On the morning of April 26th, I had the privilege of surprising Maxine Anderson with our April S.E.R.V.E. Award at the Valley Station McDonald’s. Maxine is 91 years old and has worked there for more than 35 years as a hospitality hostess. She’s one of the first faces people see when they walk in, and she has a way of making you feel like family.
She’s more than an employee. She’s part of the fabric of this community. Whether it's her kind words, her steady presence, or the way she remembers her regulars, Maxine shows up with warmth and grace every single day. This award is meant to recognize exactly that kind of quiet, consistent impact.
Her family joined us, along with McDonald’s staff and management. It was a special moment. I also want to thank the McDonald’s team for going a step further and presenting Maxine with a $1,000 check during the surprise. It was clear how much they value her and what she means to their team.
We created the S.E.R.V.E. Award to highlight people who make a real difference in the South End. Maxine didn’t ask for recognition. She’s never sought the spotlight. But she’s earned it through years of service, kindness, and dedication.
Thank you, Maxine. Valley Station is proud to call you one of our own.
We had a great time on May 10th at our block party on Vega Lane. The weather held up, the music was live, the kids had a blast, and the food truck kept everyone well fed. Most importantly, neighbors got a chance to connect and learn more about how neighborhood associations (not the same as HOAs) can help create stronger, safer communities.
Big thanks to everyone who came out, pitched in, and helped make it a success.
If you’d like to host a block party on your street, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a fundraiser for your HOA or neighborhood association, or just a way to bring folks together, let us know. Call our office at 502-574-1125 or email Vicki, our Community Engagement Coordinator, at Vicki.PippinGuffey@louisvilleky.gov.
Congrats to new Eagle Scout, Austin Feign
On May 19th, I had the honor of attending the Eagle Scout ceremony for Austin Feign. What an impressive young man. It was clear from the start that this wasn’t just another award — this was the result of years of hard work, leadership, and commitment.
Austin led a group of 17 volunteers and put in over 200 hours building and installing benches at the Louisville Nature Center for his Eagle project. Those benches, and the new outdoor classroom he helped create, will be enjoyed by countless people for years to come.
He’s been part of Troop 207 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church for 12 years, holding every major leadership position along the way. He’s also done all of this while keeping a 4.2 GPA at J. Graham Brown School, completing National Youth Leadership Training, and representing Louisville at the National Jamboree. Austin’s heading to the University of Kentucky’s College of Design, where he’ll study architecture with a focus on building safety and historic restoration — a perfect match for the work he’s already started.
The Scout pledge is something we could all stand to live by. Austin’s doing that already.
Thanks to the Feign family for letting me be part of such a special day. Austin, well done, sir. You’ve made your community proud.
Forest Fest 2025
I was proud to be one of the sponsors of Forest Fest, which took place on May 19th at Jefferson Memorial Forest. The weather was great, the crowd was strong, and the music lineup brought real energy to the day. This event is a good example of how we can use our public spaces to bring people together.
Forest Fest supports local artists, highlights one of the best natural areas in our city, and gives families a chance to enjoy a free, well-run event without having to leave town.
Thanks to the team at Jefferson Memorial Forest and all the volunteers who made it possible. It was a solid day for the South End and something I’m glad our office could support.
Get Involved: Apply for Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions
South and Southwest Louisville need more representation on Louisville Metro Government's boards and commissions. We need dedicated individuals from our area to step up and make a difference.
By joining a board or commission, you have the opportunity to influence important decisions and initiatives that impact our city. We have approximately 65 boards and commissions covering various aspects of community life. Your involvement can help shape the future of Louisville and ensure that our community's needs and perspectives are heard.
Why Apply?
Make a Difference: Your input and expertise can help guide policies and projects that benefit our community.
Gain Experience: Serving on a board or commission provides valuable experience in governance and community leadership.
Build Connections: You'll have the opportunity to work with other passionate individuals and build lasting relationships.
We encourage all residents of South and Southwest Louisville to consider applying. Your involvement is crucial to our continued success and growth. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.
Let's ensure that South and Southwest Louisville are well-represented and that our voices are heard. Apply today and make a difference!
Property reassessments have been mailed out across Louisville.
The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is an independent office that is required by state law to reassess property values every four years based on current market conditions. These assessments are not set by Metro Council. However, I believe taxpayers deserve fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the process.
If you believe your property assessment is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The first step is to file an Online Conference with the PVA before May 19. You can submit documentation such as comparable sales, photographs, or a private appraisal to support your case. More information is available here: https://jeffersonpva.ky.gov/property-assessment/conference/
My office is available to assist residents who have questions or need help navigating the appeal process. We remain committed to serving the taxpayers of District 25 and beyond.
Over the last few weeks, Metro Council has been holding budget hearings to review the Mayor’s proposed FY26 budget. It outlines $1.2 billion in spending, with $960 million for operations and $240 million for capital projects. The city is starting from a strong financial position this year, with a $50 million surplus.
There are several items in the proposal that I support. It includes $30 million for paving, $2 million for sidewalk repairs, $9.2 million for the new LMPD headquarters, and $3 million to attract new businesses and restaurants to the South End. It also includes funding for affordable housing, homelessness services, and technology to improve city services.
But there are also areas where I believe we need to push for more. One of my biggest concerns is the lack of funding for a new police training facility. This has been a top priority of mine and something I plan to continue fighting for. I'm also taking a close look at the proposed growth in city staff to make sure we are using resources responsibly and efficiently.
Budget hearings will continue into June. We’ll keep working through every department to make sure this budget reflects real needs across the city and brings real improvements to neighborhoods like ours.
If you have feedback or questions about the budget, feel free to reach out to my office. Your voice matters in this process.
Check out this story from June 21, 1904 announcing that the Louisville Railway would be extending service past Pleasure Ridge Park and into Valley Station.
Exciting Developments in District 25: The 25 for 25 Plan
Councilman Khalil Batshon is excited to announce the “25 for 25 Plan,” a bold roadmap to transform District 25 with 25 actionable goals that will enhance community life and foster growth. Here are ten key goals from this ambitious initiative:
1. Enhance Safety with Streetlights: Lease 20 strategically placed streetlights over the next five years to improve visibility and safety across District 25.
2. Open Nick Rodman Park: Launch Nick Rodman Park with a new playground, splash pad, and walking trail, creating a vibrant recreational space for families in District 25.
3. Expand Nick Rodman Park: Acquire land from MSD to quadruple the size of Nick Rodman Park, providing room for future development and new amenities for residents.
4. Improve Library Visibility: Install a new sign on Dixie Highway to make the community library more accessible and easier to locate.
5. Strengthen Community Connections: Establish two new Neighborhood Associations to empower residents and foster stronger local ties. *NOTE* Neighborhood Associations are voluntary and are different that HOAs.
6. Standardize Recovery Housing: Develop an ordinance to align recovery housing in the district with state regulations, ensuring consistency, accountability, and the elimination of bad actors in the space.
7. Adjust Transitional Housing Zoning: Update zoning language to protect neighborhoods and eliminate loopholes, while ensuring that transitional housing is located near essential resources for those in need.
8. Launch a Public-Private Partnership: Initiate at least one public-private partnership project to bring innovative solutions and resources to District 25.
9. Increase Representation: Identify and encourage 50 South End residents to serve on city boards and commissions, amplifying the district’s influence in decision-making.
10. Combat Predatory Lending: Draft and introduce legislation to define and limit predatory lending, protecting our community and its values.
Councilman Batshon has also established a newly formed District 25 Advisory Panel to guide and collaborate on the development of the remaining 15 goals. However, we need your input to ensure this plan reflects the priorities and needs of our entire community.
We encourage residents to share their ideas and feedback to help complete this transformative vision. Together, with your involvement, we can make the 25 for 25 Plan a success and create a brighter future for District 25.
Help Shape the Future of District 25: Take Our Survey!
Your feedback is crucial in ensuring that the initiatives we implement truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. By participating in this survey, you will have the opportunity to voice your opinions and contribute to the future development of District 25.
The recent rainstorms and freezing temperatures have taken a toll on our roads, creating a surge in potholes across Louisville. Here in District 25, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly these road hazards can form, making travel difficult and potentially damaging vehicles.
I have worked hard to ensure that many of the potholes in our district have been addressed as quickly as possible. By coordinating with Metro Public Works, we’ve already made significant progress in repairing affected roadways. However, this is an ongoing effort, and I remain committed to advocating for continued road maintenance and improvements.
How You Can Help?
If you encounter a pothole that still needs attention, please report it: • For city roads, contact Metro311 online HERE or call 311 or 502-574-5000 • For interstates, report them to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 1-877-FOR-KYTC (1-877-367-5982)
I appreciate your patience as we continue working to improve road conditions in District 25. If you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will keep pushing for faster and more effective repairs to ensure safer roads for everyone.
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