 We wrapped up the Annual Chase Gavin Coat A Kid Drive, and this year the community pushed it to a new level. I stood with County Clerk David Yates, Chase’s family, and our partners to close out the drive and recognize everyone who helped make it happen.
This year we collected over 1,000 coats for students across Jefferson County. Last year, every school that requested coats had their needs met. With this year’s number, we should be able to do that again.
The part I look forward to most is delivering coats to the schools. Once you are there, you see exactly why this matters. The people receiving the donations are the ones who work with these kids every day. They already know which students need help, and they already have a plan for how the coats are going out. Getting to hand those coats over, knowing they are about to land with kids who need them, is hard to beat. It is the most fulfilling part of the whole drive.
This drive keeps growing because our community keeps stepping up. With the help of the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, the Kentucky Restaurant Association, our schools, and every drop off location, we collected enough winter items to make sure kids have what they need before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Of everything our office does, this may be the most impactful. The Chase Gavin Coat A Kid Drive means a great deal to me because it honors Chase in a real and lasting way and helps children who might otherwise be overlooked. I am grateful to his family for trusting us with his legacy, and I am thankful for every volunteer, partner, and collection site that helped make this year a success.
 I had the pleasure of taking part in two Shop with a Cop events this season, one with LMPD’s 3rd Division at Meijer on Dixie Highway, and another with the Community Engagement Unit at Walmart in Valley Station.
At Meijer, Officer Tracy and the 3rd Division Advisory Board organized volunteers to shop with kids and handle wrapping afterward. The plan was simple: pair up, stick to each child’s list, check sizes, and make sure everything was packed and labeled for an easy pickup. Thank you to Meijer on Dixie for hosting and helping the team keep things moving.
I also also joined the Community Engagement Unit at Walmart in Valley Station. Officers and volunteers guided families through the store, found the items that mattered to each child, and kept the process steady from the cart to the checkout. Thank you to Walmart in Valley Station for the space and support.
These events ran well because people showed up prepared and followed through. Officer Tracy, Councilwoman Bast, the 3rd Division Advisory Board, the Community Engagement Unit, and every volunteer who shopped and wrapped deserve credit for turning plans into results. We appreciate Meijer and Walmart for opening their doors and working alongside LMPD and our office to make it happen.
 Our Metro Council Holiday Food Drive wrapped up with about 2,500 food items collected, all delivered to the Association of Community Ministries to be shared across the city.
We also want to recognize Kroger’s $10,000 donation to Association of Community Ministries, announced at Metro Council, which will help ACM stretch even further for families who need it this winter.
Special shout out to our friends at Odolly’s Lounge & Restaurant for hosting the District 25 collection bin. They have been a steady partner for us, and the bin has been overflowing the last few years because people keep showing up and donating. Thanks to everyone who dropped off items, whether it was one can or a full bag.
 I am proud to be the lead sponsor for R-134-25. This resolution tells the Planning Commission to review Louisville’s zoning code and come back with recommendations on where packaged liquor stores can locate. The goal is to slow the clustering we see in some corridors and take a serious look at whether new distance rules are needed near places like schools and other sensitive locations.
Louisville Metro ABC shows 621 locations are licensed to sell packaged alcohol, which includes liquor stores, groceries, drug stores, and convenience stores.
The resolution starts a public process. Planning will research what other cities do, publish options for public review and comment, hold a public hearing at Planning Commission, and then send a recommendation back to Metro Council. The Planning Commission has 180 days to deliver those recommendations.
One reference point in the resolution is the city’s smoke and vape shop rules, which include a 1,000-foot separation schools and other sensitive locations, and from other smoke and vape shops. The hope is that a similar approach can work for packaged liquor sales.
 We have a lot of development activity happening in South and Southwest Louisville right now, especially along Dixie Highway. Several major restaurant projects are no longer “talk.” They have filed paperwork, started the approval process, or are already under construction, including 7 Brew, Dutch Bros, Chipotle, and another Chick-fil-A on Dixie. With the biggest restaurant news still to come, we are thrilled with what is happening.
On the jobs side, we also have major wins.
Foxconn Technology Co. has chosen Louisville for its first American production facility. The project is a $173 million investment and is expected to create 180 new jobs, with operations planned to launch in 2026. This is the type of advanced manufacturing investment that brings career-track opportunities and helps strengthen the local supply chain.
We are also seeing growth from companies that have been part of Louisville for decades. ISCO Industries, headquartered here since 1962, is expanding its Riverport operation. The 110,000-square-foot expansion strengthens their national footprint and adds capacity here in Louisville, where they’ve long been anchored.
More is coming.
 The South End Loan & Incentive Fund has launched with $2 million in funding (another $1 million is in the budget for future rollout) to help attract new restaurants, support legacy businesses, and reduce vacancies along the Dixie Highway corridor. This program is designed to ensure families in Valley Station, PRP, Fairdale, and surrounding neighborhoods have access to the same quality amenities as other parts of Louisville.
Councilman Khalil Batshon explains, “We felt that this was a great way to incentivize not only helping small businesses grow and expand into the community but also incentivize and expand on more anchor tenants. Our constituents deserve some of the same amenities as other parts of our communities.”
What’s Available Restaurant Attraction Incentive: Eligible fast-casual and table-service projects can receive up to $30 per square foot in tenant-improvement support, with space and operating-term requirements designed to bring quality dining to Dixie Highway. Awards are first-come, first-served.
Business Improvement Support: The program prioritizes façade upgrades, buildout costs, ADA accessibility, and infrastructure improvements. These practical investments are available to help local businesses thrive. Applications are open through June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility at a Glance Projects should demonstrate job creation, capital investment, and alignment with corridor revitalization goals. Restaurant applicants must meet program financial thresholds and agree to a minimum five-year operating commitment. Clawbacks apply for early exits.
How to Apply South End Loan & Incentive Fund info and overview (LEDA): https://www.louisvillealliance.org/southend
Online application portals:
- South End Loan & Incentive Fund: https://gn.ecivis.com/GO/gn_redir/T/1v7qnn34ouxhd
- Restaurant Attraction Incentive: https://gn.ecivis.com/GO/gn_redir/T/1q48kcer4fro6
METCO Loan Programs: https://www.louisvillealliance.org/metco
For a one-page summary of eligible uses and timelines, see the program flier at https://www.louisvillealliance.org/southend
South Louisville has consistently called for more sit-down restaurants, stronger retail, and reinvestment along Dixie Highway. This fund is designed to deliver concrete support to meet that demand, leveraging private investment and increasing foot traffic so our neighborhoods can flourish.
Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in these opportunities are encouraged to reach out for guidance or visit the links above to get started.
Check this out! From the December 13th, 1957 issue of Courier-Journal urging folks to see Santa at Dixie Manor.
 South and Southwest Louisville need more representation on Louisville Metro Government's boards and commissions. We need dedicated individuals from our area to step up and make a difference.
By joining a board or commission, you have the opportunity to influence important decisions and initiatives that impact our city. We have approximately 65 boards and commissions covering various aspects of community life. Your involvement can help shape the future of Louisville and ensure that our community's needs and perspectives are heard.
Why Apply?
-
Make a Difference: Your input and expertise can help guide policies and projects that benefit our community.
-
Gain Experience: Serving on a board or commission provides valuable experience in governance and community leadership.
-
Build Connections: You'll have the opportunity to work with other passionate individuals and build lasting relationships.
How to Apply: Please complete an online application here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-craig-greenberg/interested-serving-board-or-commission. Our Office of Boards and Commissions will contact you when your interests and qualifications match specific vacancies. After applying, please send your resume to Steven.Goodman@louisvilleky.gov.
We encourage all residents of South and Southwest Louisville to consider applying. Your involvement is crucial to our continued success and growth. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.
Let's ensure that South and Southwest Louisville are well-represented and that our voices are heard. Apply today and make a difference!
 Property reassessments have been mailed out across Louisville.
The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is an independent office that is required by state law to reassess property values every four years based on current market conditions. These assessments are not set by Metro Council. However, I believe taxpayers deserve fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the process.
If you believe your property assessment is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The first step is to file an Online Conference with the PVA before May 19. You can submit documentation such as comparable sales, photographs, or a private appraisal to support your case. More information is available here: https://jeffersonpva.ky.gov/property-assessment/conference/
My office is available to assist residents who have questions or need help navigating the appeal process. We remain committed to serving the taxpayers of District 25 and beyond.
How You Can Help?
If you encounter a pothole that still needs attention, please report it:
• For city roads, contact Metro311 online HERE or call 311 or 502-574-5000
• For interstates, report them to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 1-877-FOR-KYTC (1-877-367-5982)
I appreciate your patience as we continue working to improve road conditions in District 25. If you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will keep pushing for faster and more effective repairs to ensure safer roads for everyone.
    
|
