model City for Compassion four years in a row.
“Our vision is to create a place where all people in our community have the opportunity, desire, and support to engage in year-round service and compassion,” said Dr. Babar, Chair, Compassionate Louisville. “Our purpose is simple, to empower all people to flourish.”
Compassionate Louisville board members include:
- Dr. Muhammad Babar, Chair, Muslim Americans for Compassion
- Janice Cates, Mayor’s Office
- Matt Goldberg, Jewish Federation of Louisville
- Jan Helson, Global Game Changers
- Halaeh Karima, University of Louisville
- Donald Lassere, Muhammad Ali Center
- Marta Miranda, Community Foundation of Louisville
- Tori Murden McClure, Spalding University
- Ron Oliver, Norton Healthcare
- Sarah Riggs Reed, Center for Interfaith Relations
- Kris Sirchio, WE Day Kentucky
- Tom Williams, Charter for Compassion
- Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, Greater Louisville Inc.
- Suzanne Wright, Jefferson County Public Schools
Joined by more than 250 members of the Louisville Metro Snow Team, Mayor Greg Fischer today declared that the city is battle ready for the 2019-20 snow season. After the announcement, the Snow Team worked through a mock snow event that included driving all road treatment routes.
“I’m honored to stand along with our Snow Team to declare Louisville is ready to tackle significant winter weather,” said the Mayor. “This team will jump into action any hour, any day, to make it safe for the rest of us to get where we need to go when it snows.”
Mayor Fischer also named dozens of Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) students as honorary members of the Snow Team.
The students – from Eisenhower, Gutermuth, Jacob, Layne, Sanders and Wilkerson elementary schools – decorated six snowplows to be used in the upcoming winter season. Some of the plows will be part of the Lots of Lights Parade during the Light Up Louisville celebration on Friday, Nov. 29. The plows were displayed during today’s event in the Cardinal Stadium parking lot.
JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio said, “We appreciate the diligence and hard work of the Louisville Metro Snow Team in keeping roads safe and passable every winter. We depend on that commitment to ensure students and employees can get to and from school in inclement weather, limiting the number of days that students are away from the classroom.
“I’m also proud of our students who used their artistic talents to show their appreciation in their own way — Louisville’s streets will be both safer and more beautiful this year when the Snow Team is activated.”
The Snow Team is led by Metro Public Works under the leadership of Director Vanessa Burns and Assistant Director for Roads and Operations, Brian Funk. The Public Works Solid Waste Management Division, Metro Parks, the Department of Codes & Regulations, and the Division of Fleet and Facilities are also part of the team.
The Louisville Fire Department also is preparing to help residents combat winter fires and indoor home safety.
“It’s important for the community to play a key role in keeping their home, families and neighbors safe,” said Major Bobby Cooper, Louisville Fire Department. “Simple safety precautions like maintaining home heating equipment, using space heaters and generators with caution, and replacing batteries in smoke alarms can help ensure a warm and safe winter.”
While the Louisville Metro Snow Team is focused on keeping things moving safely on the ground, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has a team that’s focused on making sure people can get in and out of the city through the air.
“The dedicated snow teams for both Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and Bowman Field are prepared and ready to respond anytime inclement weather is in the area,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “As SDF remains strong as the seventh busiest cargo airport in the world with more than 300 daily flights from our cargo partners, plus 80 flights from the passenger airlines, we play an essential role in connecting people and goods around the globe. It’s crucial that our airfield is operational and ready for use 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Just as Louisville Metro takes great care of the city, we remain focused on ensuring the airport is ready for business at all hours of the day.”
Louisville will begin the snow season this year with 38,500 tons of salt on hand. Most of the salt will be stored underground in Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave. About 15,550 tons are distributed to four above ground locations where the salt will be loaded onto spreading vehicles as needed. Total salt used in the 2018-19 snow season was 10,505 tons.
The city will also continue to pretreat roads with brine ahead of snowfalls. Brine is a saltwater solution that reduces the adherence of snow and ice to pavement and reduces slick spots.
The city’s snow removal progress can be followed via an interactive online map. During snow events, a snow map will be posted on the city website, www.Louisvilleky.gov, and the Department of Public Works site at www.louisvilleky.gov/publicworks. The latest updates will also be posted on Twitter at LouPubWorks.
More than 50 representatives from 13 key community partners this month have begun training in the Trauma Resilient Community (TRC) Model as part of a $5 million, 5-year federal grant to launch an emerging project to promote resilience and equity for Louisville families and young people most affected by trauma, inequity, and violence in west and south Louisville.
The city-wide Trauma Resilient Community Initiative, led by the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, uses a community-based approach to build a “trauma-informed” system of care and services to children and families exposed to violence. The effort is meant to increase the knowledge and skills of people who respond to, make referrals and provide services to its most vulnerable stakeholders.
“Our city has learned a tremendous amount about trauma, and ways to address trauma over the past several decades. Collectively, we have done good work understanding and responding to the needs of children and families across our city,” said Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, Director of the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods. “This effort allows us to again reimagine a system of care that increases resilience to trauma with the understanding that racial equity and culturally responsive service are central to our work.”
“As part of our work to create a city of compassion, equity and opportunity, we have to address the trauma that affects far too many people in our community,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I’m proud of the work the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods does to promote healing and resilience.”
Over the course of the next four years, backbone agencies will receive ongoing mentorship and support from the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities to customize an approach for each agency to move from understanding basic trauma theory to becoming an actualized trauma resilient organization.
Backbone agencies are key community partners selected to participate based on their ability to demonstrate commitment, collaboration and partnership in implementing the TRC Model within the community. They include:
- Americana Community Center
- Boys and Girls Club
- Center for Women and Families
- Centerstone
- Uspiritus
- Collective Care Center – Spalding University
- Exploited Children’s Help Organization (ECHO)
- KentuckyOne Health
- Maryhurst
- Skillz 4 Life
- Louisville Urban League
- YMCA of Greater Louisville
- National Safe Place Network
The TRC Model training is one of several evidence-based trainings to be offered to partners who aim to provide trauma treatment to 400 children and their families in west and south Louisville, where data shows that youth and families are disproportionately affected by trauma, violence and systematic inequities. The project also involves training 200 clinicians in trauma interventions, and 200 first responders, volunteers and community service providers in a special first-aid approach to youth mental health.
“This is a creative and innovative way to introduce trauma-informed care to our community. I feel that the backbone agencies are going to be able to have a clear understanding of trauma and create a movement throughout our community in order to create more safety for everyone as a whole. The training is instrumental in identifying, personally and professionally, how trauma impacts an organization, systems and ultimately how it effects the community,” said Sonja Grey, Executive Director, ECHO.
To help increase additional awareness of trauma and its effects, a community advisory board has been created to intentionally engage community leaders, enhance outreach and training, and address the root causes of adverse community experiences. The board is made up of approximately 65 participants who represent multiple sectors of the community (service providers, youth, survivors of trauma) and were selected based on interest and alignment of project goals and demonstrated leadership and engagement in west and south Louisville neighborhoods.
The federal grant, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was first announced in 2018 by Mayor Greg Fischer and officials with the University of Louisville and Centerstone Kentucky. The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods manages the TRC project, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with UofL’s Kent School of Social Work and Centerstone Kentucky.
For more information, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-safe-healthy-neighborhoods/samhsa-trauma-resilient-community-project
