I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and that all your fingers are intact! 

I've always heard that summer is supposed to be slow but, judging by this newsletter, that's not true! There's a lot happening in D15 and around the city!

Budget is in the rearview mirror and, whew, what a doozy! After months of budget hearings, discussions, and comments, Metro Council passed the city's $1.2 billion budget. 

During the June 26th meeting, Councilman Lyninger proposed the People's Budget which amended the amended version to drastically decrease spending on LMPD and some superfluous capital projects and invest more in community-based services, affordable housing, and public transit. Unfortunately, this amendment did not pass. I'm grateful to Councilman Lyninger for proposing this amendment (no small feat!) and to Councilwomen Parrish-Wright and Raymond for joining us with a yes vote for the People's Budget.

When the full budget came to a vote, I cast a "no" vote. While there are a lot of great things in the budget for D15, I didn't feel like the budget had a clear vision of how we were moving Louisville forward, and how we were empowering our communities and people to be stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. There were things in the budget that I just couldn't back, such as $6 million to a "first responders" training facility that we don't have any plans for, nearly $10 million for a $72 million police headquarters that we also don't have any plans for, $3 million for "south end business development" that true parts of the south end in D15 and other districts will never see ($1 million of that money is to attract a "Dixie National Restaurant Chain"...I can't make this up), $4 million for the Jefferson County Clerk to replace election books that are not expired, $1 million to a for-profit company to that has already received $2 million from the city and has yet to produce any of the housing they were supposed to have built a year ago, a $2.5 million reduction to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. I could go on and on, but what's done is done and now our job is to hold that budget that was passed accountable. 

Enough lamenting about the crappy stuff. Let's look at some of the D15 wins in the FY26 budget: 

• $675,000 for a new Iroquois Park playground (+$75,000 from the Olmsted Conservancy)
• $230,000 for Emerson Park playground & fence
• $50,000 for Wyandotte Park improvements
• $150,000 for the Bluegrass Ave. sidewalk connecting the Mill Creek Apartments to Mary & Elizabeth Hospital
• $218,509 for traffic calming on S. 5th Street
• $125,450 for traffic calming on Brentwood Ave, Bellevue Ave, and Denmark St
• $18,000 for traffic calming on Charles St
• $9,000 for traffic calming on Wainwright Ave

The budget also includes other nearby wins, such as investments in G.G. Moore Park ($400,000), the Highland Park Bike Park ($750,000), Arcade Ave traffic calming ($244,450), Delor Ave traffic calming ($38,550), Barrett Ave and Ellison Ave traffic calming ($88,550), and a new fence at Watterson Lake Park ($100,000). 

Here's some more good news: 

• We're proud to announce that BOB is coming to Hazelwood in Fall 2025!!! More info below. 
  
• We're still making progress in Meriwether-Fort Hill after completing our BOB initiative. Hopefully, residents have noticed trees getting trimmed in Preston Park and utility wires being cleaned up
  
• The 55th Annual World Championship Dainty Contest will be held on Monday, July 28th. Dainty celebrations go on all weekend long with the Dainty Fest on Saturday and Sunday leading up to the big day. All the details are below. This will be my 5th year leading the event alongside the incredible Dainty Planning Committee! We have some cool things planned, so I hope you'll join us!
  
• Whether you have a pet or you need one, there are plenty of resources for furry friends this July! From low-cost clinics to free adoptions, Louisville Metro Animal Services is stepping up in a big way! My office is also happy to partner with Ethan Almighty to host a clinic offering free spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, and more later this month. More information can be found below. 
  
• We have a great announcement coming soon for the Saint Joseph neighborhood (hint: it involves our BFFs over at TreesLouisville!)

There's a lot of great things happening here in D15 and I'm so happy that we get to do it all together! 

Before you know it, football season will be here, the leaves will be changing, and we'll be crossing off gifts on our Christmas lists. In the meantime, soak up the rest of summer, gear up for a new school year, and be a good neighbor. 

We’re always here for you, so please don’t be a stranger.

See y'all around D15,

3rd Street Kroger Closure

We're very disheartened to hear about Kroger's decision to close their 3rd Street location. No only is the community losing a grocery store, but also another pharmacy. It's definitely a hit to neighbors who rely on this store for groceries, food, and other necessities. Unfortunately, there isn't much Metro Council can do to prevent the closure since it is a private corporation. However, we want to make sure that the community continues to be supported despite the closure.  We've been talking with the Kroger corporate office and they are organizing a Meet Your Store event to "ease the transition for customers affected by the closure of Store 332 (South 3rd Street) by introducing residents to Store 752 (the Cardinal Station Kroger), their new primary shopping location. This event is designed to build trust, reduce confusion and reinforce Kroger’s commitment to personalized service and community connection." We're still waiting on the details of this event, although Kroger corp. has proposed July 17th from 2 to 4 pm as the event date.  Here's more about the event in Kroger's words: Event Goals: Provide trusted guidance and continuity, reinforcing role as a community connector. Ensure residents have access to practical resources, including store maps, transportation options and public services, so they can shop confidently at their new store. Highlight advocacy for equitable access to food, transportation, and health services. Event Components: Snacks & Refreshments – Hospitality for a welcoming experience Store Map – Confidence in navigating the new store layout Meet the Team – Leadership introductions and personal greetings Pharmacy Station – Prescription transfer info, pharmacist meet & greet Store Feature Tour – Showcasing amenities like The Little Clinic, Murray’s Cheese, Fuel Center Convenience Services – Info on Pickup, Delivery, and digital savings Coupon Distribution – Exclusive deals to encourage trial and return visits Q&A Table – Addressing customer concerns in real time We will keep you updated on event details as we receive them.

BOB: Hazelwood

Hello, Hazelwood!! We're so excited to bring BOB to Hazelwood this fall! BOB: Hazelwood will be our 4th BOB initiative in District 15. Over the next 6 months, we'll take an intensive approach in learning the needs of the neighbors and addressing those needs in their homes and throughout their neighborhood. BOB hinges on solid community engagement, so we have a variety of ways that we are seeking to connect with the Hazelwood community. From door-to-door canvassing to BOB Pop-Ups at local businesses, we've laid out a roadmap for connection. Stay tuned for more information about BOB Pop-Ups, how to sign-up for services, and how you can get involved in all the BOB action!  Discover more about BOB: Hazelwood here.

Emerson Park Update

Emerson Park: Phase 1 was funded in 2024 and we're thrilled that Emerson Park: Phase 2 has been funded in 2025!!!  If you took our survey on where to put the fitness equipment for Phase 1—THANK YOU!! We got a lot of great feedback! We're still analyzing the data, but we've got the fitness equipment layouts narrowed down.  We're in the process of working with the playground designer and Metro Parks to finalize the elements for Phase 2. Since Phase 2 goes beyond an expanded playground, we're excited to explore how we can make sure the caregiver area is up to snuff and new fencing around the playground and the Emerson Community Garden.  Getting funding for Phase 1 and 2 was HUGE. This is over $300,000 in new investment for Emerson Park, and I'm so grateful to have been able to advocate for this investment! Now, we'll set the plan to execute both phases. I'll keep you updated as we move forward and when you can expect to see changes in the park.  Stay tuned!

2025-2026 D15 Sidewalk & Paving Projects

Sidewalks

Central Ave from Crittenden to S 3rd ($90,000)

Sale Avenue from Taylor Blvd to Warren Avenue ($7,000)

Paving

S 5th St from Colorado St. to M St. ($115,692)

Creel Avenue from S 4th Street to S 5th St ($26,882)

Hoertz/George Hauck Way from Goss Avenue to Morgan St. ($143,439)

Hickory St from E. Burnett to Delor Ave ($77,085)

Sylvia St from E. Burnett to Texas Ave ($98,047)

Old Hazelwood Ave from Hazelwood Ave to Arling Ave ($20,547)

Hazelwood Court from Old Hazelwood Ave to dead end ($14,587)

Arling Ave from Hazelwood Ave to Taylor Blvd. ($174,674)

Arling Court from Arling Ave to dead end ($7,572)

Lawrie Ln from Arling Ave to Huntoon Ave ($25,813)

Huntoon Ave from Lawrie Ln to dead end ($13,840)

Huntoon Ave from Taylor Blvd to dead end ($129,099)

Haskin Ave from Taylor Blvd to dead end ($126,318)

Lancaster Ave from Arling Ave to Huntoon Ave ($19,047)

Lonsdale Ave from Arling Ave to Huntoon Abe ($24, 025)

Old Eastern Parkway from the Brook Street Connector to S. Floyd Street ($23,661)

Hahn St from S Floyd to Eastern Parkway ($25,227)

Arthur St from University Blvd to Eastern Parkway ($31,672)

University Blvd from S. Brook St to Arthur St ($42,124)

University Blvd from S Floyd St to Arthur St ($81,396)

Hazelwood Ave from Bluegrass Ave to Manslick Road ($265,414)

BIG BOB DAY: Meriwether-Fort Hill Recap

Reshare: We're still gathering the metrics and measuring impact from our BOB program in Meriwether-Fort Hill. Once we update the BOB website, I'll be sure to share the link. 

In the meantime, THANK YOU to the Louisville Metro departments, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners that made BOB possible. Another huge THANKS to the Meriweather-Fort Hill Neighborhood Association for all their hard work, and to Alena, the D15 BOB Coordinator who works so hard to make BOB so great. ❤️

Louisville Bats Community Nights

The Louisville Bats present "Metro Council Community Nights," an opportunity for all constituents of every Metro Council district, geared toward, but not exclusively for, residents who might otherwise not be able to afford to attend a Bats game. The offer is extended to both individuals and mentoring organizations, social service agencies, underprivileged kids’ groups, etc. The two games this year are scheduled for Tuesday, August 5th and Tuesday, September 16th. Vouchers include: Free admission for a reserved seat at Louisville Slugger Field A voucher good for one free hot dog, and one free small soft drink Tuesdays also include $4 tacos available at the ballpark, including the two Gustavo’s Mexican Grill stands Individuals and groups of >20 guests can sign-up here. Organizations and groups of 20+ can sign-up here. Ticket distribution will begin July 1st. Please be patient and allow time for tickets to be distributed. If you do not receive your tickets by July 31st, please email hibrahim@batsbaseball.com.

FREE Senior Lawn Care Services in Taylor-Berry

Friends of Nicole / 50/50 Mentoring Collaborative, the Office for Violence Prevention, and the amazing CRISP Taylor-Berry Beautification Team is still looking for a few more senior residents who could use help with lawn care this summer! If you or someone you know is 60+ and lives in the Taylor-Berry neighborhood, we’d love to add you to our FREE lawn care service. 💚 Let our youth leaders take care of your yard with care and respect — all while learning valuable job skills and giving back to the community. 📞 To sign up or nominate someone, call/text Nicole at 509-4859 or email info5050mentoring@gmail.com. Tag a neighbor who might benefit! 🌱

Parks Employee Spotlight

The Park Bench, Parks & Rec’s regular e-newsletter, puts the spotlight on a Parks employee who is working hard to make our parks the best ever. Recently, Parks recognized James Brown, Chief Park Ranger for Louisville Metro Parks. Chief Brown is the first Park Ranger to be hired by the city and will be developing the Park Ranger program and hiring more Rangers to oversee the city's 120 parks.  Want The Park Bench delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up here.

D15 July Event Calendar

7/1: Taylor Berry Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 2611 Taylor Blvd)
7/1: Wilder Park Neighborhood Association meeting (6:30 pm; 120 Fairmont Ave)
7/4: 4th of July (Metro offices closed)
7/8: LMPD 4th Division Advisory board meeting (6:30 pm; 1340 S. 4th St)
7/9: Meriwether-Fort Hill Neighborhood Association meeting (6:30 pm; 511 E. Burnett Ave)
7/12: Saint Joseph's Neighborhood Clean-Up (10 am; 2100 S. Preston St)
7/12: Schnitzelburg Garden Tour (9 am; 1515 S. Shelby St)
7/13: Buy Local First Fair South Points (noon; Iroquois Park)
7/15: Lucky Horseshoe Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 1017 Queen Ave)
7/15: Brightside Volleyball Classic—Metro Council vs the Mayor's Office (10 am; Seneca Park)
7/21: German-Paristown Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 942 E. Kentucky St)
7/26-28: Dainty Fest!
7/28: Friends of Iroquois Park meeting (6:30 pm; 1080 Amphitheater Drive)
7/31: Metro Council meeting (6 pm; 601 W. Jefferson St)

Follow @councilwomanchappell

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Music in the Park @ Iroquois Park: July 10

Music in the Park is returning this summer! This event through Louisville Parks & Recreation is designed for seniors, but all are welcome! Music in the Park will be at Iroquois Park on Thursday, July 10th from 11 am to 1 pm. There will be live music, vendors, and raffles. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free lunch and ice cream. Note: The rain date for Iroquois Park is Thursday, July 17th.

FREE Microchip Clinic: July 12

Pets4Life Louisville is holding a FREE microchip clinic this on Saturday, July 12th from noon to 2 pm in Iroquois Park at the Sunnyhill Pavilion.  There is space for 100 dogs to receive a free microchip! Register to reserve your spot here.

Saint Joseph Neighborhood Clean-Up: July 12

The Saint Joseph Area Association (SJAA) is hosting a neighborhood clean-up on Saturday, July 12 at 10 am. Participants should meet on the Zanzabar patio at 10 am to grab free coffee from Sunergos, bags, and gloves. When you're done picking up trash, head back to Zanzabar for free pizza from Craft House Pizza.  For more information, please email stjosaa@gmail.com.

Schnitzelburg Garden Tour: July 12

The Schnitzelburg Area Community Council (SACC) is hosting a Garden Tour on Saturday, July 12th from 9 am to noon.  Garden tours are free, self-guided, and open to the public—no sign up needed to attend! Pick up a map at Oscar’s Hardware (1515 S. Shelby St) on Saturday morning and walk to gardens around the Schnitzelburg. End your tour with small bites and a plant swap at Hop Atomica at noon. The first 15 attendees get 20% coupon to Hess Landscape Nursery!  Get out and enjoy your neighborhood!

Iroquois Park Overlook Open to Cars: July 12 & 13

The gate to the North Overlook via Uppill Road in Iroquois Park will be open on the second Saturday and Sunday of the month from 10 am to 4 pm from March through November. Please remember to drive SLOWLY as the drive will still be shared with pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. Remaining 2025 open gate dates: July 12 & 13 August 9 & 10 September 13 & 14 October 11 & 12 November 8 & 9 Note: Dates are weather dependent.

Buy Local Fair South Points: July 13

The South Points Buy Local Fair will take place at Iroquois Park on Sunday, July 13th from noon until 4 pm between the Amphitheater and playground. Free entry! Free parking in the Amphitheater parking lot!

The event will feature:

• Local, independent businesses with South Louisville ties
• Music that's fun for everyone
• Kids activities including bouncy house and crafts
• Health screenings at UofL Health Mary & Elizabeth Hospital booth
• Local libations including food and beer
• Silent auction
• Free ice cold refills from Louisville Water Company

Wesley House Back to School Bash: July 19

The Wesley House annual Back to School event is happening on Saturday, July 19th, from 11 am to 3 pm. This event promises an exciting afternoon filled with fun, food, and community spirit. Wesley House is offering 300 free backpacks for children, available on a first-come, first-served basis. More volunteers and community donations are needed, including: Volunteers to assist with setup and activities 75 additional empty backpacks School supply donations Additional sponsors Join them in making this event a success!

Dainty Fest 2025: July 26-28

Get ready for the 55th Annual World Championship Dainty Contest and 5th Annual Dainty Fest! 🎉 Dainty Fest kicks off on Saturday, July 26th at The Merryweather (1101 Lydia Street) from 5 pm to 10 pm with the Dainty FUNdraiser, including Dainty carnival games, OVW wrestling, and bands. On Sunday, July 27th, catch the Dainty Parade through the streets of Schnitzelburg at noon as the party heads over to George Hauck Way. At Schnitzelburg’s Sunday Funday, visit with neighborhood associations, dance in a silent disco, watch the Bologna Sandwich Eating Contest, and take in all the fun at Hauck's Corner (1000 Goss Avenue) from 1 pm to 4 pm. Finally, join us on Monday, July 28th, as we gather on George Hauck Way for the 55th Annual World Championship Dainty Contest to see who will be crowned the 2025 Dainty World Champion. The fun starts on Monday at 5 pm with dignitary play then the real competition begins. As always, we'll have bologna, beer, and bands. Note: Player sign-up starts at 4:30 pm on Monday and you must be over 45 to play.  More info and a full schedule of events: https://www.daintyfest.org/

Greenheart Ice Cream Social: July 26

You’re invited to Green Heart Louisville's upcoming Summer Ice Cream Social on July 26th from 2 to 4 pm in the Most Blessed Sacrament gym (1125 Hathaway Ave). Learn about Greenheart and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with games, face painting, and music. There's something exciting for the entire family!

Spay Neuter Clinic: July 27

On Sunday, July 27th, Louisville Metro Animal Services, Ethan Almighty, and Metro Council are joining forces to offer free animal services to the community.  Services include:  Spaying Neutering Microchipping Vaccines Heartworm tests All services are free, but you need to schedule an appointment at EthanAlmighty.com to reserve your spot.  Hurry to make sure you secure your appointment today!

Friends of Iroquois Park Meeting: July 28

The Friends of Iroquois Park will be meeting on Monday, July 28 at 6:30 pm at the Iroquois Library (601 W. Woodlawn Ave). All are welcome to join in a conversation about making Iroquois Park even better!

LMPD's National Night Out: August 5

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 5th, and join neighbors, community leaders, and law enforcement for National Night Out 2025 — a nationwide celebration of community-police partnerships and public safety! This free, family-friendly evening will feature, live music & entertainment, food & giveaways, Fire & EMS displays, LMPD Specialty Units, kids’ activities, and neighborhood and crime prevention resources. No registration is required — just show up, bring your family, and enjoy the fun while learning more about how we can all help build a safer community.

Strong Towns Louisville Monthly Meetup: July 12

Strong Towns Louisville is a group of community organizers who are looking to make Louisville better through place-making and policy.  Their next monthly meetup is happening on Saturday, July 12 from 3 pm to 4:30 pm at the Western Library (604 S 10th Street) in the basement.  At the July meeting, they will be discussing bench locations, parklet advocacy, their Walk the Blocks wayfinding initiative, and anything else the group would like to discuss. All are welcome!

Cyclouvia on Frankfort Avenue: July 13

Join in for Cyclouvia Frankfort Avenue on Sunday, July 13th from 2 to 6 pm as Louisville’s most beloved urban corridors turns into a vibrant, car-free paved park! Frankfort Avenue will be closed to vehicles from Stilz Avenue to Pope Street, creating a safe and welcoming space for walking, running, biking, skating, scooting, dancing, and everything in between. This free, fun, and family-friendly event invites neighbors of all ages to connect, play, and enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way.

West Louisville Youth Empowerment Summit: July 18

Louisville Central Community Centers (LCCC) invites you to be a part of our 9th Annual West Louisville Youth Empowerment Summit, taking place on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 9 am to 3 pm at 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40203. We welcome you to attend, be a sponsor, participate as a panelist, or to host a booth. We also ask you to please help us get the word out! This year's theme — "Your Voice, Your Power, Your Future!" — centers youth as leaders and changemakers. The summit will feature a keynote presentation, interactive panel discussions, breakout sessions, and more, all designed to amplify youth voices and equip them with the tools to create change in their communities. 🔗 Event Link: bit.ly/25YouthSummit

Food Vision 2030

The new Greater Louisville Food Council will guide the implementation of the Food Vision 2030, which can be found at www.foodinneighborhoods.org. The Food Council is comprised of 22 individuals united in the common purpose of creating an equitable and resilient Louisville regional food system that supports all aspects of the food system – from the producer to the consumer. Food in Neighborhoods (FIN) is a group of concerned organizers, activists, and community members who come together to support community efforts to build a just, healthy, and sustainable food system in Louisville. In 2022, FIN secured a US Department of Agriculture Regional Food System Partnerships grant to host two public Food Summits, develop the Food Vision 2030, and launch the Greater Louisville Food Council. The project has involved more than a dozen partner organizations and hundreds of volunteers over two years.  Community members interested in contributing to this work are invited to volunteer as a participant in Working Groups, which meet monthly. Join a working group at https://foodinneighborhoods.org/getinvolved/joinworkinggroup.

CRC Paw-Cause

CRC Paws-Cause is on a mission to provide safety and stability for both people and their pets during life transitions. Many individuals delay or avoid treatment because they don’t have a safe place for their animals and they aim to change that. CRC Paw-Cause fills a critical gap by keeping pets out of shelters while helping individuals get the care they need. They also find loving animals who need a soft place to land and place dogs in sober-living houses where they provide companionship and purpose. There are lots of ways to get involved and help community animals. Visit their website for more information and follow them on Facebook to find ways to help.

Louisville Grows Tree Champions

Louisville Grows recently reimagined their mission to cultivate greener, healthier neighborhoods through urban horticulture, expanding the tree canopy, and workforce development to foster a city more connected to people and the planet. Our vision is a thriving Louisville where every resident is empowered to create, nurture, and enjoy green spaces and gardens, engage in meaningful work opportunities, and contribute to the health of their community. As part of this renewed commitment, we’re launching the Neighborhood Tree Champion Program, which invites neighborhoods to actively steward their tree canopy. For this program, Louisville Grows will provide between 15 and 30 free trees to participating neighborhoods. In return, we ask each neighborhood to identify a local “Lorax”- someone to serve as a Neighborhood Tree Champion. This individual will take the lead on canvassing neighbors, collecting tree requests, and serving as the primary liaison for the program. Louisville Grows will support the effort every step of the way. We’ll communicate directly with residents to confirm their tree orders and call 811 to locate underground utilities before planting occurs. We’ll help select the best location for each tree, handle the planting and mulching, and provide a watering apparatus to ensure the trees get a strong start. Tree Champions will also receive a comprehensive manual and all the necessary tools and resources to ensure success. If you are interested in becoming a Tree Champion or learning more about the program, contact Colin Meadows by emailing colin@louisvillegrows.org or visit tinyurl.com/treechamp

FREE Adoptions at LMAS

It's time to EMPTY THE SHELTERS with #YourCityShelter and the Bissell Pet Foundation! Thanks to Kathy Bissell and everyone with Bissell Pet Foundation, we are able to waive ALL adoption fees through July 19th. That means every kitten, every puppy, every dog, every cat has a SPONSORED fee through Bissell and you pay nothing! You read that right—EVERY SINGLE ANIMAL IS FREE!!!! Adopt one (or two!) and let the D15 office know and we'd love to send you some goodies for your new furry family member!  Find your next best friend: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services

Become a LMAS Foster!

Never walk alone- the world is a wild place. Having a big dog by your side will keep some crazy away. Always have a reason to leave the party early. "I gotta go let my foster dog out." Someone is always at home to greet you. You will be their hero. They will be your biggest fan. Feeling stressy and depressy? A dog is proven to make it better. "Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood." What are you waiting for? Sign up to foster RIGHT NOW!!! https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services/services/foster-care

LMAS Pet of the Week: Julius

Julius still has the most legendary tongue in the adoption game flopping, flailing, flapping proudly for all to see. You thought Tongue Out Tuesday was a trend? Julius said “Hold my drool” and made it a fulltime job. He’s a show’r, not a grower, respectfully. Julius is a certified handsome boy. That slick, blue coat? It shimmers like a midnight ocean (if the ocean also slobbers a little). He’s been a fan favorite in the shelter, keeping the same energy in foster, he loves new dogs and keeps foster siblings on rotation but is waiting for his big GOTCHA day! But here’s the BIG news...Julius is ready for his home! Come meet this tongue icon in person at the Mall St. Matthews FREE Pop-Up Adoption Event: Thursday, July 10 | 10AM–4PM 5000 Shelbyville Rd Sponsored adoption fee thanks to our partners BISSELL Pet Foundation. He could be slobbering on YOUR couch for free! So what are you waiting for? Julius is the dog other dogs envy! Come adopt the legend this Thursday, July 10th or if you can't wait, email MASFoster@louisvilleky.gov

The Office for Women (OFW) Allies Training: July 25

The Office for Women (OFW) Allies is a one-day immersive training program for men who represent communities across Metro Louisville. Our training will be held from 8:30 am to 4 pm on Friday, July 25 at Metro United Way, 334 East Broadway. Food and childcare will be provided on site. Through the program, participants will learn about the Office for Women, discuss men's mental health, role as caregivers and prevention of gender-based violence, as well as strengthen their individual and collective leadership. OFW Allies will also be able to participate in other OFW engagement events and assist in sharing information about the OFW. Our OFW Allies program aims to complement both OFW Ambassador and OFW Connector programs to ensure that all people in the community can be engaged in our work. Spread the word widely! Please scan the QR code or click here to register.

MSD Tree Planting Grants: Apply Now!

Each year, MSD’s Urban Reforestation Program partners with local organizations, neighborhood groups, and residents to plant 1,000 trees across Louisville and Jefferson County—strengthening our community’s green infrastructure one tree at a time. These trees actively manage stormwater while enhancing neighborhoods with beauty, shade, and cleaner air. Trees—and the green spaces they support—are powerful allies in protecting our waterways, reducing erosion, and creating a healthier, more resilient city for all.

The Urban Reforestation Program is now accepting applications for tree planting projects. Grants will pay for trees planted within the MSD Drainage Service area, which includes all of Jefferson County except for the cities of Shively, Jeffersontown, St. Matthews and Anchorage.  Visit https://louisvillemsd.org/trees for more information and to download the application. The application deadline is Friday August 1, 2025 at 5pm ET.

Please contact trees@louisvillemsd.org or (502) 540-6022 with any questions.

Roots of Change Youth Summit: August 2

The Office of Violence Prevention is partnering with the Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council to host the inaugural Roots of Change Youth Summit, a youth-planned, youth-led summit. The event will focus on community safety, mental health, leadership, and philanthropy. The summit will be held on August 2nd, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Ali Center. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to come together to create positive change.  More info: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-violence-prevention/roots-change-youth-summit Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roots-of-change-youth-growing-peace-through-giving-and-leadership-tickets-1431833194629?aff=oddtdtcreator

Solarize Louisville: Apply Now!

Daily Green Power and Pure Power Solar have been selected from a competitive pool of applicants as the designated vetted solar installation partners for the 2025 Solarize Louisville campaign! By connecting Solarize Louisville participants with the vetted installers, we are eliminating the hassle for residents to vet an installer themselves and also helping them access a great wholesale discount of 15-18%. In addition, Solarize Louisville participants may also be eligible for a 30% tax credit through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Solarize Louisville has installed solar on over 220 homes to date. Join this growing community today! Applying to Solarize is free and does not obligate you to sign a contract. Enrollment period ends September 1, 2025. Enroll here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0195b3ff7d697338b223dc686032a463

Plastic Free July

The Office of Sustainability is celebrating Plastic Free July, a global educational campaign aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives. 

Here are some ways you can be plastic free: 

Catch a screening of the documentary We're All Plastic People Now at Trellis Brewing at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 24.

Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) New Location

The Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) is pleased to announce the completion of its office relocation to our new central office in the 500W Building at 320 South 5th Street, in the heart of downtown Louisville.

As part of this transition, LMHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Department (Section 8) has relocated to the new headquarters and will no longer provide services at the United Building (600 South 7th Street).

This move reflects LMHA’s continued efforts to modernize operations, improve accessibility, and enhance service delivery for the thousands of residents and partners we serve. Nearly 150 LMHA employees now work downtown, consolidating services into one central and convenient location. Client services are located on the first floor (entry via South 5th Street), while administrative offices occupy the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors.

Please note our new official mailing address, effective immediately: Louisville Metro Housing Authority 320 South 5th Street Louisville, KY 40202.

We look forward to continuing our partnership and thank you for your ongoing support of LMHA’s mission to provide quality, affordable housing across our community.

If you have any questions or need assistance navigating this transition, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 502-569-6060.

Zoning Matters: Conversations with a City Planner

The Office of Planning "Zoning Matters: Conversations with a City Planner" series is returning in 2025. City Planners will be available to answer questions about zoning and discuss the ongoing LDC Reform project, including changes to increase housing opportunities throughout the city. We want to hear about your neighborhood and discuss what the reform means for you!

Here are the 2025 dates:

• Tuesday, August 5, Iroquois Library
• Tuesday, August 19, South Central Regional
• Tuesday, September 2, Bon Air Library
• Tuesday, September 16, Newburg Library
• Tuesday, September 30, Southwest Regional

All sessions are from 3 to 7 pm.

These conversations are part of the ongoing Land Development Code (LDC) Reform. The LDC Reform is an equity focused approach to revise the LDC consistently with Plan 2040 to allow for increased housing choices and opportunities in new and existing neighborhoods, to create procedures and regulations that are easier to use and increase the quality of life by reducing the concentration of environmental hazards near housing.

More information: www.louisvilleky.gov/ldcreform

If you have questions or want to learn more, contact ldcreform@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 574-8272

Serve on the System Development Charge Oversight Committee

A System Development Charge is a monetary fee imposed by Louisville Metro on development activities as a condition for issuing residential building permits. This charge funds public roadway facilities needed to serve new growth and development and to mitigate the impacts of these activities on Louisville Metro’s transportation infrastructure. It does not include any permit or application fees. Pursuant to Section 164.20 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances, the System Development Charge Oversight Committee shall be responsible for reviewing the classification of roads as designated or non-designated roads, and the calculation of charges on a bi-annual basis. A “Neighborhood Representative” selected by the Planning Committee of the Louisville Metro Planning Commission shall be one member of the Oversight Committee.

The Planning Committee of the Louisville Metro Planning Commission is accepting self nominations for anyone interested in being considered as the Neighborhood Representative. Interested parties shall submit 1.) a letter, no more than one page in length, stating why they are interested in being the Planning Committee’s appointee, and 2.) a resume, not exceeding more than two pages. These materials may be submitted to the Louisville Metro Office of Planning in person (Metro Development Center, 444 S. Fifth Street, 3rd Floor, Louisville, KY, 40202) or electronically via email to brian.davis@louisvilleky.gov. The deadline for submittals is Friday, July 11, 2025 at 5:00 pm. Nominations received after the deadline will not be considered.