Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 07/25/2025 12:14 PM EDT
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
JOIN US IN-PERSON NEXT MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN'S OFFICE AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
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Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
News from Mayor Greenberg and the City of Louisville
Mayor Greenberg announces results of the Vacant and Abandoned Property pilot program after its first year
Pilot area sees 63% drop in number of structure fires over the past year
LOUISVILLE, KY (July 22, 2025) – Mayor Craig Greenberg today announced a dramatic reduction in structure fires, which have decreased by 63% over the past year, in the program pilot area. The program began in April 2024, with the goal of enhancing safety around vacant and abandoned properties in the Urban Service District. The pilot area consists of a large portion of the Portland neighborhood and a section of the Russell neighborhood. This success is due to the coordinated efforts of several departments including Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations, Louisville Fire Department, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), Emergency Services, and Homeless Outreach.
“These numbers reflect more than just statistics—they represent lives protected, properties preserved, and neighborhoods made safer,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “The dedication and hard work of our teams have made a measurable difference, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with the community.”
Through the collaborative efforts of Code Enforcement Officers and the Vacant Lots boarding crew, work was conducted to identify and secure vulnerable properties, address community concerns, and mitigate blight within this pilot area. This innovative approach has played a pivotal role in decreasing the frequency of breaches in vacant or abandoned structures. During the first year of the pilot program, 53 abandoned and unsecured structures were identified. Boarding crews, along with Code Enforcement and LMPD, secured these structures using clear boarding. Of these, 12 were breached just once and not a second time. In contrast, the previous year saw 88 structures identified and boarded, with 34 being breached a first time, and 17 of those breached multiple times.
“These results are a testament to the effectiveness of the clear boarding process and the collaborative efforts of our teams,” said Richard Price, director of Codes and Regulations. “Securing these properties has not only curbed repeated breaches but has also significantly enhanced public safety and restored a sense of security to our neighborhoods. This is the kind of progress that strengthens our community and exemplifies the proactive solutions we aim to deliver.”
Initiatives to improve public safety began with the Louisville Fire Department conducting a survey of the pilot area to assist Code Enforcement in identifying potential vacant and abandoned properties. These efforts have not only enhanced public safety but have also led to a 66% reduction in total fire-related costs for the city. These expenses encompass both equipment and personnel costs. During the first year of the pilot program, the total costs incurred by the Louisville Fire Department amounted to $47,425.04, as opposed to the same period in the previous year, which saw costs totaling $140,157.38.
"Vacant and abandoned structures pose a significant risk to the community and responding firefighters. On average, nearly 25% of structure fires in vacant buildings extend to neighboring properties,” said Major Williams, chief of Fire Prevention. “By identifying and properly securing vacant and abandoned properties with clear boarding, this project has shown we can greatly decrease the risk of these dangerous and costly fires and increase the overall safety of the community."
Mayor Greenberg announces Reimagine 9th Street project is breaking ground, creating safer and more connected streets
First phase of construction begins to convert Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Chestnut Street/River Park Drive back to two-way streets
LOUISVILLE, KY (July 22, 2025) – Today Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that the highly anticipated Reimagine 9th Street project is breaking ground with the one-way to two-way conversion of Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Chestnut Street/River Park Drive between 9th Street and Southwestern Parkway. This is the first phase of construction that will revitalize major transportation routes between West Louisville and downtown.
“This phase of the project marks one of the most significant one-way to two-way street conversions in Metro’s history,” said Mayor Greenberg. “It’s part of a larger effort to reconnect Downtown Louisville with our west end neighborhoods. This isn’t just about reconstructing roadways, it’s about removing physical and psychological barriers to reunite neighborhoods and create a more unified, safer and accessible city for everyone.”
“Investing in this corridor is building opportunity from the ground up. By creating safer, more walkable and bike-friendly streets, we are supporting healthier lifestyles, expanding access to jobs and opening the doors for new connections,” said Jennifer Caummisar-Kern, executive director of Louisville Metro Public Works. “The work we are doing here today will serve generations to come and help create a future where every resident can thrive.”
Two-way street conversions have proven to:
Slow down traffic and reduce crash severity
Enable more direct emergency response from police, fire and EMS
Make businesses more visible and easier to find
Decrease the distance motorists have to travel
Simplify access to, from and along bus routes
A portion of both Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Chestnut Street has the unfortunate distinction of making the list of Louisville’s High Injury Network. This data-driven approach to roadway safety identifies roadway segments that account for a disproportionate amount of a community’s deadly and serious injury crashes.
"We see the change as being beneficial for the safety of our parishioners and community. Regrettably, drivers currently use Muhammad Ali as a drag strip. On average, we experience someone racing up Muhammad Ali, attempting to beat the red light and crashing into our church building at least once per quarter,” said Reverend Gerald Joiner, pastor of Zion Baptist Church. “We’ve had to replace our concrete steps, trees and wrought iron fencing at least four times during my tenure as Pastor. So, we welcome the change and agree that statistically, it will cause the traffic to slow down, resulting in a reduction of accidents."
This phase of the Reimagine 9th Street project that focuses on two-way conversions includes:
Two-way conversion of Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Chestnut Street/River Park Drive between 9th Street and Southwestern Parkway near Shawnee Park
I-264 intersection upgrades to allow for two-way traffic and support safe pedestrian movements
Traffic signal upgrades and conversions to stop signs in applicable locations
Work on this phase of the project is expected to wrap up in the summer of 2026.
The next phase will include converting 9th Street from a six-lane thoroughfare into a less wide roadway to slow traffic and create more active public spaces that provide more opportunities for human interaction and economic development. The public realm spaces are expected to include public amenities, art and green spaces for learning and recreation.
The total cost of the project is nearly $25 million, which is largely made up of federal grant support from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE program.
Mayor Greenberg Announces RFP for Independent Monitor of the Community Commitment: Louisville’s Consent Decree
LOUISVILLE, KY (July 14, 2025) – Today Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that a request for proposals (RFP) has been issued for people/entities interested in serving as the Independent Monitor for the Community Commitment: Louisville’s Consent Decree. Applications opened today and closes on August 4, 2025.
“I am pleased we’re taking this next step on our journey toward making the Louisville Metro Police Department one of the most trusted and transparent departments in the country,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I believe accountability is important, which is why even when the U.S. Department of Justice walked away – we still moved forward with our commitment to implementing reform, and I look forward to seeing the diverse applications we receive.”
The RFP was developed following two community meetings (one in West Louisville and one in Newburg) and an online survey with more than 150 respondents. The data from the survey and feedback from the community meeting helped shape the qualities Louisville is looking for in an independent monitor. Common themes included having knowledge of Louisville/LMPD, previous experience with consent decrees, excellent with community engagement, and diversity on the monitor team. The survey and listening session information are attached.
If you would like to apply for the RFP role, click here.
Community Commitment: Louisville’s Consent Decree
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the USDOJ announced its intention not to make further required court filings to address the Court’s questions about the consent decree and instead to dismiss its lawsuit against the city with prejudice, meaning the case will be permanently closed. As a result of the dismissal, the consent decree proposed in the lawsuit will not become effective. To ensure the promised progress continues, Mayor Greenberg will move forward with the Community Commitment - Louisville’s Consent Decree. This is an agreement between Metro Government, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), and the citizens of Louisville. It includes a robust mechanism for community input and provides for an independent monitor. It incorporates all the objectives in the previously negotiated consent decree and puts in place the accountability and transparency measures needed to continue building trust and improving public safety in our community.
Louisville’s progress under the independent monitoring process will be shared regularly with the public during scheduled briefings and a dedicated section on LMPD’s website. In addition, LMPD and the independent monitor will provide regular reports to the new Community Safety Commission, which was created in the Mayor’s Comprehensive Crime Reduction Plan – Safe Louisville. The commission will be a forum for community input and feedback concerning both crime prevention and police reform, embodying a holistic approach that addresses violent crime while protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens. The commission will be made up of various stakeholders working to reduce violence. Membership will include community representatives from each LMPD patrol division, representatives from the justice system, and representatives of community organizations from various sectors, such as faith leaders, crime victims, criminal justice advocates, business owners, immigrants, medical professionals, educators, and homeless service providers. More details concerning the formation and meeting schedule of this commission will be announced next week.
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Louisville Metro Health and Wellness News
Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in additional Jefferson County ZIP codes
This week, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) found mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in surveillance traps in five additional neighborhoods: Old Louisville (40208), Irish Hills 40206), California (40210), Iroquois (40214) and Churchill Downs (40215). To decrease the risk of infection and decrease the mosquito population, the department performed mosquito fogging in those areas. Mosquitoes with West Nile virus were found previously in the Tyler Park area and neighborhoods surrounding it.
Fogging is an effecting measure to reduce or eliminate adult mosquito populations in an area, thus reducing the possibility of biting mosquitoes’ ability to spread disease. Fogging occurs in the early evening hours. LMPHW uses an ultra-low volume fogging machine that disperses Zenivex an insecticide that is very low in toxicity and odor. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Kentucky Department of Agriculture recognize the product as safe to use without posing unreasonable risks to human health.
Though West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes this year, so far, no human cases have been reported in Jefferson County.
LMPHW works year-round to control the mosquito population
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding or hatching we apply pretreatment larvicides to 385 areas known to hold water around the county including wet wooded areas, swampy areas, areas that frequently flood, right of ways, drainage easements, and vacant properties.
At least three times a year, we apply larvicides to approximately 14,500 Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) catch basins. By design, catch basins hold water to prevent sewer odors from escaping from the sewer Because these catch basins hold water, they provide an excellent breeding habitat for disease-carrying mosquitoes which is why we prioritize treating them.
We place numerous mosquito traps around the community which attract different types of mosquitos. The mosquitoes are speciated and tested for disease. When mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus or other diseases are found in those traps, it triggers fogging.
Gambusia, a small native fish, is found in most creeks and permanently wet ditches in Louis These fish are voracious eaters of mosquito larvae and pupae. We transplant them into creeks, decommissioned wastewater treatment plants, ponds, lakes, water retention areas, untreated swimming pools, and ditches where mosquito breeding is found.
Watch this video to learn how to reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home.
Learn more about mosquito fogging by watching this video.
To see areas that have been fogged or if your area will be fogged, visit our website or call the mosquito fogging hotline, 502-574-6641.
To make a complaint about mosquitos in your neighborhood call Metro311 by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.
To be alerted by text message when mosquito fogging will occur in your neighborhood, opt-in for LENSAlerts with your cell phone. Text “LENSALERT” to 67283 to start receiving fogging notifications in your area.
Accessing local air quality information
What is air quality? Air quality measures how much pollution is in the air. Air pollutants, like vehicle emissions and wildfire smoke, impact public health and the environment.
Understanding the United States Air Quality Index (AQI)
The United States Air Quality Index (AQI) is a national tool used to communicate about outdoor air quality and health. The AQI runs from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating worse pollution and greater health risks.
What to know about AQI:
An AQI level less than 50 is ideal, but anything below 100 is considered acceptable.
Levels of 100-150 are considered dangerous for certain groups.
Levels higher than 150 are unhealthy for all groups, and levels over 300 are considered an emergency and require action.
Daily AQI reports are required for metro areas with a population of over 350,000 people. However, other areas also report AQI as a public service. Daily AQI measurements are available on AirNow.gov and Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District.
Who should take extra precautions when AQI is over 100?
People with heart or lung diseases.
People with diabetes.
Older adults (older than 60 years old).
Children (less than 18 years old).
Routine and emergency protections against harmful air quality Certain safety measures can protect you and your family from the harmful effects of air pollution:
Read local air quality reports. Stay up to date on local information. Air quality levels can change quickly, and local officials can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information to keep you safe.
Use air cleaners, purifiers, and filters. Choose an air cleaner or purifier that has an appropriate clean air delivery rate (CADR) and use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to help keep your space clean. Existing furnaces and HVAC systems can filter the air when operating for long periods and using upgraded filters. Use the Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home for information on choosing the right equipment for your space.
Limit outdoor work and exercise. To decrease the amount of exposure to unhealthy air particles, limit, pause, or reschedule outdoor activities when air quality is poor.
Wear a mask. If you must go outside when air quality is unhealthy, properly fitted high filtration masks such as N95s, KN95s, and KN94s provide the best protection.
Monitor your health. Stay up to date on routine health screenings and notify your healthcare provider of any concerns, symptoms, or health changes you experience.
Minimize personal impact on air quality. Your actions can help reduce pollution. Avoid burning materials outdoors, choose public transportation, when possible, plant and care for trees that filter the air, and switch from gas-powered to electric lawn equipment.
Courtesy of Public Health Collaborative
"Let's Talk" will provide insight into Black men's mental health
Black men of all ages are invited to participate in a meaningful gathering to share stories, break stigmas and build connections across generations. "Bridging Generations Through Conversations OG's to Young Men: Let's Talk" will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 at Roots 101 African American Museum, 124 N. 1st St.
Parents are welcome to attend with middle and high school students. Dinner will be provided.
Are you a parent or caregiver? Face It Movement wants to hear from you
The Face It Movement wants to hear from Kentucky parents and caregivers about what makes you feel supported, how you deal with stress and what you think every parent needs.
Please scan the QR code above or use this link to take a short anonymous survey, and you can be entered for a chance to win a prize. Your responses will help provide ideas for a new educational campaign and resources about how to improve support for parents and caregivers across the state.
Office of Planning News
Office of Violence Prevention News
The Newburg Vision (Grant Opportunity)
Contacts for the Newburg Vision grant
General Info:
newburg@louisvilleky.gov
Tonesha.Hearn@louisvilleky.gov
Budget and Fiscal Compliance:
Blyden.Kennedy@louisvilleky.gov
Euna Technical Support:
Susan.Durham@louisvilleky.gov
50 Outdoor Things to Do Before Age 12
A bold, regional campaign to help kids fall in love with the outdoors! This interactive guide is packed with fun, screen-free activities designed to get kids moving, laughing, and connecting with nature—and with each other.
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Illegal dumping harms our neighborhoods, strains city resources and won’t be tolerated.
Not sure how to dispose of something? Use the Recycle Coach app to search for any item and find out how to properly recycle, dispose or drop it off. You can also visit our website for detailed guidance.
See something? Say something! You can report illegal dumping online through Metro311 at Louisvilleky.gov/metro311. Your report helps us take action quickly and keep our neighborhoods clean. To submit photos or video of illegal dumping directly to our team, visit Louisvilleky.gov/IllegalDumpingand fill out the reporting form.
Let’s work together to keep Louisville clean and hold illegal dumpers accountable!
Help Stop Illegal Dumping!
To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for!
Don't contribute to the problem!
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.)
Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping.
Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.
Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it.
Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form.
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you, ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
Only set out large items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to communicate with our community partners about events and provide information you may find beneficial to have and share with your neighbors. Our monthly letter will provide you with an overview of crime trends within the division and highlight the work our talented women and men do each day serving our community. We will also provide any information that could impact our neighborhoods and travel such as construction and festivals. Please feel free and share this newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors. Signing up will ensure they receive the newsletter as soon as it is published.
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property and stay vigilant!
The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year. Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!
Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change. - Always lock your vehicle doors. - Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside. - Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them! - Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open. - Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. - Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!
Metro Emergency Repair Program
Eligibility criteria:
Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
Not available on rental property.
Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
May receive assistance once in a five year period.
Louisville-Jefferson County only.
Types of repairs:
Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
Electrical repairs/upgrades.
Water line repairs/replacement.
Sewer line repairs/replacement.
Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).
Peace Presbyterian Church (4210 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213)
Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm
Forest Baptist Church (4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218)
Open every 1st Thursday of the month -- 4pm - 6pm
Information about both pantries:
Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
First Come, First Served Basis
Picture ID & proof of residency required!
LouieConnect
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman Morgan McGarvey: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
