Metro Council 2025 Committee Updates
 Congratulations to our new Metro Council President, Brent Ackerson (District 26), Democratic Caucus Chair, Tammy Hawkins (District 1), and Caucus Vice Chair Jennifer Chappell (District 15)! I look forward to collaborating with them and all my Metro Council colleagues to serve the vibrant and diverse community of District 21, as well as the entire city of Louisville.
This year, the Metro Council will operate through nine standing committees and one ad hoc committee. I am honored to serve on three committees where I believe I can contribute to meaningful progress:
- Planning and Zoning
- Public Safety
- Parks and Sustainability.
I am particularly excited to take on the role of Vice Chair for the Parks and Sustainability Committee, working alongside Chair Khalil Batshon (District 25).
I extend my gratitude to President Ackerson and Democratic Caucus Chair Tammy Hawkins for considering my committee requests. With bipartisan leadership in place, I am hopeful that we can work together to enhance our city, address challenges with unity, and better serve every resident of Louisville.
Chairs and Vice-Chairs for Metro Council Committees in 2025
Labor and Economic Development
Paula McCraney (D-7) Chair
Crystal Bast (R-14) Vice Chair
Public Works
Jeff Hudson (R-23) Chair
Shameka Parrish-Wright (D-3) Vice Chair
Public Safety
Dan Seum, Jr. (R-13) Chair
Tammy Hawkins (D-1) Vice Chair
Parks and Sustainability
Khalil Batshon (R-25) Chair
Betsy Ruhe (D-21) Vice Chair
Budget
Kevin Kramer (R-11) Chair
Markus Winkler (D-17) Vice Chair
Planning and Zoning
Andrew Owen (D-9) Chair
Scott Reed (R-16) Vice Chair
Government Oversight, Audit, and Appointments
Donna Purvis (D-5) Chair
Anthony Piagentini (R-19) Vice Chair
Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health, and Education
Barbara Shanklin (D-2) Chair
Stuart Benson (R-20) Vice Chair
Appropriations
Marilyn Parker (R-18) Chair
Josie Raymond (D-10) Vice Chair
Ad Hoc – Efficiencies of Boards and Commissions
Jennifer Chappell (D-15) Chair
Kevin Bratcher (R-22) Vice Chair
Committee on Committees
Brent Ackerson (D-26) Chair
Tammy Hawkins (D-1) Vice Chair
Committee of the Whole
Brent Ackerson (D-26) Chair
Tammy Hawkins (D-1) Vice Chair
 Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day!
As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let's take a moment to honor the incredible legacy of this visionary leader. Dr. King's unwavering dedication to equality, justice, and unity still inspires us today. Together, we can keep his dream alive and continue making progress. True change happens when we all take full responsibility for our actions, let go of fear, and strive to serve and lead with love and compassion. Let's celebrate, learn, and carry on his legacy!
Explore 15 meaningful activities highlighted by the Courier Journal to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s: click here. Below please see a list of a few of those activities:
“53rd Martin Luther King, Jr. Motorcade
WHAT: The annual motorcade to celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. The motorcade starts at the Kroger Parking Lot on 28th and Broadway and ends at King Solomon Baptist Church.
WHERE: King Solomon Baptist Church, 1620 Anderson St.
WHEN: Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m. (line up for motorcade); departs at 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free”
“Muhammad Ali Center celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
WHAT: Muhammad Ali Center celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr., Day with 'Community Free Day' free admission to the museum. Sponsored by Passport by Molina Health. At noon, the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students will host its annual “Continuing the Dream, Continuing the Legacy” youth leadership panel discussion.
WHERE: Muhamad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
WHEN: Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. "I Have a Dream" screenings at 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: alicenter.org.”
“MLK Day of Service
WHAT: The University of Louisville will host a day of service to honor King's legacy and serve the community. The largest campus-wide service events of the year allow students to connect with each other, the UofL community, and the larger Louisville community.
WHERE: Student Activities Center, 2100 S. Floyd St.
WHEN: Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: louisville.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10682097”
Help Us Nominate District 21’s Honoree for the 23rd Annual Black History Program
Each year, the Metro Community Affairs Committee celebrates Black History Month by honoring an African American resident from each district with a leadership award for their community engagement and dedication. We extend our gratitude to Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin (District 2) for her ongoing commitment in organizing this invaluable annual program.
This year, we invite you to help us nominate a deserving resident to celebrate their contributions to our great District and community, and to inspire others to become active constituents. The event will take place on Thursday, February 27, at noon, at Metro City Hall. The program will be held in the council chambers.
Please submit the following information for your nominee by the close of business on Friday, January 31:
- Nominee’s name
- Mailing address -
- Contact telephone number
-
-A brief bio (limit to 500-700 words if possible)
This deadline ensures we have sufficient time to print the honoree’s name on the award and send out congratulatory/invitational letters.
Important Notes: While we value the contributions of all candidates, we can only nominate one person Our office will thoroughly review all applications and select the recipient of this award. If your nominee’s information is not received by the deadline, we cannot consider them for this nomination.
Click the button below to nominate some!
 Waste Collection Updates
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Thank you for your patience with our curbside collection team! The icy conditions on side streets and alleys can be very dangerous for our crews. We provide quality service and will continue to collect all extra trash and recycling. As weather improves and streets and alleys are salted, we will revisit areas not serviced due to unsafe conditions.
Please follow these guidelines to help our crews:
- Loosen your garbage and recycling carts from the ice.
- Make a path for crews to pull your cart toward their truck.
- Tied bags of garbage may be placed next to the garbage cart.
- Extra recycling should be loose inside a container and set out with the recycling cart.
Week of January 13: Garbage and Recycling collection in safe and clear areas.
Week of January 21 (one day delay due to holiday): Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Collection. Yard Waste crews will collect Christmas trees.
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 Cafe Louie
The Café LOUIE schedule for 2025 has been released. Join us as we discuss various topics impacting our neighborhoods and city. Councilor Ruhe plans to attend the following sessions:
- South Central on 1/25,
- Iroquois on 2/1
- Newburg on 3/15
Mark your calendars and see you there!
(LIHEAP) Winter Crisis enrollment is now open!
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis enrollment is now available through Kentucky’s Community Action Network for eligible Kentucky households. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through March 31, 2025, or until designated funds have been expended.
LIHEAP Winter Crisis provides households with a benefit depending on housing category, fuel type used for heating, and income level. The benefit can be applied towards home heating cost for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil.
Also, through a partnership with Louisville MSD, eligible Jefferson County residents can apply for the Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP), offering a 30% discount on wastewater charges and surcharges. Eligibility is for households at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines with proof of an active utility account. This enrollment period is for new and renewing clients of the MSD discount program.
For more Information click on the button below!
 Know Your Rights- JFCS Hosts Panel For Immigrant & Refugee Rights
Participate in JFCS' Panel Discussion on the Rights of Refugees and Immigrants. Join Jewish Family and Career Services, along with experts, for an important panel discussion focused on the rights of refugees and immigrants in these uncertain times.
 Belvedere Development Meetings
The mayor is hosting community engagement sessions regarding the future of the Belvedere.
Residents are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts and ideas about the development plans. These sessions are a vital opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the future of the Belvedere.
Scan the QR code or click the button below for additional information
 Louisville Metro Tax Moratorium
Are you looking to boost your property? The Louisville Metro Government has an incredible opportunity for you: the Property Assessment and Reassessment Moratorium! This program offers a 5-year break on property taxes while you enhance your home.
For more information click on the link below!
 2025 Language Cafe
Office For Immigrant Affairs invite you to their upcoming Language Cafes aim to foster cross-cultural connections and language learning within Louisville’s diverse communities. These cafes will serve as vibrant hubs where people of various backgrounds can come together, share snacks, coffee, and conversations, and learn new languages.
The sessions will be in collaboration at Actors Theater and embed themes around the upcoming performances from culture and identity to celebrations and sports!
Language Cafe is free to attend and we invite the community to come and experience or return to one or all of the sessions from January 16, 2025 until April 17, 2025. Languages included Beginner Spanish, Beginner French, Vietnamese, and Swahili.
Please register using the QR code or contact monica.lakhwani@louisvilleky.gov.
Join The Global Louisville Leadership Academy
The Global Louisville Leadership Academy (GLLA) offers a complimentary leadership training program, proudly sponsored by the Office for Immigrant Affairs. Its mission is to enhance the knowledge and networks of foreign-born leaders, enabling them to increase their capacity and become vital stakeholders in empowering and supporting their communities.
Don't miss out—apply now! The application deadline is January 11, 2025. After selection, the first of eight sessions will take place on February 17, 2025.
 Free Home Repair
Do you know of a home that needs repairs? New Direction is assisting homeowners through their Repair Affair Assistance! This is am amazing program so make sure to share this with friends and family!
To sign up call Teresa Devine at 502-371-4906 or email teresad@ndc.org
 Flight Tracking
If you have complaints about airport noise, please call Noise Office at 502-363-8516 and follow the below prompts to track flights:
Go to the airport's website www.flylouisville.com. At the top of the page, click on CORPORATE tab. Under the heading LRAA, click on the tab for NOISE COMPATIBILITY PROGRAM. Near the bottom of the page, look for Flight Tracking and click the button for NEAR-LIVE FLIGHT TRACKS DISPLAY. Click the Flight Tracking heading at the top of the page. Click the Accept button to accept the terms and conditions and you can begin viewing flights.
 Recycling Do's and Don'ts
We are asking for your help to ensure that we are correctly setting out our recycling carts in our district. Follow these tips to ensure that your recycling gets picked up time!
Do:
- Make sure the lid is closed flat
- Break the boxes down flat to maximize space
Don't:
- Set boxes beside the cart
- Leave lid open or overflow the cart
 See A Pothole? Report It
We need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below;
Use the Louisville Metro online form by clicking here.
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.
Call our office at 574-1121, and we'll turn it in on your behalf.
To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov
  
 Louisville Zoo Job Fair
January 25
The Louisville Zoo will host a job fair on January 25 in the Islands Pavilion Gheens Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Zoo is seeking outgoing, highly motivated individuals who enjoy working with the public to fill seasonal positions in various departments. Positions are available in Admissions, Animal Dept., Education, Guest Services, Horticulture, Marketing, Membership, Front Desk and Rides & Attractions. Candidates will receive training in their area.
Metro Public Works is Hiring!!!
Serve the Louisville community through a rewarding public service career! The Department of Metro Public Works & Assets is currently hiring for the following positions:
- Director of Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Project Manager - DOT Major Projects
- Project Manager - DOT Special Projects
- Electrician "A" Journeyman
- Engineer
- Engineer Technician
- Equipment Operator
- Executive Administrator - Business Operations
- Executive Administrator - Transportation Programming
- Mechanic - Heavy Equipment
- Packer Driver
- Packer Laborer
- Solid Waste Education Specialist
- Traffic Signal Operations Engineer
- Transportation Systems Management & Operations/Engineering Supervisor
IMPORTANT! The link below is for all of Metro jobs currently open. To learn about career opportunities specifically in Public Works, once you've clicked the link, follow these 3 easy steps:
- click the filter tab
- click Departments
- click Public Works on the dropdown menu
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky
 Mile of Sunshine Drive -AT&T Construction
AT&T is planning to place new cable in District 21 on Mile of Sunshine Drive from December30 -24 through March 30-25 .
Please plan accordingly!
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