1. Since we use these stories as a resource for multiple requests, don’t restrict Success Stories only to traditional Extension appointments and activities. Any accomplishments and efforts that are noteworthy may be included.

The Louisville Metro Office of Community Development list more than 300 vacant lots in the city many of which are located in areas designated a Food Desert. An application to lease or purchase these lots is required along with a detailed written use. The Louisville Metro, Land Development Code has become restrictive to many applicants because they can’t comply with lot requirements. However, The Land Development Code is being reviewed to become less restrictive for urban ag use which will make the application process less difficult. In addition to the listed barriers, the Office of Community Development doesn’t have anyone on staff to determine if the applicant, or the lot being considered, is qualified/suitable for urban Ag use.  The Office of Community Development has reached out to the Ag agent for assistance with these determinations. 

Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service will be partnering with the Louisville Metro Office of Community Development and Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services, Catholic Charities, the Urban Ag Coalition of Louisville and Food in Neighborhoods. 

The Ag Agent will provide soil sampling workshops, led discussions on growing on small plots, shade issues, parking, water access and more.

An additional educational component will be community engagement. This will involve having meetings with neighborhood groups and community leaders to discuss plans for using vacant lots for growing food in their neighborhoods. 

Volunteers leaders from Catholic Charities and the Urban Ag Coalition of Louisville. Staff from LM office of Community Development. 

As a result of these actions, more application for vacant lots will be approved quicker, given the applicant a quicker start with the Ag production plan.  The impacts will be demonstrated through more vacant lots in Louisville’s Food Desert (the West End) being utilized for food production. Because more lots are being used for an alternate use, many lots will be removed from LM Public Works mow list. There will be an increase in fresh food availability at the family and neighborhood level. Because the growers who are leasing/purchasing the lots are from that particular neighborhood, there will be greater interaction between families, groups and neighbors.