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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Early Childhood Education
Educational programs for children from birth to age 5, including prekindergarten, Head Start, and childcare programs. High-quality early childhood education […]
Read Full Definition → Early Intervention System
A database tracking officer behavior—complaints, use of force, vehicle pursuits, etc.—to identify officers showing warning signs of problems before serious […]
Read Full Definition → Early Voting
The period before Election Day when registered voters can cast ballots in person at designated locations. In Kentucky, early voting […]
Read Full Definition → Early Warning System
A data-driven tool that tracks officer behavior patterns (use of force, complaints, missed trainings, etc.) to identify officers who may […]
Read Full Definition → Early Warning System (Police)
Data-driven system that identifies officers with patterns of complaints, use of force incidents, or other concerning behaviors before serious misconduct […]
Read Full Definition → Economic Development Incentive
Tax breaks, grants, or other financial benefits offered by government to attract businesses or development. Common types include: tax abatements, […]
Read Full Definition → Economic Impact Study
An analysis estimating how a proposed development (like a data center) will affect the local economy through job creation, tax […]
Read Full Definition → Education Attainment
The highest level of education individuals have completed, measured by census and surveys (less than high school, high school diploma, […]
Read Full Definition → Educational Benefits
Programs that help employees pay for college, job training, or professional development. Dave’s budget includes tuition assistance for employees pursuing […]
Read Full Definition → Election Certification
The official process where election results are verified, audited, and declared final by election officials. In Jefferson County, the County […]
Read Full Definition → Election Observer
An individual authorized to monitor polling places and vote counting to ensure proper election procedures and transparency. In Kentucky, political […]
Read Full Definition → Electrical Substation
A facility where voltage is transformed from high to low or vice versa, and where electrical connections are made. Large […]
Read Full Definition → Energy Burden
The percentage of household income spent on home energy costs (electricity, gas, fuel oil). Energy burden averages 3-4% for median-income […]
Read Full Definition → Energy Efficiency
Using less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result, typically through better technology, insulation, or practices. […]
Read Full Definition → Enterprise Zone
Designated area where businesses receive tax incentives and regulatory relief to encourage investment in economically distressed neighborhoods. Federal and state […]
Read Full Definition → Environmental Compliance
Adherence to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations governing air quality, water quality, waste management, stormwater, and pollution. […]
Read Full Definition → Environmental Justice
Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regarding environmental laws and policies. Addresses how environmental burdens (pollution, toxic sites) […]
Read Full Definition → Equal Pay Audit
Systematic review of compensation data to identify and correct gender-based pay disparities. Dave’s policy requires annual audits for Metro government […]
Read Full Definition → Equitable Development
Development that provides benefits to all residents, particularly low-income residents and communities of color, without causing displacement. Equitable development includes […]
Read Full Definition → Eviction Prevention
Programs and policies that help tenants avoid eviction through emergency rental assistance, legal aid, mediation, and tenant protections. Much cheaper […]
Read Full Definition → Evidence-Based Budgeting
Making spending decisions based on proven results from research and other cities’ experiences, not political promises or assumptions. Dave’s budget […]
Read Full Definition → Executive Branch
The Mayor and departments that implement laws and deliver services. The “doers” of government.
Read Full Definition → Expungement
The legal process of sealing or destroying criminal records so they don’t appear in background checks, helping people move on […]
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