Code of Conduct

Purpose

This policy aims to cultivate welcoming and productive workplaces and inclusive public spaces where clear expectations foster an environment that is enjoyable, safe and respectful for everyone. Recognizing that the City and its facilities are inclusive spaces and serve a diverse range of patrons, this policy underscores the City’s commitment to supporting positive interactions for all.

The purpose of this policy is to set clear expectations and provide a fundamental standard for the respectful treatment of City staff by residents, patrons, vendors, and other individuals encountered while performing their duties. This policy applies to members of the Louisville City Council, all boards and commissions, and members of the public interacting with the City. Conduct of City staff continues to be guided by internal codes of conduct in City policies and procedures.

Further, this policy is intended to be complementary to and consistent with the principles outlined in the Louisville City Charter, the Louisville Municipal Code, and the City Council Work Plan, ensuring a cohesive and unified framework of conduct across all City operations and interactions.

Code of Conduct

The City of Louisville welcomes all individuals and upholds the expectation that everyone will be treated with dignity and respect. To cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe, valued and welcome, all are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct. Non-compliance with this Code may result in, but is not limited to, being asked to leave City facilities, the suspension or revocation of City-related privileges, or other consequences. Individuals are expected to be considerate and respectful. All City Council members, board and commission members, volunteers and members of the public shall treat every individual with patience, courtesy, and civility, fostering positive and constructive interactions.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

Any form of abuse or unlawful behavior such as physical, sexual, verbal, vandalism, bullying, or harassment, including making overt or implied threats, or shouting at or berating City staff
Possessing firearms or weapons in City facilities in violation of the Louisville Municipal Code
Exhibitionism, flashing, voyeurism, or peeping
Visible drug or alcohol intoxication
Excessive public displays of affection
Absence of shoes or a shirt inside City facilities, with certain exceptions applicable only to patrons engaged in specific activities at the Recreation and Senior Center or Memory Square Pool
Refusal to leave City facilities at closing time for regular city business as posted, the conclusion of business meetings, City-sponsored events, or when directed by staff to do so
Smoking/vaping inside City facilities and in designated prohibited outdoor areas
Creating excessive noise or any other conduct that disrupts others
Using obscene language
Noncompliance with direction from City staff or police officers
Behavior that interferes with City operations, services and/or activities
Behavior that interferes with the ability of staff to perform their duties
Misusing, destroying, or damaging any city property or property of another person
Any unlawful or disruptive behavior that significantly interferes with the safe or reasonable use of City spaces and facilities by others