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SubscribeMore 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
Mayor Greg Fischer and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville today announced the sixth annual Mayor’s Week of Valor — a series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of active-duty military, veterans and their families.
Coinciding with Veterans Day, the 2019 Week of Valor will feature 27 educational, patriotic, community or civic events from Nov. 2 through Nov. 13. Residents are encouraged to participate and recognize, support and honor veterans.
Events include a 22 Push-Up Challenge on Nov. 2, a Women Veterans Town Hall on Nov. 7, and a Veterans Wellness Expo + Run/Walk on Nov. 9.
Also on Monday, Nov. 11, the city’s Veterans Day Parade will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Louisville this year on Jefferson Street, between Fourth and Seventh streets. The parade welcomes all military personnel and veterans, either in groups or as individuals, to participate. (There is no cost to enter; participants are asked to contact ltbrockman@gmail.com or call 502-552-1131.)
“Our freedoms are here for us because of the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” Fischer said. “We’re asking residents from across the community to come out and show support during the Week of Valor to honor the people who’ve helped keep our country free.”
A full schedule of events is attached or can be found at http://louisvilleky.gov/weekofvalor.
2019 Week of Valor Events
- Saturday, Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — 22 Push-up Challenge. Waterfront Park, North Lawn, 129 River Road. Contact: Sarah Jemison at (502) 589-8600 or sarah.jemison@centerstone.org.
- Saturday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m.-5 p.m — Veterans Appreciation Day at BeeHive Memory Care Home. 8800 Smyrna Pkwy. Contact: Bob DeVore Jr. at (502) 619-8877, (502) 966-6129 or superdevore7@yahoo.com
- Monday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. — 2019 Kentucky Veteran of the Year Banquet. The Jeffersonian, 10617 Taylorsville Road. Tickets are free but registration is required. Contact: Donald Bow at (502) 907-1536 or dbow@efky.org. or visit www.kentuckyveteransoftheyear.org
- November 5-6, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free Business Ownership Workshop. Fort Knox, Kentucky, Building 1378, Graham Hall. For eligibility information and to register visit https://sbavets.force.com/s/login/SelfRegister. Contact: Tommie Causey at (502) 582-5588, ext. 237 or tommie.causey@sba.gov.
- Tuesday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Military Veteran Housing Certification (MVHC). Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 295 North Hubbards Lane. The MVHC offered by the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), is designed for a comprehensive understanding of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guarantee Program. Contact: John Miller at (502) 779-0944 or louisville@varep.net | https://www.varep.net/mvhc/index.php/about1 Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Veterans Day Celebration. Engelhard Elementary, 1004 South First St. All veterans and service members are invited to celebrate in a schoolwide assembly and reception. RSVP at (502) 485-8246.
- Thursday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — WWII Army Veterans’ Inaugural Art Exhibit. Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Ave. This event showcases the artistic works of 94-year-old WWII Veteran Robert Enders and his collection of more than 100 pencil sketches. Contact: Judy Williams at (502) 287-5502 or judy.williams@va.gov
- Thursday, Nov. 7 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Dogs Helping Heroes, Be at Ease. Mellwood Arts Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave. $30 ticket must be purchased in advance. Contact: Adressa Collard at (812) 329-0244 or adressa@dogshelpingheroes.org.
- Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. — Women Veterans Town Hall. Bellarmine University, Centro Building, 2001 Newburg Road. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Women Veterans Town Hall with a women veterans’ panel. Contact: April Brown at 502-782-5735 or april.brown@ky.gov
- Friday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. — Fall Clean-Up with the Volunteers of America Mid-State. Unity Home, 1321 S. Preston St. Contact: Michelle West at 502/815-2907 or michellew@voamid.org.
- Friday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Kentucky Opera presents Glory Denied. The Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway. One of the most important new works of present-day opera follows the saga of Jim Thompson, America’s longest-held prisoner of war. For ticket information and show times, contact Aubrey Baker at (502) 584-7938 or aubrey_baker@kyopera.org|http://www.kentuckycenter.org/all-shows/glory-denied
- Saturday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. — Honor Flight Bluegrass, Humana Top-Flight Stair Climb. Humana Tower, 500 W. Main St. Individuals and teams may climb the 25 stories or participate as a relay team. There is no charge to sign-up; team members are encouraged/expected to donate to Honor Flight Bluegrass via its web site at http://honorflightbluegrass.org. Contact: Jeff Thoke at (502) 645-5421 or jthoke@yahoo.com
- Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Take the Hill 5K. Hogan Fountain, Cherokee Park. This race is inspired by the gallant efforts of our U.S. Armed Forces. All donations will be provided to The Order of the Purple Heart: For sign-up information and fees, contact Justin Edell at (504) 301-5673 or https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Louisville/TaketheHill5K.
- Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. — USA Cares March of Valor. Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park. Walk, ruck or roll with your family, friends or unit as we raise awareness for veterans and military families struggling at home, and abroad. Minimum $5 donation to participate. Contact Cory Speicher at (270) 872-4422 or cory@usacares.org|http://www.usacares.org
- Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Veterans Wellness Expo + Run/Walk. Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Ave., Room E005 (inside West Entrance). Contact: Patricia Weiter at (502) 419- 4912. or patricia.weiter@va.gov | http://www.louisville.va.gov/hpdp
- Saturday, Nov. 9, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Rock Painting for Veterans. American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244, 3408 College Dr., Jeffersontown, KY 40299. Contact: Linette Hatfield at 502/500-7310 or linette.hatfield@teamrwb.org.
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — All Veterans Breakfast. Churchill Downs VFW Post 2921 at 2902 Seventh Street Road. Come and enjoy a breakfast for all veterans and military personnel. Free for Marine Corps veterans, $2 for all other veterans and $5 for non-veterans. Contact: John Wingfield at (502) 381-1612 or cbt91e@yahoo.com.
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Clean Sweep Ruck. Kentucky Highway 10913 KY-1447. Assemble at the Adopt-A-Highway sign at the bottom of the ramp on Westport Road on the north side in front of the Bob Evans restaurant. Groups will ruck/walk one side of the road approximately two miles picking up trash and debris. Contact: Richard Rush at (812) 987-7874 or Richard.rush@teamrwb.org
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. — Churchill Downs Military and Veterans Appreciation Day at the Races. Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave. General admission is free or discounted tickets for Millionaires Row with military ID. Contact: Patty Frazier at (502) 636-4400 or patty.frazier@kyderby.com.
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Meet the Therapy Horses at the Veteran’s Club. 375 Normandy Heights Road, Taylorsville, KY 40071. Veteran’s Club would like to welcome the public to meet the therapy horses used for their nationally recognized Equine Therapy Program. Contact: Jeremy Harrell at (502) 310-2303 or Louisville.veterans@gmail.com.
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. — Yoga with Team Red, White and Blue Louisville. Infinite Bliss Yoga, 1507 Bardstown Road. Team RWB Louisville is hosting a free beginner-friendly yoga class. Contact: Linette Hatfield at (502) 500-7310 or linette.hatfield@teamrwb.org.
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 4 p.m. — Veterans Day Observed with American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244. Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park, 10707 Taylorsville Road. The American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244 and the City of Jeffersontown will host veterans, active duty military and the general public for the 24th Annual Veterans Day Program at Veterans Plaza, Veterans Memorial Park. Contact John Wright at (502) 548-3143.
- Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. — Veterans Day Observance Program with Churchill Downs VFW Post 2921. 2902 Seventh Street Rd. This program will celebrate and commemorate our military veterans and the sacrifices they made in the defense of this great nation. Contact: Past Post Commander John Wingfield at (502) 381-1612 or cbt91e@yahoo.com.
- Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — 9th Annual Veterans Day Parade. Jefferson St., from Fourth to Seventh streets. Contact: Treva Brockman at (502) 552-1131 or tpbrockman@gmail.com or visit www.louvetparade.com.
- Monday, Nov. 11, 1:30-3 p.m. — Veterans Day Salute. Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. This event honors the accomplishments of Colonel Charles Young including a tour of the new Colonel Charles Young Media Arts Center. Sponsored by The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, the National Coalition for Black Veteran Organizations and National Association of Black Veterans. Waving the Flags activities continue through 6 p.m. Contact Region VI NABVET Commander Shedrick Jones at (502) 592-1475 or sjjsr@aol.com.
- Monday, Nov. 11, 12-2 p.m. — Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Veterans Day In-Service. Edison Center, 701 West Ormsby Ave., Edison Room 1st Floor. This event will honor RSVP volunteers who are veterans and give information about VA benefits and services. Contact: Bill Clark at (502) 574-7305 or william.clark2@louisvilleky.gov
- Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. — Veterans Appreciation Basketball Game. Bellarmine University. Bellarmine military and veteran students and alumni are invited to attend a free pregame reception with food and drinks and cheer on the Knights as they face Kentucky Wesleyan University. To RSVP, contact: Lindsay Gargotto at (502) 272-7027 or lgargotto@bellarmine.edu or RSVP at alumni.bellarmine.edu/veteran.
Neighborhood Place partners offer a variety workshops and resources in November to help strengthen households including hiring events from National Processing Center and Sodexo, energy management workshops provided by Project Warm, and a Foster Parent/Adoption Information meeting. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Nov. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 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.
- Nov. 4 and 25, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Nov. 11 and 18, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St. at the Academy of Shawnee, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Nov. 4, Foster Parent/Adoption Information Meeting at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by the Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Nov. 4, 7, 8, 12, 14, 19 and 26 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!
- Nov. 4, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 1 – 3 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- Nov. 7, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 363-1483 for more information.
- Nov. 8, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- Nov. 12, South Central Neighborhood Place,4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 363-1483 for more information.
- Nov. 12, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1 – 3 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.
- Nov. 14, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 1– 3 p.m. Call 363-1483 for more information.
- Nov. 19, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3p.m. Call 363-1483 for more information.
- Nov. 19, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313 – 4635 for more information.
- Nov. 26, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m. Call 363-1483 for more information.
Nov. 7, Sodexo Hiring Opportunity at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (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.
Nov. 14, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1- 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. This educational baby shower is 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 Centerstone and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400.
Nov. 15, Energy Management Workshops at three locations
Call 636-9276 for more information. Project Warm’s free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn “do-it-yourself” energy-saving tips. FREE Supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as roll of clear plastic, tape, caulk/foam to seal gaps and air leaks around windows and doors.
- Nov. 14, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Nov 15, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, door #16, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Call 313-4728 or 313-4700 for registration.
- Nov. 21, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Nov. 20, Car Seat Safety Class at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 12 – 1 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. at the Academy at Shawnee. Call 502.574.6661 for more information. Proper use of car seats helps keep children safe. However, with so many different seats on the market, many parents find this overwhelming. If you are expectant parents or if you have a young child(ren), join this informative class hosted by the Healthy Start program to learn how to properly install a car seat in your car to ensure vehicle safety for your child(ren).
Nov. 21, The Greatest Louisville Smoke Out at Parkhill Community Center, 5 – 7 p.m.
Located at 1703 S. 13th Street. For more information, call Celine at 502/341-0694 and inquire about possible transportation assistance by November 14. The event focuses on connecting the community to promote smoking cessation and to answer questions about the quitline, medications and health services, and one-on-one coaching. Features health screenings, a cooking demonstration, free food, door prizes, photo booth, games, vendors and photo booth. Transportation assistance may be available Sponsored in part by the Shawnee Healthcare Center, Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place and other community partners.
Mayor Greg Fischer today announced Louisville Metro Government has been awarded $50,000 from the national Historic Preservation Fund to survey and inventory properties in the Chickasaw neighborhood with the goal of listing the neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District.
The Historic Preservation Fund is administered by the National Park Service as part of its Underrepresented Community Grant Program. Louisville received the highest amount awarded this grant cycle.
“We are grateful to the National Park Service and the Historic Preservation Fund for this award. Placement on the National Register of Historic Places would allow property owners in the Chickasaw neighborhood to improve their properties by taking advantage of federal and state historic tax credits,” said the Mayor.
The historically African American neighborhood is made up of single-family residences with few multi-family and commercial properties, a result of the effects of segregation and historic redlining, which led to economic depression, disinvestment and a lack of development in Chickasaw and other west Louisville neighborhoods.
Listing on the National Register as a historic district is an honorary recognition. Louisville currently has more than 40 neighborhoods listed on the National Register including Russell, Parkland, Smoketown, Cherokee Triangle, Old Louisville, the Highlands and Limerick. Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places does not place any new restriction on properties.
The city will now undertake a survey of the Chickasaw neighborhood and determine the Historic District boundaries. It will take two years to complete the survey work and draft the National Register nomination application.
The city is hosting the first of multiple neighborhood outreach meetings from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Catholic Enrichment Center, 3146 W. Broadway.
Develop Louisville, the Chickasaw Neighborhood Association, and the Samuel Plato Academy of Historic Preservation Trades are co-sponsoring the event, which will answer questions about the grant, the survey process, and what it means to live in a neighborhood on the National Register. Louisville Metro historic preservation specialists and representatives with the Kentucky Heritage Council will lead the discussion.
“I hope this national distinction and localized opportunity compels a genuine and collaborative effort, promoting wellness of Chickasaw and surrounding historic neighborhoods,” said Ameerah Granger, President of Chickasaw Neighborhood Federation.
Originally built as a community for African American residents, the Chickasaw neighborhood is generally bounded by West Broadway to the north, Louis Coleman Jr. Drive to the east, the Ohio River to the west and Woodland Avenue to the south. The Chickasaw neighborhood was part of John Garr’s 1,500-acre farm in the early nineteenth century. It later housed the first permanent state fair grounds on Cecil and Gibson avenues in 1908 and the short-lived White City Amusement Park from 1907 to 1910, according to The Encyclopedia of Louisville
The neighborhood evolved after the 1922 construction of Chickasaw Park, one of the multitude of parks in Louisville created by the Olmsted firm. The park was designed for the African American residents of west Louisville because most other parks were considered white-only, according to Life Behind a Veil: Blacks in Louisville, Kentucky, 1865-1930 by author George C. Wright.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3) will officially welcome participants to this year’s University of Louisville Region X Conference on Saturday, November 2nd.
“Louisville is becoming well known for its growing medical fields in the areas of research and health care,” says the Councilwoman, who chairs the Metro Council’s Health and Education Committee. “I look forward to meeting the participants as the Conference looks to enhance minority participation in all medical fields.”
The Region Medical Education Conference (RMEC) brings together the Region X SNMA community to equip pre-medical and medical students with the skills to become “clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.”
Hosted by the University of Louisville School of Medicine, this year’s theme is “Pushing Forward, Reaching Back.”
The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) was founded in 1964 and is committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing those numbers.
The conference will highlight the experience of minorities in medicine, both as professionals and patients. Additionally, this year’s conference will include a dedicated pre-medical symposium with hands-on clinical and admissions workshops, a research symposium, networking opportunities, and much more!
Councilwoman Dorsey will offer welcoming remarks as the Conference gets underway at 8:30am on Saturday at 500 S Preston Street.
“The future holds bright promise in all fields of medicine, and I hope those who attend this conference will find their path in careers that will help their community and those in need,” said Dorsey.
To learn more about the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) https://snma.org/default.aspx.
An evaluation team will soon review 13 bids submitted during a Request For Proposals (RFP) process for the management, operation and maintenance of Louisville’s public golf courses, according to an update provided today to Louisville Metro Council President David James by Chief Financial Officer Daniel Frockt and Parks and Recreation Director Dana Kasler.
Mayor Greg Fischer announced earlier this year the city may be forced to make adjustments to the management, operation and maintenance of the 10 city golf courses as part of a series of cuts necessitated by the state of Kentucky’s pension crisis and a lack of new revenue sources.
On Sept. 13, 2019, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), for management, operation, and maintenance of the courses.
The RFP process closed Oct. 22. The next step is for an evaluation team to review the proposals with a tentative completion date of Nov. 18, 2019. Following subsequent negotiations, the goal is to award a new contract(s) for operations by Dec. 31, 2019.
“We are taking great care to ensure a smooth process during this transition period,” Kasler said. “I am confident the review team will diligently explore the options found within these 13 proposals to help retain municipal golf in the city.”
Louisville Parks and Recreation golf courses are Metro-owned and currently managed independently by PGA professionals whose contracts are up at the end of 2019 – except for Quail Chase, where the contract expires December 31, 2024.
“This RFP process is designed to assist us in making the smartest and most fiscally responsible decisions for the taxpayers of this community,” Frockt said. “We also believe it will lead to more streamlined and improved golf course operations, which in this strained budget climate is critical.”
In the update to the Council president, Frockt and Kasler clarified that records related to the process will be kept confidential until a contract is awarded, under a process established per Kentucky state law to eliminate the potential of undue influence and impropriety on the evaluation team.
Also, no council members will serve on the evaluation upon the recommendation from the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office.
Frockt and Kasler also noted that Metro Government will continue to follow the union contract regarding Louisville Parks and Recreation golf course staff during this transition period. “Therefore,” they wrote, “no Metro Council member or body may bind Metro government into any manner of collective bargaining agreement, side letter revision, or memorandum of understanding (MOU).”
The letter also provided an update on course operations through the end of the year, when most lease agreements expire.
Because the PGA professionals at Shawnee, Crescent Hill and Charlie Vettiner have submitted their resignations, the letter said, Louisville Parks and Recreation, per ordinance, will staff those courses.
Beginning on January 1, 2020, course operations will fall under the new contracts awarded through the RFP process. Those courses not awarded a contract will be operated by Louisville Parks and Recreation.
Louisville Metro Government today closed on its sale of $45 million of tax-exempt bonds to Morgan Stanley & Company, with nationally recognized credit rating services S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service again affirming the city’s positive bond ratings of AA+ and Aa1, respectively.
Both credit rating agencies cited Louisville’s vibrant economy and sound fiscal management as strengths — but also expressed concern regarding Louisville’s growing state pension obligations and relatively low fund balance, commonly known as the Rainy Day Fund.
The bond sale will provide long-term funding to capital projects from the FY19 budget that had been temporarily funded with a line of credit. The competitive sale generated bids from 11 companies and resulted in a True Interest Cost (TIC) of 1.89 percent for the city.
“Louisville continues to receive external validation, from both independent rating agencies and the credit markets, that we are well-run with an expanding economy,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “But they also recognize that we will have very limited opportunities to invest in ourselves the way our peer cities are doing because of the growing and sustained state pension increases, unless we structurally address them through either new revenue or continued budget cuts.”
The bond proceeds will fund a variety of projects from the FY19 capital budget, including the completion of the recently opened Northeast Regional Library and the Metro Animal Services shelter. Projects also include ongoing maintenance and repair projects related to street paving, sidewalks, bridges, parks, the Zoo, Metro facilities, and public safety vehicles.
S&P again affirmed its second-highest rating of AA+ with a stable outlook for Metro Louisville.
In its report, S&P factored in Louisville’s “strong economy” and “strong management” but warned that their assessment “could be weakened in the future if we believe its budget shows signs of strain in accommodating future pension contributions.”
Moody’s again affirmed its second highest rating of Aa1 with a stable outlook for Metro Louisville.
Moody’s report cited Louisville Metro’s “sizeable and growing tax base serving as a regionally important economic hub” as a factor in assigning the Aa1 rating, but also expressed the city’s credit challenges related to “lower reserves and liquidity relative to national peers” and a “higher pension burden compared to medians for the rating category.”
The rating agencies recognized the strength of Louisville’s economy, evidenced by $14 billion of capital investment since 2014, 80,000 new jobs and 2,700 new businesses since 2011, rising wages and an unemployment rate below four percent, said Louisville Metro Chief Financial Officer Daniel Frockt.
“Mayor Fischer’s vision of an equitable and vibrant Louisville continue to garner positive results when we go to the capital markets,” Frockt said. “We are also receiving feedback that we will need a longer-term plan to address the mounting pension obligations over the next several years.”
On Thursday, Frockt will be providing an update on the sale and credit reports to the Metro Council Budget Committee.
