Happy New Year!! 🎉

I hope your holidays have been restful, relaxing, and chocked full of time with loved ones. Sometimes it can be hard to slow down but, as I keep having to remind myself, winter is the time for hibernation and restoration, so soak in the slowness. Recharge. Reset.

Council has been on break since our last meeting on Thursday, December 16th, but we've still been working hard through the holiday season. Without all the meetings, we have been able to wrap-up the last BOB, start on the next, update our BOB website, round up end-of-year stats, work on this newsletter, work to amend the recent animal ordinance that was passed (more on that below), and a whole lot more.

Even though the first official Metro Council meeting of 2026 isn't until Thursday, January 29th, there's a lot happening in the coming days that will set the foundation for Council for the next year. On Thursday, January 8th, we'll have an organizational meeting. Immediately before the meeting, each caucus will elect a chair and vice chair. At the full Council meeting, we will elect the 2026 President of Metro Council. 

The President holds a lot of power, namely by choosing what committees exist over the next year and who sits on those committees. In the weeks after the meeting on January 8th, the President will work on committee assignments. Last year, I served on the Public Works and Appropriations Committee, and chaired the Ad Hoc Committee on the Efficiency of Boards and Commissions. I'm eager to know what committees I will be placed on this year!

BTW, we approved the 2026 Metro Council calendar. It should be online soon. I'd love to see you at an upcoming meeting!

We're working on our 2025 wrap-up and I can't wait to share a look back at all the incredible things we were able to accomplish together. I really can't brag on this district enough! 

I’m grateful to serve District 15 and look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead.

See y'all around D15,

December highlights include Dress for Success's Bourbon, Bags, & Bling fundraiser, Gardens Aglimmer at Waterfront Botanical Gardens with my niece, sweet drawings from some adorable little girls in during a December Council meeting, folks raising a glass to the late Gail Linville at the Saint Joseph meeting, and a visit with Santa at the Schnitzelburg Senior Center's Christmas Bazaar.

BOB: Hazelwood Wrap-up

This fall, our BOB (Building Our Blocks) initiative focused on the Hazelwood neighborhood, bringing together city departments, community partners, and neighbors to deliver hands-on support where it matters most. Through door-knocking and direct outreach, we listened to residents and identified priorities that helped guide our work throughout the season.

BOB: Hazelwood Impact:

• 33 resident surveys completed through door-knocking

• 131 pets vaccinated (105 dogs, 26 cats)

• 56 spay/neuter vouchers issued

• 31 fentanyl and xylazine testing strips distributed

• 18 naloxone kits distributed

• 16 gun locks distributed

• 11 rain barrels installed

• 10 trees planted

• 10 trash and recycling carts repaired or replaced

• 10 soil tests completed

• 10 radon tests completed

• 8 Repair Affair applications completed

• 6 smoke alarms installed

• 4 public right-of-way trees trimmed

• 2 neighborhood signs installed

• 1 retaining wall repaired

• $2,500 in free pet food, treats, and litter distributed

We wrapped up the season with BIG BOB Day on November 15, a celebration of the Hazelwood neighborhood that brought residents together for a resource fair, a kids zone hosted by the Louisville Science Center, a Louisville Metro Animal Services vaccine clinic, a petting zoo, touch-a-bus, touch-a-firetruck, and more. We're so grateful to Hazelwood Elementary School and Principal Courtney Grace for opening their doors and providing us with space for the community to gather. 

BIG BOB Day was a joyful reminder of what’s possible when we listen to neighbors, invest in practical solutions, and show up together for our community.

BTW, one of the biggest goals of BOB: Hazelwood was to create more pride in neighborhood identity and help neighbors organize to better their community. I'm so proud about the formation of the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association! Their first meeting in on Wednesday, January 14th at 6 pm at Foxing Books (1314 Bluegrass Avenue). More info below.

Announcing BOB: Wyandotte-Oakdale!

Get ready for our BIGGEST BOB to date! BOB is coming to the Wyandotte-Oakdale neighborhood in Spring 2026!  We have a lot of great things planned over the next few months in Wyandotte-Oakdale and we can't wait to get to work! If you live in Wyandotte-Oakdale, be on the lookout for BOB Pop-Ups and for us to be knocking on your door with our menu of free services.

Resolution Suggestions

As we welcome 2026, I hope this new year brings you health, hope, and a renewed sense of connection to our community. A new year is a chance to reflect on what matters most and to look for small, meaningful ways we can show up for one another. Whether it’s volunteering, supporting a neighbor, or simply getting more involved in your community, every positive action helps strengthen Louisville. At the beginning of the year, I shared 14 suggestions for resolutions that are "rooted in community" and center on growing your role in your community. Whether you want to organize a neighborhood clean-up or ride more public transit, there's something we can all strive toward on the list. You can view all the suggestions here.  Remember, small actions create big changes!

Update on Animal Ordinance + Survey

In October, Metro Council passed legislation requiring all dogs and cats within Louisville Metro to be microchipped. At some point, someone increased the restraint requirements for livestock, namely miniature horses, goats, sheep, and pigs within the ordinance, which has resulted in major impacts to those who keep livestock on residential property. Since I did not write the ordinance, I do not know the origins of who changed the restraint requirement for livestock in this legislation. It was not part of any conversations leading up to the introduction of the ordinance, nor was is discussed on the floor in front of Council. Someone suggested that this language was added as housekeeping since one of the sections in Chapter 91 mentioned the exemption of miniature horses, but gave no further guidance on it: "(5) All livestock weighing more than 40 pounds, except horses, stallions, colts, geldings, mares, fillies, ponies, miniature horses, mules, jacks, jennies, goats, kids, sheep, and porcine species, must be kept on tracts or lots of at least .5 acres or more." The following section went on:  "(6) Horses, stallions, colts, geldings, mares, fillies, mules, jacks and jennies must be kept on an individual tract, lot, or parcel (as defined in the Land Development Code) of at least one acre or more; except that the properties and facilities of Louisville Zoo, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Police Department, Churchill Downs, and the Kentucky Derby Museum shall be exempt from this requirement." Before it was amended in October, there were no sections that followed these that outlined what the requirements were for keeping a goat on a residential property. It was sort of shoddy legislation from the jump.   It's my assumption that whoever made this change did so without ill intention, and as a way to add clarity to the ordinance. It makes sense that someone would think that miniature horses would fit in the same category as horses, stallions, colts, geldings, mares, fillies, mules, jacks and jennies. Or that 1 acre sounded sufficient for goats (heck, I was shocked to find out the property Bandit lives on is only .17 acres! I thought it was way bigger than that, so even I have a hard time visualizing an acre).  Again, I'm only assuming, and, unfortunately, that small change had a big consequences.  I'm working on amending the ordinance, and I want to do it right, so I need your help. While I gather information on national best practices and recommendations, I want to hear for you, especially if you have/had kept livestock on your residential property or lived next to a property with livestock. I'm tweaking a survey I've put together and will have that for the community to give input soon. Please stay tuned in the coming days for the survey.  Thank you so much for your help in re-reshaping this ordinance so that people can keep their beloved animals on their property.

Goodbye, Interns!

It's ben a quick ~3 months but we're always grateful to have our fall interns from the University of Louisville's political science department! When Nathan and Kaylee were working for D15, there were 6 of us in the office, which created breakdowns like: 3 Louisvillians and 3 Owensboroans (yes, that is a real word) 4 UofL students/alum and 2 Bellarmine alum  2 teenagers, 2 twenty-year olds, and 2 thirty-year olds  1 Kylie and 1 Kaylee (totally not confusing) We hope they had a great time, absorbed a formidable experience, and will go on to change the world all because of this internship. We're wishing them well in all they do!

D15 Holiday Food Drive Results

Our Metro Council Holiday Food Drive collected over 2,500 food items for the Association of Community Ministries! Thanks to your generous contributions and a $10,000 donation from Kroger, we're helping to make sure that families have full bellies and full hearts this holiday season.  Special shout out to our friends at Taylor Blvd Save-A-Lot for hosting the D15 collection bin, and all you sweet shoppers who donated food. Y'all definitely made the nice list!

South End Loan & Incentive Fund Webinar

LIBA and LEDA invite you to an informational webinar covering the South End Loan & Incentive Fund, the METCO Revolving Loan Fund, and tips and best practices for applying for grants. The session will include an overview of how the funds work, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for financial support to invest in, expand, or locate a business along the Dixie Highway corridor and surrounding South End neighborhoods.

Wednesday, January 28
7:00 PM | Online

Register here: louisvillealliance.org/southend

D15 January Event Calendar

1/6: Taylor Berry Neighborhood Association (2911 Taylor Blvd)
1/6: Wilder Park Neighborhood Association meeting (6:30 pm; 120 Fairmont Ave)
1/8: Metro Council Organzational Meeting (4 pm; 601 W. Jefferson St)
1/12: Cloverleaf Neighborhood Association (6 pm, 4401 Manslick Rd)
1/12: LMPD 4th Division Advisory board meeting (6:30 pm; 1340 S. 4th St)
1/14: Hazelwood Neighborhood Association Meeting (6 pm; Foxing Books, 1314 Bluegrass Ave)
1/14: Meriwether-Fort Hill Neighborhood Association meeting (6:30 pm; 537 E Burnett Ave)
1/19: German-Paristown Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 942 E. Kentucky St)
1/20: Lucky Horseshoe Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 1017 Queen Ave)
1/26: Friends of Iroquois Park meeting (6:00 pm; Iroquois Library, 601 W Woodlawn Ave)
1/29: Metro Council Meeting (6 pm, 601 W. Jefferson St)
1/31: Cafe LOUIE (9 am; Iroquois Library, 601 W Woodlawn Ave)

Follow @councilwomanchappell

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Hazelwood Neighborhood Association: January 14

Hazelwood has an official neighborhood association! This new community-led group is helping neighbors better connect, communicate resources, keep the neighborhood safe and clean, and organize future events.  The Hazelwood Neighborhood Association's first in-person meeting will be Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 6 pm to 7:30pm at Foxing Books (1314 Bluegrass Ave, Louisville KY 40215). All are welcome! If you are interested in joining or have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please email hazelwoodneighborhoodassn@gmail.com. Learn more: https://www.hazelwoodna.org/

Friends of Iroquois Park Meeting: January 26

The Friends of Iroquois Park will be meeting on Monday, January 26 at 6 pm at the Iroquois Library (601 W. Woodlawn Ave). The group meets to make sure that Iroquois Park remains an extraordinary park for our community and share ideas and proposals. Everyone is welcome so feel free to bring your friends, family, and neighbors!

Coming Soon: Cafe LOUIE 2026

Mark your calendars for Cafe LOUIE in 2026!  Café LOUIE is a free, informal event where community members can meet with their state and local elected officials to discuss important issues. All Metro and state elected officials are invited to participate, giving constituents an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and engage in meaningful conversations. Anyone is welcome to attend as a guest to meet officials and join the discussion. JANUARY 10 Middletown Library (12556 Shelbyville Rd.) Fairdale Library (10620 W. Manslick Rd.) JANUARY 17 Crescent Hill Library (2762 Frankfort Ave.) Fern Creek Chamber of Commerce (6104 Bardstown Rd.) JANUARY 24 Highlands-Shelby Park Library (1250 Bardstown Rd.) South Central Regional Library (7300 Jefferson Blvd.) JANUARY 31 Iroquois Library (601 W. Woodlawn Ave.) Western Library (604 S. 10th.) FEBRUARY 7 Southwest Regional Library (9725 Dixie Hwy.) Parkland Library (2743 Virginia Ave.) FEBRUARY 21 St. Matthews Library (3940 Grandview Ave.) Shawnee Library (3912 W. Broadway) FEBRUARY 28 Main Library Spalding University (Columbia Gym Auditorium, 824 S. 4th St. ) Jeffersontown Library (10635 Watterson Tr.) MARCH 7 Bon Air Library (2816 Del Rio Pl.) Northeast Regional Library (15 Bellevoir Cir.) MARCH 14 Newburg Library (4800 Exeter Ave.) Shively Library  (3920 Dixie Hwy.) MARCH 21 Portland Library (3305 Northwestern Pkwy.)

Center for Neighborhood's Spring 2026 Neighborhood Institute

Start where you are. Change what you can. Build what you imagine. Every neighborhood has people who care. People who notice what’s working, what’s missing, and what feels possible. People who want to make life a little better for those who live around them. If you’ve ever felt that way, the Lucille Leggett Neighborhood Institute is for you. This 12-week program is designed for neighbors who want to learn, connect, and take action—whether you’re brand-new to community involvement or already playing a role on your block, in your association, or in your local school or faith community. From January 20th through April 7th, you’ll meet people from across Louisville who share your desire to make a positive impact. Together, you’ll explore how neighborhoods work, what makes them thrive, and how everyday residents can shape the future. Throughout the program, you’ll learn practical tools for bringing people together, understanding community needs, and leading through collaboration. You’ll hear real examples of how small changes—one conversation, one idea, one shared effort—grow into meaningful improvements. By the end of the Institute, you’ll design a neighborhood project of your own. Maybe it’s a beautification effort, a public space idea, a community event, or a new partnership that supports youth, seniors, or local families. Maybe it’s something simple, something bold, or something in between. Applications are now open and will be accepted through January 13th. To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/35t3xdma

Highland Park Bike Park Update

The planning and design phase for Bike Highland Park, an innovative new mountain bike skills course, has been completed. The project, located under Interstate 264 at 4402 Old Park Blvd, marks a major step forward in transforming an underutilized space into a vibrant, active recreation destination for residents and mountain bike enthusiasts alike.

The planning process was powered by enthusiastic community support, with a standing-room-only turnout at a February public meeting at the Beechmont Community Center. Feedback from residents and local cyclists helped shape the design of Phase 1 of the project, which includes two asphalt pump tracks beneath the interstate overpass.

Funding for Phase 1 construction has already been secured through Louisville Metro’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, ensuring that the project can move forward once permitting is complete. The city is currently working through the necessary permitting stage with state and federal partners before breaking ground.

Visit our Bike Highland Park webpage on http://louisvilleky.gov to see the designs and to learn more.

Anti-Racism Challenge

Anti-Racism Challenge (ARC), a free 4-week Challenge begins on January 2nd. ARC works in much the same way as a food challenge or lifestyle challenge: by regularly participating in anti-racism activities, we naturally develop better habits of noticing and challenging racism in our daily lives. Each week, participants will receive a free email with a list of 12 antiracism activities, such as read an article, view a documentary, contact an elected official, etc. and we ask that you simply complete three. This is not a contest and you don't report to anyone. It’s completely up to you, the individual, to do as much or as little as you want. Learn more and sign up: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/kXPcuQm

Call for Artists for the 8th Annual Art in City Hall Exhibition

Louisville Metro Council and Louisville Visual Art are calling for local artists to submit original two-dimensional works for the 8th annual Art in City Hall exhibition! Selected artists will have their work displayed throughout historic City Hall from February 2026 through January 2027 and receive a $500 honorarium. Apply by January 12, 2026: https://form.jotform.com/233044869578167 More info: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/art-city-hall-2026-2027

Anti-Violence Social Media Contest

The Louisville Metro Office of Violence Prevention and Less is More, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing gun violence by amplifying the voices of young people, have teamed up for an anti-violence social media contest. 

The contest invites young people to use their creativity to speak directly to their peers about the harms of gun violence. It’s open to Kentucky youth ages 10-18. Students can submit short digital content, including video reels, graphics, or social media posts.

In addition to having their work featured on social media, $5,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winning entries.

The contest opens on January 1, 2026 and closes on February 28. A panel of community leaders, educators, and young people will judge the entries. Winners will be announced at the end of March.

EAF Grant Applications Now Open

The Louisville Metro's Office of Arts + Creative Industries is excited to announce the opening of the FY27 Cycle of External Agency Fund grants. Additional information on this opportunity, and the new cycle can be found below, and on OACI's Grants Webpage.

The FY27 Application will open on January 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM.

The deadline to receive all application materials will be February 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

For returning applicants, the format of the opportunity will remain largely consistent with last year's cycle. The application will once again be processed through the Euna Grants Portal, awards will come in $25,000 or $50,000 tiers, funding will be eligible for operational expenses, and our focus remains on serving arts & cultural organizations primarily.

OACI and the Mayor's Office have worked to collect and implement feedback from last cycle's grant applicants, and as a result we have developed new tools, resources, and opportunities for applicants this cycle. During the application period, several sessions are planned for the benefit of prospective applicants, including Q&A sessions, grant writing workshops, technical trainings on the Euna Grants Portal, and Pre-Deadline Office Hours for any last-minute application headaches. To learn more about the timing of these sessions and access the links to join, visit the Grant Timeline tab on the OACI Grants Webpage.

It is our honor to be able to support arts & cultural organizations like yours in the annual EAF grant cycle.  We you have had a restful holiday season, and we wish you a wonderful New Year in 2026.

Winter Yard Waste Collection Being Temporarily Paused

Solid Waste Management Services will pause yard waste collection beginning the week of January 19. Regular curbside pickup will resume the week of March 23. During this temporary suspension, all Jefferson County residents may bring their bundled yard waste to the Waste Reduction Center, located at 636 Meriwether Ave., where it can be dropped off free of charge. This seasonal adjustment allows the Solid Waste team to use time and resources more efficiently while significantly less yard waste is generated during the winter months. Key details Collection paused: Week of January 19 Collection resumes: Week of March 23 Free drop-off location: Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Ave. Solid Waste Management Services appreciates the community's cooperation and commitment to keeping our city clean and sustainable.

Freeze Out Fire Risk

As the colder months approach, vacant properties in our neighborhoods face a higher risk of crime, fires, break-ins, and other safety hazards. Unsecured buildings can threaten the safety of our entire community. The Department of Codes and Regulations urges residents and property owners to act now so we can protect our community together.

Property owners are required to keep vacant properties clean and secure to prevent emergencies and stay compliant with city codes. Taking proactive steps now helps avoid costly incidents and keeps everyone safer as temperatures drop.

If you have concerns regarding a vacant or abandoned property, or require guidance in securing your own, please contact their office at (502) 574-2508. Your help plays a vital role in maintaining safe and healthy neighborhoods throughout the winter season.

Let's join forces to freeze out fire risk and protect our community–your action matters!

Apply to Open an Extreme Weather Shelter

As cold weather approaches, now is the time to prepare. Extreme Weather Shelters offer temporary refuge for people facing dangerous temperatures, saving lives and reducing strain on hospitals and emergency services. Facilities like gyms, churches, or community spaces can play a crucial role by opening their doors when severe weather strikes.

If you’re considering opening your building as a shelter this winter, don't wait. Apply now to ensure your space meets all safety requirements and can be ready to open when needed. Early application is essential, as you must submit a Life Safety Plan and receive approval from the Construction Review division of the Department of Codes and Regulations. These shelters not only protect people from harm but also provide support during crises and demonstrate compassion for those in need.

Ready to help? Get full details and start your application today at LouisvilleKY.gov/EmergencyShelter.

Louisville Metro Snow Map

When winter weather arrives, one of the most common questions we receive is: “When will my street be plowed?”

Louisville Metro’s Snow Map is the best resource for residents to check snow route coverage and monitor treatment progress during a storm.

What are snow routes?

Louisville Metro treats and plows only the roads included in our 111 officially designated snow routes. These routes are selected because they carry the highest traffic volumes, connect neighborhoods to major corridors, and provide access to hospitals, schools, emergency services, and major employers.

Neighborhood streets and private roads are not part of Louisville Metro’s snow routes, and interstates and ramps are maintained by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

If your street isn’t on a Metro snow route and you live within a suburban city or municipality in Jefferson County, snow removal may be handled by your local government. Residents should check with their city hall or public works department for specifics.

Residents whose streets are not included should also consider planning ahead with neighbors, homeowner associations, or property managers to manage local snow and ice removal.

How to use the Snow Map

The Snow Map helps residents see which Metro routes have been treated or plowed during an active snow event.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Visit louisvilleky.gov/snow and select “Snow Map.”

2. Type your address into the search bar to see whether your street is part of a Metro snow route.

3. View treatment progress; the map shows when a roadway on a Metro route was last treated or plowed.

4. Keep in mind that a road marked as “plowed” does not mean it is fully clear or dry — especially if snow continues to fall or temperatures remain below freezing.

The Snow Map helps residents understand where crews are working, which roads are included in Metro’s responsibilities, and how snow operations progress during a storm. It also helps drivers make more informed travel decisions during winter weather.

For storm updates and to access the Snow Map, visit louisvilleky.gov/snow.

Landlord Incentive Program

The Landlord Incentive Program offers $2,000 to landlords who agree to rent their properties for 12 months to clients of the Housing and Support Division, which aims to connect houseless people in Louisville to housing.

By participating in this program, property owners can help provide stable housing for families in need while also receiving financial support and on-site supportive services.

This incentive program is in addition to federal subsidies that provide on-going rental assistance during the period of the lease. Supportive services, including on-site visits, are also provided as part of the program.

By partnering with the Housing and Support Division, local landlords will contribute to a solution that ensures more families have access to safe and affordable housing.

The project has led to quicker initial leasing times for homeless clients who are looking for housing. In addition, the team has many more currently available units to show our homeless clients when they are looking for housing.

Louisville Parks & Recs 2026 Golf Passes Now on Sale

Take advantage of Louisville Parks and Rec's 2026 annual golf passes, now available just in time for holiday gifting. Golfers can once again enjoy unlimited golfing at all ten Louisville Parks and Rec golf courses. Information about each course can be found here.

A seven-day unlimited play pass, good for weekends and holidays, is available for $500. A five-day pass (Monday–Friday only) is $425. Passes cover green fees for the 2026 calendar year (January 1 – December 31); a user fee is assessed each time a pass is used. Prices vary by course, and dynamic pricing may apply during peak playing times.

Annual golf cart passes are also available for $75, plus a user fee per use. Dynamic pricing may also apply to cart fees during peak operating times.

New annual pass holders will need to obtain a photo ID at the Louisville Parks and Recreation administrative office located in Joe Creason Park at 1297 Trevilian Way. Passes may also be purchased online at bestparksever.com.

In addition to golf passes, Louisville Parks and Recreation offers several holiday shopping options through the gift shops at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing, and Historic Locust Grove. The Olmsted Parks Conservancy also features an online gift shop.

Louisville Metro Paving Dashboard

Upcoming paving projects can be found on Public Works' new Paving page, as well as our interactive Louisville Metro Paving Dashboard. You can not only view paving projects scheduled for the year, but also see the conditions of city streets.