In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Approving a $1.2 billion operating and capital budget is one of the most arduous, complex, and high-stakes responsibilities the Louisville Metro Council faces. It is an exercise in patience, negotiation, and, most importantly, collaboration. The budget process requires balancing the diverse needs of our growing city with finite resources, and it demands thoughtful give-and-take among those of us who advocate fiercely for our districts.
This year’s budget journey began in April when the mayor proposed his version of the budget. From that point until Monday, June 23rd, my colleagues and I worked diligently to advocate for our districts—each of us striving to secure funding for projects that will improve the daily lives of our constituents. These weeks were filled with meetings, debates, and countless discussions as we weighed priorities ranging from road repairs to public safety investments. Negotiating the budget was not only about numbers on a spreadsheet; it was about ensuring equity across all neighborhoods and delivering on promises to the people we serve. Finally, after an attempted comprehensive amendment by one of my colleagues and much debate, we approved the entire budget on Thursday, June 26th.
In District 7, I focused on projects that address pressing needs and enhance quality of life. I was proud to secure $350,000 for the expansion of the left turn lane on Herr Lane to Westport Road, which will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in a busy corridor. Additionally, I secured $30,000 in partnership match funds with Graymoor-Devondale to install new streetlights—an investment that will increase safety and provide peace of mind to our residents.
Beyond these district-specific victories, District 7 residents will also benefit from several initiatives funded through the approved budget. These include sidewalk construction at the LaGrange Road/Whipps Mill Road intersections—making our streets safer for pedestrians—and enhanced public safety resources, such as modern equipment for police, fire, and EMS departments. Another significant investment is the $6 million allocation for a first responders’ training facility, which will improve emergency response preparedness and protect both first responders and residents. The budget also includes funding to expand library collections, helping reduce wait times for requested materials and improving access to educational resources.
Throughout the budget process, I was guided by a commitment to advocate for meaningful investments while maintaining fiscal responsibility. That’s why I want to address an important matter directly and transparently: my abstention from voting on the capital budget.
You may have heard speculation about why I chose to abstain. Let me be perfectly clear—my decision had absolutely nothing to do with avoiding support for police, fire, EMS, or any investments in parks or libraries. Any claim suggesting otherwise is a complete fabrication of the truth.
The only reason I abstained from voting on the capital budget was my prior employment with Simmons College of Kentucky. During my time there, I had direct involvement in writing a $3 million grant proposal for the William J. Simmons Foundation, which was intended as seed funding for a $28 million renovation of a building that would house the college’s new S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program. Because the budget included a $1.5 million allocation related to Simmons College, it was both necessary and appropriate for me to abstain from the vote.
This decision was not taken lightly. It was essential to maintain impartiality and avoid any potential conflict of interest. My commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and integrity guides every action I take as your representative on the Metro Council. Abstaining in this case was the right thing to do, and it ensured the integrity of both the budget process and my role as your councilwoman.
I know that a strong, effective government depends on the trust of the people it serves. That trust is built through honesty, ethical behavior, and open communication. I am fully committed to those principles, and I will continue to advocate tirelessly for the needs of District 7 while upholding the highest standards of public service.
If you would like to review the approved operating and capital budgets in detail, I encourage you to visit the Louisville Metro Government website at Approved Budgets by Fiscal Year | LouisvilleKY.gov. They will soon be posted for you to see firsthand how your tax dollars are being invested in our city’s future.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community for everyone.
What began as a gray Saturday morning quickly brightened up inside the Arterburn, the City of St. Matthews Community Center, where neighbors, city leaders, and District 7 residents gathered for Muffins with McCraney.
While the muffins (blueberry, chocolate, and cinnamon streusel) were a hit, the real draw was the open, honest dialogue. Councilwoman McCraney welcomed attendees with her signature warmth and got straight to it - listening, engaging, and encouraging solutions.
Special guest speakers included Deputy Mayor Dana Mayton from Mayor Greenberg's Office, Joel Dock from Planning and Design, and Steve Kurowsky from Louisville Metro's Transportation Division. Deputy Mayor Nicole George pleasantly surprised us with her presence, too.
Topics ranged from zoning to the mayor’s proposed budget, but what sparked the most energy was trash: litter near the I-264 ramp and unsecured loads from garbage trucks. This is where Deputy George kindly and without hesitation responded with concern, clarity, and transparency. She accepted the responsibility for contacting the appropriate departments to get the ball rolling on investigation of the issues. Her direct approach was well-received (See below under "See Something, Say Something" for the outcome!).
Other special guests included St. Matthews Mayor, Rick Tonini, Plantation Mayor, Becky Peak, and Beechwood Village Mayor, Andy Conlisk.
Muffins with McCraney wasn’t just a community event, it was filled with meaningful conversations and a reminder that in District 7, every voice has a seat at the table.
Great news! Following concerns raised during Muffins with McCraney, the area near the I-264 ramp (Exit 20B) has been cleaned.
Multiple bags of garbage, wood debris, and overgrown vegetation were removed. Goodwill’s Another Way Crew assisted in the clean-up.
THANK YOU TO GOODWILL'S ANOTHER WAY CREW!!!
It’s a small win with big impact and a reminder that when voices are raised, action follows.
THANK YOU TO THE LOUISVILLE METRO TRANSPORTATION DIVISION, AND DEPUTY MAYOR NICOLE GEORGE!
Councilwoman McCraney will keep her eye on this area to see if it accumulates trash, debris, and waste again over time. If it should become unsightly again, the Councilwoman will contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for a long-term solution. As the engineer in Louisville Metro's Transportation Division stated, the debris could be coming off the interstate, plus the standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos. Another concern is the torn fence that is lining the property, the pipe structure, and the possible need for riprap (large stones or durable material used to prevent erosion and protect shorelines).
Stay tuned, District 7, and as Councilwoman McCraney always encourages --- If you see something, please say something. Call Metro 311 or our office at (502) 574-1107.
Kammerer Middle School Earns National Career Academy Accreditation
We’re proud to celebrate a major milestone right here in District 7! Kammerer Middle School has made history by becoming the first middle school in the entire nation to earn national accreditation as a “Career Academy.”
This groundbreaking achievement reflects Kammerer’s forward-thinking approach to education and its commitment to preparing students for real-world success. Through innovative programming and hands-on learning, students are exploring careers early and building a strong foundation for high school and beyond.
Programs include:
- Health science exploration, where students learn how to measure heart rates and oxygen levels
- Drone technology and flight simulation
- Brain system studies and wellness education
Launched in 2022, Kammerer’s Explore Program empowers students to sample various career fields through age-appropriate, engaging curriculum.
Congratulations to Kammerer for setting the bar and leading the way in career-focused education for middle school students. This is a proud moment for District 7, and a powerful step toward a brighter future for our youth.
Check out these two news reports about Kammerer's accomplishment:
https://www.wdrb.com/news/education/jcps-middle-school-becomes-1st-in-us-to-earn-accreditation-as-career-academy/article_cc5aafdf-8ae5-4915-9c7d-a57f7f2cb7c3.html
https://www.wave3.com/video/2025/06/10/kammerer-middle-school-becomes-first-nationally-accredited-career-academy/
The council passed the amended operating budget with a 21–4 vote and approved the capital budget 20–4, with one abstention.
So, what’s in the budget? Much of it centers around improving public safety, expanding affordable housing, and investing in new infrastructure.
Key highlights include:
- Major funding for LMPD, Fire, and EMS, including expanded recruitment efforts and a new first responder training facility
- More security cameras and license plate readers to help deter and investigate crime
- $2 million set aside to begin exploring artificial intelligence to improve city services
- Three new $3 million funds to support business development, infrastructure, and road improvements
- Support for affordable housing, with a goal of creating 15,000 new units by 2027
- Investment in a community care campus for families experiencing homelessness and a medical facility to care for unhoused individuals discharged from hospitals
Metro Council committee meetings resume on July 22, 2025. The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m.
To watch the Council meeting 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 LouisvilleMetroTV 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.
After months of budget negotiations and extra committee meetings to discuss the budget, the Metro Councilmembers will be on summer break from June 30 through July 20. While there will be no committee or full council meetings, and Councilmembers will use the time to vacation and get reenergized during this time, district offices remain open and available to assist you.
If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to District 7's Legislative Assistant, Krystal Goodner, at (502) 574-1107, or by email at krystal.goodner@louisvilleky.gov. We are here to help!
New laws passed this year by the Kentucky General Assembly went into effect on June 27, 2025.
Cities can expect changes on a variety of measures from alcohol beverage control investigators certification, firefighter work schedules, municipal audits, the Local Assistance Road Program (LARP), and street-legal special purpose vehicles to name a few.
Click below to review the new laws:
https://www.klc.org/CityNews/news/new-laws-take-effect-june-27
Stay Safe, District 7 (And Protect Those Paws, Too!)
Louisville has been sweating through a sweltering heatwave this week, with temps climbing into the 90s and heat indexes soaring past 100. While a cooldown is on the horizon, it’s still important to take precautions. Whether you’re out running errands, walking the dog, or pushing through the workday, heat-related illness can strike fast, especially for children, seniors, outdoor workers, and pets.
🔥Heat Safety Tips for Humans:
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Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty.
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Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours (typically 11 AM to 4 PM).
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Wear loose, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
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Never leave children or pets in parked cars not even for a minute.
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Check on elderly neighbors and those without air conditioning.
🐾 Heat Safety Tips for Pets:
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Pavement check: If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. (Try the “7-second test”: Press your hand to the pavement, if you can’t hold it there for 7 seconds, it's unsafe for your pet.)
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Walk during cooler hours early mornings or after sunset.
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Keep fresh water available at all times.
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Watch for signs of overheating in dogs: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting.
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Avoid shaving double-coated breeds their coats help regulate temperature.
If you or someone you know needs a place to cool down, Louisville Metro often opens cooling centers during extreme weather events. Check louisvilleky.gov for the latest updates and available locations.
Let’s beat the heat one school at a time.
District 7 residents and community partners are invited to help bring more shade, beauty, and environmental benefits to our local schoolyards. Through its reforestation initiative, TreesLouisville is partnering with schools across Jefferson County to plant up to 50 trees per campus, creating vibrant, shaded learning environments for our students.
Why it matters: Planting trees around schools isn’t just about looks. Trees:
- Cool down overheated schoolyards
- Improve air quality and reduce flooding
- Support student mental health and physical well-being
- Provide homes for wildlife and pollinators
- Build a greener, stronger sense of community
Know a school that could use a green glow-up? TreesLouisville handles it all, from working with the school and selecting the right trees with certified arborists to planting and maintaining them for three years.
To sponsor a tree-planting project or learn more contact: morgan@treeslouisville.org
Let’s work together to grow a cooler, healthier future for our children.
Louisville Metro Government is seeking a Neighborhood Representative to serve on the System Development Charge Oversight Committee, a group that helps shape how our city grows and moves.
A System Development Charge (SDC) is a fee required when issuing residential building permits. This fee supports the public roadway improvements needed to accommodate new development and ensure our infrastructure keeps up with growth. It is not the same as a permit or application fee.
As outlined in Section 164.20 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances, the Oversight Committee is responsible for reviewing road classifications and calculating SDC fees every two years.
Now accepting self-nominations for residents interested in representing neighborhoods across Louisville. If selected, you'll play a key role in helping ensure transparency, equity, and community voice in our city’s development process.
To apply, submit:
- A one-page letter explaining your interest in serving as the Neighborhood Representative
- A resume no longer than two pages
Submit your materials by Friday, July 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM Send via email to: brian.davis@louisvilleky.gov Or drop off in person at: Louisville Metro Office of Planning Metro Development Center 444 S. Fifth Street, 3rd Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Late submissions will not be considered.
Culture on the Go? There’s an APP for that
New Cultural Pass App Makes Summer Exploring Easier Than Ever
The 2025 Cultural Pass just got a major upgrade!
Families across Greater Louisville can still enjoy free access to over 50 arts and cultural venues through August 10, but this year, planning your adventures is simpler than ever. The new Cultural Pass App helps users track visits, explore events, and discover hidden gems all in one place.
Whether you’re visiting a museum, catching a show, or joining a hands-on workshop, this digital tool makes cultural discovery seamless and fun.
Learn more or download the app at: culturalpass.org.
Westport Village – The Summer Edit
Date: Friday, July 12
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Join the fun at Westport Village in Graymoor-Devondale for The Summer Edit, a seasonal celebration featuring shopping, music, and family-friendly vibes. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!
Your Guide to Fourth of July Fun in Louisville
(Event details courtesy of Louisville Tourism)
Get ready to light up the holiday! Louisville is bringing the energy this Independence Day.
Here’s your red, white, and BOOM rundown:
🎇 July 3
Louisville Bats Game + Fireworks Slugger Field Catch the Louisville Bats as they take on the Indianapolis Indians, then stick around for a post-game fireworks show lighting up downtown.
Bluegrass & Booms at Kentucky Kingdom July 3–5 Enjoy a weekend of thrills and twang at Kentucky Kingdom, with live music by Kentucky Blue and a 15-minute choreographed fireworks finale each night around 10 PM.
🎆 July 4
Waterfront Park Fourth of July Celebration Great Lawn | Begins at 5 PM Live music, family activities, local food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show at 9:45 PM—all free and open to the public. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and patriotic spirit!
Fourth of July in Paristown Brent Street | All-day fun Explore an artisan market, enter the donut hole eating contest (thanks, Jeff’s Donuts!), catch The Crashers live, and enjoy Zambelli fireworks at 9:45 PM.
🎶 Bonus: July 5
Louisville Orchestra’s Roarchestra! Louisville Zoo | 8:30 PM Close out the holiday week with symphonic sounds under the stars. The Louisville Orchestra teams up with the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind outdoor concert experience.
🎈 Suburban City Celebrations in District 7:
Beechwood Village 4th of July Parade 10:30 AM | Corner of Blenheim & Biltmore Kids, pets, wagons, and bikes are all welcome. Parade ends at Beechwood Baptist Church with free ice cream and prizes!
Northfield Independence Day Parade 10:00 AM | Friday, July 4 A kid-focused tradition with a city police escort for safety. All are welcome to join the fun!
Graymoor-Devondale 4th of July Parade Friday, July 4 | Starts at St. Albert the Great Parking Lot Join neighbors for a classic parade celebrating community, freedom, and summer fun.
📢 Important Reminder:
City of Woodlawn Park: Illegal fireworks are strictly prohibited. Violators will face fines, don't risk it!
Grill season is heating up and so are the deals at
Brownsboro Hardware!
Stop by and save big on top brands:
- Up to $300 off select Traeger Grills through July 7
- Special pricing on Weber Grills through July 9
- Big Green Egg sale running now through July 7
Whether you’re a backyard BBQ pro or just getting started, this is a great time to upgrade your setup and support a trusted local business right here in the district.
- I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?
- You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy.
- I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?
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