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January 16, 2026


Friday Thoughts

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week and are settling into 2026. If you're an Indiana University football fan, I know it’s an exciting (and hopefully celebratory) time!

Committee meetings won't begin in earnest for another couple of weeks, so there isn't much to report on legislatively from the Metro Council. We did hold our organizational meeting earlier this month where we elected Metro Council leadership. Subsequent to that came the naming of committee chairs/vice chairs and committee assignments. I am happy to report that I will once again be the vice chair of the Budget Committee. This is an extremely important role as the chair and vice chair have significant influence in how the budget comes together. We are still several months away from hearing the mayor’s proposal, but I will keep you updated as the first half of the year progresses.

In addition to the Budget Committee, I will also serve on our Appropriations and Public Safety Committees. The latter is an especially important assignment, as I believe government has no greater obligation than ensuring the safety of its residents. I look forward to this work throughout the year as I'm sure we will deal with a number of important issues.

In other news, my work on the data center land use reforms continues to progress. Over the next week or two, I expect planning staff to release the first draft of the regulatory reform. From there, the Planning Commission will have a series of open meetings to gather testimony and input from experts and the public alike before making final recommendations to the Metro Council. I believe these particular updates could be some of the most consequential of the decade, so it's critically important that we get them right. It is my intention that we be thoughtful and deliberate, gather concerns from all stakeholders, and craft a comprehensive set of reforms. Being right is much more important than being quick when it comes to this issue.

Last weekend marked the first Cafe LOUIE of the year. These events, held in libraries throughout the county where the public hears directly from local and state lawmakers, are ones I always enjoy. I was glad to see a packed room with so many engaged residents. If you've not attended one before, I hope you'll be able to make a future one (or one of my coffee meetings) to discuss whatever is important to you. The next Cafe LOUIE close to our district will be Saturday, March 7 at the Northeast Regional Library. 

Finally, I wanted to share a couple of ways to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as we near the federal holiday on Monday. The annual 'Keepers of the Dream' event, which is free and open to the public, will be Sunday at 5 p.m. at The Kentucky Center. The Muhammad Ali Center is offering free admission on Monday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., though registering beforehand is recommended. The center will show Dr. King's 'I Have A Dream' speech at the top of every hour. You can register to visit here.   
 
As always, I hope you have a great weekend. If I or my office can be of any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!


Contact the District 17 Office


Markus Winkler
17th District Councilman
Louisville Metro Council
502.574.1117
Contact Councilman Winkler


Kip Eatherly
Legislative Aide
502.574.3462
Contact Kip

Follow Me on Facebook

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Important Numbers

Animal Services  473-7387
Charmoli NP  574-5787
Codes & Regulations  574-2508
EACM  426-2824
Health & Wellness  574-6520
Jefferson Co. Clerk  574-5700
KY Science Center  561-6100
LG&E  589-1444
LMPD (8th Division)  574-2258
Louisville Water  583-6610
Louisville Zoo  459-2181
Mayor's Office  574-2003
Middletown Library  245-7332
MSD  540-6000
NE Regional Library  394-0379
Parks & Recreation  574-7275
Planning & Design  574-6230
Public Works  574-5810
TARC  585-1234

'Coffee With Your Councilman' - January 27 at 9 a.m.

My next 'Coffee With Your Councilman' will be Tuesday, January 27 at 9 a.m. at the Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS station located at 9514 Featherbell Boulevard. I'll share the latest news from City Hall and answer any concerns or questions you have. I hope to see you on the 27th! If there is a guest you'd like to hear from at a future coffee meeting, please let me know. 
   


Office of Planning Weekly Activity Report

Each week, the Metro Office of Planning creates a report listing all new land use applications in Jefferson County. These typically include requests for changes in zoning, conditional use permits, variances, landscape plans, and more. There is one case in this week's report involving property in our district, a request to create two tracts from one at 12214 Aiken Road. There is also a request about a half mile outside our district regarding a change in zoning at 115 Urton Lane. If you have questions or comments about either of these, please contact my office or the case manager listed in the report.
  


'Another Way' Cleanups in District 17

another way

'Another Way' participants collected 42 bags of trash from a wooded area off of Springhurst Boulevard.


In my December 19 newsletter, I shared some YTD data on the 'Another Way' program, a partnership between Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and Louisville Metro Government. A quick reminder how this program works - Goodwill staff visits high visibility locations throughout the city offering people the opportunity for work and a chance to get help with housing, career training, substance abuse, and more. This week, we saw this play out in District 17 as 'Another Way' participants collected more than 100 bags of trash and other items from two locations: one close to Springhurst Boulevard and another near Chamberlain Lane. I continue to be amazed at the strides this program has taken and appreciate the impact it has had in the lives of so many.
             


Louisville Zoo Seasonal Job Fair - January 24

The Louisville Zoo will host its annual job fair for seasonal positions on Saturday, January 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Islands Pavilion Gheens Room. Positions are available in admissions, education, animal departments, guest services, horticulture, Splash Park, and more. Compensation starts at $16.65/hour. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to work a schedule that includes nights and weekends. Some positions have additional requirements or need training (which the zoo provides). Seasonal zoo employees receive free zoo admission and parking for the duration of their employment as well as discounts in gift shops and food concession locations. Click here to learn more or apply.   


Cookies (and Coffee) With A Cop

Coffee with a Cop


The 8th Division has scheduled two opportunities next week for residents to meet with officers and share any concerns or questions. The first event will be Wednesday, January 21 from 1-3 p.m. at Kroger, 9501 Westport Road. If that one doesn't work with your schedule, there is another one the following day ('Coffee with a Cop' this time!) from 10 a.m. until noon at Half Price Books, 10220 Westport Road. I hope you'll be able to stop by! 
 



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