Ben's Pen: A Note from CM Reno-Weber

One of the things I find myself thinking about this time of year—as the days start to stretch a little longer and the neighborhood comes back to life—is just how lucky we are to call District 8 home.

I grew up here, and after time away, getting to come back and raise my family in this community has only deepened that feeling. There’s something special about a place where my daughter wants Boba Tea after her Highland Middle School concert, and we run into five people we know walking past FunTea. More than once, I've been sitting in Vines or at Grale Goods and had her and her siblings walk past with her friends on their way to a thrift store or Surprise Lilly. That kind of connectedness isn’t something every community gets to experience."

It’s the way neighbors show up for each other - as evidenced by our volunteer-driven response to the snow. It’s the way small business owners work to be good partners in our corridors through the new initiatives the Highland Commerce Guild is launching. It’s the way residents engage, thoughtfully, passionately, and often with very different perspectives, through our neighborhood associations to help shape the future of our community.

That engagement matters. It’s how we balance the needs of residents, workers, and businesses. It’s how we make sure growth happens in a way that strengthens—not displaces—the fabric of our neighborhoods. And it’s how we ensure that local government is something we build together, not something that happens to us.

We’ve got real challenges ahead—on public safety, housing, infrastructure, and making sure our economy works for everyone. But what gives me optimism is that in District 8, we don’t shy away from those challenges. We lean in. We listen. We work across differences. And we keep showing up.

That’s what makes this place work.

So as we head into spring, I just want to say thank you. To everyone who reaches out, who comes to meetings, who supports a local business, who checks in on a neighbor, or who simply takes pride in this community. You are the reason District 8 is such a special place to live.

As always, keep the feedback coming. We’re listening, and we’re building this together.

– Ben

P.S Don't forget to read to the end for the punchline to this month's dad joke: 

What do you call the Easter Bunny’s favorite kind of music?

March Highlands Hero: Deborah “Debby” Murrell

There are people in our community who don’t just live in a neighborhood—they help shape its spirit, sustain its history, and carry it forward. Deborah “Debby” Murrell is one of those people. Debby’s commitment to community isn’t new. In 2007, she was recognized as Mayor Jerry Abramson’s “Good Neighbor of the Year,” an honor that reflects something her neighbors already knew well. She shows up, she connects people, and she makes her neighborhood stronger. As President of the Bon Air Estates Neighborhood Association, one of the oldest in the area, Debby plays an important role in keeping neighbors informed, engaged, and connected. Her roots there run deep. She’s one of several second-generation residents, and among them, she’s the longest-tenured—her family has called the neighborhood home since 1954. That kind of continuity brings not just memories, but stewardship. Her story is also woven into the fabric of local institutions. Her aunt, May Alyce Stinger, was the first head librarian of the Bon Air Library. As a college student studying music, Debby spent her breaks helping build the library’s music collection, ordering records and books that would serve generations of residents. Debby has also helped strengthen that sense of safety and connection through a strong Block Watch, working closely with LMPD’s 6th Division to stay proactive and engaged. And she continues to connect new residents with long-time neighbors and ensures everyone feels part of the community. Debby reminds us that strong neighborhoods don’t happen by accident. They’re built over time—through care, connection, and people willing to invest in one another. Thank you, Debby, for everything you do to make Louisville a place we’re proud to call home.

Honoring Joan Pottinger

This past weekend, our community experienced a heartbreaking loss with the passing of Joan Pottinger during the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Joan was a cherished member of our city, and my thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone who knew her.

In times like this, the strength of a community matters most. While we grieve, we also have the opportunity to support one another. If you feel moved to help Joan’s family during this difficult time, you can find more information here: Support for Joan Pottinger’s Family.

This moment reminds us of the importance of coming together, listening, and offering compassion wherever we can. Our community is strongest when we lift one another up.

Welcome Our New Neighborhood Fellow: Jaelyn Cruz

I’m excited to welcome Jaelyn Cruz as our new Neighborhood Fellow. A Louisville native and proud Cuban American, Jaelyn is studying political science and pre-law at Bellarmine University, with plans to pursue a career in family law. She brings a strong commitment to community, grounded in her love for family, connection, and service. Jaelyn will be working with our office and neighborhood partners to strengthen relationships and support local initiatives. If you see her out in the community, please say hello—we’re excited to have her on the team and to learn alongside her.

What’s Bubbling Up? D8 Events & Opportunities to Engage

April Community Meeting

Join us for our next Community Meeting on April 24th at 8:30 AM at Grale Goods. These gatherings are a chance to connect, share what’s happening in your neighborhood, and help shape the work we’re doing across District 8. Your input directly informs how we approach issues like safety, infrastructure, and supporting local businesses. Hope to see you there—and as always, we’re listening.

Shakespeare in the Park Upcoming Show

Join me for an evening of theater in the park!

Kentucky Shakespeare is bringing The Tempest to Tyler Park on Saturday, May 16 at 6:30 PM, and I’m proud to sponsor this performance for District 8. I’ll be there and would love to see you—bring a blanket, some friends, and enjoy great Shakespeare right here in the neighborhood.

Rain location: under the Tyler Park bridge. Come join us!

Become a CASA Volunteer

Every child deserves someone in their corner. CASA of the River Region is looking for volunteers to serve as advocates for children navigating Family Court after experiencing abuse or neglect. Right now, more than 200 children in Jefferson County are waiting for a CASA volunteer. The training is designed to be accessible—just a few in-person and online sessions over about 2½ weeks. If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to support a child in our community, this is one powerful way to step up. Learn more about becoming a volunteer: casariverregion.org/volunteer.

Ben in the Wild: CM Reno-Weber Out & About

Surprise Lily/ House of Color Grand Opening

It was great to be out in the Highlands celebrating the expansion of Surprise Lily and the opening of House of Colour in their shared space on Bardstown Road. Since opening in 2023, Surprise Lily has built something special—bringing energy, creativity, and a real sense of fun to local retail. Now, with House of Colour integrated into the space, they’re taking that experience even further—helping people shop with confidence by connecting personal style, color, and fit all in one place. As someone who’s seen firsthand how meaningful that experience can be (my family are big fans), it’s exciting to watch two women-led businesses come together around a shared mission: helping people feel confident and seen. This is exactly the kind of small business investment that strengthens our corridors and builds community—thoughtful, local, and rooted in connection. If you haven’t stopped by yet, I’d encourage you to check it out and support these incredible entrepreneurs.

March Community Meeting

This month’s community meeting looked a little different—in the best way. We gathered at the Douglass Community Center for a family-friendly Saturday meetup, and it was great to see neighbors show up with plenty of ideas. The gym was full of energy and conversation.  Local government should meet people where they are. That means making it easier for families to participate, creating space for the next generation to see what civic engagement looks like, and ensuring every voice has a way in. We talked through neighborhood concerns, shared updates, and (as promised) delivered at least one questionable dad joke. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make it such a welcoming, engaged morning. If you couldn’t make it this time, we’ll keep rotating times and locations- see you at the next one!

Citywide Announcements & Events

LCCA Grant 2026

If we’re serious about improving air quality in Louisville, we’ve got to invest in practical, community-driven solutions—and this is a great one.

The Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Grant is now open for Jefferson County nonprofits, offering electric lawn equipment to help replace gas-powered tools and reduce pollution right where we live and work.

Applications are due April 10 at 5pm.

Cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and support for the organizations doing the work on the ground—that’s the kind of investment that moves our city forward.

Let’s keep building toward solutions like this

Mayor Craig Greenberg invites community to self-guided Poetry Walk at Joe Creason Park in celebration of National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month, and Louisville is bringing it to life in one of the best ways possible—outside, together. Starting April 1, take a walk through Joe Creason Park and experience poetry from Kentucky’s Poet Laureates surrounded by the beauty of spring. It’s a reminder that our parks aren’t just green space—they’re places where creativity, reflection, and community come together. Grateful to see partnerships like this making art accessible to more people across our city.

Register NOW for the Brightside Community-Wide Cleanup – April 11

Navigating the I-65 Closure: Sign up to stay informed!

The I-65 Central Corridor Project is a major Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) initiative to replace aging interstate bridges and rehabilitate pavement between I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and Muhammad Ali Boulevard in downtown Louisville. Several bridges in this heavily traveled corridor are more than 60 years old and in poor condition, serving key destinations like UPS, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, the Fair & Exposition Center, UofL, and the medical district.

To complete critical bridge replacements, a section of I-65 will be closed in June and July 2026, with interstate traffic detoured. I-65 is expected to reopen with reduced capacity by August 1, 2026.

Residents, commuters, and businesses are strongly encouraged to stay informed. Sign up for email and text alerts and view detour maps at:https://i65centralcorridor.com/

Spring Break Programs for Youth

Looking for something fun, engaging, and free for young people over Spring Break? The Jefferson County Extension Service is hosting a full week of 4-H day camps featuring hands-on activities like crafts, STEM learning, and outdoor fun. From creative projects like rag wreaths to “science in the kitchen” experiments—and special programming for younger campers—there’s something for a wide range of ages. Spots are limited and filled first-come, first-served, so be sure to register early. Programs like these are a great example of how we can invest in our young people—supporting curiosity, creativity, and the skills that help them thrive. Let’s keep making sure opportunities like this are accessible to every family in our community.

What is a Change of Use Permit?

• Different uses have different safety, building code, and zoning requirements.
• Examples: Turning a house into a short-term rental, a warehouse into a gym, or a church into an event venue.

Dad Joke of the Month

What do you call the Easter Bunny’s favorite kind of music?

Hip-hop. 🎶

Councilmember Ben Reno-Weber  |   Louisville Metro Council   |   District 8

601 West Jefferson Street, Third Floor

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

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