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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Occupational Tax
Tax on wages earned by people working in Louisville (currently 1.45% for city services, 0.75% for county services = 2.2% […]
Read Full Definition → Olmsted Parks
A historic system of 18 parks and 6 parkways designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s firm (designer of New […]
Read Full Definition → Open Data
Government data made freely available to the public in machine-readable formats that anyone can access, use, and share without restrictions. […]
Read Full Definition → Open Source Software
Computer software with source code freely available for anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance. Open source software contrasts with proprietary […]
Read Full Definition → Operating Budget
Money spent on day-to-day operations like salaries, supplies, and services. As opposed to capital spending, these are ongoing costs that […]
Read Full Definition → Operating Expenses
Day-to-day costs like supplies, utilities, vehicle fuel, and equipment maintenance. Everything that isn’t salary or capital. Electricity bills, office supplies, […]
Read Full Definition → Operation Ceasefire
A focused deterrence strategy combining targeted law enforcement with community outreach and social services to reduce gang and group violence. […]
Read Full Definition → Opportunity Zone
Federal tax incentive program allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes by investing in designated low-income areas. Controversial: benefits wealthy […]
Read Full Definition → Ordinance
A local law passed by Metro Council and signed by the mayor (or passed over mayoral veto). Ordinances cover everything […]
Read Full Definition → Outdoor Recreation
Physical activities in natural settings including hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, camping, birdwatching, and nature exploration. Outdoor recreation provides exercise, mental […]
Read Full Definition → Overdose Prevention
Strategies to prevent deaths from drug overdoses, particularly opioid overdoses. Prevention includes naloxone (Narcan) distribution to reverse overdoses, education recognizing […]
Read Full Definition → Override
When Metro Council votes to pass a law despite the mayor’s veto. Requires more votes than the original passage (usually […]
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