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 I started the year thinking I would be super efficient with getting out a newsletter at the beginning of the month, but I think that ship sailed. While I'm not thrilled that the February newsletter is hitting your inbox mid-month, it's not for laziness!
Just like the rest of you, I'm so over snow. I'm so over it that I don't even want to acknowledge it. First, I want to thank our tireless snow response team with Public Works for all of their work in clearing the roads. Even though neighborhood streets were not prioritized, we appreciate the willingness to clear some of the roads we requested. What made this snow event unique was the freezing temperatures that followed the snowfall. The last time we had that long of a stretch of cold temps was in 2001!
Assuming that these types of snow events will be more commonplace as our climate changes, we need to consider how we are planning and investing in our future snow response. Here are three big takeaways from the last snow event for me:
1) Primary and secondary snow routes. Louisville Metro redid the snow route map in October 2025. Unfortunately, none of the roads my office advocated for during the redesign were added. If they were, it would have prevented a majority of our calls for plowing. When the 111 routes were plowed recently, the snow team did not move on to neighborhood streets, despite the administration stating it would happen. We should have a primary snow route (the one we have now) and a secondary route that is plowed after the primary is done. Furthermore, these routes should be overlayed with JCPS bus routes, and small cities and HOAs should be considered/omitted.
2) Increased enforcement for sidewalk clearing. Despite a law requiring sidewalks to be cleared, the vast majority of people did not clear their sidewalks. My office solicited many times for people who were disabled, medically fragile, or seniors to contact us if they needed help clearing (not guarantees—it would have been me and my snow shovel!). We didn't hear from anyone. Some of my able-bodied neighbors on my block didn't clear their sidewalks. Why not? Serious question. And this isn't just a residential problem—there were many large businesses and institutions that didn't clear their sidewalks. While we're grateful that Churchill Downs cleared their sidewalks after we asked, we shouldn't have had to ask. Given that 97% (not a real stat) didn't clear their sidewalk, enforcement is nearly impossible. Therefore, I believe we need to have a tiered approach to issuing citations: large businesses and institutions first, small businesses second, and residents third. On top of enforcement, we need more awareness about the law we have. Education is power!
3) More money needs to be budgeted for Public Works and Code Enforcement. In order to do 1 and 2, we need to structure our city budget in a way that provides more funding for salt/brine, equipment, and labor.
If you have any other suggestions, we're all ears.
Also, I want to acknowledge the long periods for some residents without trash or recycling pick-up. Trash collection didn't happen on Monday, January 19th due to Louisville Metro being closed for MLK Day. When the snow hit on the following weekend, collection didn't happen again and, in some cases, again. This led to lots of trash piling up at residential properties. Since all of District 15 is in the Urban Services District, this issue was particularly felt by D15 residents. I appreciate our solid waste team for getting to the trash when they could in the snowy conditions. If you are still having issues with your trash pick-up, please let us know.
Enough about snow! Here are some other things going on that you should know about:
- The Office of Construction Review received a wrecking permit application for 2601 S. 3rd Street. Located on the property where UofL's new research park is being built, the property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the Kentucky Wagon Works. As community preservationists are working to landmark this building and prevent it from being demolished, I have asked for and been granted a 60-day extension for this item to be considered. As the community group works on the petition and organizing efforts, I will be sure to share updates. Remember, social media is always a great way to see more up-to-date alerts, so give me a follow!
- A sure sign that spring is around the corner: The 2026 market vendor application for the South End Community Market is now open! The market will run from May 16 through October 24. Apply here.
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Congratulations to ArtxFM for a "decade on the dial" in Louisville, providing a platform for sound, music and conversation for local artists. Cheers to many more decades! Be sure to tune into WXOX 97.1 FM!
- Don't forget about BOB: Wyandotte-Oakdale happening this spring! We're doing a lot of housekeeping now, but stay tuned for volunteer and meet-up opportunities!
- If you live in District 15, you may have received a magnetic calendar with a familiar face on it in your mail recently. The calendar has all the 2026 Metro Council meetings on there, so I hope you'll come to City Hall and see us this year!
Tomorrow, we're launching our end-of-year review (I know, we're 7 weeks into the new year, but better late than never!). I'm so excited to share all the great things we were able to accomplish together, especially as we continue the momentum into 2026!
See y'all around D15,
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January highlights included delivering meals to seniors, speaking to the newest class from the Office of Women Ambassadors, Cafe LOUIE at the Iroquois Library, and a whole lot of snow.
On February 12, I had the honor of presenting Karen Little with a proclamation on behalf of Louisville Metro for her work as the founder and executive director of Alley Cat Advocates.
Karen Little’s name has become synonymous with dedication, advocacy, and unwavering care for Louisville’s community cats. Through her leadership with Alley Cat Advocates, Karen has shown us what is possible when persistence is paired with compassion.
And, in what I’m sure is a completely random, not-at-all perfectly timed coincidence, Karen is retiring in February—Spay and Neuter Awareness Month. If there were ever a person whose life’s work embodied the very purpose of this month, it is Karen. The numbers alone tell a powerful story. In just the past year, Alley Cat Advocates responded to more than 7,800 calls from concerned residents, and they facilitated over 7,000 spay and neuter surgeries. Behind every spay and neuter is a life made better, a neighborhood supported, and a caregiver who found hope and guidance.
I'm personally grateful to Karen for the role she has played in supporting the people behind this work. For example, when a group of people and I needed a place to gather and organize against an animal abuser many years ago, Karen opened the doors of Alley Cat Advocates without hesitation. (That was back when Alley Cats was headquartered in D15 off Eastern Parkway instead of Alley Cats' current home at the Karen and Hoyt Little Community Cat Complex on the LMAS campus!) Karen was with us every step of the way as we advocated for cats in a different way than spaying and neutering. In the years since, Karen and her Alley Cats crew have always been there when myself or my office found a community cat in need of care.
For more than two decades, Karen’s steadfast leadership has helped make Louisville a model for humane, effective Trap-Neuter-Return practices. Because of her efforts, thousands and thousands of cats have been able to live healthier lives. Her legacy is not only in the programs she helped build, but in the culture of compassion she helped create.
Karen, on behalf of the residents of District 15 and the entire Louisville community, thank you. Thank you for your years of service, your tireless advocacy, and your extraordinary heart.
After being rescheduled due to snow, we held our Livestock Town Hall at the South Central Library on February 5th.
I was prepared for pitchforks, but it was honestly the nicest and most constructive community meeting that I have ever attended (and I've attended a lot!). I'm so thankful to the people who attended and shared their input, LMAS for attending the meeting, and the nearly 100 people who filled out the livestock survey.
I gained a wealth of knowledge from the meeting and the survey that will be helpful as we draft a a new ordinance. I have already sent my suggested changes to the County Attorney and I'm waiting on a draft. We've assembled a team of livestock experts who attended the meeting to give feedback on the updated ordinance. The language is changed, but it's a much cleaner version of the ordinance that was messy from day 1 (well before my time on Council). Once we have everything buttoned up, I'm excited to introduce it as new business.
In the meantime, LMAS is not issuing any citations for livestock that is in violation of the current livestock space requirements. They are waiting for us to update the ordinance and I am grateful for their patience.
WLKY did a great job on coverage, so check out their story on the town hall here. You can also check out stories from WHAS, WAVE, and WDRB.
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My love letter to District 15 would be LONG, so I made some Valentine’s for you to share the love too. Check them out here.
Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day!
To: You wonderful humans
From: Your Councilwoman
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Join myself, Councilman Herndon, Councilman Lyninger, Representative Kulkarni, Representative Watckins, and Representative Stevenson on Saturday, February 28th from 9 to 10 am at the Spalding University Columbia Auditorium (824 S. 4th Street) for a panel discussion about issues that matter most to you.
Normally, this Cafe LOUIE would be held at the Main branch of the Louisville Free Public Library, although the venue has changed due to the extensive renovation of Main branch.
I hope you'll join us for this laidback, casual conversation. Bring your questions, or just your listening ears. Elected officials will stick around after the panel discussion has ended in case you want to ask anything one-on-one.
I hope to see you there!
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The Louisville Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) announced the first four restaurants to receive grants from the new $1 million Dixie Highway Restaurant Incentive Fund:
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LongHorn Steakhouse, a full-service national dining brand, will add a new table-service option for families, workers, and visitors to the corridor at 7401 Dixie Hwy.
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Crumbl Cookies, one of the nation’s fastest-growing dessert concepts, will bring a popular fast-casual offering to the South End for the first time at 10970 Dixie Hwy.
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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will offer cooked-to-order steakburgers and freshly churned frozen custard treats at 8700 Dixie Hwy.
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Derby City Pizza will expand their current location at 12900 Dixie Hwy to add an event center and game yard.
The fund, launched in September as part of the broader $3 million South End Loan and Incentive Fund, was created to attract quality dining options, reduce commercial vacancy, and spark renewed investment in one of Louisville’s most important commercial corridors.
The Dixie Highway Restaurant Incentive Fund remains open, with funds available to support additional table-service or fast-casual restaurants looking to establish a new or additional presence in South Louisville. Restaurants, developers, and operators interested in exploring opportunities in the South End are encouraged to connect with LEDA’s Local Growth team. Incentives are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to new restaurant recruitment, the South End Loan and Incentive Fund is also supporting existing South End businesses. Five local businesses have been awarded $10,000 South Points grants to support expansion and building improvements, and two businesses have been approved for a combined $545,000 in METCO loans, drawn from a dedicated $800,000 pool reserved specifically for South End businesses.
South End Fund - METCO Loans
Goal: METCO South End loan program is reserved for small businesses operating in the South Points Scenic Area.
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Derby City Pizza: $215,000 – On top of the $60K Dixie Hwy Restaurant Incentive that this project received for addition of the new dining space, METCO funds are being used to add pickleball & volleyball courts & parking space.
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Di Tran Properties: $330,000 - a real estate development company that is performing rehabilitation of properties on 5024 and 5026 S 3rd St. that are unsuitable for commercial use. 5024 S 3rd St. is occupied by a nail salon that was damaged by fire in 2024. METCO funds will be used to rehabilitate the building and allow the business to return to operations. METCO funds will also be used to add a commercial unit to 5026 S 3rd St. to house a bakery.
South End Fund - Grants
Goal: This South End Legacy Business Grant is reserved for small legacy businesses operation in the South Points Scenic Area. Eligible businesses may receive up to $10,000 in grant funds to support real estate-based capital improvements.
Recipients:
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Sandollar – family-owned transportation (coach) company on 321 Outer Loop
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B.A. Colonial – restaurant on 818 W Kenwood Dr
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LJG Childcare – daycare on 4144 Taylor Blvd.
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The Well Coffee Co. – a coffee shop on 5225 New Cut Rd
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Maya Collection Corporation – funds will be used for improvements to their handcrafted gifts shop
Both programs remain open for applications, with $255,000 still available in METCO loan funding and $150,000 remaining for South Points grants to support additional South End business growth.
A couple of years ago, I watched a documentary called Join or Die about the decline of social clubs and how their absence is negatively affecting society today. The documentary was inspired by a book called Bowling Alone. I was thrilled to see Councilman Lyninger talking about this book in one of his recent newsletters, so I wanted to share what he wrote with you:
"At our Advisory Council meeting for Park Hill, Algonquin and Taylor Berry this week, we had a conversation about how our neighborhoods have changed over time. While some changes can be positive, others definitely aren't. One change that's common to many neighborhoods, not just in our district or our city but throughout our country, is the way that we've lost touch with our neighbors and our communities. There was a time when we not only knew out neighbors next door and across the street—we knew the whole block! We knew our neighbors not just by sight, or even their names, but instead we really knew one another: where they went to school and work, where they worshipped, what sports the kids played, what clubs and organizations the adults belonged to.
That's something we've lost, and the change is so big and pervasive that sociologists study it to understand what that loss has done to us and our society. There's a fancy word for it—atomization—and when I was 18 and a student at UofL I first encountered the seminal work on the topic which is Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam. The title comes from the fact that people used to belong to bowling leagues, with teams and schedules and competitions, but now instead most people just, well, bowl alone. They go bowling to play a game, maybe they're even more serious hobbyist and they're trying to hone their skills, but the infrastructure for bowling as a social connection is reduced in a way that would have been unrecognizable to someone from the past, and bowling is certainly far from unique in terms of how much more solitary and apart are lives are compared to the past.
There are many reasons for this change, which far predates internet culture, doomscrolling social media, and Netflix (the book Bowling Alone was published in 2000 and the original paper that Putnam expanded on was written in 1995). While there are multiple factors, one of the biggest drivers is the fact that working people have much less leisure time than they used to. People work more overtime, take fewer vacations, and many workplaces have unpredictable and changing schedules. Some of us are expected to bring work home with us or to be available to answer calls and respond to emails. More people work second or side jobs than before. When we are unplugged from work, many of us have complicated schedules to work out at home about household responsibilities. When we do have a moment to catch our breath, our entertainment is solitary. We're atomized, closed off from the outside world, apart.
With the huge decline in the sorts of social and community ties that bowling leagues, service organizations, neighborhood clubs and things like this provided, we lost touch with the people around us. This isn't a universal experience, and since the problem was recognized years ago there's been a reversal as people have made intentional efforts to rekindle that sense of community. The fact remains that we're far from the kind to engagement and involvement with one another that we used to have, and that has a serious negative effect on our neighborhoods. If we don't know our neighbors, how can we trust our neighbors and build community together? How can we see when something's wrong and lend a hand? How can we come together to solve problems that affect all of us?
There's going to be some serious winter weather come in this weekend. It's the kind of weather where it would be good to check on your neighbor and to help out with the elders on your street who can't clear their walkway. It's the sort of time it might be nice to make some extra hot chocolate and ask your neighbor if she'd like some after she gets her car dug out. We're atomized, but we don't have to stay that way, and if we can get to know each other a little that can be a small change that makes our lives a little better and brighter. We can even come together to solve some problems on our block, in our neighborhoods, and then, well, who knows how far it can go—but we have to start somewhere.
Solidarity,
Councilman JP Lyninger"
D15 February Event Calendar
2/3: Taylor Berry Neighborhood Association (2911 Taylor Blvd)
2/3: Wilder Park Neighborhood Association meeting (6:30 pm; 120 Fairmont Ave)
2/10: 4th Division Advisory board meeting (6:30 pm; 1340 S. 4th St)
2/11: Meriwether-Fort Hill Neighborhood Association meeting (6:30 pm; 537 E Burnett Ave)
2/12: Metro Council Meeting (6 pm, 601 W. Jefferson St)
2/16: German-Paristown Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; at Hope Worsted Mills, 1000 Swan St)
2/17: Lucky Horseshoe Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 1017 Queen Ave)
2/17: Iroquois Neighborhood Association Meeting (7 pm; Epiphany Church, 7032 Southside Dr)
2/19: Taylor Berry Anti-Violence Coalition monthly dinner (5 pm; N Street Baptist Church, 2914 S 6th St)
2/21: Hazelwood Neighborhood Association Meeting (6 pm; 1703 Bicknell Ave)
2/23: Saint Joseph Area Association Potluck & Chili cook-off (6:30; Eastern Parkway Baptist Church, 601 Eastern Pkwy)
2/23: Schnitzelburg Area Community Council Meeting (7 pm; All Wool and a Yard Wide, 1328 Hickory St)
2/26: Metro Council Meeting (6 pm; 601 W. Jefferson St)
2/28: Cafe LOUIE at Spalding University (9 am; 824 S. 4th St)
2/28: Hazelwood Cleanup (11 am; 1500 Bicknell Ave)
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Stay up to date on everything D15 and see what's happening around the district and in the city.
Taylor Berry Anti Violence Coalition will be hosting a dinner meeting on February 19th from 5pm-7pm at N Street Baptist Church (2914 S 6th St, Louisville, KY 40208). This month's meeting focuses on Urban Agriculture. Farmer Von with Kentuckiana Backyard Farms will be the speaker.
Dress For Success Louisville’s Sale is back! Give your wardrobe a fresh start with incredible finds at our boutique on February 19 & 21. Browse curated racks styled by local fashion experts, get a sneak peek of featured items on Dress for Success social media pages. Everything you see will be available at the sale!
✨ Early Access Sip & Shop
Thursday | 5:30–7:00 PM
Pay $10 for early entry and shop all items priced at $12 or less.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980119422496?aff=oddtdtcreator
🛍 Fill-a-Bag Saturday
Fill a Kroger bag for just $15 per bag.
Mark your calendars for the Schnitzelburg Area Community Council’s neighborhood meeting on Monday, February 23rd at 7 pm at the All Wool & Yard Wide Club (1328 Hickory Street).
All Wool will provide refreshments with a cash bar.
Join SACC for neighborhood updates and insightful guest speakers.
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Ever wanted to explore a forest at night? Now's your chance! Come and explore your perceptions of safety and belonging in parks at night with a group. Join volunteer naturalists as we observe twilight animals like frogs and the American timberdoodle!
The night hike will be in Iroquois Park on February 24th from 5:30 to 8:00. This hike is co-hosted by Friends of Iroquois Park and the Office for Women. We want to make sure that women, and all, feel safe and welcome exploring our parks after dark!
Spaces are limited and sign up is required.
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Hazelwood Neighborhood Association will be hosting their second neighborhood cleanup on February 28th at 11 am. Volunteers can meet at the corner of Bicknell and Cayuga to gather supplies.
If you want to know more about the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association you can join them for their next general membership meeting-
Saturday February 21, 2026, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. at the Temple of Faith located at 1703 Bicknell Ave. Please enter through Dare to Care.
Snacks and drink provided
ADA accessible
Kid friendly environment
Bilingual meeting for Spanish speaking community.
Please reach out to hazelwoodneighborhoodassn@gmail.com if you have any questions about the meeting or neighborhood cleanup.
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From the jockey only known as Simon to two-time Derby winner Jimmy Winkfield, discover some of the most important African American figures in horse racing on the Black Heritage in Racing Tour at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Hear about their incredible legacies while exploring the grounds at Churchill Downs before concluding the tour in the Black Heritage in Racing Exhibit where you’ll learn how African American trainers, horse owners, and jockeys continue to shape the future of racing today.
As part of Louisville Tourism’s Unfiltered Truth Collection and thanks to generous sponsorship by the James Graham Brown Foundation and Churchill Downs, the Black Heritage in Racing Tour and Exhibit pays proper homage to the many African Americans who played an integral role throughout the history of the Kentucky Derby and Thoroughbred racing itself.
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Thanks to generous donors, the Speed Art Museum’s Free Sundays program has made art accessible to thousands. While we plan for a gradual transition to a new admission model for Sundays, the Museum has decided to continue to offer free Sunday general admission at least through March of this year. It’s also important to note the Speed continues to participate in the national Museums for All program, which allows free or reduced admission for those receiving food assistance. The Speed will not turn any visitor away due to financial need.
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You're invited to the first quarterly meeting of the year for Friends of Bike Highland Park on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. at Beechmont Community Center (205 W Wellington Ave, Louisville, KY 40214).
Learn about Bike Highland Park, hear updates, ask questions, share ideas, and find out how you can get involved in this exciting project.
This meeting is open to all.
The Facebook event for the meeting can be found here.
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Currently there is 1 opening for a supervisor on the Board. This is an appointed position that will fill a term ending in December 2028. Interested individuals must live in Jefferson County and submit a nominating position to the current board of supervisors with the signatures of 25 qualified resident voters in Jefferson County.
Any resident who meets the qualifications for District Supervisor as set forth in KRS 262 is qualified to serve, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.
Interested individuals have until February 16, 2025 to submit their nomination.
Please contact admin@jeffcd.org to obtain a copy of the petition and further information regarding supervisor responsibilities.
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Mini-Grants support the implementation of creative events that engage communities based on identity, neighborhood, special interest, or more. The program is part of the Arts in Neighborhoods initiative and has a rolling deadline.
Upcoming Deadline: April 17, 2026
Learn more and apply: https://fundforthearts.org/funding/community-event-mini-grants/
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As your Independent Monitor, Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA) will present its quarterly report under Paragraph 9 of the Community Commitment and answer questions, followed by an opportunity for community feedback.
The next quarterly meeting will be Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the Newburg Community Center (4810 Exeter Ave., Louisville, KY 40218). Doors open at 5:30 pm and the program will run from 6 to 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available.
Spanish-language interpretation and ASL interpretation will be available.
For questions, please contact ELEFA's Deputy Monitor and Community Liaison Brian Corr at brian@elefalvl.org.
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If you’ve ever stood over your recycling cart wondering “Does this actually help?” or hesitated with an item in your hand thinking “Is this recyclable… or wishful thinking?”—you’re definitely not alone. Recycling can feel confusing and complicated.
That’s why kNOw Waste Louisville is hosting a friendly, informative Recycling Q&A session on February 22 at the Iroquois Library. This is your chance to bring all those lingering questions — big, small, or oddly specific — and get clear, practical answers from people who work directly in waste reduction and recycling education.
What to expect:
- A relaxed, judgment‑free conversation about what actually belongs in your recycling bin
- Insight into where Louisville’s recycling goes and how the process works
- Tips to avoid common recycling mistakes
- Space to ask anything you’ve always wondered about waste, sorting, or sustainability
Whether you’re a seasoned recycler or just getting started, you’ll walk away feeling more confident, informed, and empowered to make a real difference in reducing waste in our community.
📅 Sunday, February 22
📍 Iroquois Library, 601 W Woodlawn Ave
🕒 2 - 3 p.m.
The event is free, but registration helps us plan for the right number of attendees.
Recycling doesn’t have to be confusing — and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us, get your questions answered, and become part of Louisville’s growing effort to kNOw Waste and recycle smarter.
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Louisville Metro's Department of Transportation will hold an additional Freight Mobility Action Plan public information session on Tuesday, February 24 from 5 to 7 pm at the Edison Center (701 W Ormsby St).
The survey link can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JB6NFNN
The Freight Mobility Action Plan will help the Department of Transportation better understand how freight movement impacts residents, with the goal of establishing a preferred freight network that prioritizes efficient movement of goods while reducing negative impacts like noise, congestion, infrastructure damage, and the like. DOT has partnered with HDR Engineering on the plan, which is anticipated to be completed by July 2026.
The second round of public engagement will take place in late spring.
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Louisville Metro is celebrating Black History Month with MELANnaire Marketplace on February 25 from 11 am to 3 pm at Metro Hall (527 West Jefferson Street, Room 106).
Enjoy local shopping, live art, spoken word, music, small bites, and networking.
The event is free and open to the public. Must have an ID to enter.
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Louisville has launched the Louisville America250KY Committee’s Grant Program, known as 250 Lou Grants, to provide funding to local nonprofit organizations to support events and programs highlighting Louisville’s history, culture, and community stories as part of the national America 250 celebration.
The Louisville America250KY Committee’s mission is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States by lifting up Louisville’s enduring contributions to the American journey. Through engaging, community-driven programming, the Committee seeks to inspire pride, connection, and broad participation across neighborhoods throughout Jefferson County.
The 250 Lou Grants will fund events and activities that take place within Louisville Metro (Jefferson County) no later than June 30, 2026. Funded projects must align with the Committee’s mission and vision by fostering connection, expanding participation, and celebrating Louisville’s role in the nation’s history.
Individual grant awards will be capped at $5,000, with a total of $48,000 available to be awarded through the grant program. Applicants must be a nonprofit organization to apply. Grant applications are now open and close at 5 p.m. on February 27, 2026.
Grant recipients will be required to submit both an activity report and a financial report in July 2026, including documentation of expenditures and payments.
More information about the Louisville America250KY Committee and the 250 Lou Grants program is available at 250louky.com.
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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.
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 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 has 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.
Louisville Metro Government (LMG) will begin accepting applications on Monday, January 12, 2026, from local non-profit organizations seeking funding for programs or activities that support the mayor’s strategic goals. These grants, funded through the city’s General Fund, are awarded to non-governmental or “external” agencies via the External Agency Funds (EAF) program for Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
The Office of Social Services (OSS) has established FY27 EAF priorities that reflect the Mayor's commitment to safe, healthy streets and equitable access to essential services for underserved populations. Selected partners will provide housing and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness who meet at least one of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definitions of homelessness. Priority populations include:
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Seniors (age 55+)
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Individuals with physical or mental disabilities
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Persons reentering society after incarceration (including those convicted of serious crimes). Preference will be given to agencies serving individuals coming out of Louisville Metro Corrections.
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Young adults (age 18–25)
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Families with children
Supportive services may include case management, transitional housing, workforce training leading to employment opportunities, and financial education for the homeless.
Key Dates & Info
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Application Guidelines Available: Monday, January 12, 2026, Guidelines.
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Application Window Opens: Monday, January 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM, Application Form.
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OSS EAF Office Hours: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM Join via this Webex meeting.
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Additional Trainings: Louisville Metro Government will also host sessions on grant writing and Euna technical assistance. Please refer to the Guidebook for details.
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Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Application Process
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Applications must be submitted through Euna.
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Applicants may save and return to incomplete applications before final submission.
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For technical support with Euna, contact: support.ecivis@eunasolutions.com
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For general, non-urgent inquiries, email: Karen.Moya@louisvilleky.gov
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Current grantees should reach out to their assigned Grants Contract Coordinator
Non-profits can receive up to $75,000 to help serve youth in our city. EAF grant applications are open through February 24 at 5 pm.
There are two upcoming information sessions coming up that offer Euna grants portal technical assistance:
Office hours for both dates are from 9 am to noon. Join virtually or come by their office on the 5th floor of the L&N Building.
More information and application can be found here.
Solid Waste Management Services has paused yard waste collection. 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.
Solid Waste Management Services appreciates the community's cooperation and commitment to keeping our city clean and sustainable.
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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 affordable housing supply.
The application window will be open begins on Friday, January 23 and will be open through early March.
Learn more: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/small-developer-loan-program
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The Louisville Home Repair Hotline, powered by Metro United Way, screens Jefferson County homeowners for possible assistance for home repairs.
Free, anonymous, and confidential, the hotline shares details about home repair resources, reviews eligibility to receive services, and matches those in need with those who can help.
Call 21 or visit https://metrounitedway.org/get-help-now/.
Questions? Email 211housingneeds@metrounitedway.org.
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Louisville Metro has experienced back-to-back winter weather events and the Snow Team has been working continuously to respond, recover, and prepare for what comes next. In total, the Snow Team has now responded to nine winter weather events this season.
During the major winter storm the weekend of Jan. 24 – 25, followed by additional snowfall more recently, the city responded with more plows, more brine, and more salt than ever before. Snow Team members worked around the clock in extended shifts to pretreat roads, salt and plow snow routes, address refreezing concerns, and continue cleanup well after snowfall ended. Their efforts helped move Louisville’s major roadways from snow-covered to passable in a relatively short window, even under extremely cold conditions.
Focus on Snow Routes & Essential Access
As always, the Snow Team’s primary responsibility is maintaining the city’s 111 dedicated snow routes, which cover approximately 2,750 miles of roadway. These routes include major arterials and collector roads that connect residents to hospitals, schools, emergency services, large employment centers, and other critical destinations.
During the recent major winter storm, with contractor support, our road crews were able to clear more miles of roadways than any other time in city history – addressing select streets outside of the dedicated snow route network. That work focused on roads that support access to schools, medical facilities, major employment centers, transportation hubs, and other essential services. This expanded response was an exception driven by the scale and impact of that storm.
Why wasn't every local road treated or plowed?
Louisville Metro’s Snow Team treats and plows 2,750 miles of roadway, which represents only a portion of all roadways across the community. Many additional miles of local streets, private roads, and roads maintained by other jurisdictions are not part of Metro’s snow route network.
Given the size of the roadway network and the resources available, the Snow Team is not able to treat and plow every road during a winter storm. Instead, the team prioritizes designated snow routes that keep the city functioning, focusing on safety, emergency response, and access to essential destinations. This approach is common in cities of similar size and allows crews to have the greatest impact during severe winter weather events.
We understand that it can be frustrating when local streets are not treated or plowed, and we appreciate residents’ patience and understanding as crews work through prioritized routes.
Looking Ahead
Following the most recent snowfall, Snow Team members continue monitoring conditions, treating slick spots, and preparing for potential additional winter weather. Preparation, coordination, and flexibility remain key as the season continues.
We extend our sincere thanks to the more than 200 Snow Team members from across Metro Government, including equipment operators, mechanics, dispatchers, communications staff, and support teams, who have worked long hours through these events. We also appreciate residents who stayed off the roads when possible, allowing crews to work more efficiently and safely.
For ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to visit louisvilleky.gov/snow and follow Snow Team updates on social media.
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Recent winter weather has already begun to take a toll on Louisville Metro’s roads. Snow, ice, and repeated freezing and thawing allow water to seep into small cracks in the pavement. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, weakening the road surface and causing potholes to form.
The good news is that residents can play an important role in helping crews make repairs faster. Reporting potholes helps us identify problem areas and prioritize repairs, keeping streets safer and smoother for everyone.
You can report potholes by:
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Filling out the online form at LouisvilleKY.gov
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Using Twitter (X) by sending the location to @LouMetro311 and including #502pothole
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Calling Metro311 or 502-574-5000 to report potholes or other service issues
A few helpful tips when reporting a pothole:
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Be as specific as possible about the location, including nearby intersections or landmarks
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Avoid stopping in traffic to take photos — your safety comes first
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If you see crews working in the area, please slow down and give them space
With continued winter weather expected, potholes may appear throughout the season. Reporting them promptly helps us respond quickly and maintain safer roads across the city.
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