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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Backup Power Generation
Diesel or natural gas generators that provide electricity to data centers during utility power outages, ensuring continuous operation. A large […]
Read Full Definition → Bail Reform
Reducing reliance on cash bail (where only rich people can afford to leave jail before trial) and using risk assessment […]
Read Full Definition → Balanced Budget
Revenue equals expenditures – no deficit spending. Required by law for Louisville. Dave’s budget is fully balanced.
Read Full Definition → Ballot Access
The requirements a candidate or political party must meet to appear on the ballot. In Kentucky, candidates for Louisville Mayor […]
Read Full Definition → Ballot Measure
A question placed on the ballot for voters to decide directly, rather than through elected representatives. In Kentucky, ballot measures […]
Read Full Definition → Ban the Box
Policy removing criminal history questions from initial job applications (the ‘box’ asking about convictions), delaying background checks until later in […]
Read Full Definition → Beat Policing
A law enforcement strategy where officers are permanently assigned to specific geographic areas (beats) to build relationships with residents, understand […]
Read Full Definition → Bike Infrastructure
Facilities enabling safe cycling: protected bike lanes (physical separation from traffic), conventional bike lanes (painted), multi-use paths, bike parking, and […]
Read Full Definition → Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA)
A quasi-judicial board that hears appeals of zoning decisions and grants variances (exceptions) to zoning rules when strict application would […]
Read Full Definition → Body Cameras
Wearable video cameras that record police interactions with the public, providing evidence for investigations and accountability. When implemented with clear […]
Read Full Definition → Body-Worn Cameras
Small video cameras attached to police uniforms that record officer interactions with the public. LMPD officers are required to wear […]
Read Full Definition → Bond
A loan the city takes out for major capital projects (like building a new library). Paid back over many years, […]
Read Full Definition → Bond Issue
Government borrowing for major capital projects (roads, sewers, buildings) by selling bonds that investors purchase, receiving interest over 10-30 years. […]
Read Full Definition → Brady List
A confidential list of police officers who have credibility problems (lying, evidence tampering) that prosecutors must disclose to defense attorneys […]
Read Full Definition → Broadband Access
High-speed internet service capable of supporting modern online activities like video conferencing, streaming, remote work, and online education. The FCC […]
Read Full Definition → Brownfield Redevelopment
Cleaning up and reusing contaminated industrial sites for new development. Federal and state programs provide funding and liability protections for […]
Read Full Definition → Budget Committee
The Metro Council committee responsible for reviewing the mayor’s proposed budget, holding budget hearings, and recommending changes before the full […]
Read Full Definition → Budget Variance
The difference between what was budgeted and what was actually spent. If we budget $10M for roads and spend $12M, […]
Read Full Definition → Budget-Neutral
A policy or program that doesn’t increase the total budget—it’s funded by reallocating existing spending, eliminating waste, or finding new […]
Read Full Definition → Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
High-quality bus service with dedicated lanes, level boarding, off-board fare payment, and frequent service (every 5-10 minutes). Provides rail-like experience […]
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