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Hello District 21 neighbors,
I like snow. I really do.
I even went cross-country skiing in Iroquois Park this week (I only fell once 😊), but I much prefer polite Kentucky snow—when it falls on the grass, stays a couple of days, and melts promptly off the streets.
That does not describe the snow we got nearly two weeks ago. It fell, covered our roadways, and stuck around, making neighborhood streets slick and difficult to navigate.
Thanks to the hard-working folks at Public Works, Parks, and several other departments, our major roads were kept clear. Crews plowed and salted more than 2,700 miles of roadway multiple times during and after the storm, logging more than 200 hours to keep main routes safe. They deserve our thanks. Can we improve the system to reach more roads after the next storm? Yes—and we should.
As crews caught up with priority routes, I advocated for larger neighborhood roads, especially in the dense neighborhoods of Beechmont and Iroquois. What good is Preston Highway or Southern Parkway if you cannot get out of your neighborhood? I also asked Public Works to focus on major intersections, where plows often push snow to the side, making it harder and more dangerous to enter main roads.
Last year, the city invested an additional $3 million in facilities and fleet management, including trucks and snow-removal equipment. These newer plows are more effective and use blades that are less likely to damage curbs or other infrastructure, saving taxpayers money over time. Even so, we were unable to plow every street, and at some point, our employees must return to other essential city services.
I have asked—along with many other council members—that Public Works refine its snow plan by clearly identifying priority and secondary routes. A clearer plan allows crew and equipment to be used more efficiently, rather than responding road by road as calls come in.
This is the second year in a row Louisville has experienced historic snowfall paired with prolonged icy conditions. No one expects weather like this here. But as climate change continues to disrupt the seasons we once relied on, we must adjust our priorities.
Safe roads are a public safety issue, and they are a Metro responsibility.
Two things I am committed to working on with my colleagues and the mayor’s office:
First, increasing snow-removal capacity for secondary and local roads. That means taking a hard look at how resources are allocated and identifying where funds can be shifted from lower-impact uses to snow response. This will not be easy, but given how bad the last two winters have been, we must ask, “Is this the new normal?” If it is, then we need to make some changes.
Second, being more intentional about equity and safety in our snow-removal strategy. Some jobs cannot be done remotely, and denser neighborhoods carry more traffic and higher risk when roads are icy. Using available data, I want to explore how employment patterns, neighborhood density, and demographics can help inform how we prioritize snow response. These will not be easy conversations, but they are necessary if we want a city that works for everyone—especially during times of crisis.
Thank you to everyone who called and emailed our office during the storm. We received a high volume of messages, and while we may not have returned every call as quickly as we hoped, we always strive to follow up.
Before the snowfall, my office encouraged neighbors to help one another and share their availability so we could connect people in need with those able to assist. I also saw many community members step up on their own. This is what building community from the ground up looks like.
My legislative aide, Ashkan, and I were part of that effort as well, helping shovel driveways and assisting neighbors stuck in the snow.
Now, I am ready to watch it melt.
Sincerely,
Betsy Ruhe
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Be an active Neighbor, Join us for the following Meetings:
Airport Community Noise Forum
Feb 9 | 6:00pm - 4320 Park Blvd
Lynnview City Council Meeting
Feb 10| 6-7pm - 1241 Gilmore Ln
Beechmont Neighborhood Association
Feb 16 | 6:00pm - Iroquois Library
Iroquois Neighborhood Association
Feb 17 | 7:00pm - DeSales High School
Friends of Iroquois Park
Feb 23 | 6:30pm - Iroquois Library
Chat with Ruhe
Feb 25 | 6:30pm - TBA
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Safety First
This week, I highlighted the installation of new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons along Southern Parkway near Olmsted South Middle School — a $9,500 investment to make pedestrian crossings safer for students and families. I also shared updates on the $84,000 we’ve dedicated to speed hump projects designed to slow traffic and improve safety throughout District 21.
You can check out this morning’s press conference to hear the full update on our safety and infrastructure efforts. All of this work supports the same goal: building safer, more accessible neighborhoods for everyone — block by block, street by street.
You can view the full press conference by clicking the button below.
Let’s get together
We’re hosting our 3rd annual Valentine-ish event, and we’d love to see you there. Join us for the 'Lover's & Friends' Pop-Up Market, February 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Click the button below for more details and to RSVP so we know you're coming.
We can't wait to see you again or for the first time!
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 Supporting Small Developers in Louisville Neighborhoods
Louisville Metro’s Small Developer Loan Program (SDLP) provides partially forgivable loans to emerging local developers for the rehabilitation of vacant structures into affordable housing. Projects may be for homeownership or rental, but all must meet affordability requirements for households earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI).
Funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, this program aims to expand access to lending capital for new developers, improve neighborhood housing conditions, and increase the supply of affordable housing. The SDLP is administered by the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) and is a vital part of the My Louisville Home strategy, which seeks to create and preserve 15,000 affordable housing units by 2027 while fostering vibrant, diverse neighborhoods.
For more information about how to apply, lick on the button below.
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 February is recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Teen dating violence affects 1 in 3 adolescents. In Their Shoes is a program grounded in evidence-based practices that will take place at YMCAs in Louisville, aimed at providing teens and adults with a more profound understanding of contemporary dating dynamics.
Participants will engage in interactive scenarios, taking on the roles of one of six characters, each drawn from actual teen experiences related to topics such as sexting, pregnancy, homophobia, and stalking.
The workshops are scheduled as follows:
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., February 4, Southwest Family YMCA
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., February 11, Republic Bank Foundation YMCA
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., February 18, YMCA Safe Place Services
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., February 25, YMCA Norton Commons
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| Ad Date: |
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30-Day Date: |
| 01/13/2026 |
Protest must be submitted by: |
02/12/2026
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| LMPD Division |
7th Division |
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Sadashiva LLC, 6551 Paramount Park Drive, Louisville KY 40213, Hereby declares intention(s) to apply for a NQ2 Retail Drink License and Special Sunday Retail Drink License license(s) no later than January 12, 2026. The business to be licensed will be located at 6551 Paramount Park Drive Louisville, Kentucky 40213 doing business as Holiday Inn Louisville Airport South. The Limited Partners are as follows: Rajesh Patel (Ownership) 6551 Paramount Park Dr. Louisville KY 40213. Any person, association, corporation, or body politic, may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 500 Mero St 2NE33, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601 , within thirty (30) days of the date of legal publication. January 13 2026 LSBN0438049
| Ad Date: |
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30-Day Date: |
| 01/14/2026 |
Protest must be submitted by: |
02/13/2026
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| LMPD Division |
7th Division |
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Salina Ent. LLC, 6601 Paramount Park Dr, Hereby declares intention(s) to apply for a NQ Retail Malt Beverage Package License, NQ4 Retail Malt Beverage Drink License, Quota Retail Package License license(s) no later than January 12, 2026. The business to be licensed will be located at 6601 Paramount Park Dr, Louisville, Kentucky 40213 doing business as TownePlace Suites Louisville Airport. The owner(s) are as follows: Rajesh Patel, 6601 Paramount Park Dr Louisville KY 40213. Any person, association, corporation, or body politic, may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 500 Mero St 2NE33, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601 , within thirty (30) days of the date of legal publication. January 14 2026 LSBN0439337
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 A hands‑on creative experience for young artists
The Beechmont Community Center is excited to offer a youth clay class beginning Wednesday, February 4 from 5:30–7:30 PM. This six‑week program introduces kids to the basics of hand‑building with clay and encourages creativity through guided instruction. The full session is just $25, making it an accessible way for young artists to explore a new medium.
Register online at bestparksever.com or sign up in person at the community center.
 A fun, one‑day creative workshop for all ages
Join us on February 19 for a one‑day paint pouring workshop — a colorful, relaxing way to explore abstract art. This workshop is open to all skill levels and costs only $5 to participate.
Sign up at bestparksever.com or stop by the community center to reserve your spot.
 A welcoming space to craft, connect, and create
If you enjoy crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, or other fiber arts, come join our weekly Fiber Arts Club every Tuesday from 4:00–6:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to socialize, work on your projects, and meet others who share your interests. Please note that materials are not provided, but all skill levels are welcome.
Visit bestparksever.com or register at the community center.
 Here are a list of recourses available for our constituents
LIHEAP:
As temperatures drop, no one should have to choose between warmth and other necessities.
Louisville’s LIHEAP Fall Subsidy is here to help, offering one-time home heating assistance for low-income households. Please share this information for those who may be in need!
Flight Tracking:
If you have complaints about airport noise, please call Noise Office at 502-363-8516 and follow the below prompts to track flights:
Go to the airport's website www.flylouisville.com. At the top of the page, click on CORPORATE tab. Under the heading LRAA, click on the tab for NOISE COMPATIBILITY PROGRAM. Near the bottom of the page, look for Flight Tracking and click the button for NEAR-LIVE FLIGHT TRACKS DISPLAY. Click the Flight Tracking heading at the top of the page. Click the Accept button to accept the terms and conditions and you can begin viewing flights.
Pothole Reporting:
Use the Louisville Metro online form by clicking here.
Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
Call our office at 574-1121, and we'll turn it in on your behalf.
To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov
Recycling:
We are asking for your help to ensure that we are correctly setting out our recycling carts in our district. Follow these tips to ensure that your recycling gets picked up time!
Do: Make sure the lid is closed flat and break the boxes down flat to maximize space.
Don't: Set boxes beside the cart or leave lid open or overflow the cart
For the Public Works recycling schedule click here
 Neighborhood Associations and Groups
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Interested in council meetings?
Here is the Metro Council calendar for 2026. It outlines all scheduled meetings, key decision dates, and opportunities for public involvement throughout the year.
Stay informed, plan ahead, and participate in the discussions that shape our community!
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