Action Activities

As part of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, the Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) received $1,000,000 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement “Action Activities” in Russell – physical projects that will spur additional community improvement and economic development in the neighborhood. Louisville Metro Government is contributing an additional $375,000 towards these Action Activities. HUD has provided clear guidelines for how Action Activity funding can be spent.

Per HUD’s guidelines, projects must:

  • Support Russell’s Transformation Plan.
  • Be physical improvements (funds cannot be used for services or programs).
  • Support existing investment in the neighborhood and encourage future development.
  • Receive final approval from HUD before being funded.

The Center for Neighborhoods partnered with alumni of the Russell Neighborhood Institute and Beecher Terrace residents in fall, 2016 to conduct a neighborhood-wide polling process with Russell residents. The polling helped to identify the highest priorities among residents for neighborhood improvements. Nearly 160 residents from across the neighborhood participated in the poll via open houses, online surveys, and street level canvassing. Participants included all age groups and residents from across Russell – 32nd Street to 9th Street, West Broadway to Market Street. Residents were clear in their desire to see vacant lots improved through Action Grant funds. Neighborhood park upgrades, and high-quality bus stop shelters and amenities were also top priorities among poll participants. This input from Russell residents, along with HUD eligibility guidelines, and the goals and strategies outlined in the Vision Russell Transformation Plan, helped shape the “Call for Action 2017,” which closed 11/22/16.