Voter Education Glossary
Understanding Louisville Metro Government & Policy
This comprehensive glossary explains 375 terms related to Louisville Metro government, policy, and civic engagement. Each term includes Louisville-specific context and explains why it matters to you as a voter.
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Absentee Ballot
A ballot you can request to vote by mail if you can’t vote in person. In Kentucky, you must have […]
Read Full Definition → Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
A small secondary housing unit on the same lot as a single-family home. Examples: garage apartments, basement units, backyard cottages, […]
Read Full Definition → Achievement Gap
The persistent disparity in academic performance between different groups of students, particularly between white students and students of color, and […]
Read Full Definition → Affordable Housing Crisis
The shortage of housing that low- and moderate-income families can afford, typically defined as spending no more than 30% of […]
Read Full Definition → After-School Programs
Supervised activities and enrichment programs for school-age children during the hours between school dismissal and parents’ return from work, typically […]
Read Full Definition → Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
The local government agency responsible for monitoring air quality and enforcing air pollution regulations within Louisville Metro. APCD issues permits […]
Read Full Definition → Air Quality
Measure of pollutants in air, tracked by EPA Air Quality Index (AQI). Poor air quality causes asthma, heart disease, and […]
Read Full Definition → Air Quality Monitoring
Measuring concentrations of air pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds to assess health risks […]
Read Full Definition → Anti-Displacement
Policies and programs preventing existing residents from being forced out of their neighborhoods by rising rents, property taxes, or other […]
Read Full Definition → Apprenticeship Program
Structured training combining paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, resulting in skilled trade certification. Typically 2-5 years. Apprentices earn while […]
Read Full Definition → Appropriation
Money officially allocated by Metro Council for a specific purpose. Once appropriated, departments can spend it. Think of it like […]
Read Full Definition → Audit
Independent review of city finances to ensure accuracy and compliance. Annual audits required by law. —
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