News from Mayor Greenberg and the City of Louisville
Mayor Greenberg announces Safe Louisville Plan
Plan will continue reducing violent crime in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 16, 2025) – Today Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Safe Louisville, a comprehensive plan to continue reducing violent crime in Louisville. The plan is made up of a connected set of strategies and action items that address community safety from every angle and is organized under three pillars – prevention, intervention and enforcement. It will be implemented from 2025 through 2030 with the goal of reducing violent crime by at least 15 percent each year, improving the public’s perception of safety and creating conditions for an even safer Louisville for every resident in every corner of the community.
“Public safety is my top priority, and my Safe Louisville plan has all city departments, federal partners, state agencies and community organizations working together to continue reducing violent crime,” said Mayor Greenberg. “My team and I are insisting on fundamental, lasting changes because every member of our community should be safe and feel safe in their neighborhood and every Louisville neighborhood.”
The prevention pillar focuses on combatting the root causes of violence by:
- Enhancing community spaces and public infrastructure in our underserved communities by increasing amenities and eradicating blight
- Increasing access to education and activities for youth
- Increasing economic stability in our underserved communities by creating job opportunities and increasing access to affordable housing
- Connecting community resources and investing in community-led efforts
- Building community trust in police
- Advocating for common sense gun safety legislation
Intervention strategies are focused on stopping potential shooters before they act and stopping the cycle of incarceration by:
- Using violence intervention initiatives to stop potential shooters before they act
- Providing conflict resolution alternatives to the justice system
- Addressing the consequences of violence by providing trauma and reentry services
The enforcement components center around protecting the public and holding offenders accountable by:
- Supporting law enforcement and giving officers the tools they need to combat crime; including recruiting qualified, professional officers, and using data-responsive policing
- Promoting public order
- Leveraging state and federal partnerships for successful prosecution
- Promoting transparency in the judicial process and recommending improvements
The plan will be administered by Misty Wright, Executive Director of Community Safety.
"Safe Louisville is about saving lives and creating meaningful change," said Wright. "It calls for all of us to step up to the plate, learn from each other, and work together. With government, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and community members engaged, our future is bright. Together we can make the meaningful progress this city deserves."
In addition, a Community Safety Commission will be established and will receive regular reports on the plan’s progress. The commission will be made up of various stakeholders working to reduce violence. Membership will include community representatives from each police division of our city, representatives from the justice system, and representatives from community organizations from various sectors, such as faith, crime victims, criminal justice advocacy, business, immigrants, medicine, education, and homeless services. More details concerning the formation and meeting schedule of this body are forthcoming.
"The Future Healers Kiddos Medical Program is about advocating for safe and healthy kids, and so is Mayor Greenberg's plan that we all are here today embracing for a better Louisville," said Christopher 2X, Executive Director of 2X Game Changers and co-founder of Future Healers.
The Safe Louisville plan is designed to complement the Louisville Metro Police Department’s (LMPD) Crime Reduction Strategic Plan released earlier this year. In that plan, LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey announced numerous strategies to reduce violent crime in the community, including sustained focus improvement areas that will receive additional support from law enforcement and other city agencies to improve public safety.
"Collaboration is at the heart of progress,” said LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey. “Working alongside Mayor Greenberg and other Louisville leaders enhances our crime reduction strategy plan. We are already seeing positive changes from this united approach that fosters a safer, stronger community for everyone."
In addition to the strategies outlined in the report, Mayor Greenberg also announced that the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods will now become the Office of Violence Prevention led by interim director Jason Tatum. The department’s mission will pivot to support the new strategies and vision outlined in Safe Louisville. A search is underway for the department’s director. The Office of Violence Prevention will now report to Wright.
To view the entire plan, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/safelouisville.
Mayor Craig Greenberg Invites Public to Petersburg Park
for Fourth Annual TreeFest 4/19
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 16, 2025) – TreeFest, hosted by Louisville Parks and Recreation and TreesLouisville, is Louisville’s premier Arbor Day celebration. Mayor Craig Greenberg is inviting the public to join in on this free event at Petersburg Park (5008 E Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40218) April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“TreeFest is a wonderful opportunity to meet the people driving our mission to create a sustainable future through tree planting, expanding tree coverage, and maintaining healthy trees. It’s also a fantastic way to connect with Louisville’s environmental organizations while gaining hands-on experience through engaging workshops,” Mayor Greenberg said.
Starting at 10 a.m., volunteers will plant more than 100 trees in the Buechel neighborhood, then at 11 a.m., the festival begins and will feature green education vendors, shops, interactive educational activities, food trucks, live music, tree climbing, a tree giveaway and several other fun and games for children and adults.
"TreeFest is the largest tree-centric event in Louisville, and it continues to grow every year. We are thrilled to add even more interactive activities for 2025, including a tree-hugging booth and science exploration exhibits. Events like TreeFest are vital to our mission, as we believe the only way to effectively grow Louisville's tree canopy is for residents to understand and value the importance of trees," Morgan Grubbs, Programs Director of TreesLouisville, said.
Louisville Parks and Recreation will be giving away 500 three-gallon trees, including the following species:
- Bur Oak
- Cucumber Magnolia
- American Hornbeam
- Blackgum
- Serviceberry
- Spicebush
Additionally, Louisville will be celebrating its 25th Tree City designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. To qualify as a Tree City, the community must maintain a tree board, enforce a public tree care ordinance, sustain a community forestry program, and observe Arbor Day.
“TreeFest is more than just an Arbor Day celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of Louisville’s commitment to fostering a healthier, happier, and more sustainable tree canopy for everyone,” Mesude Ozyurekoglu, Assistant Director of Urban Forestry at Louisville Parks and Recreation, said.
For more information about TreeFest, please visit the event’s website at https://www.treeslouisville.org/treefest
Mayor Greenberg proclaims April 13-19 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
“Tele Week” honors the service and dedication of the city’s 911 telecommunicators
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 14, 2024) – Mayor Craig Greenberg has proclaimed April 13-19, 2025, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in honor of the women and men of MetroSafe 911 who answer emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to Louisville residents and visitors.
“We know emergencies that require police, fire or emergency medical services can happen at any time and our public safety telecommunicators are always ready to be that vital link between residents and first responders,” said Mayor Greenberg. “From Call Takers to Dispatchers, each and every telecommunicator in MetroSafe contributes greatly to making Louisville a safer, stronger and healthier city.”
Some recent major events, including the Givaudan explosion, Clark Memorial Bridge rescue and the mass shooting at Old National Bank, have highlighted the work of telecommunications professionals at MetroSafe, the city’s consolidated 911 Communications Center.
“Our Public Safety Telecommunicators provide a 24-7 service and are often referred to as the first, first responder.” Jody Meiman, Executive Director, Louisville Metro Emergency Services said. “These individuals have dedicated their lives to becoming the calm in the storm and make an impact at the exact moment when someone needs it most. I am proud to serve alongside them and thank them for everything they do this week, and every day at MetroSafe.”
Across Louisville, in times of intense personal crisis and community-wide disasters, MetroSafe 911 is the first and single point of access for those needing immediate relief during an emergency and for those who are responding to the emergency.
Throughout the week, partner agencies will be showing their appreciation and recognizing staff for the remarkable tasks they perform daily.
MetroSafe 911 cannot run successfully without the support of Computer Aided Dispatch Analysts, Radio Technicians, personnel with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) unit, Metro311 and administrative staff. Their work is important to the job performance of Call Takers and Dispatchers, as well as the safety of first responders.
Those interested in a career as a 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator can learn more about the job requirements and submit their application here.
MAYOR GREENBERG ANNOUNCES LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP OF MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM FOR BLACK MEN
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 11, 2025) – Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has announced that the Louisville Metro Office of Social Services will sponsor a day-long symposium focused on the mental health needs of Black men.
The Black Men’s Mental Health Symposium on April 19 will bring together experts in the field of mental health and provide opportunities to learn about barriers to – and solutions for – mental health care. First Neighborhood Place Site Administrator Ricky Owens is organizing the symposium.
“At the Neighborhood Places, we help people, especially in emergency situations, but oftentimes it’s difficult for us to get at the root of what’s actually going on,” said Owens. “The hard part in getting help is admitting that you need help. Oftentimes, we just don’t want to admit that we need help.”
“We want every single person in Louisville to have the information they need to build a healthier life, and we want to make sure we’re reaching communities that haven’t had equal access to these resources in the past,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This symposium will break down some of the barriers and stigma that often come with seeking mental health services, and help us create a safer, stronger, and healthier Louisville.”
The symposium is the culmination of seven “Black MENtal Health” workshops that have taken place over the last year, each organized by Owens and First Neighborhood Place with assistance from local organizations. These well-attended workshops introduce various topics related to mental health – such as depression, trauma, and the impact of violence – and then provide space for small groups to discuss those topics in detail.
“A lot of people say they’ve talked about things they’ve never talked about before, because they never had that space to have that conversation, or felt comfortable having that conversation,” said Owens.
The symposium will take place from 9am to 4:30pm, Saturday, April 19, at the Roots 101 African American Museum (124 N. 1st St.). Scheduled presenters include Dr. Steven Kniffley, Dr. Dartanya Hill, Dr. Trinidad Jackson, Damon Cobble LMFT, Aubrey Williams, and more.
The Black Men’s Mental Health Symposium is free, but participants must be registered to attend. To reserve a spot, contact Ricky Owens at ricky.owens@louisvilleky.gov or call 502-313-4700.
This event is sponsored by the Louisville Metro Office of Social Services, Aetna, Jefferson County Public Schools, and the Roots 101 African American Museum.
PRESS AVAILABILITY
WHAT: Black Men’s Mental Health Symposium
WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 9am-4:30pm (media members are invited to attend opening remarks at 9am, with interview opportunities afterward)
WHERE: Roots 101 African American Museum, 124 N. 1st St.
WHO: Featured speakers include Dr. Steven Kniffley, Dr. Dartanya Hill, Dr. Trinidad Jackson, Damon Cobble (LMFT), Aubrey Williams, and more.
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