I'm SUPER excited to announce two projects that my office has been working hard on:

1. Vaccine Clinic at Wyandotte Park. We're partnering with Louisville Metro Animal Services to provide low-cost vaccines to critters in and around D15 on Sunday, October 8th. We'll also be providing some free pet supplies and we're calling on the community to donate more items so we can better support our community pets. Are you an animal lover with an idea or initiative that you would like to push? Give us a holler! We're looking for ways to maximize the impact of this event!
   
   Don't have a fuzzy friend? Adopt one! (Bonus, they already come vaccinated!) Not ready to make the commitment? Become a foster!
   
   
2. Schnitzelburg & German-Paristown Tree Planting. This week we were just awarded an MSD grant that is going to allow us to plant ~150 trees in Schnitzelburg and Germantown. You can sign up now to claim a FREE tree if you live in either of these neighborhoods and you can also sign up to help canvass so you can get your neighbors a tree too! The planting will take place on Saturday, December 2nd. We'll share volunteer sign-ups for the tree planting day ASAP. 

Last month we participated in cleanups in Schnitzelburg and Iroquois Park, took to the streets for CycLOUvia, celebrated Kosair Kids 100th Anniversary, walked the Louisville Grows Plant 5K, broke bread with over 1,000 neighbors at The Big Table at Iroquois Park, browsed local vendors at the Flea Off Market on Hickory Street before taking in all sorts of live music during the Schnitzelburg Walk, and a whole lot more. The calendar continues to be jam-packed with events on the horizon such as the Germantown Oktoberfest, Cloverleaf Community Health Fair, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and Schnitzelburg Yard Sale. And, please don't forget about upcoming neighborhood meetings: 

• Taylor Berry Neighborhood Association, 10/3 at 6 pm at South Louisville Community Center (2911 Taylor Blvd.)
• Wilder Park Neighborhood Association, 10/3 at 6:30 pm at the Wilder Park Community Center (120 Fairmont Ave.)
• Cloverleaf Neighborhood Association, 10/9 at 6 pm at Cloverleaf Baptist Church (4401 Manslick Rd.)
• German-Paristown Neighborhood Association (GPNA), 10/16 at 6 pm at Hope Mills (954 E. Kentucky St.)
• Lucky Horseshoe Neighborhood Association, 10/19 at 6 pm at 1017 Queen St.
• Schnitzelburg Area Community Council (SACC), 10/23 at 7 pm at Emerson Park (1100 Sylvia St.)
• Saint Joseph Area Association (SJAA), 10/23 at 6:30 pm at Bradley Park (2516 Bradley Ave.)
• Meriwether Neighborhood Association, 10/23 at 7:45 pm at Preston Park (413 Augustus Ave.)

My office isn't only seeing the rubber meet the pavement when it comes to community events, but we're also gearing up to propose a lot of great ordinances thanks to the help of our spectacular new UofL intern, Brooke Gallagher. You'll have the opportunity to meet Brooke below. We're so very excited to have her on the team!

See you around D15, 

In & Around D15

Congrats to My Leadership Louisville Focus Classmates!

Meet Brooke Gallagher, Our D15 Intern

Hello, everyone! My name is Brooke Gallagher, and I am thrilled to be joining the District 15 team as a legislative intern. I am a senior, majoring in Political Science with a focus on Law and Public Policy at the University of Louisville. With previous experience as an intern in Frankfort, I am excited to put my knowledge and passion to good use in my own community. Although I originally come from New Hampshire, Louisville has been my home for the majority of my life. I earned my associate in arts degree from Jefferson Community and Technical College in 2022. During my time there, I advocated for Kentucky’s community college students as both Student Body President and Student Regent on the KCTCS Board of Regents. Last year, I also initiated a charity project with my honor society aimed at helping those experiencing homelessness.

Aside from my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy spending time with my horse, Rikki, and mini donkey Penelope, as well as my two cats, Morgan and Roo, and my beagle mix, Penny. I’m a connoisseur of oat milk lattes and love exploring Louisville’s local coffee shops and bookstores. Additionally, I have a love for the outdoors and hiking.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the District 15 team as we work together toward a brighter future for our community.

District Download, Episode 43: Building Community

A new episode of the District Download is out now! 🎙 I'm chatting with Mikal Forbush, Executive Director for the Center for Neighborhoods, about the organization's history the incredible work they are doing to build community.

Tune in where you get your favorite podcast or at listen here.

Schnitzelburg & German-Paristown Tree Canvassing

Help us find homes for FREE trees in Schnitzelburg and Germantown! Sign up here for a canvassing shift here. The community tree planting will take place on Saturday, December 2nd. 

Cloverleaf Health & Community Fair: September 30

The Cloverleaf Neighborhood Association is hosting the Cloverleaf Health and Community Fair on Saturday, September 30th from 11 am to 4 pm at the Cloverleaf Baptist Church (7009 Manslick Road). Check out a variety of vendors while mingling with your neighbors.

DeSales Day on the Grounds: September 30

DeSales is hosting the 3rd Annual Day on the Grounds on Saturday, September 30. It is a tasting event with more than 35 local food & beverage vendors providing samples! All monies raised go to support students through tuition assistance. Ticket information can be found at www.DesalesTaste2023.com.

Parks & Rec Fall Break Kids Camp: October 2-6

Louisville Parks and Recreation’s Fall Break Camps are now free at all 11 community centers. Any child 6-12 is eligible to attend camp. Fall Break Camps will be held October 2-6, aligning with Jefferson County Public School’s Fall Break.

Those who have already registered for a Louisville Parks and Recreation Fall Break Camp will be refunded. Parents and guardians are asked to drop off their campers at 8 a.m. and pick them up by 6 p.m. each day.

Children can be signed up for both fall break camps at bestparksever.com. A list of community centers can also be found at this link. Though community center camps are free, every camper must still be registered. For further questions, please email Tonya Cowden at tonya.cowden@louisvilleky.gov. Louisville Parks and Recreation will also be offering winter break camps at no cost, with more details to come closer to the event.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: October 3-31

The Louisville Jack O' Lantern Spectacular is celebrating its 11th year at Iroquois Park! This year’s theme is “Wanderlust: The World is Your Pumpkin,” and will feature scenes of travel destinations from across the country and around the world. Guests can weave their way through the woods and visit national parks, ancient wonders of the world, and other “bucket list” destinations, like Route 66, the Grand Canyon, ancient pyramids, and Merry Olde England.

Louisville Metro Waste Tire Collection Event: October 5-7

Every three years, Jefferson County hosts a Waste Tire Collection Event. The next event is October 5, 6, and 7 at 1030 Phillips Lane, across from the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Thursday & Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tires must be separated by type prior to arrival. Any Kentucky resident is eligible to dispose of an unlimited number of tires EXCEPT tire retailers, scrap/salvage yards, and recycling facilities.

Accepted:

• Tires on or off rim

• Truck, light truck, and passenger

• Tractor and farm implement

• Bicycle, motorcycle, golf cart, ATV

Not Accepted:

• Foam filled

• Calcium filled

• Off road construction

• Rubber tracks

• Solid tires with or without press on rims

• Any tires generated outside of KY

• Tires from tire retailers, scrap/salvage yards, and recycling businesses

Schnitzelburg Yard Sale: October 7

Indigenous Peoples' Day: October 7th

Bellarmie University is proud to host the Louisville Indigenous Peoples' Day at the University's Cralle Theatre on Saturday October 7th from 1-5 pm. This free event will be the only Indigenous Peoples' Day scheduled in Kentucky this year and is a gift to the Indigenous community and the city of Louisville. The featured performer will be award winning flutist, storyteller, recording artist, actor, and Cherokee National Treasure Tommy Wildcat from Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma. The event will also feature vocalists, instrumentalists, storytellers, educational speakers, drummers and dancers.

District 15 Vaccine Clinic: October 8

Mayor's Southwest Fun Run: October 14

Louisville Ghost Walks Benefiting Wilder Park

The Wilder Park Neighborhood Association and Louisville Ghost Walks have teamed up, for an ongoing fundraiser, to raise money for the annual Christmas party for neighborhood children.

Louisville Ghost Walks has agreed to donate $3 of each ticket sold to go toward purchasing gifts, food, and prizes for the Annual Wilder Park Christmas Party held in December. The 90-minute walking tours occur every Friday and Saturday night now through November 3rd and include some of downtown Louisville’s most famous haunted addresses, such as The Brown Hotel & Theater, the Palace Theater, and more. Admission is $23.00. The tour group meets at 6:45 pm at the Brown Hotel's statue of Mr. Brown on 4th Street and departs at 7:00 pm.

Reservations are required, and you must mention reading this announcement so your donation of $3 is recorded. For reservations, text or call 502-689-5117, or email loughstwalks@aol.com. Book early, dates fill up quickly.

Find more info: www.louisvilleghostwalkingtour.com

Office for Women Ambassador Program: Now Accepting Applications

The Office for Women is pleased to announce that applications are open for the 2024 Class of Office for Women Ambassador Program.

The Office for Women Ambassadors is a six-month training program for women and gender diverse individuals who represent the diverse communities across Metro Louisville. Through the program, participants will develop and hone their leadership skills, learn about issues impacting women, and explore government and community programs available to women. The OFW Ambassadors will serve as community liaisons, sharing out information about vital community services and communicating back to government about the needs of women in their communities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to and advocacy for improving the lives of women and/or girls and advancing gender equity.
• Applicants must be 18 or older.
• Applicants must live in one of the 26 Metro Council districts in Jefferson County (inside Jefferson County).
• Applicants must commit to attending all training sessions. The training dates for 2024 are: January 25, February 22, March 28, April 25, May 23 and July 11 and training will take place from approximately 8:30-4:30 each day. The training program is free, and food and transportation costs (bus tickets or parking) will be provided. Childcare will also be provided off site.

Applications are due by November 15th. Apply today.

Congressman Morgan McGarvey's Mobile Office Hours

Congressman Morgan McGarvey's office is hosting 'Mobile Office Hours' in the coming months to help residents get connected to federal resources available to them. At each site, there will be people present to assist with questions on Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, passports, the IRS, and other federal programs. 'Mobile Office Hours' will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the following locations:

• Wednesday, October 11 – Jeffersontown Public Library, 10635 Watterson Trail

• Wednesday, October 25 – Shawnee Public Library, 3912 W. Broadway

• Wednesday, November 8 – Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Highway

To stay current on these opportunities or for more information from his office, please visit Congressman McGarvey's website.

KIPDA Call for Public Feedback

The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) is seeking public comments on an amendment to our long and short-range planning documents. Comments will be accepts until October 11, 2023. Scan the QR code above or visit the KIPDA website for more information. 

A virtual public meeting will be held on Monday, October 2 from 5-6 pm via Zoom that will serve as an opportunity for the public to raise questions and leave feedback regarding any project changes. Click here to join.

Goss Avenue/Spratt Street Improvements

Improvements are coming to Goss Avenue!!!! 🙌 The intersection of Goss and Spratt will be getting a makeover that includes crosswalks, a flashing actuated beacon (RRFB), painted bump-outs, designated scooter parking, and some sidewalk replacement.

Timeline? IDK! Autumn 2023? 🤞 I've been trying to nail down the status and timeline for the project, but getting that answer has been like herding a hundred kittens. I'll keep y'all updated.

We've been working on this for a minute, so it's not a rapid response to the accident involving Four Pegs over the weekend. @schnitzelburg_sacc has tried for over a decade to make improvements to Goss, however, we've been told by KYTC that traffic studies conducted on Goss don't warrant a reduction in the speed limit, stop signs, or a traffic signal. That's why we've turned to things like painted medians and parking spots to help us calm traffic. I applaud the Office of Advanced Planning for remaining committed to helping us find an alternative solution to slow down traffic.

And, while I'm here...let's stop acting like it's some big unsolved mystery as to why these accidents happen. Slow down and get off your phone. 📵

Ellison Repaving/Redesign

Public Works has finalized the plans for the redesign and repaving of Ellison Avenue from Barrett Ave. to Charles St. The final plans, community engagement, and other documents for the project can be found at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/rightsizing.

Representatives from Public Works will be at the upcoming German-Paristown Neighborhood Association and Schnitzelburg Area Community Council meetings to answer any questions that people may have about the project.

UofL & Louisville Metro Digital Training Program

The University of Louisville’s Digital Transformation Center is honored to be a part of the Healthcare Workforce Innovation Coalition, funded by Metro Louisville’s American Rescue Plan grant. This group is led by CEOc, the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, and their Health Career Lab, to create a digital workforce train the trainer program, expanding the digital skills of our community. We will upskill 100+ community trainers (earning $500.00 for completing the program!) throughout all 26 districts. In turn, those 100 trainers will train at least 10 others within their community, producing more digitally upskilled and reskilled citizens.

Community trainers will be empowered with free training curriculum, materials, and support through areas of digital literacy such as data analytics, ChatGPT, conversational artificial intelligence, and forms data collection. Learn more here.

Future Dreamers Civic Leadership Academy 2023

CASA Needs Volunteers

CASA of the River Region is a non-profit that trains volunteers to serve as advocates in family court for abused and neglected children. Last year, CASA served over 650 children. There are currently over 200 children who need CASA, however, the organization lacks enough volunteers.

I recently visited the CASA of the River Region headquarters that is located in District 15 on the Kosair campus off Eastern Parkway. I'm grateful to have learned more about the organization and the amazing work they are doing.  I really can’t stress how important these volunteers are and how much you should consider becoming one. A CASA kid's life is filled with instability and you could be a constant when they need it most. If you are interested in volunteering to gain more information, contact Eugina Scoggins at eugina@casariverregion.org or (502) 400-8042.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Food Vision 2030

Food in Neighborhoods (FIN) wants your input to help shape the Food Vision 2030 multi-year strategic plan for a better food system. The information you provide in this survey will help develop a multi-year strategic plan to build a more just and sustainable food system in Louisville. The goal is to engage as many residents as possible in the community food survey, with special emphasis on those experiencing food insecurity and living and/or working in areas of concentrated poverty. Take the survey: Bit.ly/FOODVISION2030

Jail Population Dashboard

Mayor Greenberg announced a new transparency tool that allows citizens to access to real-time information on who is residing in or in the care of the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. The Louisville Metro Corrections Dashboard, which can be found here, displays daily infographics on the corrections population that includes gender, race, length of stay, category of charge, amount of set bond, and other information.

PrimeGov Conversion

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. 

The public may watch the proceedings live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99, Metro Council's Facebook page, or streamed live on Swagit (select Watch Live). 

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 are now available on the PrimeGov site exclusively.