March 2025

LATEST NEWS

MAYOR GREENBERG ANNOUNCES DOWNTOWN ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT AT STATE OF DOWNTOWN LUNCHEON

Story by Louisville Public Media |  Roberto Roldan

Mayor Craig Greenberg told city officials and business executives attending Thursday’s luncheon at the Marriott that “downtown is back,” though many projects and improvements are still in the works.

Greenberg’s comments at the annual State of Downtown event came on the heels of the economic impact report showing that the neighborhood is generating more tax revenue and attracting more conference attendees compared to the year before year. The report, compiled by the nonprofit Louisville Downtown Partnership, also shows that there are $1.6 billion worth of public and private projects announced for the area, up from just $600,000 a year before.

The mayor encouraged business leaders to keep promoting the transformation of downtown.

“Ignore what your friends who have not been to downtown Louisville since 2020 are saying,” Greenberg said, alluding to the time when many workers left offices during the pandemic and Louisville residents filled the streets for racial justice protests. “Try to overcome the Louisville tendency to focus on our challenges and not our strengths.”

One of the changes at the core of downtown’s revitalization, Greenberg said, is the increased presence of Louisville Metro police officers and ambassadors, who help visitors navigate the area and keep streets and sidewalks clean.

While there’s still more work to be done, he said LMPD recently added three more officers to the downtown area and mounted patrols on the weekend. Police department leadership will also move into their new headquarters inside the old AT&T building on West Chestnut Street by the end of the summer, Greenberg announced.

“Downtown Louisville is the neighborhood where every local and every visitor should feel welcome, safe, energized and excited,” he said. “[It should be] the place where you want to work, not the place where you have to work.”

Read the full story here.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE FUTURE OF BUTCHERTOWN REVEALED BY MAYOR GREENBERG AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS

Rendering by Denton Floyd Real Estate Group

This month, Mayor Greenberg joined key players in housing and economic development to unveil transformative plans for a new mixed-use development next to Lynn Family Stadium in Butchertown. The new development will include roughly 200 units of upscale apartments with retail space on the ground floor and will be built directly across from Lynn Family Stadium on Cabel Street. This marks a significant milestone in the journey to fulfill the vision tied to Lynn Family Stadium’s establishment five years ago.

Since its debut, Lynn Family Stadium has been celebrated as Louisville’s crown jewel, drawing fans in purple and white to cheer on Racing Louisville FC and Louisville City FC. But the stadium was never meant to stand alone—it was imagined as the catalyst for an entire mixed-use district, and that vision is now coming to life.

Community members have long recognized the growth potential of the area, with dreams of housing, retail, and restaurants enriching Butchertown. Despite delays, a renewed sense of urgency has propelled progress forward. Last year, Mayor Greenberg's administration committed a portion of the $100 million secured from the General Assembly to the Butchertown Sports District, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.

“This investment increases our housing supply and strengthens the existing community, while bolstering local businesses and the city’s economy as a whole,” Mayor Greenberg shared during the announcement.

Excitement isn’t confined to Butchertown alone. Similar transformative plans are in motion on the other side of I-65, where the Louisville Sports Entertainment District will soon bridge Downtown, NuLu, Waterfront Park, and Butchertown. Adjacent to Slugger Field, this development promises to enrich the urban fabric with housing, jobs, and investment opportunities.

Rendering by Denton Floyd Real Estate Group

MAYOR GREENBERG ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF CRISIS CALL DIVERSION PROGRAM

Sgt.Oberhausen, LMPD, Mayor Craig Greenberg and Nicole Wiseman, Unit Manager, Deflection Team

Mayor Greenberg announced that the Crisis Call Diversion program (CCDP), also known as Deflection, has been expanded to all small cities within Jefferson County.

CCDP, which is operated in partnership with Seven Counties Services, allows social workers to respond to certain types of 911 calls rather than police. Since its launch, the program has deflected over 7,000 calls.

“Thanks to this program we’re using our resources more effectively and allowing our officers to focus on the work they’re trained to do - preventing violent crime and improving public safety,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I’d like to thank my colleagues at EMS, MetroSafe, Seven Counties Services, LMPD, and now police departments throughout the county for working together to keep up the momentum that this program is creating.”

The pilot for CCDP was launched in 2022. Last summer, due to the program’s continued success, Mayor Greenberg announced that it would operate 24-hours-a-day in all eight LMPD districts.

Learn more about CCDP here.

MAYOR GREENBERG CELEBRATES 80 UNITS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN SOUTH LOUISVILLE

Community members celebrating the opening of Sheehan Landing in South Louisville.

Kentucky's first single-site supportive permanent supportive housing has landed in Louisville at Sheehan Landing. LDG Development and St.John's Center has built 80 one-bedroom apartments in a facility with on-site services for residents that will reduce isolation, increase access to social support, improve health outcomes, improve community integration, and contribute to recovery. Thanks to the financial support of Mayor Greenberg allocating ARP dollars to this project to support affordable housing, this was able to become a reality.

"It's single site supportive housing, meaning we are providing the housing, but we've put a lot of supportive service around them," Rae Martin, executive director said. "Our staff and team will be here 24/7, along with a lot of partners who have been with us."

Located off Preston Highway, the Sheehan Landing Complex is designed specifically to help people

who are the hardest to place in permanent housing and to help them transition off the streets.

Sheehan Landing Apartments, Louisville, KY.

MAYOR GREENBERG INTRODUCES LOUISVILLE METRO EMS PRE-HOSPITAL BLOOD PROGRAM

Mayor Greenberg announced that Louisville Metro Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be the first agency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to deliver pre-hospital blood and blood products to patients in the field. EMS will partner with the American Red Cross to provide this service, which is offered by less than 1% of EMS agencies nationwide.

“This is an amazing, first-of-its kind in Kentucky program that will save lives,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I’m grateful to my colleagues at EMS, who respond to over 120,000 calls each year with high-quality care and always look for ways to improve.”

The leading cause of preventable death in trauma victims is loss of blood. Recent studies show that for every minute a traumatic bleeding victim doesn’t get blood, mortality odds increase by 2%. In other cities where blood is being used in the field, trauma patient survival rates have improved on average 75-85%. The program is expected to start April 12.

For more information click here.

MAYOR GREENBERG ANNOUNCES REGISTRATION FOR SUMMERWORKS 2025

Kenneth Albyati, Reyna Sawyer and Mayor Greenberg

Mayor Greenberg recently joined community leaders and SummerWorks participants at Junior Achievement (JA) of Kentuckiana to call on young people 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 in 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.”

All Louisville youth who are between the ages of 16-21 (as of June 1) are eligible to enroll in SummerWorks. Once a young person registers online, they can create or upload a resume, get soft skills training, and apply to job opportunities they are interested in.

SummerWorks has directly placed more than 8,500 youth in summer jobs. Last season, 270 youth worked in sponsored positions at 49 nonprofit and public sector work sites (private sector employers pay youth they hire through SummerWorks directly). ​​51% 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.

MAYOR GREENBERG CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF PLAYPORT

Residents of the Portland and Russell neighborhoods now have a new park thanks to Mayor Greenberg's investment of ARP funds into PlayPort. This investment means that young children and their parents can learn about science as they play.

PlayPort is a free, outdoor experiential learning area sitting on three acres and features custom-built playground equipment made from repurposed construction and boat materials.

The funding supported the construction of educational signs and videos developed by the Louisville Science Center. These learning stations are available throughout the exhibits and offer ideas activities  parents and children can do together.

This park has been almost 10 years in the making and features a $15 million "PlayPort," created to be inclusive and engaging for kids of all ages.

"It's more than just a playground," Waterfront Park Executive Director Deborah Bilitski said. "It's an experience that brings real, authentic river and construction equipment and repurposes them for play."

PlayPort, Louisville, KY

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF KENTUCKY IS FIRST STATEWIDE EMPLOYER TO JOIN KCTCS’ EDUCATION FIRST EMPLOYER PROGRAM

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles and Goodwill Industries of Kentucky CEO Amy Luttrell were joined by Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg among others as Goodwill signs pledge to become Kentucky’s first state-wide KCTCS Education First Employer.

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is the first statewide employer to join the Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s (KCTCS) Education First Employer network, a group of 60 leading companies that offer tuition benefits, flexible scheduling, and competitive wages for employees pursuing higher education.

The announcement was made during a recent press conference at the nonprofit’s West Louisville Opportunity Center.

“Goodwill is joining a network of Kentucky companies that are investing in our workforce by ensuring that Kentuckians do not have to choose between working or learning,” said Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman. “It’s this kind of team spirit that creates opportunities that allow our economy, and our families, to thrive.”

KCTCS launched the Education First Employer initiative in 2023 in partnership with Gov. Andy Beshear, TEAM Kentucky, and Family Scholar House. Companies that qualify to participate in the program share similar values and have shown a commitment to go above and beyond to support employees through education and training.

Read the full story here.

MAYOR GREENBERG AND SMOKETOWN NEIGHBORHOOD CELEBRATE GROUNDBREAKING ON A REIMAGINED BALLARD PARK

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg joined city leaders, community members, and partners to break ground on a reimagined Ballard Park in Smoketown, marking a milestone in a project shaped by vital input from residents. Ballard Park is located at 525 Caldwell Street.

The $1.3 million transformation was made possible through Mayor Greenberg’s $850,000 budget allocation and $400,000 in private contributions raised by the Parks Alliance of Louisville. The reimagined park will bring new amenities, including a unique timber playground, picnic pavilion, fitness stations, and a new basketball court. This is the first park to undergo a full-scale redesign under the Parks For All Action Plan, a citywide initiative to improve Louisville’s park system and prioritize investments in historically under-resourced communities. 

“We have incredible momentum going on right now in Louisville and investing in our public parks is essential to building stronger neighborhoods, healthier families, and safer communities,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This park has been thoughtfully designed with residents’ needs in mind, so we know it’s going to be a popular spot and help create an even stronger sense of community in the historic Smoketown neighborhood.”

Read the full story here.

LOUISVILLE’S FIRST LADY RACHEL GREENBERG ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATION AND YOUTH LITERACY

First Lady Rachel Greenberg and Mayor Craig Grenberg

Story by: Stephan Johnson  WDRB News

It’s been a busy year for Louisville’s first lady, Rachel Greenberg.

Known for her volunteer efforts and advocacy for children, she’s made an impact in classrooms, communities and organizations across the city. Greenberg is making a difference one story at a time.

Last Wednesday, Rachel Greenberg started her day reading to the next generation of leaders at Dunn Elementary School, where her husband, Mayor Greenberg, attended as a child.

For Greenberg, starting the day at a local school is a weekly ritual. At least once a week, she’s at a school, sharing the joy of reading with children.

“I’m an educator at heart, so I love being with students,” she said. "I love learning from kids. I’m a former JCPS school teacher, and I miss the classroom."

In recent months, Greenberg has visited 44 schools, some multiple times. From the west end to the east, she has read to thousands of students, listening as they express their thoughts and ideas.

“They say very similar things whether I’m in Valley Station, PRP, or Eastern High School,” Greenberg said. “But I love hearing their perspectives and ideas.”

As a former educator, Greenberg believes literacy is a key component in shaping a child’s future and steering them away from potential setbacks. She points to troubling statistics linking third-grade literacy rates to future incarceration rates.

“It’s not just what I think, it’s what the data shows," Greenberg said. "Third-grade literacy rates are often a predictor of future incarceration, and that’s something we need to change."

This belief fuels her commitment to programs like Thrive by 5 Louisville and Bezos Academy. She is also behind the Youth Ambassadors Leading Louisville (Y’ALL) program, which aims to enhance leadership skills in high school students.

“We want engagement. We want to provide opportunities for kids to make healthy choices and become leaders in our community,” Greenberg said. "Our first Y’ALL program graduation is coming up soon, and I’m excited to see the impact it’s having."

Greenberg is also dedicated to volunteering her time to local organizations, including the Family Scholar House, where she has become deeply involved. She speaks highly of its executive director, Cathe Dykstra, calling her a mentor and noting the positive impact the organization has on the lives of its participants.

“I’m amazed by the work Kathy is doing. It’s changing lives and shaping the future for entire generations,” Greenberg said. “It’s one of my favorite places to volunteer.”

As the first lady, Greenberg has remained committed to serving her community in a variety of ways, and her passion for education and giving back to the city is evident in her every action.

“I think Thrive by 5 is a game-changer for our city. The Bezos Academy is transforming lives in a positive way,” Greenberg said.

For Greenberg, the call to volunteer and give back is simple but profound.

“Every organization is looking for time, talent, and treasure,” Greenberg said. “You give what you can—whether it’s time, talent, or treasure—and you’ll always get more in return.”

As for her role as first lady, Greenberg doesn’t hesitate to embrace it fully, saying, “If someone asks me to help, I’m probably going to say yes. It means something to me.”

To learn more about the Y’ALL program, click here.

MAYOR GREENBERG HONORS MY MORNING JACKET AT LOUCITY'S HOME OPENER

Ceremonial Key to the City

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg recently presented Louisville’s own My Morning Jacket with ceremonial keys to the city during halftime of LouCity's home opener at Lynn Family Stadium.

“Over the band’s career, My Morning Jacket has created legendary music that’s garnered multiple Grammy award nominations and produced chart-topping hits,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Through it all, they’ve taken the city of Louisville along for the ride and around the world with them. They’ve never forgotten the city that brought the band together, and we’re grateful for the investments they’ve made in our community."

FROM BASKETBALL TO BILLIONAIRE, JUNIOR BRIDGEMAN LAID TO REST IN LOUISVILLE

Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman and Mayor Craig Greenberg

“Today, we lost a kind, generous and groundbreaking legend. He was an All-American at UofL, an NBA All-Star, and a self-made billionaire,’ shared Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg in a statement. “Yet, I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need, his love for Doris and his entire family, and his never-ending support for our community. Junior made us all better people and Louisville a better city. Rachel and I send our love and prayers to the Bridgeman family. May Junior’s memory be a blessing.”

Junior Bridgeman, who died after suffering medical emergency March 11, was a beloved member of the community, beginning when he led the University of Louisville basketball team to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division I tournament in 1974 and 1975. His stellar performance made him a first-round pick in the NBA draft, spending most of his 12-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

During his off-seasons, Bridgeman leaned into his entrepreneurial ambitions. After learning about the fast food model, he decided to take his NBA earnings and invest in hundreds of franchises. He owned over 450 restaurants, including over a hundred Wendy’s and casual dining chain Chili’s.

After selling nearly all of his locations for both restaurants in 2016, he established a Coca-Cola bottling company to continue growing his portfolio and then-$32 million net worth with Bridgeman Foods Inc.

Four years later, Bridgeman bought Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million, before becoming a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020, a move that solidified his billionaire status.

Bridgeman continued pouring back into the community that celebrated his collegiate wins. The philanthropist served on the board of directors for the Churchhill Downs horse racing complex, home of the Kentucky Derby. Bridgeman also remained influential at his alma mater and was appointed to UofL’s Board of Trustees.

A man of faith, he remained a long-standing member of Louisville’s Southeast Christian megachurch, where his memorial took place. He is survived by his wife, three children, and multiple grandchildren. He was 71 years old.

IMAGES OF THE MONTH:

The The 52nd Ancient Order of Hibernians' St. Patrick's Parade, known as The People's Parade, was the largest crowd on record. The parade traveled down Baxter Avenue and Bardstown Road as thousands of people lined the streets.

The Mayor's Office team.

Mayor Craig Greenberg and First Lady Rachel Greenberg leading the parade with Metro Government and Metro Council colleagues.

The three Elvis-es with Mayor Greenberg.