City Of Louisville: Metro Council Reflects On Accomplishments Made In 2021

Louisville KY

04 January, 2022

5:22 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Louisville: January 04, 2022 Call the LOU HEALTH helpline 502-912-8598. Highlights include budgeting more money for public safety initiatives, pandemic relief Highlights include budgeting more money for public safety initiatives, pandemic relief Louisville – As yet another difficult year comes to a close, Metro Council members reflect on the accomplishments of 2021 and look ahead to what's in store for 2022. Louisville – As yet another difficult year comes to a close, Metro Council members reflect on the accomplishments of 2021 and look ahead to what's in store for 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to grip the Louisville community throughout 2021. Metro Council is responsible for the city's budget, and many of the priorities this past year revolved around public safety, public health, and addressing serious impacts from the pandemic. The Council also hosted dozens of public comment sessions to involve the community and special discussions to hold city leaders accountable. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to grip the Louisville community throughout 2021. Metro Council is responsible for the city's budget, and many of the priorities this past year revolved around public safety, public health, and addressing serious impacts from the pandemic. The Council also hosted dozens of public comment sessions to involve the community and special discussions to hold city leaders accountable. "I'm very proud of the work of the Metro Council this past year. We didn't let the pandemic stop our efforts to make this city safer and healthier. The Council pulled together and worked very hard to make Louisville better for all of its citizens. And that's exactly what we'll keep doing in 2022," said Metro Council President David James (D-6). "I'm very proud of the work of the Metro Council this past year. We didn't let the pandemic stop our efforts to make this city safer and healthier. The Council pulled together and worked very hard to make Louisville better for all of its citizens. And that's exactly what we'll keep doing in 2022," said Metro Council President David James (D-6). The estimated total funds available in the FY 2022 budget topped $735 million, which included 3.8% forecasted growth in payroll taxes and 4.7% forecasted growth in corporate profit taxes. Council members used the improved revenue forecast to make additional investments in public safety, violence prevention, libraries, parks, infrastructure, and deferred maintenance. The estimated total funds available in the FY 2022 budget topped $735 million, which included 3.8% forecasted growth in payroll taxes and 4.7% forecasted growth in corporate profit taxes. Council members used the improved revenue forecast to make additional investments in public safety, violence prevention, libraries, parks, infrastructure, and deferred maintenance. On top of the annual budget, the city of Louisville received $342 million in a second round of American Rescue Plan funds. Some of the top priorities identified for using this unprecedented amount of money to help the city recover from the pandemic included: homelessness and affordable housing, workforce development and small business support, healthy Louisville and healthy neighborhoods, public safety, and childcare. By the end of 2021, $187.2 million has been allocated. Distributing the remaining funds will be a top priority in 2022. On top of the annual budget, the city of Louisville received $342 million in a second round of American Rescue Plan funds. Some of the top priorities identified for using this unprecedented amount of money to help the city recover from the pandemic included: homelessness and affordable housing, workforce development and small business support, healthy Louisville and healthy neighborhoods, public safety, and childcare. By the end of 2021, $187.2 million has been allocated. Distributing the remaining funds will be a top priority in 2022. "I am excited to see the investments we made in 2021 start to bear fruit in the coming year. From historic investments in public safety and affordable housing to innovate programs around deflection and panhandling, we have funded the areas of top concern to our residents. As these programs begin to move from idea to implementation, I am confident we will see a noticeable impact on our community," said Metro Council Majority Caucus Chair Markus Winkler (D-17). "I am excited to see the investments we made in 2021 start to bear fruit in the coming year. From historic investments in public safety and affordable housing to innovate programs around deflection and panhandling, we have funded the areas of top concern to our residents. As these programs begin to move from idea to implementation, I am confident we will see a noticeable impact on our community," said Metro Council Majority Caucus Chair Markus Winkler (D-17). "A bi-partisan group of the Metro Council has worked hard to push for both greater accountability as well as more effective use of technology for improving public safety. We were able to push for greater investments in our public safety personnel as well as more training and resources. We also funded additional investments into libraries including Middletown, Portland and Fern Creek and we increased funding for infrastructure like sidewalk paving to improve our built environment," said Metro Council Minority Caucus Chair Anthony Piagentini (R-19). "A bi-partisan group of the Metro Council has worked hard to push for both greater accountability as well as more effective use of technology for improving public safety. We were able to push for greater investments in our public safety personnel as well as more training and resources. We also funded additional investments into libraries including Middletown, Portland and Fern Creek and we increased funding for infrastructure like sidewalk paving to improve our built environment," said Metro Council Minority Caucus Chair Anthony Piagentini (R-19). Here are some highlighted accomplishments in 2021: Here are some highlighted accomplishments in 2021: Budget Budget American Rescue Plan Funds American Rescue Plan Funds Public Safety Metro Council carved out significant funding to support initiatives that are expected to help prevent violence and improve public safety. The budget included money to add five more ShotSpotter circumference miles in the California and Park Hill neighborhoods. It also designated $4.5 million for the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, along with $1 million each to the Office of Youth Development and the Office of Resilience and Community Services. In addition, Metro Council budgeted $2.9 million for a pilot 911 Prioritization and Deflection Project, $550,00 for the Group Violence Intervention project, and $15.8 million in ARP funding to even more violence deterrence and prevention initiatives. Affordable Housing The pandemic highlighted the serious need in Louisville for more affordable housing options and warp-around services for the community. Metro Council used the budget to support efforts like the Another Way program, which expands the Goodwill Industries of Kentucky pilot program to a county-wide effort. The Council also allocated $89 million in ARP funding to support affordable housing programs and services for those experiencing homelessness. In addition to permanent supportive housing, the funding will create and preserve affordable rental units throughout the community. The housing package also includes $8 million for down payment assistance for first time homeowners and for a home repair program. Pay Raises, Hiring Incentives Metro Council approved a 3% cost of living adjustment for non-union Metro employees, totaling $2.3 million in the FY22 budget. The amended budget also appropriated additional dollars to improve compensation for LMPD, Metro Corrections, Emergency Management Services, and Louisville Fire. Metro Council also passed an ordinance appropriating $4.8 million in ARP funds to offer hiring incentives for public safety positions. Paid Leave Metro Council passed an ordinance in March 2021 that grants employees up to 12 continuous weeks of paid leave if used within the first six months after birth or adoption. Paid parental leave would run concurrently with FMLA leave. Eligible employees can be either full or part-time but must have had 12 months of continuous Metro employment. TIFs Redistricting After reviewing the 2020 U.S. census data and the public's feedback, Metro Council approved the newly drawn boundaries for Metro Council's 26 districts in November. The new maps are currently in effect and updated online. You can view all 26 district maps by clicking here. Online Update The Clerk's Office created a new way to find old resolutions and ordinances online. Any legislation from 2003 to 2013 is now available on the Clerk's website. Logistics Despite the roadblocks the pandemic presented, Metro Council worked continuously to make sure local government was running in a safe and transparent way. City Hall was reopened to the public when positive COVID cases started to trend downward, but constituents and council members still have the option to attend meetings virtually through WebEx. Metro Council is investing in new equipment and software to improve the efficiency and quality of the online options. Enter required fields How do you want to be reminded? (Street Sweeping requires at least an email) Reminders are sent on the Sunday before and the Friday of your Junk Set Out date. * is required. By subscribing to this reminder service you agree to the Terms of Use. To unsubscribe go to Gov Delivery. Enter your address and MyLouisville will find nearby city services in the following categories: Find your garbage, recycling, yard waste and large-item set-out dates. Sign up for large-item set out and street sweeping reminders by email and text! No form has been selected. Popular Pages Popular Tools This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author's own.