Photo: Brandon Stengel - www.farmkidstudios.com
2017 | P R O G R E S S R E P O R T |
SHOW ME A COMMUNITY THAT UNDERSTANDS TODAY’S WORLDAND IS WORKING TOGETHER TO THRIVE WITHIN IT, AND I’LL SHOW YOU A COMMUNITY ON THE RISE.”New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, after visiting Louisville and interviewing Mayor Fischer for a March 2017 piece on the state of our nation’s cities.
“
Nearly 6,000 people turned out in support of immigrants during our Jan. 30 Rally for American Values at the Ali Center. Photo provided by Sam Upshaw, photographer with Courier Journal
2017
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 1
Our city is going through a tremendous renaissance in job growth,
construction and educational attainment. We have earned a host of
accolades from around the world as a city on the move, because we
offer a unique combination of economic opportunity, great quality of life,
signature tourist attractions and the zeal to create a community where
everyone in every neighborhood has a positive and hopeful future.
Our global brand is a city with a distinct culture of innovation,
collaboration and compassion.
This report tells the story of our city’s achievements in the last year.
Our successes are the result of years of hard work by people both in
and outside Metro government; people who are dedicated to ensuring
that all residents of Louisville have the opportunity to reach their full
human potential.
Like every community, we have opportunities and challenges. My team
and I will continue to work with our local and national partners to fight
for our citizens so that their opportunities become limitless.
We do so because, in our great city, we believe in the future, we know
our job is never done, and most importantly -- we believe in each other.
Thank you.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer
Nearly 6,000 people turned out in support of immigrants during our Jan. 30 Rally for American Values at the Ali Center.
2 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
Since 2011, Louisville has added 71,000 new jobs from new businesses, expansion of existing firms and relocations.
In 2017 alone, the Louisville Forward economic development team helped with 56 projects representing nearly
$1.7 billion in investments and the creation of 5,400 jobs.
A JOBS PROGRAM IN LOUISVILLE IS FILLING A SKILLS GAP AND PUTTING AMERICANS BACK TO WORK.” — From a Bloomberg Businessweek profile of KMCC.
“
2,500Diversified Consultants Inc.’s $19 million facility; more
than 1,000 new jobs.
EY’s new $4.35 million national executive support
center; 125 new jobs.
With nearly 30,000 open jobs in the city, we’re working
with partners like KentuckianaWorks to provide 21st
Century workforce training. In 2017, the Kentucky
Manufacturing Career Center made its 1,000th job
placement, and the Kentucky Health Career Center
earned the Medistar Award for connecting people to
healthcare jobs.
2017 EXAMPLES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: JOBS
71,000
ON THE MOVE!FORBES RANKS LOUISVILLE THE NO. 1 CITY FOR MANUFACTURING IN THE U.S.
LUMINA FOUNDATION DESIGNATES LOUISVILLE AS A ‘TALENT HUB’
TOP 10 JOB RANKINGS FROM GLASSDOOR AND ZIPRECRUITER.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: BUSINESSES
A JOBS PROGRAM IN LOUISVILLE IS FILLING A SKILLS GAP AND PUTTING AMERICANS BACK TO WORK.” – From a Bloomberg Businessweek profile of KMCC.
“
Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center
2,500From local restaurants and breweries to larger businesses in key sectors of advanced manufacturing, business services,
food and beverage, lifelong wellness and aging care, and logistics and e-Commerce, Louisville Metro has gained 2,500
businesses since 2011, including a number of small businesses – the heart and soul of a local economy.
2017 HIGHLIGHTSMETCO loans supported store openings in the Butcher
Block development in Butchertown.
Louisville’s first music brewery, Gravely Brewing Co.,
opened in the Highlands.
Locally owned Altitude Trampoline Park opened to
great fanfare in Shively.
Local startup The Bacon launched its online service
connecting businesses and customers.
Louisville Bespoke, a fashion incubator space, is
supporting fashion designers and creative entrepreneurs.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS GAVE LOUISVILLE AN A GRADE THROUGH THUMBTACK’S 2017 SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLINESS SURVEY.
ON THE MOVE!
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: JOBS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: BUSINESSES
Scoppechio Advertising new headquarters Gravely Brewing Co.
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 3
24M$12BECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: INVESTMENT
As evidenced by a sky of construction cranes, major employer expansions and redevelopment of historic properties, Louisville
has more than $12 billion in capital investment announced, completed or underway, just since 2014.
2017 EXAMPLES$5 million redevelopment of historic Colonial Gardens
in south Louisville is under way.
Plans announced for $200 million Butchertown Soccer
Stadium District on 35 underutilized acres in Butchertown.
Ford Motor Co. invested $900 million at the Kentucky
Truck Plant for its new Expedition and Lincoln Navigator
lines.
LINAK broke ground on its new $33 million manufactur-
ing facility, creating more than 400 full-time jobs.
ResCare is investing $34 million in its new headquarters.
Churchill Downs plans a $60 million Historical Racing
Machine Facility on Poplar Level Road, and $32 million
in improvements around the historic Churchill Downs
race track.
CBRE RESEARCH ENDORSED LOUISVILLE’S COMPETITIVE COST OF DOING BUSINESS BY RANKING OUR OFFICE MARKET RATES IN THE TOP 10 FOR AFFORDABILITY.
SITE SELECTION MAGAZINE RANKED LOUISVILLE AS A TOP METRO FOR THE SOUTH CENTRAL AND EAST NORTH CENTRAL REGIONS.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: TOURISM
ON THE MOVE!
Kentucky Truck Plant
4 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
Louisville hosts more than 24 million tourist visits annually, for an estimated economic impact of $1.32 billion, supporting 26,000 tourism-related jobs.
24M$12BECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: INVESTMENT
SEEING THE IMPACT
More than two dozen hotels recently opened,
are under construction or planned, including the
$320 million Omni Louisville Hotel.
The Kentucky Derby Museum is planning a
$6.5 million renovation and expansion.
Bourbonism – the act of enjoying Louisville’s unique
local food and bourbon scene – is the city’s first
365-day-a-year tourism experience, resulting in nearly
$160 million in related investment in recent years.
This year, we added the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Gateway at the Frazier Museum, and celebrated the
new Bourbon & Beyond Festival.
The Louisville Zoo again celebrated being the
region’s No. 1 non-profit attraction, hosting over
860,000 guests and visitors from 41 states.
PASTE LISTED LOUISVILLE AMONG THE BEST CITIES FOR THEATER.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC NAMED LOUISVILLE A TOP 10 FOOD CITY.
WORLD FOOD TRAVEL ASSOCIATION AWARDED LOUISVILLE ITS GRAND PRIZE FOR BEST DESTINATION EXPERIENCE.
REALTOR.COM LISTED LOUISVILLE’S 40217 ZIP CODE (GERMANTOWN, SCHNITZELBURG, SHELBY PARK AND SMOKETOWN) AMONG TOP 10 HIPSTER MARKETS.
TRAVEL + LEISURE NAMED LOUISVILLE ONE OF AMERICA’S FRIENDLIEST CITIES.
ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS/AQUARIUMS NAMED LOUISVILLE ZOO DIRECTOR JOHN WALCZAK AS ITS 2017 INSPECTOR OF THE YEAR.
ON THE MOVE!
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: TOURISM
Kentucky Truck Plant Bourbon & Beyond
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 5
Louisville was among the first dozen cities in America to
get Google Fiber’s superfast internet access, leading
other providers to also begin offering super-fast options
to their customers.
PART OF THE REASON THAT WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO DO THIS FASTER IS BECAUSE OF A REALLY FOR-WARD-THINKING CITY GOVERNMENT.” - Ashley Kroh, a Louisville native working as Google Fiber’s east region network deployment and operations lead.
The PNC Gigabit Experience Center opened in the
Louisville Central Community Center in Russell, allowing
free access to superfast gigabit speed Internet.
The Office for Civic Innovation has partnered with
Internet service providers to expand Internet access in
low-income neighborhoods, and planning has begun for
a $5.4 million project to build a new fiber optic network
through the city, including neighborhoods where ultra
high-speed internet is unavailable.
The Civic Innovation team helped coordinate a project
in which Fern Creek High students refurbished donated laptops, then provided them to low-income
families, creating greater access to online education
and job opportunities.
INNOVATION: DIGITAL INCLUSIONBRINGING HIGH-SPEED GIGABIT INTERNET TO ALL OF LOUISVILLE, AND WORKING TOWARD MAKING IT AVAILABLE TO EVERY CITIZEN IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD IS CENTRAL TO OUR DIGITAL INCLUSION STRATEGY.”
– Mayor Fischer“
ON THE MOVE!AMAZON WEB SERVICES HONORED LOUISVILLE AS A 2017 CITY ON A CLOUD INNOVATION CHALLENGE WINNER.
THE CENTER FOR DIGITAL GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZED THE CITY AS A LEADER IN DIGITAL AND INNOVATION EFFORTS.
2017 HIGHLIGHTS
“
Fern Creek High students
6 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
INNOVATION: DIGITAL INCLUSION
Louisville is a national leader in collecting and leveraging data to improve city services and create opportunities. And
because we know government can’t do it alone, we’re partnering with citizen hackers, makers, businesses and nonprofits
to put our data to work for all.
2017 EXAMPLES
The Code Louisville training program graduated
353 people and placed nearly 100 in jobs. And in
partnership with Jefferson Community & Technical
College, Code Louisville courses are now eligible for
credit hours toward a certificate/degree in Computer
and Information Technology.
Over two years, Air Louisville enlisted 1,147 asthma
patients to use sensors on medication inhalers,
collecting data that’s now being analyzed and used
to improve our community’s health and sustainability.
We began a new Smart City partnership with
IFTTT, a web and mobile platform that allows users
to transform how they experience and manage their
homes and habits.
The Office for Civic Innovation is partnering with the
American Printing House for the Blind on the Indoor
Explorer program, which uses low-power beacons to
feed information to an app that helps guide people who
are visually impaired.
LouieLab Hackathon
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 7
COMPASSION
$14MBUDGETED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
212,442FOSTER GRANDPARENT AND
RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM VOLUNTEER HOURS.
180,000VOLUNTEERS AND ACTS OF
COMPASSION DURING THE 2017 GIVE A DAY WEEK OF SERVICE.
110,850MEALS PROVIDED TO SENIOR
CITIZENS VIA MEALS ON WHEELS AND SENIOR NUTRITION
PROGRAM.
102,000MEALS SERVED TO YOUTHS
AND ADULTS AT METRO PARKS & RECREATION COMMUNITY
CENTERS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DARE TO CARE.
5300+JCPS STUDENTS RECEIVING
BACKPACKS AND OTHER RESOURCES TO PREPARE FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR AT NEIGHBORHOOD PLACE-SPONSORED EVENTS.
112NUMBER OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
HOUSED DURING A NATIONAL CHALLENGE TO HOUSE 100
HOMELESS YOUNG ADULTS IN 100 DAYS.
9PERCENT DECLINE IN HOMELESSNESS SINCE 2016,
THANKS TO COLLABORATIVE EFFORT WITH MULTIPLE
AGENCIES, ACCORDING TO THE CONTINUUM OF CARE
POINT-IN-TIME COUNT.
Dr. Barry Kerzin, the Dalai Lama’s personal physician, joined the Mayor in a Give A Day cleanup at Eastern Cemetery on Baxter Avenue.
8 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
COMPASSION
REMOVING BARRIERS In partnership with Kentuckiana-
Works and others, we expanded initiatives to help individuals
overcome barriers to employment and education, including:
Manufacturing Training for English Language Learners: Intensive, 3-week program to help individuals
start a career as a supervisor in manufacturing.
Shelter Works: Provides manufacturing training for
people experiencing homelessness.
Project CASE: Helps people with disabilities access
training and jobs in high-demand areas.
Honoring Veterans: In 2017, the Mayor’s Week of
Valor expanded to 18 events across three weeks. Also
this year, we established an Office for Veterans to help
connect veterans with resources they need.
Pay It Forward: In January, the non-profit Friends of
Metro Animal Services partnered with Louisville Metro
Animal Services to cover free adoptions. LMAS then
began asking every free adoption event participant to
make a donation so the Pay It Forward chain continues.
Since then, more than 680 animals have been adopted,
and thousands of dollars have been donated to continue
the initiative.
ON THE MOVE!THREE-PEAT! LOUISVILLE EARNED 100 ON HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN SCORECARD FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW.
LOUISVILLE NAMED AMONG BEST CITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY WALLETHUB.COM.
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 9
LIFELONG LEARNINGMY DREAM IS TO OWN MY OWN STORE, AND THIS JOB HAS PREPARED ME FOR A LOT OF THE SKILLS I WILL NEED TO DO THAT. SUMMERWORKS GAVE ME REAL WORK EXPERIENCE.”
– Jon Russell, 18, Fourth Street Live!“
OTHER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS
Cradle to Career has evolved into Louisville Promise,
an effort to strengthen wrap-around supports to ensure
students get the skills they need, from pre-K to college
and career readiness.
The groundbreaking Compassionate Schools Project, which cultivates focus, resilience, empathy, connection
and wellbeing as the basis for academic and personal
success, was fully implemented in 25 Jefferson County
Public elementary schools this year.
KentuckianaWorks programs helped 4,000 people
start or return to college by removing barriers to
higher education.
JCPS opened a West Louisville Satellite Office in the
California Community Center, providing west Louisville
families with greater access to services needed to ensure
a quality education for their children.
Clariant Corporation made a three-year grant to create
a new STEM program at the California Community
Center, in partnership with Wheatley Elementary.
KentuckianaWorks is among partners creating the
Academies of Louisville, small learning communities
within 11 JCPS high schools that allow students to
connect what they’re learning in the classroom to
careers.
LIFELONG LEARNING: LIBRARIES
5,200NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE AGES
16-21 PLACED IN JOBS WITH SUMMERWORKS EMPLOYERS.
36,250NUMBER OF CULTURAL PASSES
DISTRIBUTED THIS SUMMER, PROVIDING CHILDREN WITH
FREE ACCESS TO MANY OF THE LOUISVILLE AREA’S ARTS AND
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS.
130,653NUMBER OF YOUNGSTERS
COMPLETING THE LOUISVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY’S
SUMMER READING PROGRAM.
10 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
2017 was a big year for Louisville Free Public Libraries, with the opening of one regional library and groundbreaking for
another, which, when opened, will complete our commitment under the Library Master Plan to provide a full-service
library within five miles of 90 percent of Louisville residents.
2017 HIGHLIGHTS
South Central Regional Library: This 40,000-square-
foot facility opened July 21, enhancing service for more
than 160,000 people in the area. Door count: Up 93
percent over the Okolona branch it replaced. Materials
checked out: 183 percent increase.
Northeast Regional Library: We broke ground Sept.
21 on this nearly 40,000-square-foot facility, which will
more than double the per-person square footage of the
much-smaller Westport branch it replaces, enhancing
service for 170,000 people in the area. Opens in 2019.
St. Matthews-Eline branch library: We are partnering
with St. Matthews on a $4 million expansion of this
popular branch, growing it by nearly 8,000 square feet.
LIFELONG LEARNING LIFELONG LEARNING: LIBRARIESI EMPHASIZE LIFELONG LEARNING BECAUSE IN A WORLD THAT’S CHANGING AS RAPIDLY AS OUR WORLD TODAY, THE LIFELONG LEARNERS ARE THE ONES BEST EQUIPPED TO ANTICIPATE, ADAPT AND THRIVE.“ – Mayor Fischer
“
The new state-of-the-art Northeast Regional Library will feature an expanded collection, comfortable, quiet spaces for reading and studying, meeting rooms, an auditorium, a large children’s area, and a separate teen space. It also will have an innovative, hands-on “makerspace” with audio/visual lab and demonstration kitchen, plus outdoor teaching and programming space.
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 11
2017 HIGHLIGHTS
A rebirth at the intersection of 18th Street and
Broadway, with plans for a $130 million Passport
Health Plan headquarters (500 jobs), and $28 million
Republic Bank Foundation YMCA.
$1.5 million in major road and sidewalk improve-
ments are under way near 18th and Broadway, which
will be a key stop on our city’s first Bus Rapid Transit
service, via Dixie Highway.
Construction has begun on enhancements at
Sheppard Park, the first project of the $30 million
Choice Neighborhood initiative; to be leveraged into
a more than $200 million transformation of Russell.
Louisville Urban League is partnering with the city to
develop a $30 million, state-of-the-art sports facility
anchored by an indoor track and field facility at
Heritage West.
We expanded resources at the Nia Center, a
one-stop workforce and entrepreneurial development
center on West Broadway.
Metro’s Office of Redevelopment Strategies, in
partnership with urban planner Joshua Poe and local
community groups, released a redlining story map
to show how historic inequitable practices impact
our current neighborhood landscape. We’re working
now with community and industry leaders to reverse
that impact.
WEST LOUISVILLEOUR CITY IS EXPERIENCING OUTSTANDING ECONOMIC MOMENTUM, BUT WE KNOW WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE PROSPERITY AND OPPORTUNITY IS HAPPENING IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD.”
– Mayor Fischer“
WEST LOUISVILLE: NEIGHBORHOODS
$800MWEST LOUISVILLE HAS SEEN MORE THAN $800 MILLION OF INVESTMENT COMPLETED,
ANNOUNCED OR STARTED SINCE 2014 – PROJECTS THAT HELP MEET THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES, INCREASE SAFETY, BOOST
NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES AND PROVIDE AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS.
12 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
2017 HIGHLIGHTS
RussellWork begun on neighborhood transformation
kick-started by $30 million Choice Neighborhood
Implementation Grant. / PNC Gigabit Experience
Center opened at Louisville Central Community Center. /
Streetscape improvements completed for Cedar Street
/ Quinn Gardens; market-rate housing units under
construction; first family moved in.
ParklandParkland Neighborhood Plan adopted in August. / City
purchased the former Parkland grocery store; working
with community stakeholders on redevelopment plans.
ShawneeNew Dirt Bowl basketball courts, scoreboard and
bleachers at Shawnee Park. / MSD basin project
includes $3 million in improvements to the lily pond,
ball house and Paul Hornung Field.
CaliforniaKickoff for neighborhood plan under way. / Partnering
with Simmons College of Kentucky on a campus master
plan and student housing strategy.
AlgonquinSixty volunteers participated in a Building Our Blocks
event in July, engaging 320 residents and working to
make the neighborhood cleaner, greener, safer and
more inclusive.
ChickasawMetro Parks invested $40,000 to renovate
Chickasaw Park tennis and basketball courts. /
Chickasaw and Parkland saw highest number of
Cultural Passes distributed to children from all west
Louisville neighborhoods, with more than 3,000
participants.
Park DuValleLouisville Forward worked with developer and former
operator of the Park DuValle grocery to ensure
continuous service and quality groceries for the
neighborhood during ownership transition. /
Purchased property at 3052 Wilson Ave. to keep
it from being converted into a liquor store; the city
is marketing the property for small business
development.
Park HillMajor expansions at Clariant and Great Northern
led to more than $100 million in investment and
the creation of more than 60 new jobs.
PortlandHeine Brothers’ Coffee relocated its headquarters;
$1 million investment in a historic building. /
Announced fourth phase of Waterfront Park,
encompassing 22 acres between 9th and 13th streets.
WEST LOUISVILLE WEST LOUISVILLE: NEIGHBORHOODS
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 13
14 | ANNUAL REPORT 2016
PUBLIC SAFETY
With violent crime rising in cities across the U.S., Mayor Fischer introduced a six-point plan for violence
prevention in Louisville, with a shared focus on enforcement and prevention – attacking root causes
of crime. “ JUST HIRING MORE OFFICERS AND MAKING MORE ARRESTS WILL NOT GET THE JOB DONE ALONE,” he said.
1 ENFORCEMENTIN PARTNERSHIP WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES, LMPD KEYS
ON HOT-SPOT POLICING THAT FOCUSES ON NARCOTICS
TRAFFICKING, ILLEGAL GUN USE AND THE SMALL
PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE COMMITTING VIOLENCE.
2 INTERVENTIONSTOPPING VIOLENCE BEFORE IT STARTS; LED BY THE OF-
FICE FOR SAFE AND HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS (OSHN).
SUCH EFFORTS AS ZONES OF HOPE, NO MORE RED DOTS,
TRAUMA RESPONSE COLLABORATION, PIVOT TO PEACE,
CLERGY RESOURCE TEAM.
3 PREVENTIONPARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNITY TO BUILD POSITIVE
CAPACITY, WITH PROGRAMS LIKE SUMMERWORKS, RIGHT
TURN AND REIMAGE, METRO MENTORS.
4 COMMUNITY MOBILIZATIONGETTING EVERYONE INVOLVED THROUGH SUCH EFFORTS
AS CURE VIOLENCE, ONE LOVE LOUISVILLE AMBASSADORS,
OSHN ADVISORY COUNCIL AND EXTERNAL AGENCY FUND,
BLOCK WATCH AND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS.
5 ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENTPARTNERING WITH AGENCIES LIKE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE,
CARDINAL SUCCESS, 21ST CENTURY POLICING TO ASK, “ARE
OUR POLICIES, PRACTICES AND SYSTEMS WORKING?”
6 RE-ENTRYPREVENTING RECIDIVISM WITH SMOOTH TRANSITIONS.
PROGRAMS INCLUDE FACT (2), REIMAGE, SECOND CHANCE
EMPLOYMENT.
INVESTMENTS TO KEEP US SAFER
14 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SAFETY
LMPD
Body Cameras: All officers now outfitted with body
cameras, allowing for accurate, transparent documenta-
tion of interactions between police and the community.
ShotSpotter: Gunshots pinpointed in real time, allowing
officers to respond more quickly to shooting scenes.
Real Time Crime Center: Using technology to provide
intelligence and quick support to police in the field.
LOUISVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE
Unveiled new state-of-the-art apparatus to modernize
firefighting ability.
YOUTH DETENTION SERVICES
Received a near perfect score — 99.45 — on its latest
American Correctional Association audit.
CORRECTIONS
Metro Corrections met and exceeded the rigorous
American Correctional Association Core Jail Standards;
recognized as a best in class local detention system -
only jail in Kentucky to hold such distinction.
METROSAFE
Implemented Smart911 program to enhance emergency
response to citizen calls.
OFFICE FOR SAFE AND HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS
Kenan Charitable Trust: Investing more than $5
million in Louisville/Lexington partnership to boost life
outcomes for young black men impacted by violence.
Cure Violence: Three new outreach workers are
being trained in this public health approach to stop the
spread of violence by using strategies associated with
disease control.
Youth Engagement: From an Idea Challenge inviting
young people to offer anti-violence projects, to out-
reach teams at YDS and JCPS, to poetry slams and
gardening projects, we’re giving voice, guidance and
support to our community’s young people.
One Love Louisville Ambassadors: Hosted nearly
200 people at five Ambassador Institute Trainings this
year, modeling a public health approach to violence
interruption.
External agencies: Distributed nearly $150,000 to
19 community partners working to support youth and
families in west Louisville and decrease exposure to
violence. These groups have engaged over 700 people,
reducing truancy, recidivism and risk-taking among
participants.
Faith Directory: A new database designed to improve
faith-based engagement.
INVESTMENTS TO KEEP US SAFER
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 15
THE LOUISVILLE WELCOME ACADEMY HELPS INCREASE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CIVIC ASSIMILATION OF LOUISVILLE’S IMMIGRANT POPULATION. THE PROGRAM HAS BROUGHT TOGETHER PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE AND ENABLED THEM THE REALIZATION OF THE GREAT AMERICAN DREAM.” – Mary Niang, Louisville Welcome Academy graduate
GLOBALIZATION
“Louisville is proudly home to more than 160 international communities, and our Office for Globalization
consistently implements new strategies to empower our international population.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2017
Thirty foreign-born community leaders graduated
from the Louisville Welcome Academy, a 6-month
free leadership program that helps immigrants and
refugees understand and participate in city leader-
ship. A new group begins in January.
City leaders are partnering with local healthcare
and education organizations to recruit a talented
and diverse global workforce, many of whom have
come from Puerto Rico.
100,000 visitors enjoyed food, dance and music
from more than 100 vendors and 70 entertainers
at WorldFest, one of the region’s largest
international festivals.
Metro Parks and the Office for Globalization
partnered to host an Inter-Neighborhood
Bhutanese soccer tournament and to create Sunil
Gavaskar Cricket Field at Hays Kennedy Park.
Louisville hosted an Importer/Exporter Boot
Camp, sponsored by the World Trade Center
Kentucky, to assist entrepreneurs and established
businesses interested in buying and selling in
international markets.
HEALTH
More than 1,300 people of different beliefs and backgrounds came to Iroquois Park in October to share food, space and conversation at the inaugural The Big Table, a potluck-style event hosted by We Are Louisville and our Office for Globalization.
16 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
GLOBALIZATION HEALTHIMPROVING HEALTH IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS, SO WE WORK TO CONVENE, CONNECT AND COMMUNICATE TO ESTABLISH HEALTHIER PLACES, PROGRAMS AND POLICIES TOWARD MAKING LOUISVILLE ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST CITIES IN THE COUNTRY.” – Mayor Fischer
A HEALTHY TOP 5 FROM THE LOUISVILLE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Reduced the rate of uninsured from 18 percent
to 5.8 percent, improving health outcomes and
reducing mortality rates.
Created an Office of Addiction Services to better
coordinate resources to attack the opioid epidemic.
Also filed a federal lawsuit against the three largest
wholesale opioid distributors for dumping millions of
pills into Louisville neighborhoods while refusing to
fulfill their obligations to monitor, identify, report and
halt suspicious shipments of opioids. Any damages
awarded will go toward the cost of treatment for
addiction, education and law enforcement.
Exceeded 13,000 participants in syringe exchange
program, which leads to care for more people with
HIV and Hepatitis C and referrals for treatment
services.
Added e-cigs and hookah to the city’s
comprehensive smoking ban.
Celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Center
for Health Equity, which was the first of its kind in
the nation when it opened, and the release of the
2017 Health Equity Report.
“
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 17
We are building our resilience strategy as part of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative, a Rockefeller Foundation effort
dedicated to helping 100 cities around the world better prepare for the physical, social and economic challenges that
are a growing part of the 21st century.
2017 HIGHLIGHTS
Hired our first Chief Resilience Officer, and Chief Equity Officer.
Identified education, racial equity, economic
development and sustainability as the initial focus
of our resilience efforts during a workshop that
included city leaders and dozens of local agencies,
nonprofits and businesses.
Launched the “Am I Eligible?” online tool that helps
residents see which programs and services may fit
their needs.
Enhanced service delivery by expanding the new Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program automated
appointment system to include Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance.
Formed an advisory board and work groups, and
created new social media tools for the AARP Age
Friendly City Initiative.
Opened a Financial Empowerment Center at the Nia
Center and expanded our Microbusiness Development
Program, which assists low- to moderate-income
entrepreneurs in starting or expanding a business.
RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICESWE ARE DEVELOPING A STRATEGY TO STRENGTHEN OUR CITY AGAINST THE STRESSES AND SHOCKS THAT COULD SLOW OR EVEN HALT OUR MOMENTUM – BE IT A NATURAL DISASTER, LIKE A FLOOD, OR ECONOMIC DISTRESS, LIKE A RECESSION.” – Mayor Fischer
“
Eric Friedlander, the city’s first Chief Resilience Officer, celebrates with Brown School students who created handmade Valentine’s Day cards that were shared with our Meals on Wheels recipients in February. Photo provided by Michael Clevenger, photographer with Courier Journal
SUSTAINABILITY
18 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES SUSTAINABILITY
OTHER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS
The Office of Sustainability provided financial
incentives that encouraged installation of 60 cool
roofs at homes and businesses here this year; one
strategy to combat our urban heat island.
In partnership with local businesses, The Nature
Conservancy, Trees Louisville and others, Metro
planted about 7,500 trees.
The Office of Sustainability completed a
community-wide greenhouse gas inventory that
showed the city reduced its emissions by 17 percent
between 2010 and 2016.
With support from the Office of Sustainability, the
University of Louisville, the Institute for Healthy Air
Water and Soil, The Nature Conservancy, and Hyphae
Design Laboratory, we launched the Green Heart Proj-
ect, a five-year study to examine the link between human
health and the amount of greenery in a neighborhood.
The Office of Sustainability partnered with the
Louisville Sustainability Council to host the 4th annual
Sustainability Summit, attended by nearly 300
people; focus was on preparing our city for the impacts
of a changing climate.
The Office of Sustainability worked with community
partners to implement urban heat management pilot
projects, such as a cool coating added to a parking lot
in SoBro and planting trees in a downtown parking lot
using pervious pavement.
In May, the city launched a bike share program, LouVelo, making more than 300 bicycles available for short-term rentals at 27 stations in and around downtown.
ON THE MOVE!SOLSMART, A PROGRAM FUNDED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, AWARDED LOUISVILLE A GOLD DESIGNATION FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO PRACTICES MAKING IT EASIER TO USE SOLAR ENERGY.
THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS PRESENTED ITS 2017 SPECIAL AWARD FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR THE ARTISTIC BUS SHELTERS INSTALLED IN SOBRO AND IN SHELBY PARK.
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 19
In December, Mayor Fischer helped celebrate Oxmoor Center’s completion of the largest retail solar installation in Kentucky, with 2,400 panels that will produce 40 percent of the electricity needed to operate the mall.
PAVING/SIDEWALKS/INFRASTRUCTURE
Over the past three years, Louisville Metro has spent $40 million to pave more than 300 miles of roads in the city, including
more than 100 in 2017.
OTHER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS
Completed design and began construction on the $50
million Dixie Highway Corridor project. The work, being
funded in part by a $16.9 million federal TIGER grant, will
improve safety and mobility on Dixie between the Snyder
Freeway and downtown, including new sidewalks, bus
stops and landscaping, as well as technology upgrades
and the city’s first Bus Rapid Transit line to improve traf-
fic flow and reduce travel times.
Opened a new Roads Division District operations
and snow command center, creating efficiencies in Snow
Team operations and expanding capacity for salt storage.
Spent more than $2.3 million to repair sidewalks,
and launched a Sidewalk Inventory program to track
maintenance needs throughout the city.
Introduced electronic alert systems to notify citizens
of street sweeping and remind them of junk pickup time.
Developed new programs to make it easier for
residents to buy and redevelop vacant properties in
their neighborhoods.
Conducted Building Our Blocks events in seven
neighborhoods, with city agencies, community leaders
and partner organizations taking services directly to
citizens’ doorsteps.
$40M
ON THE MOVE!GOVERNING MAGAZINE REPORT LISTED LOUISVILLE AMONG THE TOP 10 BEST PERFORMING GOVERNMENTS.
THE REPORT DEFINES A CITY AS HIGH-PERFORMING IF IT’S DYNAMICALLY PLANNED, BROADLY PARTNERED, RESIDENT-INVOLVED, RACE-INFORMED, SMARTLY RESOURCED, EMPLOYEE-ENGAGED AND DATA-DRIVEN.” – Governing Magazine
WALLETHUB INCLUDED LOUISVILLE IN ITS LIST OF BEST-RUN CITIES.
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATORS NAMED CHRIS POYNTER, MAYOR FISCHER’S DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, WITH
ITS COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD.
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PARKS
20 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
PAVING/SIDEWALKS/INFRASTRUCTURE
$40MPARKS
From a legacy of 18 Olmsted-designed parks to the newer Parklands at Floyds Fork and Waterfront Park downtown,
Louisville continues to improve our greenspaces and expand programming that draws people to our parks.
2017 HIGHLIGHTS
Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation opened three
new, state-of-the-art basketball courts: the Dream Court
at Russell Lee Park, sponsored by Nancy Lieberman
Charities and WorldVentures Foundation; a court at
Wyandotte, donated by Nike and recording artist Bryson
Tiller; and new Dirt Bowl courts at Shawnee.
Dedicated Sunil Gavaskar Cricket Field at Hays
Kennedy Park near Anchorage.
Unveiled ECHO Mobile, which takes the Louisville is
Engaging Children Outdoors program at Jefferson
Memorial Forest on the road.
Unveiled a new mobile application making it easier
for golfers to access nine Parks courses, and revived
long-dormant youth baseball and softball leagues.
Hosted new events at Riverside, the Farnsley-
Moremen Landing, drawing 5,000 citizens to the
southwest Louisville historic home.
Established Champions Park on River Road as a
regional music festival destination with the new Bourbon
and Beyond Festival and the returning Louder than Life
festival.
Expanded partnerships with JCPS, resulting in a new
recreation facility at the Ernest Camp Edwards complex
in Smoketown.
Restored pergola and restrooms at Central Park. Ren-
ovated Victory Park. Dedicated modern picnic shelter at
Charlie Vettiner Park. Opened a new sprayground and
restroom facility at Huston Quin Park.
The Parklands at Floyds Fork opened a new BMX
course this year.
Waterfront Development Corp. announced plans for a
$35 million expansion of the park into west Louisville.
ON THE MOVE!LOUISVILLE METRO PARKS AND RECREATION AWARDED “BEST OF THE BEST” DESIGNATION AFTER RECEIVING RE-ACCREDITATION FROM THE NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION.
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 21
MONEY MATTERS OVERVIEW
QUICK FACTS
Strong Budget – The enacted budget for 2017-18
focuses heavily on public safety and builds on
momentum to repair roads and sidewalks, increase
affordable housing and complete a network of regional
libraries. Investments in technology funded in the budget
will expand the city’s high-speed fiber infrastructure
and enhance delivery of city services to Metro residents.
Sustained Financial Strength – Three nationally
recognized credit rating services – Fitch, Moody’s, and
Standard & Poor’s – cited Metro’s strong economy,
sound management, and budgetary flexibility as basis
for again granting positive bond ratings. Fitch assigned
and affirmed its highest rating of AAA; Moody’s affirmed
its Aa1 rating; and S&P affirmed its AA+ rating. Metro’s
rainy day fund was increased by $1 million in FY17,
bringing the funding level to a new historical high of
$68.9 million.
Continued Excellence in Financial Reporting –
Metro received its seventh consecutive “Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” for
its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from the
Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S.
and Canada. The association also presented Metro’s
fourth straight “Distinguished Budget Presentation
Award” for the 2016-17 budget.
THE ‘AAA’ RATINGS REFLECT THE METRO GOVERNMENT’S … STRONG REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORKS, AND FITCH’S EXPECTATION THAT THE METRO GOVERNMENT WILL MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY THROUGHOUT ECONOMIC CYCLES.” – Fitch Ratings, Inc.
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22 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
MONEY MATTERS OVERVIEW
QUICK FACTSWhere the Money Comes From (percentage)
Where the Money Goes (percentage)
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 23
Occupational taxes 56.8%
Property taxes 25.5%
Payments made to city for various services 3.4%
Dividend payment from Louisville Water Co. 3.2%
Intergovernmental revenue 3.0%
Fees from permits, licenses issued by the city 2.8%
State municipal aid/road aid 2.0%
Federal Community Development Block Grants 1.7%
Other 1.6%
Public Safety 54.2%
Community Building Agencies 12.0%
Central Government Services 11.3%
Public Services 9.4%
Offices of Mayor, Metro Council, County Attorneyand other elected officials 4.8%
Economic, real estate and workforce development 4.2%
Capital/Building Projects and annual Debt Payment 4.1%
GET INVOLVEDIN LOUISVILLE, WE DEFINE COMPASSION AS PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITIES NECESSARY FOR EVERYONE TO REACH THEIR FULL HUMAN POTENTIAL. SO WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU, AND WE’VE GOT MANY WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF AND YOUR NEIGHBORS. PLEASE, #BETHE1 TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” – Mayor Fischer
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24 | LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
Finish your degree: Join the 55K Degrees movement, 55000degrees.org
Earn a credential or trade certificate for a good job or career; go to kentuckiana-works.org for information about training, referrals
Summer jobs: Connecting young people with summer employment, summerworks.org
HOW YOU CAN HELP US
Volunteer for Give A Day: The 2018 dates are April 14-22. Go to mygiveaday.com for more information.
Apply for a board or commission: louisvilleky.gov/boards
Become a One Love Louisville Ambassador: Contact Maryam Ahmed, 502-574-1903
Become a REimage mentor: Call 574-4115 or apply online at kentuckianaworks.org
Hire a young person for the summer: [email protected]
Plant a tree: louisvilleky.gov/Brightside
Other: https://louisvilleky.gov/city-services/volunteer-donate
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.louisvilleky.gov / 502.574.2003
FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS on Twitter (@louisvillemayor) or Facebook (facebook.com/MayorGregFischer)
Listen to the Mayor Greg Fischer Podcast at louisvilleky.gov/mayorgregfischerpodcast
GET INVOLVED
2017 PROGRESS REPORT | 25
#BE THE 1LOUISVILLEKY.GOV/BETHE1
2017 was a big year for Louisville Free Public Libraries, with the July opening of the $14.5 million South Central Regional Library (photographed here), and groundbreaking for the Northeast Regional Library.