LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Mayor-elect Craig Greenberg is looking for the community's input as his and out-going Mayor Greg Fischer's administrations begin transitioning.
Friday morning, Greenberg announced the launch of a new website for Louisvillians to keep up with the progress of the transition. The site will allow residents to submit comments and ideas for the incoming administration as well.
The Mayor-elect said he is also looking to hire those interested in working with his incoming administration.
"We want everyone in Louisville -- and across the country -- to have an opportunity to express interest in positions before we make any personnel decisions," he said.
Greenberg encourages anyone interested to submit their resumes and cover letters on the new website, and they have until Dec. 15 to do so. He says he won't announce any personnel decisions, even those within his own office, until after he gets a chance to look at all the applications.
It didn't take long though before Greenberg was asked whether he's made a decision on whether to retain current Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) Chief of Police Erika Shields.
Greenberg wouldn't comment on her position itself, instead saying he's focused on filling out his immediate staff first, including deputy mayor -- a position that hasn't seen a major public role in Mayor Fischer's final term.
Greenberg said since election night, he's consulted Fischer and both Democratic and Republican Metro Councilmembers about next steps and planning trips to tour districts.
But since Tuesday night's victory, no conversations yet with Chief Shields.
"I'll be meeting with Chief Shields and others who currently have positions within city government throughout this transition process over the coming weeks ahead," he said.
WHAS11 also circled back and asked Greenberg questions regarding concerns over downtown Louisville safety and economic growth.
It comes just days after the owner of Melba's Culinary Canvas told WHAS11 he's moving from 5th and Jefferson St. to NuLu -- citing violence and a lack of foot traffic as reasons why.
Charlie Reed said he's looking toward the next mayor to change the outlook.
We brought his relocation story to Greenberg to get his response and plan of action for issues like these, as well as how to streamline the process for businesses to move downtown.
"Safety comes first -- this should be the core of our city that's safe and vibrant," he said. "We need to focus on cleanliness as well. We need to make sure the sidewalks and streets are clean -- that they're safe and clear. [We need to make sure] abandoned cars are removed from the streets in a matter of days, as opposed to a matter of months. People need to feel safe here."
Meanwhile, as of Friday evening, Greenberg's team says it's received 45 applications so far.
"Whether you work in the private sector, with a non-profit organization, for the city or other government, or even if you are not currently working," Greenberg said. "We encourage you to submit your resume and cover letter through this website."
The Mayor-elect says additional announcements about personnel decisions will be made in the coming days and weeks, including leadership within his transition team and the Inauguration Committee.
Greenberg will be sworn in as Louisville 51st Mayor on Jan. 2, 2023.
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