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For Immediate Release:
Proposal redirects $5.175 million to support housing, family health centers, birth equity initiatives, and community infrastructure
Louisville (October 28, 2025) – In response to Mary & Elizabeth Hospital’s announcement that it will indefinitely delay the opening of its planned birthing center, Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell (D-15) has filed an ordinance to reallocate the $5.175 million in Louisville Metro Government funds previously appropriated for the project.
Located at 1850 Bluegrass Avenue in the heart of District 15, Mary & Elizabeth Hospital had planned to open the birthing center this fall. The facility would have provided expectant mothers the opportunity to give birth west of I-65, something not available since 1974.
“First, I want to express my gratitude for the hard-working people at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital,” said Councilwoman Chappell. "The administration has been unbelievably wonderful to work with and has supported many initiatives through my office. Learning that the birthing center has been indefinitely delayed is heartbreaking. Women across this community have waited decades for expanded birthing options outside the I-65 corridor.”
The delay is from significant Medicaid funding cuts. In Jefferson County, more than 219,000 residents, over 30% of the population, rely on Medicaid. The reduction in resources poses a series threat to equitable access to quality healthcare.
Councilwoman Chappell’s ordinance proposes reallocating the $5.175 million toward projects that advance women’s health, improve infrastructure, and address community needs in the South End. It was filed as a contingency for when the funds are returned to Metro Government. The proposed breakdown is as follows:
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Hazelwood Park & Recreation Facility (in conjunction with the new Iroquois Homes project): $2 million
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Sun Valley pool renovation: $2 million
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Family Health Center at Iroquois High School: $500,000
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Family Health Center at Americana: $500,000
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Mama to Mama: $35,000
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Black Birth Justice: $35,000
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Granny’s Birth Initiative: $35,000
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Healthy Start (administered by LMPHW): $35,000
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Zora’s Cradle: $35,000
“This proposal focuses on expanding access to maternal and family health services in the South End, while also addressing longstanding infrastructure needs,” said Chappell.
The ordinance was officially filed on Monday, October 27, and assigned to the Budget Committee. It will be discussed on Thursday, November 6, at 4:30 p.m.
Read the full ordinance, O-215-25, online:
Members of the public are invited to attend the committee meetings at City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson Street, or watch the meetings on Spectrum Channel 184, with Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV OTT apps, or online at https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal
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