One of the “Top Cities to Visit in 2019” by TripAdvisor; a “Top 10 City Where Manufacturing Is Thriving,” by Forbes; one of the “Top 5 Hip Cities,” according to Jetsetter, and the list goes on.
Louisville earns its national accolades the old-fashioned way: by government and civic organizations communicating and working together for the good of everyone. For the fifth year in a row, Louisville Forward was recognized by Site Selection magazine as a “Top Economic Development Group.”
Last November, Mayor Greg Fischer announced that Louisville had once again been ranked a top digital city in the country by the Center for Digital Government. Third, in fact, just behind Los Angeles and San Diego. Last year, the city made improvements in disaster security and business continuity, replaced the city’s primary work order and service request system, expanded WiFi hotspots and developed a plan to enhance residents’ access to technology. The Digital Inclusion Plan is an effort to eliminate the digital and economic divides in the community. The program focuses on improving connectivity, teaching digital skills to those who particularly need to use the internet to secure jobs, and providing hardware to residents in typically underserved neighborhoods.
As just one example of booming business in Jefferson County, Piston Automotive announced in April an investment of $1.5 million to expand its Louisville operation. The auto components supplier will install a new production line and create 50 more full-time jobs.
For visitors and locals, there’s no shortage of attractions and events throughout the county, throughout the year. Tourist dollars have made possible close to 28,000 jobs in the hospitality industry.
County Seat: Louisville; Greg Fischer, mayor; louisvilleky.gov
Estimated 2019 population: 770,517
No. of households: 309,888
Median household income: $52,237
Louisville Forward: Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, chief; louisvilleforward.com
Metro Council: President David James, Jessica Green, Barbara Shanklin, Keisha Dorsey, Barbara Sexton Smith, Donna Purvis, Paula McCraney, Brandon Coan, Bill Hollander, Pat Mulvihill, Kevin Kramer, Rick Blackwell, Mark Fox, Cindi Fowler, Kevin Triplett, Scott Reed, Markus Winkler, Marilyn Parker, Anthony Piagentini, Stuart Benson, Nicole George, Robin Engel, James Peden, Madonna Flood, David Yates, Brent Ackerson
What about the crime rate? Is it higher or lower? Schools? How can a family apply for jobs in this area?