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.
Filter by Category:
Search Terms:
D
Data Center
A large facility that houses computer servers and networking equipment used to store, process, and distribute digital information for businesses […]
Read Full Definition → Data Center Tax Abatement
Property tax reductions or exemptions offered by local governments to attract data center development, typically lasting 10-15 years. These incentives […]
Read Full Definition → Data Privacy
Protection of individuals’ personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Government collects massive amounts of sensitive data (health records, […]
Read Full Definition → De-escalation Training
Teaching police officers techniques to reduce tension and resolve situations without force—using time, distance, communication, and tactical repositioning. De-escalation training […]
Read Full Definition → Debt Ceiling
Legal limit on how much the city can borrow. Set by state law and local ordinance.
Read Full Definition → Debt Service
Money used to pay back bonds (loans) the city took out for major projects. Like a mortgage payment. Louisville pays […]
Read Full Definition → Deficit
When spending exceeds revenue. Louisville cannot legally run a deficit in the general fund. Dave’s budget has zero deficit.
Read Full Definition → Density
The number of housing units or people per acre. Higher density means more homes on same land, enabling walkable neighborhoods, […]
Read Full Definition → Dental Care Access
Ability to obtain preventive and restorative dental services necessary for oral health. Dental coverage is often separate from medical insurance, […]
Read Full Definition → Digital Divide
The gap between people who have access to modern information technology (computers, smartphones, high-speed internet) and those who don’t, often […]
Read Full Definition → Digital Equity
Ensuring all residents have access to affordable internet, devices, and digital skills necessary for full participation in modern society. Digital […]
Read Full Definition → Digital Infrastructure
The physical systems that enable internet and digital services, including data centers, fiber optic cables, cell towers, and power grids. […]
Read Full Definition → Digital Services
Government services delivered online rather than requiring in-person visits or phone calls, such as permit applications, bill payment, service requests, […]
Read Full Definition → Disciplinary Matrix
A written schedule showing the range of discipline (counseling, suspension, termination) for various policy violations, ensuring consistency and transparency. A […]
Read Full Definition → Diversion Program
An alternative to traditional prosecution that redirects low-level offenders (especially first-timers and juveniles) into treatment, counseling, or community service instead […]
Read Full Definition → Diversion Programs
Alternatives to jail for non-violent offenders (treatment, community service, monitoring). More effective than incarceration and much cheaper.
Read Full Definition → Don’t Have ID?
You can still vote by signing an affidavit stating you are the registered voter. —
Read Full Definition → Duty to Intervene
Legal requirement for police officers to stop fellow officers from using excessive force or violating civil rights. Creates peer accountability […]
Read Full Definition →