Kentucky Shakespeare's Camp Shakespeare

Camp Shakespeare creates opportunities for children and young adults ages 5-18 to explore the theatre arts through imaginative play, visual arts, movement, storytelling, language, and more!

Vote for the Louisville Zoo as Kentucky's Best Kid-Friendly Attraction

Vote for the Zoo! The Louisville Zoo has been nominated for the fifth consecutive year as the Best Kid-Friendly Attraction in the state by Kentucky Living magazine. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the Zoo. But we need your help to win this prestigious award.  The competition this year will be fierce with both the Ark Encounter in Williamsburg and Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo in Horse Cave also in the running. That's why I am urging you all to vote and help us secure our title, once again, for 2023. Please encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to vote as well. Remember, you can vote once per day per email address. Voting is happening now through May 31 at  https://www.kentuckyliving.com/explore/best-in-kentucky/vote-for-2023-best-in-kentucky. Let’s work together to make sure that the Louisville Zoo remains known as the top destination for families and children in our state! Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Louisville Zoo!

LMC Budget & Appropriations Committee review hearings underway - comments to be accepted online through June 7

Metro Council’s Budget & Appropriations Committee has begun reviewing Mayor Greenberg’s proposed 2023-2024 Capital and Operating Budgets. The Committee will review the proposal throughout May and June. The Metro Council extended the budget review process by an extra month beginning in 2017, to allow for more community input and to thoroughly review and discuss the budgets for each department and agency of Metro Government. This year, more than 36 hours of hearings have been scheduled with dozens of Metro agencies, and one community budget hearing specifically dedicated to public comment. The 2023-2024 Recommended Executive Budget Document is available online here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/management-budget/fy24-budget.

Public Input:

The public is invited to participate in the budget process and share their thoughts. First, through an online form for written comments, which is now available. The form is located on the Metro Council website, and a direct link is here: https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/z1d6ky3v1eq239k/. The online form for comments will close on Wednesday, June 7, at 5 p.m.

Second, the Committee’s schedule will include an opportunity for the public to speak about the budget in-person in Metro Council Chambers on the third floor of Historic City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson Street, on Tuesday, May 30, at 6 p.m.

Speakers may sign up in person beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30. Sign ups will be open for one hour and will close promptly at 6:30 p.m. Speakers will have up to three minutes to address the Council about the proposed budget.

Update: LMPD has been moved from May 15 to June 8 at 4 p.m. Corrections has been changed to 4 p.m. on May 15.

Highlights of the budget hearing schedule:

The complete schedule of budget hearings is available online here: https://louisvilleky.gov/metro-council/document/fy24-budget-hearing-schedule.

The Metro Council will vote to adopt the FY 24 Budget on Thursday, June 22, at 6 p.m. during the regularly scheduled meeting.

The public may watch all meetings live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, on UVERSE at Channel 99, or on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil

Metro Council transitioning to an updated meeting information program

The Louisville Metro Council is in the process of transitioning to a new meeting information system, PrimeGov, which is replacing the Legistar system. Metro Council meeting agendas are now accessed by the public online at: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal. To view the attachments to an item, you must view the HTML version of the pdf version of the packet. To open the attachments, run your cursor over the three dots to the right of the title and select “pdf” and it will open in a download on the bottom of your screen. Then you can scroll through the attached documents combined into one. You may also use the “search” feature on the PrimeGov public portal. You can type in a keyword and all current legislation will populate. The public also may watch the proceedings live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99, or streamed live from Swagit’s page at https://louisvilleky.new.swagit.com/views/506/ (select Watch Live), and the Louisville Metro Council’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil.  The Swagit link is temporary, and you’ll be able to view meetings on the PrimeGov webpage in a few weeks. Currently, you may view archived meetings and search passed legislation on the old Legistar system at http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2, but all meetings will soon be available on the PrimeGov site exclusively. Updates will be posted on the Louisville Metro Council website when the transition to Prime Gov is complete.

Hikes Lane Rehabilitation project set to start

The Hikes Lane Pavement Rehabilitation project is underway. The federally funded project mostly includes repairing/replacing concrete pavement, improving curb ramps and sidewalks to make them ADA compliant. Construction costs are estimated to be $7,000,000. Work on the 2.7-mile corridor is anticipated to be completed by late October. 

Westbound lanes on Hikes Lane between Breckenridge Lane and Taylorsville Road will be closed. Westbound traffic on Hikes Lane and Northbound traffic on Hunsinger Lane will be detoured.

See a work plan and detour map. 

Community Policing Council Meetings begin June 13

Kentucky Nurses Association mobile unit offering COVID testing and vaccinations

The Kentucky Nurses Association is hosting more than 30 free COVID testing and vaccination clinics around the city from now until the end of June. Here is a complete list with dates, times and locations.

It's okay to not be okay - help is available so connect 

When traumatic events happen, whether they affect you directly or indirectly, it’s OK to not be OK. Mental health experts recommend one of the best things anyone can do at a time like this is to connect with others and talk about how they’re feeling. Don’t isolate yourself. Dial 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Text “LOU” to 741741 Crisis Text Line Community Wellness Hub Mental Health Lou 502-414-4380 The Black Counseling & Consulting Collective 502-589-4313 Seven Counties 24/7 Adult Crisis Line 502-589-8070 Seven Counties 24/7 Child Crisis Line 502-583-3951 Seven Counties 24/7 Addiction Help Line 502-792-7011 Collective Care Center at Spalding University 502-588-2008 NAMI Louisville 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-888-843-4564 LGBT National Help Center

Louisville Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry division offering free  ‘Mulch Mondays’ 

Louisville Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry division has launched a new program called ‘Mulch Mondays.' Any Jefferson County resident or nonprofit organization will be able to pick up natural, dye-free mulch at no cost between 1 and 3 p.m. every Monday in the parking lot directly behind 9200 Whipps Mill Road.

Those interested in picking up free mulch are required to bring their own container for transport. Participants will be required to fill out a waiver before receiving mulch.

Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods opens grant applications for vendors offering fun, safe summer programming to teens in all Louisville neighbors

YES! Youth Engagement Services division will focus on programs operating exclusively at area community centers

(LOUISVILLE, Ky. May 19, 2023) — To help ensure all Louisville-area teenagers have a safe summer, The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, and through its youth-focused, YES! division, has opened the grant application process for vendors who can offer evening programs at most of the city’s community centers for teens ages 13 to 18.

The “Safe Summer 2023,” initiative is slated to offer a variety of programming and activities covering learning, skills and career development and entertainment.

Programs will operate from June 12 to August 5, 2023. Vendors can apply by emailing YES@louisvilleky.gov. The application deadline is Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 4 p.m.

“We are looking for vendors offering programs that will help Louisville teenagers get the most out of their summer break,” said Carla Kirby, an assistant director of OSHN. “And we are grateful that the city’s parks and recreation department is extending evening hours all summer that will accommodate this important program.”

The initiative is funded by $750,000 dollars from the national American Rescue Plan Act.

Qualifying vendors must:

• Operate their programming from at least one of these neighborhood community centers: Beechmont, Berrytown, California, Cyril Allgeier, Douglass, Molly Leonard (Portland), Newburg, Parkhill, Shawnee, Southwick, South Louisville, and Sun Valley.
• Operate Monday to Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Offer programming appropriate for youth ages 13-18.

Funding priority will be given to organizations offering full-week programming at multiple sites and that collaboration of services among vendors is encouraged.

Preston Corridor Plan public review period open through the end of May

The Preston Corridor Plan, prepared by Louisville Metro’s Office of Advanced Planning, is ready for public review. City planners have been working with transportation planning professionals from WSP Inc, MKSK, and EHI Consultants to develop a long-range plan for the Preston Corridor that aims to decrease the number of severe and fatal crashes on the roadway and improve the number and availability of useful transportation options along the corridor. According to the Kentucky State Police, there have been 13 fatalities and 33 serious injuries on Preston Highway since the Preston Corridor Plan process began in 2021. The full draft of the plan is available on the project website (www.prestoncorridorplan.org) along with a survey for the public to submit their feedback. The project team engaged with hundreds of people in person and over 1,500 in total during the previous rounds of public engagement. The public review period will run through the end of May.

Preston Area Business Alliance seeks executive director

The Preston Area Business Alliance (PABA) is seeking a part-time executive director. PABA is a network of business owners and community leaders dedicated to advancing business through enhanced connection, understanding, and action. We focus on supporting, promoting, and strengthening businesses along the Preston Corridor. PABA is a collective of individuals with personal or business interests along the corridor, and creates a platform for its members to strengthen business relationships through networking; voice their most pressing concerns in a unified way; and leverage the alliance as a resource for communicating trends, needs, and recommending strategy and vision for the future of the Preston Corridor. Please send resumes to pabacareers@gmail.com.

Help stop wire theft along Kentucky's highways

• Report any information about wire thefts at Kentucky interchanges to the KYTC Office of
  Inspector General (OIG) Office at 502-330-7506. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for the $5,000 reward.
• Report active crimes or suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
• Report dark intersections to the KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC

Reporting potholes

• Report online. 
• Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
• Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues. 

Sidewalk over Goldsmith Lane bridge near Peabody Lane closed due to safety concerns

The sidewalk over the bridge structure on Goldsmith Lane near Peabody is closed until further notice. A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet inspection revealed safety concerns and closing the sidewalk will allow the driving lanes to remain open at this time.  The next steps will be to investigate and design a repair or replacement of the structure. Please watch for signage and use extra caution in the area.

Monthly Food Pantry at St Agnes Parish in partnership with Dare to Care

The monthly Food Pantry at St. Agnes Parish, in partnership with Dare to Care, distributes food to approximately 150 guest families the fourth Saturday of each month. The pantry operates from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and is open to all Louisville residents. Guests are served via a drive-through format and all Pantry volunteers are prescreened and wear masks as per CDC guidelines.

District 10 events

Louisville Nature Center

Summer camp registration Camp registration is open for Louisville Nature Center summer camp! Summer camp has sold out quickly the past few years, and we expect this year to be the same! Learn more about day camp and see our 2023 camp themes.  We cannot wait for another summer of adventure!

Boxing 101 taking place at Cyril Allgeier Community Center every Friday through August

Learn the basics of boxing at Cyril Allgeier Community Center (4101 Cadillac Court) in a fun and safe way! This free course is for ages 5+ and will take place on Fridays from May 19 - August 4. Registration is required and can be completed online. 

Louisville Zoo

Popular demand extends Wild Lights: Around the World through June 4

Zoo announces photo contest for May’s National Photo Month

The Louisville Zoo is excited to announce that its popular lantern festival – Wild Lights: Around the World – is being extended through Sunday, June 4. These eight additional evenings allow Zoo guests extra chances to see the largest lantern festival in the region. Tickets are available online at louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.

The Zoo is celebrating National Photo Month in May with a Wild Lights photography contest on its Facebook page. One prize winner will be chosen weekly and will receive four tickets for general admission to the Zoo. Weekly winners will also be featured on the Zoo’s website and in an upcoming issue of Trunkline magazine, the Zoo’s quarterly publication. More information about the contest including rules, guidelines and how to participate, is available at  https://louisvillezoo.org/photocontest.

With an almost entirely new lineup of lanterns, guests can see sights from around the world on their 1.4-mile excursion through the Zoo. Famous landmarks, flora and fauna from North and South America, Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia are highlighted in six different zones. As families venture through the Zoo’s pathways each evening, they will experience handcrafted, illuminated art displays comprised of silk-covered, metal frames and LED lightbulbs. The event features over 50,000 LED lightbulbs, 18 interactive displays, eight animated lanterns and 10 color-changing pieces that together present a spectacular feast for the eyes. A few lantern highlights include a walk-through cobra corridor, a giant blue morpho butterfly, and a shark-themed photo opportunity that is nine feet tall! Other lanterns to look forward to include the Statue of Liberty, Sydney Opera House, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Hall of Supreme Harmony and so much more!

This immersive experience features live cultural performances, including Chinese folk dances, acrobatics and more. There are also unique hand-crafted goods available for purchase, along with snacks and cocktails..

The event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path. The festival is rain or shine and is held from 6:30 – 10 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday night through June 4.

June 21 - next event for adults at the Louisville Zoo

Trivia Nights make their return to the Zoo June 21 and August 16. These fun-filled evenings will feature music, prizes and of course, trivia! Food and drink specials will be available. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams. Advance registration is required; tickets are on sale now.

New for 2023, the Zoo has added Late Night Date Nights, a few film favorites to their popular summer movie series on June 30 and July 28. Gates open at 8 p.m.; movies will be shown under the stars in the Zoo’s Oasis festival field beginning at sundown. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Read more on date nights here.

The ever-popular Hump Day Happy Hours continue Wednesday, July 12 with Sunset Safari. This 21-and-older event includes specialty cocktails, appetizers and exclusive animal demonstrations and interactions. Tickets include entry, appetizers, and two drink tickets redeemable for beer, wine, or a specialty cocktail. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. This series continues September 13 and October 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $40 each.

Additional summer events for adults include Friends of the Louisville Zoo’s Zoofari!, June 10, and Brew at the Zoo and Wine, Too!, August 26.

June 22 to 24 - Holy Family Picnic 

Picnic Fans! Please come out and join us for fun, fellowship, and food at the annual Holy Family Summer Picnic.

The picnic will be held on Friday, June 23 from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday June 24 from 5 p.m. to midnight. We have also added a Thirsty Thursday to our picnic events. Adults are welcome to come out on Thursday, June 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. for an evening of beer, music, pulltabs, and food.

Our regular picnic attractions will all be available on Friday and Saturday including booths, gambling of all kinds, and plenty of varieties of food. Our famous fried chicken dinner will also be available on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. and ending when we run out of chicken. So, come early and stay late! Join us all three days for a fun-filled weekend that supports all of the good works at Holy Family. All are welcome!

Free 5K run/walk every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Joe Creason Park

The Joe Creason parkrun is a free 5K that meets every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Joe Creason Park. Come join your friends and neighbors - parkrun is family and dog friendly and you can walk, jog or run or volunteer. More information can be found at parkrun.us/joecreason. They're also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Louisville Metro news

Join the German-American Club for their first outdoor Biergarten of the year! Celebrate Spring at Maifest tomorrow with German pints & bratwurst from 2 to 5 p.m. Then from 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy traditional German dinner and plenty of great German beers on tap, and wine too!  Live music will be provided by the River City Polkatz. Special events happening throughout the day: 3 to 5 p.m.: Petting Zoo 5 p.m.: Maypole dance 5:30 p.m.: Parade and keg tapping 5 to 7 p.m.: Face painting This is a free, family-friendly event. Service dogs only please. The German-American Club is at 1840 Lincoln Avenue.

Jefferson Community & Technical College Youth Apprenticeship Program connects students with hands on training

Register by May 26 for Earn and Learn

Sign up now for Louisville Parks Summer Camps! 

Enrollment now open for LIHEAP spring subsidy

Automated appointment line now open to schedule appointments in advance

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services joins with Community Action Agencies across the state to begin accepting applications for the 2023 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Subsidy Cooling Component. This federally-funded program is designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures. Applications will be accepted now through June 2 or until funds are depleted.

Applicants for the LIHEAP Spring Subsidy must be residents of Jefferson County with a household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $3,250.00). 

The LIHEAP Spring Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit ranging from $38 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. The benefit amount is paid directly to the electric vendor (i.e. LG&E).

Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP. 

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web:  louisvilleky.gov/tell311, or download the free Mobile Louisville Metro 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.

Louisville Metro Health and Wellness offering fulfilling summer jobs

Are you mission driven? Are you interested in improving the health and wellness of all residents of our city?  If the answer is yes, we invite you to be a part of a dedicated team.   Please apply today.

For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov. 

Cherokee Park Bridge #2 closed for construction through mid-May

Bridge #2 in Cherokee Park, just south of the base of Cochran Hill Road, closed March 17 and will be closed for about two months for a restoration project. Pedestrians and vehicles will be detoured around the bridge construction site via the map on the right. Construction is funded through the Bridges Kentucky program administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Income tax preparation assistance available for eligible residents

The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA, provides trained, IRS-certified volunteers who offer free tax services at 11 sites across the city. VITA is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2022. Since launching in 2001, VITA services have helped more than 135,500 Louisville tax filers. Last year, VITA processed more than 7,300 returns, adding more than $12 million to the local economy, including nearly $2 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to residents. Learn more about the Tax Time Connect, financial counseling and other resources.  VITA sites will prepare in-person free tax filing, by appointment only, at several sites. Most of the sites will provide free tax filing through drop-off services.

AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax prep services with a mission to serve any person who comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older. The AARP team helped to file more than 2,400 returns in 2022 leading to over $2.8 million in federal and state refunds. AARP Tax-Aid sites are operating:  http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org.

Assistance

The Louisville Metro Down Payment Assistance Program provides low- to moderate-income homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance for purchasing a home in the Louisville Metro area.

The Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund is a program that can help homeowners impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure. Qualifying homeowners can apply for up to $46,350 in assistance to help with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s and/or flood insurance, homeowners association fees and utility costs. 

FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020. Eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply are available online FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance and through FEMA's dedicated helpline at 1-844-684-6333.

If you're 65 years old, own and occupy your primary residence, you may qualify to exempt the first $39,300 of your home value from property taxes through the The Homestead Exemption. Vets with service connected disabilities and totally/permanently disabled civilians may also qualify.

Locate Dare to Care food assistance locations, which include St. Stephen Martyr at 3015 Greenup Road, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Please call before visiting sites to verify hours of operation. 

Meals on Wheels is available to qualified seniors in Jefferson County, 60 years or older, who are homebound with no one available to help prepare meals. Call 574-6325 to begin the qualification process. For information on the senior congregate sites for more active seniors, 60 and older, call the number above or sign up at the RCS page. Sites require a one-day advance reservation. See the updated list of open congregate sites.  The Senior Nutrition Program seeks volunteers all year long to help in a variety of capacities. For more information, call 574-6420.

LMPD - which numbers to call for emergencies, non-emergencies, and ongoing criminal activity complaints

The most efficient manner to report crime and/or request to speak to an officer is to call Metrosafe Dispatch at 574-2111 (5) Furthermore, if the efforts of the officer were not reasonably adequate to address the concern or issue, a citizen can immediately call Metrosafe back and request for an LMPD supervisor to contact them.  For non-emergencies, dial 574-2111 (5)  for non-violent crimes, non-injury auto accidents, or to report a crime that has already occurred.  For emergencies, dial 911 for violent crime in progress, serious injury auto accidents, or immediate threat to human life.  To report ongoing criminal activity, dial 574-5673, the LMPD Tip Line, for drug dealing, prostitution, gang activity, or any information that may help close open investigations.

Louisville Metro events

May 19 - Family Fun Nights return to the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center tonight

Family Fun Nights are evenings of fun for the entire family! Join us at the Mary T. Aquatic Center (201 Reservoir Ave, 40206) TONIGHT from 7-9 p.m. for free swim! No registration is required, just show up and have some fun! 

One adult age 18 or older must accompany children 12 and under. For safety reasons, each adult may chaperone no more than 4 children 12 and under.

May 19 and 20 - next volunteer training at Hildegard House

Join our community of compassionate volunteers at Hildegard House. We provide a home and compassionate care for individuals at the end of life who have no home or loved ones to care for them so that they may die with dignity and access hospice care. We are the family for our residents and care for them just like family members. Compassionate Companions commit to a weekly five-hour shift. The next volunteer training is May 19 and 20. Learn more about volunteering and register at www.hildegardhouse.org or call Volunteer Coordinator Jana McNally at 581-8267.

May 20 - Next Pop-Up Drop-Off 

May 20 - The Neighborhood Summit returns to Louisville

Join the in-person learning event and “Bloom Where You’re Planted!” Center For Neighborhoods is proudly hosting this year's Neighborhood Summit on Saturday, May 20 at Neighborhood House, 201 N. 25th Street. With the pandemic largely behind us, we anticipate this will be our most successful Neighborhood Summit to date. More than 250 attendees will be joining together to build connections and knowledge-sharing, guided by the theme “Bloom Where You’re Planted: Embracing Your Power in the Place You Call Home.”  

The Neighborhood Summit is an in-person, half-day conference that showcases community-building success stories and celebrates inspired neighborhood development across Louisville. Through interactive workshops, engaging keynote speakers, and networking breakouts, attendees learn about community achievements, make valuable connections, and recognize leaders affecting positive change in the places and spaces we live in. 

Register for the Summit.

May 20 - Forest Fest 2023 

May 21 - “I Have a Story to Tell”: Mental health festival returns to Louisville to promote community healing   

MindFEST is returning to Louisville for a second year in a row in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The mental health festival will be held May 21 from noon to 6 p.m. at Roots 101 African American History Museum, 124 N. 1st St. The goal of MindFEST is to reduce the overall stigma of mental health, connect people to resources and to provide a safe space where people can lean on each other for emotional support. This year’s theme is “I Have a Story to Tell.”   

“In recent weeks, there have been unspeakable tragedies in our city and country. Unfortunately, too many of us now have stories to tell about friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors who have been taken too soon in horrific acts of violence,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “We need to come together to help each other heal. That starts with us talking openly about our mental health and creating meaningful change.”  

"This year's theme, ‘I Have a Story to Tell,’ speaks to the power of sharing our stories. Our stories are effective tools that can change the trajectory of someone’s life,” said Amanda Villaveces, director of Mental Health Lou. “Open conversation about our mental well-being is very important as our city continues to struggle with gun violence.”  

MindFEST is a free event infused with music, food, entertainment, art, yoga, vendors, and panel discussions. One of the discussions will be led by a panel of professionals who will share their stories related to the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.  

“It's important that our community joins together to support one another through the good and the bad and that should include experiences surrounding mental health,” said Emily Davis, president of MindFEST, founder and CEO of The Wondering Mind podcast. “MindFEST creates a space where people can learn about mental health in a fun and safe environment. We also hope it will encourage people to feel comfortable to share their story, because we all have a story to tell." 

"Historically, the Black experience in America has and continues to be characterized by trauma and violence,” said Lamont Collins, founder and CEO of the Roots 101 Museum. “We must not be afraid to tell our stories and talk about our mental health if we want to heal and build resilience. Roots 101 is proud to again host MindFEST. I encourage everyone to attend.” 

To help support the mission of MindFEST, the Louisville Bats are once again hosting Mental Health Awareness Night at Slugger Field on May 18 at 6:30 p.m. A portion of each ticket purchased will help promote and support the importance of mental wellbeing.   

To learn more about mental health resources in Louisville, visit MentalHealthLou.com. If you, or someone you know is in crisis, text LOU to 741741 or call/text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.  

Iroquois Amphitheater 2023 Summer Season continues May 21 with Kansas 

Free workshops focused on mental health and wellness 

Mental Health Lou  and Louisville Free Public Library will offer free workshops focused on mental health and wellness starting in March. The Mind-Body Wellness Series is a four-part series that focuses on the ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can positively or negatively impact our bodies and vice versa.

Taught by licensed experts from Mental Health Lou’s partner groups and providers, the series will be offered at the library branches listed below. 

Each workshop in the series addresses a different topic:

• Discovering the Mind-Body Connection: Participants will learn ways to identify and connect feelings, thoughts and somatic responses and develop tools to help manage stress, anxiety, depression and more.
• Movement & Mental Health: This workshop looks at the impact of movement on our mental health by extending into yogic practices and breathing techniques for individuals to use as a means of self-care and deepen their connection with their bodies.
• Practical Mindfulness for Stress Management: Participants will learn basic tools to help identify stressors and implement Mindfulness techniques to manage/decrease stress response. This will be an experiential workshop that focuses on skill building of stress management tools.
• Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing: Workshop participants will begin developing a realistic and easily executable self-care plan with the help of a mental health therapist.

• Tuesdays, May 9-30, 6 p.m. - Western Library
• Wednesdays, May 10-31, 6 p.m. - Bon Air Library

Learn more about the series.

May 23 - Conversation with a City Planner about zoning

June 3 - Session on reinforcing violence prevention

June 10 - the 75th Anniversary Women's Armed Forces Integration Act Celebration

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Women's Armed Forces Integration Act on June 10 at the Capitol in Frankfort. 

Lady Veterans Connect is the sponsor, and is using this opportunity to honor the 27,000 women in Kentucky who have served this country. Please spread the word through friends, social media, church, and other outlets. This will be the first time women veterans have been celebrated at the Capitol Rotunda, and we are looking forward to having all of our sisters-in-arms join us.

Organizers are working to have bus transportation sponsored for the event. June 12 is officially Women Veterans Day in Kentucky, and on June 10 we will be able to view the 'Women Veterans Exhibit' at the Kentucky Historical Society. It will be a full day, and I hope you will help fill up the place.

Please support Lady Veterans Connect and this historical event. Scan the QR code above, email, or register here.

News you can use

District 10 CIF and NDF appropriations

Councilman Mulvihill-initiated D-10 Capital Improvement Funds (CIF) appropriations documentation dating to 2016 is linked here.  The D-10 Neighborhood Development Funds (NDF) appropriations document is linked here.

Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services District 10 cases

Note: short term rental is the general term used to describe vacation rentals including AirBNB, VRBO, and Tripping. 

22-CAT3-0009, 3910 Produce Road, a Category 3 Plan Application for a storage/distribution warehouse. Exeter Warehouse. 

23-CAT2-0009, 4501 Poplar Level Road, revised application submittal for Category 2B development for a 4,309 S.F. warehouse with loading and parking area on 0.4777 acres in the M-2 zoning district. Chaparro's Warehouse.

22-CAT2-0037, 4601 East Indian Trail, Building 2, a category 2B application for a 67,500 square foot warehouse/office building on 8.8 acres in the M-2 zoning district.

23-CUPPA-0115, 6500 Six Mile Lane, a Conditional Use Permit  for a school extension and sports gym on 7.1025 acres in the R-4 zoning district. 

21-DDP-0087, 2020 Bashford Manor Lane, a District Development Plan for a building expansion. Walmart Fulfillment Center. 

2703 Preston Highway: 

23-LANDSCAPE-0028, 2703 Preston Highway, a Landscape Plan for expansion of an existing liquor store with three apartments on the second floor on 0.33 acres in the C1 zoning district. 

22-CAT2-0034, 2703 Preston Highway, Revision of a Category 2B Plan for a proposed 6,525 sq ft retail and residential addition on .33 acres in the C-1 zoning district.

4819 Poplar Level Road: 

21-DDP-0073, 4819 Poplar Level Road, a revised District Development Plan to construct an office/warehouse on 1.41 acres in the CM Zoning District. Louisville Countertop. 

21-WAIVER-0112, 4819 Poplar Level Road, a request for a Landscape Waiver to the required 35-foot landscape buffer along the northwestern property line on 1.41 acres in the CM Zoning District. Louisville Countertop. 

21-MVARIANCE-0003, 4819 Poplar Level Road, a Modified Variance to allow encroachment into the 25-foot building setback on 1.41 acres in the CM Zoning District. Louisville Countertop.

4730 Champions Trace Lane:

19-DDP-0077, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a Revised District Development Plan for a medical office and dialysis center on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

19-VARIANCE-0076, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a variance from section 4.8.1 of the Land Development Code to allow the proposed pavement to encroach into the middle and outer 100-foot stream buffer for a medical office on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

23-LANDSCAPE-0028, 2703 Preston Highway, a Landscape Plan for expansion of an existing liquor store with 3 apartments on the second floor on 0.33 acres in the C1 zoning district. 

19-LANDSCAPE-0050, 2128 Old Shepherdsville Road, Revision of a Landscape Plan for a private automobile parking area on 0.74 acres in the C1 zoning district.

23-MCUP-0003, 1841 Taylor Avenue, a Modified Conditional Use Permit to expand the square footage of underground storage on 4.3976 acres in the M-2 and CM zoning districts. Louisville Underground Expansion. 

23-MPLAT-0041, 1551 Indiana Avenue, a Minor Plat application to create two tracts from one tract on 0.7233 acres in the R-5 zoning district.

22-MPLAT-0044,4322 Mildaun Road, application for a Minor Plat change to create two lots from one on .736 acres in the R-4 zoning district and SW form district. Bicker Division.

22-MPLAT-0044, 4322 Milldaun Road, a Minor Plat to create two lots from one on .736 acres in the R-4 zoning district and SW form district.

21-MPLAT-0011, for 3901 Atkinson Square Drive, a Minor Plat Application to create two lots from one lot on 9.59 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

22-VARIANCE-0168, 3119 Harmon Court, a Variance from Section 5.3.11 to allow a garage to encroach 20 feet into the required rear yard on 0.139 acres in the R5 zoning district.

1618 Lincoln Avenue

23-WAIVER-0064, 1618 Lincoln Avenue, application for a waiver to not provide the required landscape buffer for a law office. 

23-PARKWAIVER-0004, 1618 Lincoln Avenue, application for a parking waiver to reduce the minimum parking requirement from 4 to 2. 

20-WAIVER-0136, for 6000 Six Mile Lane, a waiver to allow a residential driveway onto a collector roadway on 0.462 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

21-WAIVER-0140, 1200 Hodel Road, a waiver to reduce the required vehicular use area on 1.45 acres in the M-3 Zoning district.

19-WAIVER-0016, 4500 Champions Trace Lane, a sidewalk waiver request for requirement along Champions Trace Lane. 

2814 Newburg Road

19-WAIVER-0112, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver for the sidewalk requirement along Newburg Road. 
19-WAIVER-0113, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver to allow detached houses to abut a private street.  

23-ZONE-0033, 1618 Lincoln Avenue, application for a Change in Zoning from R-5 to C-1 to allow for a law office and commercial kitchen in an existing building on 0.10 acres.

22-ZONE-0169, 2221 Bradford Drive, a change in zoning from R-5 to R-6 on 5.4 acres for a 94 unit multi-family development. 

23-ZONE-0033, 1618 Lincoln Avenue, application for a change in Zoning from R-5 to C-1 to allow for a law office and commercial kitchen in an existing building on 0.10 acres.

23-ZONEPA-0034 , 1391 Gardiner Lane, application for a change in Zoning from OR-3 to OR-3 and C-1 for Lee Hospitality Hotel & Apartments on 4.822 acres.

Short Term Rental cases

23-CUPPA-0063, 1537 Lincoln Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit Pre-Application for a Short Term Rental on 0.08 acres in the R-5 zoning district.

23-CUPPA-0062, 3709 Willmar Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit Pre-Application for a non-primary residence Short Term Rental on 0.2602 acres in the R-4 zoning district.

23-CUP-0149, 1628 Belmar Drive, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on 0.1357 acres in the R-5 zoning district. 

22-CUP-0408, 1000 Parkway Drive, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on 0.17 acres in the R5 zoning district

22-CUP-0066, 1607 Orchard Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on .14 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

20-CUP-0147 for 1500 Lincoln Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a short term rental at a non primary residence on 0.18 acres in the R5 zoning district.

Check on Planning and Design Services cases.

 Locate legal Short Term Rentals with new interactive map

Short term rental enforcement continues in large part to be complaint-driven, based on public reporting of alleged violations to administrators. An interactive map tool contains all of the registered short term rentals in Louisville having an active permit to rent their property out to paying customers on STR websites like Airbnb. If you believe someone is using a property as a short term rental but it does not show up on this registry, or if the registry indicates a non-owner occupied property does not have a CUP, then please report the issue here (select “Zoning and Business Concerns,” “Zoning Concern,” “Short Term Rental,” complete the form and submit). Or contact our office.

Driver licensing - REAL ID enforcement date extended to May 7, 2025

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID Act enforcement date by two years offering Kentuckians, and residents of other states, more time to request a compliant driving or identity credential that maintains air travel access and military base entry. The enforcement date has been moved from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Read details on REAL ID.

Be informed about crimes with LMPD's crime mapping website

The Louisville Metro Police Department uses a Crime Mapping website to display crime on a map in Jefferson County.  Zoom in to see crimes in an area, or put an address in the address bar at top left to search. You may sign up for auto email alerts for crime around an address. Reports are made available to the public after a process of internal review, often in the same day as the report taken. Due to the nature of some crimes, reports are made available to public upon the completion of a thorough investigation and will be made available as soon as practical. These LMPD divisions serve sections of District 10: Link to LMPD Fourth Division  Link to LMPD Fifth Division Link to LMPD Sixth Division

Know the signs of human trafficking - you could save a life

Do you know the indicators of human trafficking? You could save a life.  If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-373-7888 to speak with a specially trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. Support is provided in more than 200 languages. We are here to listen and connect you with the help you need to stay safe. Callers can dial 711 to access the Hotline using TTY. Or text at 233733. Message and data rates may apply. You can also email at help@humantraffickinghotline.org  or submit a tip online here.

Veterans Crisis Line 

Some offices and VA hospitals offer a "Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program" that includes treatment methods including acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation instead of opioids, and they work with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) to provide support and treatment for PTSD and depression, the leading cause of suicide for veterans. Additional references for VA material and assistance or 1-877-WAR-VETS. Lifestyle changes for better health, or sexual trauma.

"Embrace the Journey" website for parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents

For LGBTQ+ children and adolescents,a parent’s support makes all the difference. The Embrace the Journey website is designed to educate the parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents about how to give children the emotional support they need.

Streetlight out? Report it. 

Please report non-working streetlights to LG&E.  Report a hazard on a state road or highway, such as non-working highway lighting or potholes.

Report litterers

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window.

Would you like to serve on one of Louisville Metro's Boards or Commissions? 

Interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions? Serving on a board or commission, you will have a chance to improve the quality of life in our community. There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety. Read more about board applications.

If you know of a community event you'd like to be considered for inclusion on the District 10 enews, let us know. Please email our office or call 574-1110.

You are receiving this email because you have signed up for the enews or have contacted our office for assistance. If you would like to be removed from this communication please email Sara Feltner with "REMOVE" in the subject line.