In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
With heavy rain in our area, please remember: Turn around, don’t drown! Avoid driving through deep or standing water—it’s never worth the risk. Governor Beshear reported that nine Kentuckians have already lost their lives due to the flood. Please wait for water and snow to subside before going out, if you can.
Also, the flu is rampant this season. Doctor visits are the highest they've been in 15 years, and 30 million cases and more than 370,000 hospitalizations of the flu have been reported across the country, including 16,000 deaths. According to the CDC, it is not too late to get a flu shot. I encourage you to get the shot and take precautions by avoiding close contact with those showing signs of illness. Your health and safety are a priority!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the February 8th “Muffins with McCraney” neighborhood meeting. Our next gathering is tentatively set for Saturday, April 26—stay tuned for the location and topics details.
Please notice the flyer below regarding "Meeting Your Legislators." I hope you'll join me and others at the St. Matthews Library from 9 - 10 a.m. I will be joined by one of my Council colleagues, one state senator, and a state representative. Come one, come all!
Stay safe and warm!
From a very competitive pool of candidates, forty-six community leaders have been selected to participate in the Leadership Louisville Center’s Bingham Fellows Class of 2025. The topic for this year’s Bingham Fellows will be; A Place to Call Home: Innovative Workforce Housing Solutions, focused on Louisville’s housing crisis for the working class.
This 2025 class of Bingham Fellows will examine the complexities of these issues while engaging with community leaders, experts, and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions. The cohort participants will focus on a variety of factors including:
- Financial incentives for developers
- Innovative homeownership programs
- Zoning regulations
- Barriers to housing access
- Advocacy and policy development
By concentrating on these areas, the Bingham Fellows are working to ensure Louisville is a safe and secure place for everyone to call home.
Each year, the Leadership Louisville Center’s Bingham Fellows program addresses a community-wide challenge based on importance, urgency, and the opportunity to forge meaningful impact. Interested executive and community leaders apply to participate in the year-long program to work with peers and develop solutions to create a place where we all thrive.
If Louisvillians are to flourish, to work, to feel safe, and to build wealth for generations to come, they need a stable place to call home. As housing costs are on the rise, the Leadership Louisville Center is announcing that the 2025 Bingham Fellows class will focus on addressing Louisville’s housing crisis for the working class.
The Bingham Fellows program is the advanced leadership program of the Leadership Louisville Center. Created in 1988 through a $500,000 endowment from the Mary and Barry Bingham Sr. Fund, the Fellows are social entrepreneurs who have the imagination and talent needed to gather critical resources and create social change. The 2025 cohort is the 33rd class of Bingham Fellows, who have an impressive track record of providing community issues with visibility and momentum.
"Louisville is 30,000 units short of housing everyone seeking a place to call their own," said Councilwoman McCraney. "Due to high demand and limited supply, affordability is an economic issue that affects the housing market, resulting in many residents paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Because the housing shortage affects educational outcomes, economic opportunity, health, transportation, and food access, I am looking forward to learning how others in the class view the shortage and contributing to the conversation and hopeful solutions for our community."
For more information about the Bingham Fellows Program, click here:
https://leadershiplouisville.org/2025-bingham-fellows-topic-announced
Mayor Craig Greenberg, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, Councilwoman Paula McCraney, Elizabeth Strojan (Director of Louisville Metro Housing Authority), and others are celebrating important progress toward the city’s goal of creating safer, quality affordable housing for neighbors across Louisville. Since taking office in January 2023, the city has created more than 4,800 new units of affordable housing through new construction and preservation, using federal and local dollars in addition to private investment.
“Creating 15,000 affordable housing units is one of our top priorities, and an urgent need,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I’m excited about the progress we have made. To promote a safer, healthier, and stronger Louisville, we must create more affordable housing. We will continue looking for more funds and new policies that will support additional projects and lift our neighbors.”
In 2024 the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) helped 116 families purchase their homes through the Down Payment Assistance program and more help is on the way after Metro Council approved Mayor Greenberg’s budget proposal to appropriate just over $1 million of surplus funds to Down Payment Assistance.
"The mayor's commitment to housing is commendable," said Councilwoman McCraney. "A foundation for stability is having a roof over your head. It is important that the City of Louisville and Metro Council members address the housing shortage and the affordability of housing for the sake of residents' dignity and wellbeing."
Read the full story here.
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 12, 2025) - Simmons College of Kentucky announce the appointment of Dr. Paula McCraney as senior vice president for advancement and development. A respected leader in public service, business and community engagement, Dr. McCraney brings a wealth of experience in strategic growth, leadership and advocacy to the institution.
Dr. McCraney has served on the Louisville Metro Council since 2019, representing more than 30,000 residents across 19 suburban cities. She has held key leadership positions, including president pro tempore and Majority Caucus chairwoman, and has been instrumental in advancing policies that promote housing, accountability and economic development.
A lifelong advocate for education, Dr. McCraney holds a Doctor of Education, a Master of Arts in management and leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in business administration. She is a graduate of Leadership Kentucky, Leadership Louisville, Focus Louisville and Bingham Fellows. In addition to her public service, she is president and CEO of P Mc & Associates Performance Management and an entrepreneur. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Distinguished Citizen Award from the city of Louisville, a U.S. Congressional Honor for outstanding community service, recognition as one of Kentucky’s most notable women in politics and government by the Kentucky Gazette, and a 2024 Today's Woman Magazine Most Admired Woman.
Simmons College President Dr. Kevin W. Cosby praised the appointment, saying: “Dr. Paula McCraney is an exceptional leader whose career has been defined by service, vision and unwavering commitment to her community. Her experience in public service, leadership and advocacy will be a tremendous asset to Simmons College as we continue to expand and strengthen our institution. We are delighted to welcome her to Falcon Nation and look forward to the impact she will make.”
Dr. McCraney’s leadership will play a key role in advancing Simmons College’s mission and deepening its impact within the Louisville community and beyond.
To participate online, and view meeting agenda, staff report, and case material, please scan the QR code:
You may also participate online, and view case material by visiting: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/upcoming-public-meetings
For meeting agenda and staff report, please visit: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal
More information is available in person at:
Louisville Metro Office of Planning (Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) 444 S. 5th Street, 3rd Floor, Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-6230
If you wish to submit comments in writing on this case, please submit to the case manager by 9:00 A.M. Friday, January 31. If you would like to provide verbal testimony, please attend the meeting or participate online.
The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled Council meeting on Thursday, February 13th, 2025. Below is a recap of the meeting.
Old Business
R-012-25: resolution approving a noncompetitively negotiated sole source contract concerning analysis of police interactions to improve effectiveness and equity with LMPD. By a vote of 19 – Yes, 4 – No, and 1 – Abstention, the resolution passed.
R-013-25: resolution requesting the Planning Commission review the Louisville Metro Land Development Code Regulations regarding financial institutions.
Also,
- Approved zoning of property at 11800 and 11806 East Orell Road.
- Approved the following Neighborhood Development Funds:
- Norton Commons Elementary School for a playground ramp
- Mental Health Lou & You
- Annual Forest Fest Bluegrass Festival
- Preston Area Business Alliance
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously.
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R-005-25: resolution accepting $30,000 from the Kentucky Department of Public Health for the Hepatitis grant program.
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R-006-25: resolution accepting $14,232 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for language access devices for emergency preparedness efforts.
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R-003-25: resolution approving a noncompetitively negotiated professional services contract for the Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Medical Director.
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R-004-25: resolution approving a noncompetitively negotiated professional service contract concerning mental health screenings for Healthy Start participants.
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R-10-25: resolution approving a side letter agreement to O-061-24 or the Carpenters Union agreement.
Committee meetings convene this week, and the next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, February 27th at 6:00 p.m.
To watch Committee and Council meetings and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the Louisville MetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
- H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
- While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.
- CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5 bird flu activity in people.
Did you know that you can get your flu and COVID vaccines at the same time? The 2024-2025 flu season is upon us, and it’s time to proactively keep its effects to a minimum and at the same time investing team efforts to combat COVID-19.
There are many similarities between influenza (flu) and COVID-19. Both are contagious respiratory illnesses that can lead to severe illness for many. And the good news is there are safe, effective vaccines for both.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends the influenza (flu) vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. To best protect yourself and others, please consider getting an influenza (flu) vaccine this season. Immunizations are considered preventative services and are covered by most health insurance companies with no out of pocket expenses to pay.
Heavy rains increase the chance of flooding. Ahead of each storm, MSD crews inspect drainage ditches and catch basins in areas that tend to flood to clear them of any debris that might block water from flowing through them. MSD also responds to citizen reports of clogged ditches and catch basins. Flooding and drainage problems should be reported to MSD Customer Service at 502-540-6000.
MSD's Flood Protection team is working 24 hours a day to monitor river levels and the levee system. Flood pumping stations designed to pump excess inland water into the Ohio River are activated at the Morris Forman Water Quality Treatment Center and the Paddy’s Run. Eight of the 150 floodgates are closed to prevent river water from coming into the city.
Motorists are reminded that they should not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Doing so can leave a vehicle stranded in floodwaters and put its occupants at risk of drowning. Turn around and take alternate routes instead.
Also, people should avoid contact with the Ohio River and other waterways for 48 hours after a heavy rain. That is because the stormwater can temporarily overflow the drainage system and carry untreated wastewater into the waterways.
Flooding is a possibility in the next the next couple of days, please be aware of road conditions.
REMEMBER…TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
NEVER drive or walk through, standing or swiftly moving water!
The four ways you can report any potholes are:
1.Report online. The online map on Louisvilleky.gov portal shows the current status of reports to Public Works.
2. Use X (Twitter) to send the location of the pothole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
4. Download the app; Just look for the Louisville Metro311 icon when you search for "Louisville Metro311" in your Google Play store or the Apple store.
If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards or Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents 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.
Visit the website to learn more and apply or click the link below:
CNPE BoardMatch
Would you like to see more greenery in your neighborhood?
Louisville Grows is excited to partner with your neighborhood or district to organize tree plantings and expand green space in your community. In addition to planting trees, we offer a variety of meaningful volunteer opportunities that contribute to building stronger, more sustainable neighborhoods.
Do you know anyone in your neighborhood who might be interested in helping organize this initiative with Louisville Grows?
We're looking for that neighborhood hero to help bring this vision to life! We'd be happy to work alongside them to make it happen.
We're eager to learn how we can collaborate to bring more green spaces to your neighborhood. Invite us to attend a meeting or event!
Interested in collaborating?
Contact Ellie at 502-694-0120 or email ellie@louisvillegrows.org.
Let's work together to create a greener, more vibrant community!
Attention District 7 Residents
Louisville Metro Government wants to hear from parents or guardians of children 0-8 years old about the types of childcare you currently use, barriers and challenges you have encountered obtaining childcare, and the type of childcare you prefer. The information gathered is completely anonymous and will help inform meaningful changes in childcare services. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete, and you can provide your input by clicking the link below.
Click the Link: https://surveys.iqsresearch.com/s3/oijq. To take the quiz, click the blue arrow at the bottom of the link page.
Louisville Zoo Nominated in USA TODAY’s
“10Best Readers’ Choice Awards”
for Best Zoo and Best Zoo Membership
Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the Louisville Zoo has been nominated for two awards as part of USA Today’s “10Best Readers’ Choice Awards” program. The Zoo is nominated as “Best Zoo” and for “Best Zoo Membership.” Voting began several days ago and continues through Monday, March 10 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The rules allow the public to vote online for one nominee per category, per day.
Guests can vote for the Zoo at https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/45458/ for Best Zoo and https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/45871/ for Best Zoo Membership.
“Our Louisville Zoo is incredible and draws so many people to our city from across the region to enjoy the animals and learn more about our environment,” said Mayor Greenberg. “You know I like to win, so I encourage everyone in our city to vote early and often for our Zoo to receive top honors.”
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties.
The Louisville Zoo was last nominated by USA TODAY for Best Zoo in 2024; that same year the Zoo placed in the top ten for Best Zoo Exhibit for Glacier Run.
The Zoo is among nominees including the Audubon Zoo in Louisiana, Cincinnati and Columbus Zoos in Ohio, and the Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii.
The NEVI program was launched in February 2022, providing $5 billion over five years to help states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico create a network of EV charging stations with an emphasis on building the infrastructure along interstate highway corridors.
Kentucky has awarded 48 fast charging stations from 11 developers for $32.9 million in federal formula funds to date. The sites are along the state’s interstates and parkways. Each station must have at least four charging ports of 150 kilowatts or more, be accessible to the public 24 hours a day/seven days a week and work with most EV models.
The total anticipated investment in Kentucky is $87 million, which includes $70 million in NEVI federal funds and $17 million in matching private funds.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will not develop, own, operate or maintain the charging stations. Each developer must fund at least 20% of the construction and operational costs and is required to maintain the operation of the charging stations for at least five years.
More than $11.7 billion in EV-related investments have been announced in Kentucky since June 2020, with more than 10,000 jobs created.
Visit EVCharging.ky.gov for more information about the program.
For more than a century, The Louisville Slugger has been more than just a bat; it’s been a symbol of excellence in the world of baseball. But what does it take to build a legacy that spans generations, touches the lives of baseball legends, and transforms an entire industry?
Discover the legacy of the Louisville Slugger at the Kentucky to the World program, Behind the Bat: Jack Hillerich and the Story of Louisville Slugger, on Thursday, February 27, at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Jack Hillerich, grandson of the bat's creator, Bud Hillerich, will share the incredible journey of this iconic brand, from its origins in 1884 to its transformation into a global powerhouse.
You’ll have the rare opportunity to step inside the heart of this remarkable journey as Jack Hillerich takes you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic names in sports. Guided by Kentucky to the World board member Rick Redman, VP of Corporate Communications at Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Jack will recount how the family’s vision revolutionized baseball with innovations like aluminum bats and patented glove technology. Hear about collaborations with renowned figures like Dr. James Kleinert and former Louisville mayor Jerry Abramson, the creation of the museum, and stories of legendary players like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
This is a rare opportunity to explore the history, challenges, and triumphs behind a name that reshaped sports forever. Don’t miss this unique evening—tickets are limited! Secure yours today.
Please click the link below:
Behind the Bat: Jack Hillerich and the Story of Louisville Slugger
Come party with the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA)!
The Mardi Gras PAWty, open to all ages and their (leashed and healthy) pets, will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Competitive Edge Agility & Dog Sports, 4600 Shepherdsville Rd (off Bardstown Rd.).
The PAWty offers a fun way to socialize with your pooch in a safe, dog-friendly indoor space during the dregs of winter; meet other animal-loving friends; enjoy some of the flavors of Mardi Gras; and help The Arrow Fund, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating severely abused and neglected pets in our region.
Highlights of the Mardi Gras PAWty:
- Cajun-style and Mardi Gras bites
- A King Cake for humans and a King Cake made especially for dogs
- Pet-related silent auction gift baskets, crafts, and ways to support other animals in critical need
- A “crowning” of the Canine King & Queen*
Admission to the Mardi Paws event is FREE, and any donations are truly appreciated. Have a Mardi Gras-related or Cajun-style dish you love to make? Please bring it to share. There will be a special section at the PAWty for Mardi Gras-themed foods. For more information, email events@TheArrowFund.org.
*Nominations for your favorite pet should be submitted with a small donation prior to the party, but people may vote for their favorite dog King or Queen at the event.
To nominate your dog for Mardi Gras PAWty King or Queen prior to FEB. 22. Please look at the following steps.
1. Go to thearrowfund.kindful.com, and select “Mardi Gras Pawty” contest.
2. Make a small donation of at least $5 and add a note with your pet’s name for King or Queen.
4. Email your receipt to events@thearrowfund.org, and watch for your dog’s photo on www.facebook.com/TheArrowFund (with 50K+ followers).
All event proceeds will benefit The Arrow Fund
Pop the champagne, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the winner of 10 Tony Awards® — including Best Musical! Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love. With a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award® winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! The Musical! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical! is at the Kentucky Center of the Arts, starting February 18th until March 2nd, 2025. The best availability at this time is February 25th to March 2nd. Tickets range in price from $76.05 to $163.80.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical! is a grand and spectacular production; the musical contains some mature themes, revealing costumes and adult language. Recommended for ages 12+.
© 2023 Global Creatures. Moulin Rouge® is a registered trademark of Moulin Rouge.
Directions: Within the grid, the sum of each row, column, and block should equal 65. Therefore, input the missing numbers.
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