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Happy Labor Day from District 7
Councilwoman Paula McCraney and the District 7 office wish you and your family a safe, restful, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. May this holiday remind us of the power of hard work, the progress we have made, and the importance of coming together as a community.
In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
On Thursday evening, I spoke up during the Metro Council meeting to express my full support for a resolution that updates our Land Development Code. This update will streamline zoning procedures by allowing automatic approval at the Planning Commission level when a development receives a unanimous vote from the Commission.*
I shared that it is critical to modernize our processes and make it easier for developers to build housing in Louisville. Our community is facing a housing shortage of more than 30,000 units. That is not just a statistic—it is a wake-up call. We cannot afford delays or outdated policies that hinder the construction of homes our community desperately needs.
This housing conversation extends far beyond homelessness—it impacts every income bracket, from nurses, teachers, and police officers to recent college graduates. When higher-income families lack sufficient housing options, they begin competing for homes intended for middle-income households, which drives up the cost of rents. That pressure trickles down, forcing middle-income earners to compete with moderate-income households, and so on, until the strain reaches the lowest-income residents. In short, inadequate housing supply creates a cascading effect that raises costs for everyone and increases reliance on government assistance.
Housing is an economic issue. If we do not address the housing shortage soon, businesses will relocate due to lack of housing for its workforce, our school system will struggle, our economy will weaken, and the “brain drain” of young professionals leaving Louisville will only widen. This is why I am adamant about Metro Council playing an active role in creating ordinances that facilitate responsible, efficient, and smart development. We must step up and do our part. We can no longer afford to ignore the housing crisis. The time to act is now.
As always, thank you for trusting me to represent District 7. Together, we can make Louisville a stronger, more vibrant community for all who call it home.
Happy Labor Day weekend!
Warmly,
 * A planning commission recommendation relating to the proposed amendment shall become final and the map amendment shall be automatically implemented subject to the provisions of KRS 100.347, all as set forth in the planning commission recommendations, unless within twenty-one (21) days after the final action by the planning commission:
(a) Any aggrieved person files a written request with the planning commission that the final decision shall be made by the appropriate legislative body or fiscal court; or
(b) The appropriate legislative body or fiscal court files a notice with the planning commission that the legislative body or fiscal court shall decide the map amendment.
It shall take a majority of the entire legislative body or fiscal court to override the recommendation of the planning commission.
Click here to view a short video that recaps Thursday's Metro Council meeting.
District 7’s newest and most talked about neighbor is creating quite the buzz. At our last Muffins with McCraney meeting, we heard concerns about traffic related to the new VA Medical Center. Now, some residents have raised questions about a specific design feature on this $8 million project - the green accent panels.
Several residents reached out for answers, so Councilwoman McCraney consulted with the VA's Public Affairs office to get clarification.
The green accents were intentionally designed to symbolize nature and create a calming atmosphere both inside and outside the hospital. They aren’t just decorative. The panels bring consistency to the overall design, highlight balconies, terraces, and courtyards, and serve as wayfinding tools by providing visual cues throughout the facility.
Construction Update
Work on the new VA Medical Center is progressing. Here are the latest updates on construction activities scheduled for the next month:
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Enclosure of the medical center is nearing completion
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Foundations for perimeter fencing along the south side of the property will begin soon
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Energizing of the chillers in the Central Utility Plant is scheduled in the coming weeks
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Site grading in preparation for paving is underway on the south end of the construction site
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Foundations for the laundry facility on the west side continue
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Work is ongoing on the water tank near the water tower
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Construction of the guard house near the entrance continues
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Interior framing and utility rough-in are taking place in the East and West Bars of the medical facility
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Drywall, insulation, and painting are ongoing in the West Bar
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Work continues on the loading dock and laundry facility on the west side
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Utilities and equipment installation remain active at the Central Utility Plant, along with exterior masonry
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Utility and elevator installation continue in the North and South Parking Structures
Have Questions?
If you have specific questions about the construction, you can email LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil.
The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled Council meeting Thursday, August 28th.
Council Meeting Highlights:
Old Business
- Extended the expiration date of approved development plans for affordable housing to five years (O-201-25).
- Adopted alternative regulations for zoning map amendment procedures in line with KRS 100.2111 (O-202-25).
- Approved zoning changes for properties on Texas Avenue, Atwood Street, and Bashford Manor Lane.
- Approved Neighborhood Development Funds for:
- Louisville Academy of Music
- South Louisville Community Ministries for Taste of South Louisville
- For Lady’s Sake for the Dining for Dignity Breakfast
Consent Calendar All items passed unanimously, including:
- Increasing certain local food permit fees by $5 (O-194-25).
- Dedicating the corner of Fairlawn Place and Winnrose Way in honor of Elmer Lucille Allen, the first African American chemist at Brown-Forman (R-097-25).
- Accepting $250,000 from the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives for the Office of Sustainability (R-099-25).
- Development and zoning-related ordinances for Lees Lane and E Main Street.
- Updates to LDC sections on financial institutions and factory-built housing.
- Accepting funding from the Department of Justice through the Fugitive Task Force grant program for Metro Corrections (R-094-25).
- Approved Neighborhood Development Funds for:
- Theta Omega, Inc. for the Back-to-School Picnic
- Brightside for beautification projects
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, September 12, 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.
This week’s Mayor’s Minute highlights Louisville’s momentum, from the kickoff of WorldFest to exciting new business investments and community celebrations.
Exciting progress is on the way for District 7’s cyclists and pedestrians. The LaGrange Road Corridor project, which runs along New LaGrange Road (KY 146) from Lyndon Lane to Lakeland Road, is moving forward. Bids for the project were opened on August 26, 2025, and the construction contract is now in the process of being awarded to the lowest bidder. Work is expected to begin in October 2025.
Project Highlights
Here’s what neighbors can look forward to once construction begins:
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Addition of a right-turn lane at Willow Springs Drive off New LaGrange Road
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Bike lanes or shared-lane markings along New LaGrange Road from Lyndon Lane to Whipps Mill Road
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Permanent closure of Whipps Mill Road west of Hurstbourne Parkway, creating a cul-de-sac
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New sidewalks along the north side of Whipps Mill Road to fill in gaps, plus a bicycle/pedestrian connection to Hounz Lane
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A shared-use path along the north side of LaGrange Road between Whipps Mill Road and Lakeland Road
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Shoulder widening along the north side of LaGrange Road (KY 146) from Whipps Mill Road to Old Whipps Mill Road, and along both sides from the Hurstbourne Parkway ramp to Old Whipps Mill Road
A layout map showing the project limits and improvement areas is featured above, with the updates marked in purple.
Construction is scheduled to begin this fall, and we’ll keep you updated as work progresses.
Louisville’s most beloved festival is back. WorldFest 2025 kicked off this weekend for its 23rd year, running until Monday, September 1 at the Belvedere in downtown Louisville.
This free, family-friendly celebration of culture, music, food, and community is one of the city’s largest international festivals. Here’s your guide to making the most of it.
WorldFest takes place at the Belvedere, located between 4th and 6th Streets on the Ohio River. No tickets are required.
Festival Hours
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Friday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
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Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
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Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
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Monday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Parking is available at several nearby parking garages on at select street parking facilities.
For the full entertainment lineup and festival directory click HERE
Please note that there will be no residential garbage, recycling, or yard waste collection within the Urban Services District on Labor Day, Monday, September 1.
Collections for the rest of the week will be delayed by one day due to the holiday. Residents who use private waste haulers should check directly with their provider for holiday schedules.
Open on Saturday, August 30
Monday holidays no longer affect Saturday hours at these sites. Please remember they are regularly closed on Mondays.
Labor Day, celebrated each year on the first Monday in September, is a national tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. The holiday was first observed in the late 19th century during a time of great change in the labor movement. Workers across the country were fighting for better conditions, fair pay, and an eight hour workday.
The very first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882, when thousands of workers marched together to honor their efforts and demand fair treatment. Over time, the idea spread across the nation, and in 1894 President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making Labor Day a federal holiday.
Today, Labor Day not only recognizes the dignity and value of hard work but also marks the unofficial end of summer, a time for gatherings, parades, barbecues, and community celebrations. It is a moment to pause and honor the dedication of workers past and present who have helped build our country.
If you’re hitting the road this Labor Day weekend, you won’t see much change at the pump. In Louisville, regular unleaded is averaging about $3.15 a gallon, nearly the same as last week and last month.
Across Kentucky, the state average is $2.98, which is down compared to this time last year when drivers were paying around $3.26.
According to GasBuddy, the cheapest gas in the Louisville area can be found at Costco, where it’s $2.63 a gallon.
For holiday travelers, that means a little extra room in the budget for food, fun, and festivities.
Every spring and fall, millions of birds migrate over Louisville, often at night. Artificial lighting at night can attract or disorient birds—resulting in injuries and fatalities for billions of birds every year.
Through its city-wide Lights Out Louisville initiative, the Louisville Audubon Society and its partners—including the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability—are working to change this.
You can play a role in this important conservation program. And for homes and non-residential buildings alike, the primary solution is also a simple one: Turn off any unnecessary lights, both indoors and out, between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. in September and October—peak bird-migration periods for our area in the spring.
Do you have a knack for fixing things? The kNOw Waste Education team, Louisville Tool Library, and Louisville Free Public Library are teaming up to host Repair Fair 2025 on October 11 at the Bon Air Library.
At this community event, residents can bring broken items and learn hands-on repair skills from volunteer fixers. Whether you’re skilled in sewing, tinkering, tech, or just parent-level problem solving, your talents can make a difference.
If you have questions about the Repair Fair, contact Rachel Young at: questions to rachel.young@louisvilleky.gov.
How to Apply?
To complete online (use same name as on voter registration application), fill out and submit the form at:
JeffersonCountyKY.EasyPollWorker.com.
To complete on paper and submit in-person or on paper, click here to download application (PDF).
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6 as the Louisville Pride Festival returns to Bardstown Road for its 10th anniversary celebration. This year’s theme, “Decades: Resistance and Hope Through the Years,” honors the journey of the LGBTQ+ community recognizing past struggles, celebrating resilience, and looking forward to a future filled with hope and equality.
What to Expect
- Two Stages of Entertainment
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Main Stage: Headlining artists, powerful performances, and the Louisville Pride Awards.
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Community Stage: Showcasing local LGBTQ+ talent and grassroots voices.
- Over 100 Vendors
- LGBTQ+-owned businesses with unique art and merchandise.
- Nonprofits and advocacy groups offering resources and connections.
- Wellness & Family Fun
- Wellness Tent with healthcare providers, HIV/AIDS awareness, and mental health support.
- Family Zone with crafts, activities, and interactive performances for all ages.
- Food & Drinks
- A diverse mix of local food trucks and refreshing beverages to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Join the Celebration This free, family-friendly festival is Kentucky’s largest LGBTQ+ event and a cornerstone of Louisville’s cultural calendar. Whether you come for the music, the food, the shopping, or the community, Pride offers something for everyone.
Friends, here’s a wonderful way to celebrate the grandparents and seniors in your life. The Louisville Zoo, with support from Humana, is offering free admission opportunities this September.
On Grandparents’ Day, Sunday, September 7, up to two grandparents get in free with a paid child or adult ticket. Zoo members can also bring two grandparents at no cost, making it the perfect family outing.
On Senior Sundays, September 14, 21, and 28 all guests ages 60 and older will enjoy free admission to the Zoo.
Along with these special admission days, families can take part in a fun scavenger hunt featuring the Zoo’s animal “grandparents” and their important role in conservation. Humana will also host a Hydration Station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near Glacier Run, offering free water and cooling towels while supplies last.
The Zoo is open daily year-round, with current hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.). Starting September 22, fall and winter hours shift to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.).
I hope you and your family will take advantage of these special days to make lasting memories together.
Learn more at louisvillezoo.org/events.
The Big Four Arts Festival is back to kick off Louisville’s fall festival season. Now in its 9th year, the festival will take place the weekend following Labor Day Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, 2025 on the Big Four Bridge Lawn at Waterfront Park.
Known as Louisville’s most attended two-day arts event, the festival draws more than 20,000 visitors each year and has become a signature celebration of creativity and community. With the Ohio River as its backdrop, the event spans four acres of tree-lined walks at the entrance of the Big Four Walking Bridge, where more than 25,000 people stroll each weekend.
What to Expect
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More than 200 juried artists showcasing fine art and crafts
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A family-friendly atmosphere with live music, food, and interactive activities
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A scenic setting just minutes from downtown Louisville, easily accessible from both sides of the river
Tickets Admission is just $5 and can be purchased at the entrance or through the festival website.
Make plans to join thousands of art lovers for this year’s Big Four Arts Festival and experience why it has quickly become one of Louisville’s most beloved cultural events.
Louisville is once again the place to be this September as Bourbon & Beyond, the world’s largest bourbon and music festival, returns to the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
This year’s lineup is stacked with star power, featuring headlining sets from The Lumineers, Benson Boone, Alabama Shakes, Phish, Khruangbin, Joe Bonamassa, Sturgill Simpson, Jack White, Vance Joy, Cage The Elephant, Noah Kahan, Goo Goo Dolls, Megan Moroney, and more than 50 additional artists across multiple stages.
What to Expect
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Music: Four days of unforgettable performances from world-class headliners and emerging artists.
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Bourbon: Tastings from Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries plus immersive bourbon experiences, masterclasses, and stories from industry legends.
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Food: Culinary demos and dishes from celebrity chefs and local favorites that showcase Louisville’s food scene.
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Atmosphere: A one-of-a-kind experience that combines Kentucky heritage, global talent, and the electric energy of live music.
Festival Details
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When: September 18–21, 2025
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Where: Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center
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Tickets: Available now at bourbonandbeyond.com
With its perfect blend of bourbon, food, and music, Bourbon & Beyond has become a Louisville tradition and one of the nation’s premier festivals. This is your chance to experience it all right here in the city that started it.
Take a close look at the two images below. Can you find all six changes between them?
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