Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 03/21/2025 01:31 PM EDT
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
JOIN US IN-PERSON NEXT MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN'S OFFICE AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
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News from Mayor Greenberg and the City of Louisville
Mayor Greenberg announces artist selected to produce Louisville’s first flood wall mural, welcoming visitors to site of Waterfront Park expansion
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 20, 2025) – As one of Louisville’s most popular attractions prepares to expand, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, Waterfront Park, and Louisville MSD are excited to reveal the design for a mural that will greet thousands of visitors.
After a thorough review of submissions received through an open call for artists, the Commission on Public Art selected Laurie Blayney to produce artwork on a section of flood wall located at 10th and Rowan Streets. The flood wall will serve as the entrance to Waterfront Park PlayPort, which is the first section of the Phase IV westward expansion to be constructed.
“Waterfront Park is a source of pride and energy for our city, and we are working to ensure this is an inviting space for all,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “Art in public space creates a more welcoming, safer and healthier environment for all of our residents. I’m excited to see how these murals will add vibrancy and color to our city.”
Blayney’s plan is inspired by the Ohio River and its role in Louisville history from the first settlements to today.
“I am honored to be chosen as the artist for this mural at the new phase of Waterfront Park, one of my favorite views in Louisville,” Blayney said. “This mural will not only reflect the natural beauty of our city but also weave in oral histories and stories of lost communities, sharing the rich, often overlooked narratives that have shaped Louisville. It’s a true privilege to embed my love for this city into something that will be a part of it for years to come. A heartfelt thank you to Metro’s Office of Arts and Creative Industries, Waterfront Development, and MSD for coming together to make art a part of the park experience.”
Blayney presented a design that will guide viewers through a history of the site of Louisville’s earliest homes and industry. The design also incorporates depictions of fish, birds, animals, and plant life native to the area. Blayney has proposed interactive elements where visitors will be able to access oral histories.
“Ms. Blayney’s submission thoughtfully responded to the concepts outlined in the call for artists,” said Jessica Bennett Kincaid, director of the Office of Arts + Creative Industries. “The design reflects on the connection between the natural environment, civic infrastructure, and social landscape of the specific site over time.”
Blayney’s selection came after a lengthy process that began when the Office of Arts + Creative Industries announced the historic agreement with MSD to paint a floodwall mural in July, the first such project in Louisville. Waterfront Park is an essential partner in this agreement and is providing matching financial support for the pilot project to ensure there is a high-impact entryway to Phase IV.
“The flood wall mural will serve as a welcoming gateway to the new $50 million Waterfront Park westward expansion by transforming an imposing barrier into an engaging work of art,” said Deborah Bilitski, executive director of Waterfront Park. “We are grateful to Mayor Greenberg and MSD for partnering with us to help ensure our waterfront is beautiful, welcoming, and accessible to everyone."
“Our Ohio River Flood Protection System is essential for ensuring the health and safety of our city and region,” said Tony Parrott, executive director of MSD. “When it came time to make necessary inspections and repairs, we decided not to revert to the old gray design that made the structure look very industrial. Instead, we wanted to honor our commitment to safe, clean waterways by allowing Louisville Metro and Waterfront Park to commission a community asset that will greet all visitors."
You can learn more about the artist and the mural design on the Floodwall Mural Pilot Project webpage. There will be oral histories and interactive elements incorporated into the installation, and we are looking for your stories. If you have any untold stories or input about the mural, please share by filling out a survey on the page.
Work on the floodwall is expected to begin in the coming weeks and will take about two months to complete once painting starts. The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the first section of the Phase IV expansion will be March 26.
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About the Office of Arts + Creative Industries: With a focus on providing arts experiences for everyone and creative community spaces, the Office of Arts + Creative Industries strives to activate Louisville through the arts by providing programs and direct support across the following areas: arts experiences for everyone, a creative workforce, and creative community spaces and neighborhoods. Utilizing grants, the city has connected artists of all ages to resources and platforms for their creativity.
About Waterfront Park: Waterfront Park is a treasured community asset and home to some of Louisville’s most exciting celebrations. Once a wasteland of scrap yards and heavy industrial uses, Waterfront Park is now a vibrant green space that welcomes over 2.4 million visitors each year. As the most utilized urban park in the city, it’s a place where Louisville comes together to celebrate our unique sense of community. Waterfront Park is a non-profit park made possible by the generosity of Waterfront supporters.
Mayor Greenberg announces registration for SummerWorks 2025
Louisville youth 16-21 and employers can sign up now at SummerWorks.org
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 12, 2025) - Today, Mayor Greenberg joined community leaders and SummerWorks participants at Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana to call on local youth and employers to sign up for Louisville’s youth summer jobs program.
“At its core, SummerWorks is about setting up our city’s young people for success,” said Mayor Greenberg, who highlighted summer job opportunities at major Louisville employers like GE Appliances, Humana, Kentucky Kingdom, Kroger, Norton Healthcare, and UPS. “Whether you’re interested in science and technology, education, construction and skilled trades, social services, business, or something else - there’s something for everyone at SummerWorks.”
In addition to private sector job opportunities, SummerWorks will support around two hundred sponsored positions at local nonprofit organizations and city agencies.
“Junior Achievement is honored to partner with SummerWorks in preparing and connecting our young people to career opportunities and support,” said Jennifer Helgeson, President of JA of Kentuckiana. “Having hosted SummerWorks youth for several years, JA understands the significant impact this program has, offering valuable job placements and educating students about the workforce. We're excited to continue scaling our partnership and to make a lasting impact on the future of our community's leaders.”
Louisville residents between the ages of 16-21 (as of June 1) are eligible to enroll in SummerWorks. Once an applicant registers online, they can create or upload a resume, get soft skills training, and apply for job opportunities.
SummerWorks has directly placed more than 8,500 youth in summer jobs. Last season, 270 youth worked in sponsored positions at forty-nine nonprofit and public sector work sites (private sector employers pay youth they hire through SummerWorks directly). Roughly half of sponsored SummerWorks youth came from target zip codes in west, south, and central Louisville.
The program’s core operating funds are approved by the Louisville Metro Council. Private donors in 2024 include the Jewish Heritage Fund, the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, the Ginkgo Fund, and David Jones Jr. and Mary Gwen Wheeler.
SummerWorks is operated by Blueprint 502 in partnership with KentuckianaWorks, the Louisville Region’s Workforce Development Board. To learn more about SummerWorks and how to get involved as a participant, employer, or supporter, visit www.summerworks.org.
Louisville Metro Council News
Metro Council meeting highlights for Thursday, March 13
Below is a recap of the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 13, 2025) – The Louisville Metro Council held their regularly scheduled Council meeting tonight. Here are some of the highlights.
Old Business
Approved
O-042-25: an ordinance relating to the appropriation of $2,915,000 of Opioid settlement funds for various purposes through the Department of Public Health and Wellness.
O-023-25: an ordinance amending Section 11.4.7 of the Land Development Code regarding neighborhood meeting requirements for revised development plans.
O-059-25: an ordinance relating to the zoning of property located at 8915 Old Bardstown Road. Sent back to the Planning Commission.
Special Recognitions and Proclamations
Councilman Reno-Weber recognized the District 8 Page, Charlie Rubenstein.
Councilmembers Piagentini and Lyninger recognized Eastern and duPont Manual High Schools for the KHSAA Cheer and Dance State Championship wins.
Councilmember Reno-Weber recognized the 2024 State Championship Teams from Assumption High School in Cross Country, Field Hockey, Dance, Volleyball, and the Flag Football League Champions.
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously
R-028-25: resolution honoring Rev. Dr. Geoffrey S. Ellis by dedicating the northwest corner of 19th and Cedar Streets in his honor.
R-025-25: resolution approving the granting of local incentives to Atomic Brands, Inc.
R-026-25: resolution approving the noncompetitively negotiated professional service contract for the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods concerning positive facilitation of youth development, prevention, diversion, and treatment for the Louisville Youth Continuum of Care Project.
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Women’s Caucus celebrated ten outstanding women
During the annual ceremony of the Rosie the Riveter Awards
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 13, 2025) – Today, the Women’s Caucus of the Louisville Metro Council celebrated Women’s History month with the second annual presentation of the Rosie the Riveter Awards, Women in History – Then and Now.
The Women’s Caucus also introduced a new Co-Chair to the Caucus, Councilwoman Josie Raymond (D-10). Councilwoman Raymond brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role and joins Co-Chairs Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney (I-7) and Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell (D-15) to further the work of the Women’s Caucus.
This year, ten remarkable women from Kentucky were presented with the Rosie the Riveter Award and compared to women in history who made a lasting impact on society. The honorees include:
Law and Order – Gerina Whethers (Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney) and Alberta Odell Jones
Author and Writer - Emily Bingham and Harper Lee
Athletics - Anna DeBeer (UofL Women's Volleyball player) and Flo Hyman (U.S. Olympic Volleyball player)
Education - Diane Porter and Mary McLeod Bethune
Civil Rights - Rhonda W. Mathies and Fannie Lou Hamer
Women’s Rights - Marsha Weinstein and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
First Lady and Literacy - Rachel Greenberg and Laura Bush
Fashion and Beauty - Heather French Henry and Phyllis George
Health and Wellness - Meka Kpoh (founder of Black Birth Justice) and Margaret Charles Smith (midwife)
Philanthropy - Christina Lee Brown and Melinda French Gates
World Tuberculosis Day highlights the global impact of TB infection
World TB Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the global impact of tuberculosis (TB). Observed annually on the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch revealed the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis—the bacteria responsible for TB—this day aims to educate the public.
Tuberculosis is primarily an airborne disease that mainly targets the lungs but can also affect other organs. Individuals infected with TB often experience no symptoms and do not feel ill, and they are not contagious until the infection progresses to active TB disease. Infected individuals can release TB bacteria into the air when they sneeze, cough, or speak.
Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness’ (LMPHW) TB Clinic provides diagnostic and treatment services for Jefferson, Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties. Our TB clinicians have visited schools and patients’ homes to provide medication.
The following are the number of confirmed TB cases in the region since 2020:
2020: 15
2021: 16
2022: 28
2023: 4
2024: 25
Symptoms of TB:
A bad cough lasting more than two weeks
Coughing up blood
Chest pains
Fatigue or weakness
Fever
Poor appetite and weight loss
Night sweats
Chills
Who should get a TB test?
You should be tested for TB infection if:
You have spent time with someone with infectious TB.
You are from a country where TB disease is common, such as countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.
You have HIV infection or another condition that places you at high risk for TB disease.
Our TB Clinic, 400 E. Gray St., is open by appointment only. Call 502-574-6617 to schedule an appointment.
Families are invited to SOAR with summer fun
Several youth agencies will showcase information about summer programs, camps and other fun summer activities for youths and teens at Summer Program Resource Fair. Themed “SOAR” which stands for Summer Opportunities and Resources, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. at the DuValle Education Center/Carter Gym, 3610 Bohne Ave.
This event will feature local summer activities and resources for children and teens (ages early childhood to high school) including a wide variety of summer camps, parks and recreation programs, as well as employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities from a full list of exhibitors. Drawings for summer program scholarships and door prizes will also take place.
For more information, please call Elisa Freeman-Carr at 502-754-6681 or Stephanie Link at 502-586-6458.
Louisville Bicycle Club offers free new rider clinics
New to cycling? Interested in learning skills to help you navigate riding in an urban environment? Louisville Bicycle Club offers free new rider clinics to help you get started! Check out the link below to sign up for their 5-class clinic that covers everything from bike basics and safety to repairs.
WITH A NEW NAME AND ACTION PLAN, THE OFFICE OF SOCIAL SERVICES LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 20, 2025) - The newly-renamed Louisville Metro Office of Social Services is charting a course for the future with a bold new Action Plan that will guide the agency’s work for the next three years.
“I am excited to announce the department’s new name, but I’m even more excited about its new Action Plan,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “With a special emphasis on lifting people out of homelessness and achieving greater housing stability, the Office of Social Services will be positioned to make an even greater positive impact in our city.”
The new Action Plan details a series of strategies and objectives centered around three main priorities:
Priority #1: Increase the number of people leaving homelessness and achieving greater housing stability.
Priority #2: Provide support and connect families in crisis to resources that promote stability.
Priority #3: Invest in our team to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Each priority includes a step-by-step framework to ensure success, including attainable but ambitious goals, built-in timelines, and metrics to measure progress.
“Over the past seven months, we’ve worked together – community members, staff, the Mayor’s Office, Metro Council, and our invaluable partner agencies – to create a comprehensive action plan that reflects our shared goals and aspirations,” said Office of Social Services Director Patricia Williams. “This plan is a direct result of collaboration and a deep commitment to ensuring a brighter future for all. As we move forward, we are excited to take these next steps together with purpose and make a lasting impact.”
MAYOR GREENBERG ANNOUNCES CITY WILL ENHANCE FINANCIAL COUNSELING SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, ENTREPRENEURS
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 17, 2025) – Today Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that theLouisville Financial Empowerment Center, in association with the nationalCities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), has been selected to participate in the Small Business Boost (SBB) Initiative. To support this work, the Louisville Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) received a $90,000 grant to support new initiatives. The Louisville FEC is an initiative of the Louisville Metro Office of Social Services.
“Louisville is one of seven municipalities selected to connect local small business support services to the Financial Empowerment Center initiative, which offers professional one-on-one financial counseling as a free public service,” said Mayor Greenberg. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this service and grow new businesses here in Louisville.”
While small business ownership is widely regarded as a pathway toward wealth building, many small business owners and entrepreneurs face personal financial barriers that impede their ability to start or grow a business. This initiative, supported generously by Principal® Foundation, will help local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Louisville improve their personal finances, better positioning them to access capital and achieve their business goals.
“Small business ownership can be a powerful pathway to opportunity, helping entrepreneurs build financial stability and wealth for themselves, their families, and their communities – but for too many people, personal finances are an obstacle to a strong start,” said Jonathan Mintz, President and CEO of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. “We’re thrilled to team with Mayor Greenberg and the Principal® Foundation on Small Business Boost, which will help entrepreneurs manage their personal finances and better access capital and generate wealth.”
“Small businesses are the mainstay of our nation’s economy, the pathway to financial security for millions of Americans, and the backbone of our communities,” said Jo Christine Miles, director, Principal® Foundation, and Community Relations. “Principal® Foundation supports organizations and programs that remove barriers and create opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs so they can grow their business and build financially secure futures. It’s why we continue to support the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and its Small Business Boost initiative – a program that has had a positive impact on local small business owners and their communities.”
With support from the Louisville Economic Development Alliance, Louisville Urban League, Navigate Enterprise Center, Metro United Way, Office of Immigrant Affairs, and Human Relations Commission, the Louisville FEC has already helped more than 2,000 residents reduce debt – saving them more than $2.1 million and building savings by nearly $100,000.
First piloted in New York City under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in 2008, FECs across the country have worked with over 180,000 clients, helping them reduce individual debt by over $293 million, and increasing their families’ savings by over $57 million.
At the Financial Empowerment Centers, professionally trained FEC counselors help consumers with low and moderate incomes manage their finances, pay down debt, increase savings, establish, and build credit, and access safe and affordable mainstream banking products.
Through the Small Business Boost initiative, Louisville FEC counselors will support business owners and entrepreneurs in addressing personal financial challenges that present barriers to success in building wealth through business ownership. In addition, Louisville FEC counselors will receive training on how to navigate entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive business outcomes through improving personal finances.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners can email fec@louisvilleky.gov or call 502-574-5789 to make a FEC financial counseling appointment.
About Principal® Foundation
Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal® Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to organizations that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.
About the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund)
The CFE Fund supports municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities unique to local government. By translating cutting-edge experience with large scale programs, research, and policy in cities of all sizes, the CFE Fund assists mayors and other local leaders to identify, develop, fund, implement, and research pilots and programs that help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. The CFE Fund is currently working in almost 150 cities and counties representing 62 million people and has disbursed over $69 million to city governments and their partners to support these efforts. For more information, please visit www.cfefund.org.
In the News
LIHEAP Winter Crisis Extended to March 31
LIHEAP Winter Crisis has been extended through March 31! Metro OSS is now accepting applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. This valuable program can help your household if you are facing a home heating emergency. For more details or to apply, visit the LIHEAP website: tinyurl.com/42knfccc
Mental Health Symposium - April 19
First Neighborhood Place is taking it's popular series on Black MENtal Health to the next level with the Black Men's Mental Health Symposium, taking place Saturday, April 19, from 9am to 4:30pm, at the Roots101: African American Museum. We are looking for 100 Black men to register for this FREE event! To register, call 502-313-7600 or email ricky.owens@louisvilleky.gov.
Financial Empowerment Center Receives $90,000 Grant
Let's get kids ready for an awesome summer! Youth agencies from across the region will have free info about a wide array of awesome activities at the Summer Program Resource Fair - this Saturday, March 22, from 10am-1pm in the Carter Gym at the DuValle Education Center. This event is brought to you by Ujima Neighborhood Place, in partnership with JCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Centers.
Dementia Awareness Foundation Launch Party Saturday
Women over age 40 can take schedule a breast cancer screening at this event, coming up this Saturday, March 22, from 8:30am to 3:30pm, at First Neighborhood Place (1503 Rangeland Rd.). Call 502-852-6318 to schedule your appointment. All insurance will be filed with University of Louisville Hospital, and proper ID and insurance cards are required. Financial assistance is available for uninsured patients who qualify.
Free Tax Preparation Available
Free tax preparation is available in Louisville! The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers FREE tax prep to households making less than $67,000 a year. And for folks ages 60 or over, the AARP Foundation's Tax Aide program also provides free tax prep. All the details you need are right here: tinyurl.com/ykhyhbnw.
Louisville Parks and Recreation News
Louisville Parks and Recreation training lifeguards to staff city pools – including two NEW pools in Algonquin and Camp Taylor parks
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 17, 2025) - Louisville Parks and Recreation's Aquatics program provides swimming classes year-round and Lifeguard Training courses from March through June at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center (201 Reservoir Ave). Training classes are $200 or FREEif you commit to working for Louisville Parks and Recreation!
Lifeguard training classes are offered to anyone 15 or older. Duties include enforcing rules, monitoring activity, cleanup, water tests and more. Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations on the first day of training:
Prerequisite 1:
Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Prerequisite 2:
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
Submerge to a depth of 7 - 10 feet to retrieve a 10- pound object.
Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Applicants must provide documentation to be employed by the department. Call 502-574-1498 for a list.
Upcoming training sessions:
Session IV
March 23, 30, April 6, 13 | Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center
Sunday | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Call 502-574-1498 to RSVP
You must attend all 4 days of the session to become certified.
Vendors, volunteers being sought for fourth annual TreeFest
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 4, 2025) – Louisville Parks and Recreation and TreesLouisville are seeking volunteers and vendors for the fourth annual TreeFest, which will be held at Petersburg Park on Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The family-friendly event drew approximately 1,500 attendees last year at Petersburg. Volunteers help plant trees, conduct setup and cleanup of the event as well as vendor assistance. Educational organizations with a focus on “green products” are encouraged to attend and can have a booth; all other vendors are able to register for a booth for the low price of $30 for the event.
Those interested in volunteering for this event can sign up here. For more information about TreeFest, please visit the TreeFest website.
Louisville Parks and Recreation and TreesLouisville are seeking participants for educational booths and green product vendors. Those interested in being an educational booth participant should apply here. Companies interested in being a vendor should apply here.
“In 2025, Louisville will celebrate its 25th year as a Tree City, recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation,” says Mesude Ozyurekoglu, Assistant Director of Urban Forestry with Louisville Parks and Recreation. “Hosting events such as TreeFest with our nonprofit partners helps engage the community in our urban tree canopy and gets our residents invested.”
The Arbor Day Celebration will kick off at 10 a.m. with the planting of 100 trees in Petersburg Park, assisted by volunteers and certified arborists. At 11 a.m., the festival will begin, offering green educational vendors, shops, educational activities, food trucks, live music, tree climbing, and a tree giveaway.
Louisville Parks and Recreation is giving away 500 3-gallon trees in the following species:
Bur Oak
Cucumber Magnolia
American Hornbeam
Blackgum
Serviceberry
Spicebush
"TreeFest is the largest tree-centric event hosted in Louisville, and it continues to grow every year. We are excited for even more interactive activities to be added in 2025, including a tree hugging booth and science exploration. Events like TreeFest are extremely important to our organizations because we believe the only way to effectivity grow Louisville's tree canopy is for residents to understand and value the importance of trees," said Morgan Grubbs, Programs Director of TreesLouisville.
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ABOUT LOUISVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
Louisville Parks and Recreation, a nationally accredited parks and recreation agency, manages more than 120 parks and six parkways on more than 13,000 acres of land and operates recreation programs for area residents of all ages and abilities through its 14 community centers. The department’s inventory also includes 10 golf courses; the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center and four outdoor pools; the David Armstrong Extreme Park; two historic homes; the historic Iroquois Amphitheater performance venue; and the nation’s largest municipally owned urban forest, Jefferson Memorial Forest. More details on the department’s people and programs can be found at bestparksever.com.
ABOUT TREESLOUISVILLE
TreesLouisville’s vision is a more livable and healthy community for Louisville’s current and future generations through a robust tree canopy. Our mission is to raise public awareness of the value of the community forest and Louisville’s tree canopy deficit and to fund tree planting in areas of the greatest need.
Louisville Free Public Library News
Louisville Free Public Library Director to Retire After 28 Years of Service
Mayor Greenberg to Lead National Search for Replacement
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 13, 2025) – Today Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that Lee Burchfield, executive director of the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL), will retire from Metro Government effective June 1, 2025. The announcement comes just after Mayor Greenberg and Director Burchfield re-opened the historic Parkland Library with renovations ongoing at the Portland Library and Main Library and construction underway at the new Fern Creek Library.
“I appreciate Lee’s leadership and know he is leaving a strong foundation for us to continue building on,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Libraries are so incredibly important to the fabric of our community, which is why I’ve provided $15 million in capital funding over the last two years to help improve and build new libraries in every corner of our community.”
Burchfield started his career with LFPL in 1997 as an Assistant Branch Manager at the Iroquois Branch Library. He’s served as director for six years.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the library for the past six years,” said Director Burchfield. “Libraries provide an incredible array of services and resources that help our users prepare for school success, achieve their educational goals, and continually develop their career skills. Every day our employees engage with citizens in ways that change lives for the better. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together, and I know that great things lie ahead for our public libraries.”
An interim director will be named shortly, and a national search will take place for the new LFPL director.
AT&T to perform work on and around the Oakdale Ln. neighborhood
CM Shanklin has been informed that between March 3 and July 3, ATT will be performing work in the neighborhood outlined in the map below:
Waste Management News
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for!
Don't contribute to the problem!
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.)
Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping.
Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.
Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it.
Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form.
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you, ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
Only set out large items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to communicate with our community partners about events and provide information you may find beneficial to have and share with your neighbors. Our monthly letter will provide you with an overview of crime trends within the division and highlight the work our talented women and men do each day serving our community. We will also provide any information that could impact our neighborhoods and travel such as construction and festivals. Please feel free and share this newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors. Signing up will ensure they receive the newsletter as soon as it is published.
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property and stay vigilant!
The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year. Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!
Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change. - Always lock your vehicle doors. - Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside. - Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them! - Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open. - Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. - Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!
Metro Emergency Repair Program
Eligibility criteria:
Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
Not available on rental property.
Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
May receive assistance once in a five year period.
Louisville-Jefferson County only.
Types of repairs:
Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
Electrical repairs/upgrades.
Water line repairs/replacement.
Sewer line repairs/replacement.
Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).
Peace Presbyterian Church (4210 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213)
Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm
Forest Baptist Church (4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218)
Open every 1st Thursday of the month -- 4pm - 6pm
Information about both pantries:
Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
First Come, First Served Basis
Picture ID & proof of residency required!
LouieConnect
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman Morgan McGarvey: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
