Now that we’re fully rested from the holidays and a new year has dawned, it’s time to get back to business, and for city leaders, that means legislative business — cue gavel slam.

Mayor Greg Fischer released his priorities for 2022 last week which include enhancing public safety, local tax reform + boosting equitable economic and sustainability efforts. It will also be Mayor Fischer’s last year in office, with the mayoral primary set to take place on May 17 and the general election to follow on Nov. 8. Check your voter registration here.

The Kentucky General Assembly’s 2022 Regular Session is already in progress, so with that in mind, let’s dig into some of these legislative to-dos from converting Downtown one-way streets into two-ways to reforming the commonwealth’s bail system.

🛣️ Infrastructure

Reimagining 9th Street to promote safety and connectivity between Downtown + West Louisville
Widening US 60 near Eastwood to improve intersection safety for a forthcoming JCPS middle school
Converting multiple Downtown streets from one-ways to two-ways
Incentivize electric vehicles + build out EV charging infrastructure along major routes and in urban areas

💰 Tax + Finance

Supporting a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to discuss local government tax reform policies
Support reforming Kentucky’s bail system
Create protections for residents in the West End Opportunity Partnership and TIF areas
Develop the biennial budget + allocate remaining American Rescue Plan funds

🚧 Development

Redeveloping Kentucky incentive programs to attract business services and non-capital-intensive projects
Supporting revitalization Downtown + incentivizing urban residency
Allow for higher standards for energy efficiency in new construction allowing for “solar ready” buildings
Modify the Kentucky Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program

🦺 Public Safety

Support amendments to state law to allow law enforcement to destroy and/or remove seized firearms from circulation and require firearm owners to responsibly store their firearms + impose liability on violators whose weapons cause damages
Urging legislators to support the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) initiative through amending state laws
Support granting the Civilian Review & Accountability Board subpoena power

Pro tip: You can find your legislator + get in on the conversation using this handy interactive map.