July 21, 2010

Mayor Greg Fischer

Louisville Metro Hall
527 W. Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202

Mayor Fischer,

Greater Louisville Inc. continues to receive an outpouring of concerns, confusion, and emotions
from businesses in response to the city’s handling of the racial unrest in our community. While
our chamber recognizes the city finds itself in the most delicate balance of seeking justice and
maintaining lawful order, many of our members are demanding clear accountability and
leadership in the critical weeks ahead, as we continue to overcome the crises of violence, racial
injustice, and Covid-19.

2020 will mark several pivotal instances in our history books, many of which will be painful, but
one that stands out from the rest is our city’s year of violence and crime. As recent reports have
shown, Louisville is on track for the most violent year ever. While we understand Louisville may
not be alone with spikes of violence, the number of murders and non-fatal shootings is very
disturbing and feeds the narrative that Louisville is dangerous, especially for Black individuals.
We have seen reports of homicide rates where Black Louisvillians are more likely to fall victim to
gun violence and assault compared to others. We recognize these are complicated issues, but
in a time when are our city is trying to heal, what can be done now to address these problems?

As the state and federal investigations relating to Breonna Taylor carry on without any indication
of conclusions or timings, much anxiety builds in anticipation of potential vandalism and violence
that may occur throughout Louisville as a direct response to the findings. When the planning
decisions are being made to announce the results of these investigations, prior communication
and planning should occur for the entire community to be prepared to respond to potentially
dangerous situations that threaten life and property.

Similarly, requests and questions have been shared with GLI regarding the various types of
threatening scenarios and the levels or tactics of force that will be used to prevent or deescalate
situations. Specifically,
- While we understand that the level of detail for tactical responses cannot be shared,
what consistent, and reliable information can the community receive to ensure what
occurred during Memorial Day weekend, and the following instances of violence
thereafter, can be avoided?
- What specific steps will be taken by city leaders and law enforcement professionals to
ensure people and property do not suffer further damage?
- How can Louisvillians expect current laws, regulations, and ordinances will be enforced
to help maintain order?
- Will the utilization of curfews, permits, or other local determinations be deployed to help
maintain order and if so, actually be enforced to maintain order?
- If the city cannot reasonably protect private property or provide adequate communication
to allow businesses to prepare for potential damage, will the city provide dedicated funds
to fix buildings?
Throughout these events, our members have also expressed concern for the well being of law
enforcement professionals. Our members have observed multiple news stories showcasing
severe frustrations from rank and file officers with how protestor situations have been handled.
- What steps are being taken to provide support and clear directives so LMPD can
appropriately respond while still allowing peaceable assembly?
- We also recognize hindsight is 20/20, so are there current measures in place to analyze
what deficiencies have occurred since May?
- What actions could have been taken by the city to avoid the destruction of property?
- Are there any independent investigations underway to learn about possible
disproportionate response by police on peaceful demonstrators?

In a recent survey sponsored by Louisville Downtown Partnership, we learned where

improvements must be made and where the support is needed. Over a third of respondents say
boards currently cover their business windows and doors. Of those impacted businesses, a
resounding 84% of them say they do not feel comfortable removing the boards. When asked if
some kind of coordinated effort between private/public buildings or the removal of boards from
public buildings would encourage those businesses, the overwhelming response was “no.” It
was also evident by this sample of downtown businesses that the majority believe downtown
Louisville is not on the right track with an average response indicating most do feel not confident
with any notion that downtown can recover to a state of 12 months prior. Whether leaders want
to argue about perception or reality, the plain point is that we cannot rebuild and recover when
little confidence has been established to support downtown businesses.

As you are aware, GLI established a business council to identify ways for our organization to
pursue racial equity and inform the work of our initiatives of growing the regional economy. We
anticipate robust conversations related to criminal justice system reforms and changes to
policing policies that must occur to improve public safety and justice for all. It is unclear how city
leaders are pursuing potential changes such as the police union contract. We recognize some
legislative changes must occur at the state level, but many await information on what specific
actions your office will be taking to impact this change.

Lastly, with your new leadership position with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, we hope that it
serves as an important opportunity for you to learn valuable strategies that can be used here at
home to begin community healing, prevent violence, address racial inequities, and support
businesses.

Many points outlined in this letter can all be traced back to building trust throughout our city. We
stand ready to do our part as the voice of businesses, but until concerns of public safety for all
are addressed, the pathway to establishing community trust and confidence is unclear. GLI
respectfully requests a response to the above inquiries as soon as possible, as we believe
answers to these questions would help ensure a sense of safety.

Thank you for your consideration and look forward to the continued dialogue about the pressing
issues facing Louisville.

Respectfully,

Sarah Davasher-Wisdom
President & CEO
Greater Louisville Inc.