Wednesday October 29, 2025
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SubscribeMayor Greg Fischer announced today that the Office of Sustainability has implemented its first Energy Project Assessment District (EPAD) project with partner Citizens Union Bank (CUB).
EPAD is a tool that encourages property owners install energy efficiency mprovements, renewable energy and water conservation measures at commercial and multi-family properties, by allowing them to acquire private funding that can be paid off through a voluntary assessment administered by the Jefferson County Sheriff in the same manner as a property tax bill. The program allows property owners to extend the term of the loan to 30 years and finance up to 100 percent of an energy project’s cost.
The city’s first EPAD project was made possible through a loan from CUB and allowed property owner Tony Holland to construct a 15-unit apartment at 110 Weisser Avenue with high-efficiency heating and cooling controls, an exterior insulation system and cool roofing materials.
“I applaud the Office of Sustainability, CUB and Tony Holland for forming a partnership to make our city more sustainable. This project is a showcase of how property owners and developers can make a great financial choice that will have great environmental benefits for our community,” Mayor Fischer said. “Our city needs more lending institutions and property owners to partner with us on projects like this one.”
“We are thrilled to close on the first project of our EPAD program. EPAD will help promote energy efficiency and will ultimately contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of life in Louisville,” said Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability Director Maria Koetter. “We applaud Tony Holland and CUB for paving the way.”
“At CUB we care a great deal about conservation efforts that benefit the communities we serve”, said David Bowling, CUB’s CEO. “We are proud to be able to partner with the City and property owners like Tony Holland on the EPAD Program. They were great to work with and hopefully this will be just the beginning of many similar projects in the future.”
The EPAD program offers unique benefits to the property owner, including low interest, and fixed rates that are affixed to the property title and not the property owner. That separation means the property owner is not tying up other credit lines for essential operating expenses.
Energy efficient improvements and renewable energy projects—like solar panels, green roofs and LED lighting—aid in Louisville Metro’s efforts alleviate urban heat and decrease the amount of pollutants impacting local air quality.
EPAD financing is available to office, retail, industrial, non-profits and multi-family residential units consisting of five or more dwelling units. Commercial properties include for-profit businesses and non-governmental, non-residential, tax-exempt properties such as privately operated community centers and hospitals.
An eligible energy-efficient, water-efficient or renewable energy improvement project must have a minimum cost of $20,000, a useful life of at least five years and be permanently affixed to the property title. Additionally, the property owner must demonstrate that the project reduces energy or water usage or generate renewable power for the property and that the improvements will remain with property upon sale or transfer of title.
The Kentucky General Assembly enacted legislation in 2015 authorizing local governments to establish EPADs and an ordinance approved by Metro Council in 2016 designated the entirety of Louisville Metro as an EPAD.
Data from a pilot project that linked Louisville Metro Government employees with produce grown by a local farm indicate that the participating employees increased their vegetable consumption by an average of two servings per day.
Forty-one employees from three Metro Government departments — Youth Detention Services, Resilience and Community Services and Public Health and Wellness — participated in the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) as an Employee Benefit initiative. At the outset of the initiative, employees paid up-front for future deliveries of vegetables from Rootbound Farm in Crestwood. The up-front payment schedule was designed to provide financial stability for local farming while promoting commitment to the project among employees.
A full share was $649.00 and a small share was $462.00. This was discounted by $200 for each participant by employer contributions. Each participant received weekly deliveries of organic vegetables for 22 weeks.
Researchers from University of Kentucky’s Department of Agricultural Economics found that the 27 participating employees who returned surveys reported that they increased their vegetable consumption by two servings per day, from an average of 4.2 to 6.3 servings per day. This put them within the CDC and USDA recommended range of 5 to 7 servings per day. Respondents also reported eating less processed foods, gaining cooking and food storage skills, feeling healthier and having greater confidence in talking to their co-workers about food and nutrition.
“The results of the initiative were very gratifying,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Department of Public Health and Wellness and the city’s chief health strategist. “We expect our employees to set an example by practicing healthy eating. The Community Supported Agriculture gave them a chance to do that while supporting local agriculture. We hope to replicate and expand this initiative next year.”
Bree Pearsall, co-owner of Rootbound Farm, said: “We were very happy to have Louisville Metro Government participating in the CSA Program. Their participation helps provide financial stability for local family farms. But even more important, the Community Supported Agriculture initiative is growing more than fruits and vegetables, it’s growing community and trust between consumers and farmers.”
The Community Supported Agriculture as an Employee Benefit initiative is a partnership of the Kentucky Farm Share Coalition, the Organic Association of Kentucky, the University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics and the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.
Employers interested in weekly produce deliveries to their workplace can learn more about CSAs as an employee benefit at kyfarmshare.org.
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) will award a $25,000 emergency grant for specific tangible items to the Coalition for the Homeless, a Louisville organization working to prevent and end homelessness.
HOKC Commanding General Lynn Ashton said, “Our intent is to get the ball rolling and encourage other non-profit organizations and the Louisville community to join us and partner with the Coalition.”
HOKC Executive Director Sherry Crose added, “We recognize the hard work of Metro Government with the challenge of homelessness in the downtown area, but they cannot do it themselves. This is the home of our headquarters and also where the state’s biggest homeless population exists.”
Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director Natalie Harris said: “We cannot thank Metro Louisville and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels enough for seeing this important community need and leading the way to make change. We can reach the goal of helping those in need by following Metro Government’s lead and the HOKC through gifts from our compassionate community, but only if everyone gives what they can to help our homeless neighbors.
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith added: “I am grateful and not surprised that more organizations and individuals are stepping up to help those experiencing homelessness in our community. Hats off to the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels for leading the way with a major financial donation! It is my hope many more will follow.”
HOKC is a 501(c)(3) supporting Kentucky charities and worthy organizations through its Good Works Program. All donations are given by Colonels appointed by the Governor, who chose to exercise this honor in a meaningful way. For more information go to www.kycolonels.org.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
He served the community of Louisville for more than 40 years as a pastor and an advocate for housing and civil rights for all in the city.
On Saturday, December 15th, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the family and friends of the late Dr. James E. Miller and unveil an honorary sign on Golden Rule Way near the church where he preached.
“Dr. Miller led the Lampton Baptist Church and his impact reached far beyond its sanctuary for many years,” says Sexton Smith. “He was a strong leader involved in the NAACP and the Housing Authority of Louisville where touched the lives of several generations.”
Dr. James Elijah Miller was born on July 2, 1936 in Dallas, Texas. He received degrees from both Butler College and Dallas Theological Seminary. He began preaching as a teenager at Beulah Baptist Church in Texas, and later preached at Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Oklahoma before being called to serve in Louisville.
For 44 years, he was Pastor of Lampton Baptist Church in Louisville for 44 years, and after retirement he joined Christ’s Church of Our Community as an Associate Pastor.
During his life he served the Louisville community for more than 40 years in various ways including the following: hosting the Annual Martin Luther King Memorial Program, was an active member of the NAACP’s State Conference and an integral part of the 1979 NAACP National Convention in Louisville.
Mayor Harvey Sloane appointed him as Board Commissioner of the Housing Authority of Louisville where he served for 10 years and also awarded him with the key to the City of Louisville.
Dr. Miller was married to the late Doris Fay Lyons and had four children, Rev. Joel Miller, Rev. David Miller, JoAnna Harlan, and DeAnna Miller-Wooden. He went to his heavenly reward on September 2, 2018, and leaves behind his children, sisters, and many grandchildren, godchildren and great grandchildren.
Councilwoman Sexton Smith sponsored the Resolution which called for the placement of an honorary street sign Dr. Miller’s service to Louisville Metro is hereby recognized with the placement of honorary street signs on Golden Rule Way at the corners of both 4th Street and 5th Street next to the Immanuel Baptist Church and be designated as “Dr. James E. Miller Way.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 11:00am at the corner of South Fourth Street and Golden Rule Way located next to Immanuel Baptist Church.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Elementary school students at six schools in District 6 will get a special present this year when Councilman David James (D-6) hosts the Winter Wonderland Coat Giveaway on Friday, December 14th.
“Once again, this year we will be able to give warm coats to some students in need to help them stay warm during the winter and achieve great things at school,” says James. “This is the time of year when it is better to give than receive and some great sponsors are helping me achieve that goal.”
On Friday, December 14th, Councilman James will be distributing coats to students who attend Frayser, Englehard, Cochran, McFerran, Wheatly and Brandeis Elementary School at First Gethsemane Center for Family Development, 1221 First Gethsemane Avenue.
The students who have the greatest need were identified through their Jefferson County Public Schools Resource Counselors.
The giveaway was made possible through some very generous sponsors who have helped out at many seasonal District 6 events this year.
Councilman James has partnered with Kosair Charities, AL J Schneider Companies, Toys For Tots and Play Louisville to assist in this year’s program. The Councilman also gives special thanks to UAW Local 862 and Walmart.
“I want to thank all the sponsors who are making sure the children of our area have a nice holiday,” says James. “One of our themes for the Winter Wonderland Coat Giveaway is: The list has been made and checked twice, no naughtiness here, just to be nice!”
The fun begins at 6:00pm on Friday, December 14th.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge will join the Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron (Undergraduate Members of the University of Louisville) Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and the Louisville Kappa League for their annual task on Saturday, December 15th.
Their holiday mission is to deliver Christmas Meal Baskets to needy families throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“This is the time of year to reach out and help families in our community,” says Woolridge. “I am once again happy to join Kappa Alpha Psi, a dedicated organization of caring individuals in our city, on this important project.”
Kappa Alpha Psi began this annual initiative after deciding those in need should not go without food on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Joining Councilwoman Woolridge and the Fraternity in this effort is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 77.
“Part of our mission is to enrich our communities and the families within it. Giving back is one of the most important and valuable things an organization can do, especially during the holidays,” says Eric Stout, President of the Louisville (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. “We have a rich tradition of compassion, community service, and giving – all ingredients to a healthy and blessed holiday spirit. We are thankful to have supporters like the Councilwoman Woolridge, Big Brother Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and FOP Lodge 77, join our efforts year after year.”
Kappa Alpha Psi has already identified the families in need and on Saturday, will deliver Christmas baskets with food to cook a full course meal. Since 1984, over 1,200 baskets have been delivered during the holidays. This equates to over 40,000 pounds of food.
“This program not only provides a benefit to the community but I have to commend Kappa Alpha Psi for using it as a way to show younger members the importance of community service,” says Woolridge. “Caring for those in need is a year round commitment and what better time to begin such a journey.”
Here is Saturday’s Schedule for this year’s Christmas Meal basket Program:
- 8:30 AM Meet at Walmart Neighborhood Market 5360 Dixie Louisville, KY 40216
- 9:00 AM Begin Delivery of Baskets to Families
The Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District is reminding families that the application period for 2019-20 school year enrollment in JCPS ends December 19. All incoming kindergartners, students who are new to JCPS, students who have had a change of address, and any student who wants to be considered for a magnet school or program should register.
Families can register using the JCPS website or by visiting any JCPS school or the JCPS Parent Assistance Center at 4309 Bishop Lane. Parents or guardians should bring a photo ID and any one of the following: utility bill, lease, house contract, paycheck stub or government-issued check.
Parents who have questions regarding school registration may call 485-6250.
Families can learn more about the school choices available in JCPS here.
