Councilor
Betsy Ruhe
Contact Betsy

Legislative Aide
Ashkan Rezai

Christella Philippe

601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1121

Visit the District 21 Website

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In This Issue

• A Message From Betsy
• Community Calendar
• Chat w Ruhe- Metro Budget & Grants
• Metro Council Meeting Highlights for March 12
• Important Update: I-65 Closure
• A Time for Peace
• Cafe Louie- Meet your Legislator
• Drive- Thru Microchip Clinic
• Earth Fest 2026
• Festival del Maiz Y Nixtamal
• Iroquois Park Uppill Road Opening Dates
• Tree Planting in D21- Volunteers Needed
• Southern Parkway Clean-Up Day
• Brightside Spring Community Cleanup - April 11
• Friends of Bike Highland Park Community Cleanup
• Free Digital Literacy Training at Americana World Community Center
• Adelante is Hiring!
• Metro Arts: Beginning Throwing
• 2026 Spring Break Camps 
• Pop Up Drop Off Waste - April 4
• Recap from PABA Town Hall with Mayor Greenberg
• Alcoholic Beverage License Advertisements
• Neighborhood Development - 26-CUP-0020
• Neighborhood Development - 26-CUPPA-0040
• District Resources
• 2026 Metro Council Calendar

A Message From Betsy

Bridging the Divide: Braver Angels Common Ground Project

In these difficult times, it can feel like we cannot find common ground with people who see politics differently. But that is not true.

We may disagree on some things, but we share more than we think – especially when we take the time to connect instead of trying to win arguments. Maybe the problem is that persuasion becomes the goal. Do we want to win for ourselves, or do we want our community to win?

As a representative, I have a duty to speak up for the people in my district. At the same time, our districts – each with their own neighborhoods and voices – are all part of the same city. I understand that in today’s polarized climate, we will not find quick answers to deep differences. But that does not mean we should move further into division and hostility.

To help bridge the divide that often puts people into boxes based on party labels, I initiated an effort with Braver Angels to bring their Common Ground workshop to City Hall. It gave members of both Democratic and Republican caucuses a chance to sit down and talk.

We met on March 7 for our first session. It was a structured conversation focused on listening, learning about one another, and finding shared values. Everyone has their own path that shapes how they see the world. I believe we can meet people where they are, with respect and dignity. It is easy to judge, especially in today’s social media environment. But if we want to heal and truly connect, we have to take responsibility to listen and learn from each other. The goal is not to agree on everything, but to open the door for better conversations. Change does not happen overnight.

During this one-day workshop, we also set out to create a dignity pledge.

To get to that point, we had some heart-felt and passionate discussions about what dignity means – and how, at times, it is not given.

In the end, we put together a list of shared values, shared practices, and shared concerns. That work led to a draft of the Dignity Pledge, and we are continuing to refine it.

We have to turn challenges into opportunities to connect – not into reasons to pull apart in fear and resentment. This takes time and accountability from each of us.

As a teacher, I spent more than twenty years helping children learn how to speak to one another with respect. In today’s politics – especially in Washington, D.C. – insults and personal attacks have become common. That behavior carries into our communities, and we cannot let it shape our local government. We cannot ask our children to show respect if we do not model it ourselves. It starts with us.

I know what it feels like to be treated with respect and what it feels like when that respect is taken away. We put people into boxes, and they do the same to us. Those boxes rarely fit who we really are, but they are easier than taking the time to actually get to know someone.

It took two years to bring this program together, and I hope it does not take two more to bring it into the community. I will continue working with Braver Angels and my colleagues to create more opportunities for dialogue – and to keep showing up ready to listen and learn This work is grounded in a simple idea. As the Braver Angels says:

"our goal is not to change people's view of issues, but to change their views of each other." 

Sincerely,
Betsy

Community Calendar

Be an active Neighbor, Join us for the following Meetings:

Cafe Louie 

March 21 |9-10am -South Central Library

Friends of Iroquois Park 

March 23| 6-7:30pm - Iroquois Library

Chat with Councilor Ruhe 

March 25| 6:30-7:30pm - Iroquois Library

Chat w Ruhe- Metro Budget & Grants

Lets talk Budget!

Mark your calendars for this month’s Chat with Ruhe. We’ll be discussing the Metro Budget process and Metro Grants. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions! See you at the Iroquois Library, Wednesday, March 25th at 6:30pm.

Metro Council Meeting Highlights for March 12

Below is a recap of the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting 

Louisville – The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Below is a summary of key legislative actions and recognitions.

Top Actions from The Meeting

• Approved contract for the restoration of the King Louie statue
• Provided authority for the Planning Commission to include the Council Review Binding Element when requested by Council
• Approved Neighborhood Development Funds for additional LMPD patrols, youth initiatives, cemetery maintenance, and non-profit initiatives

Old Business

• O-044-26: 11311 Taylorsville Road (DDD) Approved a revised Detailed District Development plan to accommodate two garage spaces for each townhome

• O-045-26: 6325 Applegate Lane (Change in Zoning) Approved a change in zoning from R-4 to Planned Residential to allow the lot to be subdivided into five lots with four townhomes and a shared parking area

• R-018-26: Council Review Binding Element Requested the Planning Commission include the Council Review Binding Element when requested by the district Councilmember

• R-014-26: Restoration of King Louie Statue Approved a $205,000 contract with Wiebold Studio to clean and treat

• O-050-26: District 10 Right-of-Way Improvements Consolidated funding from capital projects for the Petersburg ROW Improvement project

• R-017-26: Sherriff to Obtain Patrol Rifles Recognized the authority of the Sherriff to request a grant for patrol rifles

• Neighborhood Development Fund awarded to:
• LMPD 3^rd Division for additional patrols around Southland Boulevard
• Metro Parks for Jefferson County Extension Office
• Mental Health Lou & You for Ally Toolkit Program

Consent Calendar

All items passed unanimously

• O-051-26: District 21 Sidewalk Improvements Consolidated funding from past capital projects for sidewalk improvement projects

• R-016-26: Public Health Contract with Norton Healthcare Approved a $60,000 contract to provide a qualified and licensed medical practitioner

• O-046-26: 4606 Melton Avenue (Closes Unimproved ROW) Approved the consolidation of three lots and closure an unimproved right-of-way

• R-020-26: Accepting Funds for Southeast Louisville Connector Feasibility Study Project Accepted $95,238 from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development

• O-052-26: Amends Chapter 156 regarding Illegal Drop-Off Bins Established penalties and costs for the removal of illegal drop-off bins

• Neighborhood Development Funds to:
• Blueprint 502 for District 4 Life Skills Youth Initiative
• TreesLouisville for landscape maintenance for Schardein Cemetery
• Metro Parks for Gyms Not Jails Program

Watch the Meeting

Tonight’s Council meeting and attachments may be viewed online and on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook Page.

Next Meeting

The Metro Council will meet on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Important Update: I-65 Closure

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/

Click the button below to learn more!

A Time for Peace

A Time for Peace Launches Citywide Community Event Series

Cafe Louie- Meet your Legislator

Join us for Cafe Louie

Here’s another chance to meet your legislators this Saturday! Join us at the South Central Regional Library at 9:00 a.m.

Drive- Thru Microchip Clinic

Join Louisville Metro Animal Services for a Microchip Clinic

Our next microchip clinic will be March 22^nd 1pm-3:30pm

We will be offering the first 50 microchips for free and $10 after that.

We have a sign up link we are asking folks to use but it is not required to sign up.

"Join us for our 3rd microchip clinic at #YourCityShelter

First 50 microchips will be free but you must sign up here to qualify for the free microchip.

After 50, microchips will be $10 per pet for Jefferson County residents. Please use this link to sign up for the microchip clinic. It is not required to sign up but it is preferred.

Sign up here https://LMASschedule.as.me/microchipclinic

Earth Fest 2026

Music. Food. Arts. Nature. Community

The Office of Sustainability, Parks Alliance of Louisville, J Wagner Group, and other partners are bringing back Earth Fest - a Louisville Earth Month kickoff event. This community festival will feature food, live music, environmental activities, community resources, and family fun - all in celebration of our planet.

Event details:  Saturday, March 28, 2026  1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Alberta O. Jones Park

Ways to get involved: Volunteer at Earth Fest! Free burritos, t-shirts, and live music Mark "going" on the Earth Fest Facebook event page.  Stay updated via @SustainLouisville on all accounts. Thank you to our sponsors!

• Schneider Electric
• Brown-Forman
• B 96.5 #1 Hip Hop Station
• Louisville MSD
• Humana

Festival del Maiz Y Nixtamal

Come Celebrate with La Casita

The community is warmly invited to the Nixtamal Corn Festival hosted by La Casita Center at 223 E. Magnolia Ave. This special community festival celebrates corn, a sacred food that has nourished families and cultures for generations. The event offers an opportunity to reconnect with traditions, share culture, and enjoy an afternoon of food, music, and community.

The festival is free and open to everyone. This year’s celebration also brings together the spirit of La Casita Center’s previous Summer Brunch with the beloved Corn and Nixtamal Festival, creating an even richer community gathering. All are welcome to join this joyful celebration of culture, heritage, and community.

Iroquois Park Uppill Road Opening Dates

We’re excited to share that the 2026 Uppill Road opening dates for Iroquois Park are set! 

Uppill Road will be open 10 AM–4 PM on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month (with a special early April weekend). Mark your calendars and enjoy the beauty of Iroquois Park all season long!

2026 Dates:

• March 14–15

• April 4–5*

• May 9–10

• June 13–14

• July 11–12

• August 8–9

• September 12–13

• October 10–11

• November 14–15

See you in the park!

Tree Planting in D21- Volunteers Needed

Join Us to Grow a Greener District 21!

Southern Parkway Clean-Up Day

Join D21 for a Brightside Community Cleanup 

District 21 is bringing neighbors together for a bright and impactful community clean-up along Southern Parkway. Residents are invited to meet at Beechmont Orchard on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., then fan out to help clean areas from Wilder Park to Woodlawn—working together toward a cleaner, greener future.

Brightside Spring Community Cleanup - April 11

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

Registration is now open for the Brightside & WM Community-Wide Cleanup on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Residents, community groups, scouts, faith organizations, and businesses are encouraged to volunteer and help keep Louisville clean and green.

Neighborhoods can also organize their own cleanups throughout the year, with Brightside providing gloves, bags, and coordinating litter pickup.

Click here or the button below to register

Friends of Bike Highland Park Community Cleanup

Join Friends of Bike Highland Park for a community cleanup as part of Brightside’s Community-Wide Cleanup effort.

Free Digital Literacy Training at Americana World Community Center

Upgrade your Computer Skills 

Community members looking to strengthen their technology skills are invited to join free Digital Literacy Training offered by Americana World Community Center. These hands-on sessions help participants build confidence using computers and navigating the digital world. Topics include computer basics, email, Windows 11, cybersecurity, and tips for helping teens stay safe online.  Upcoming sessions run March 6–April 10, April 17–May 22, and May 29–July 3. Space is limited and the first session is already full. Interested participants can register in person at the Americana office or call (502) 366-7813 for more information.

Adelante is Hiring!

Join the Adelante Team!

Adelante Hispanic Achievers is excited to announce an open position for a College and Career Readiness Program Manager to lead our GET READY Program.

This is an incredible opportunity for a passionate and organized professional who is committed to empowering Latinx youth and expanding access to higher education and career pathways.

In this role, you will work directly with students and families to:

• Plan and coordinate college and career exploration curriculum
• Lead and manage mentorship programs
• Provide guidance on financial aid, scholarships, and college access resources
• Support ACT/SAT preparation and academic readiness
• Build and maintain partnerships with colleges, universities, and workforce organizations

⭐ Part-Time $20/hour

⭐ Hybrid (In-Person & Remote)

⭐ Flexible Schedule

By joining Adelante, you will play a key role in helping students achieve their dreams and become creative, educated world citizens.

To apply:

Send your resume to contact@adelanteky.org

Subject: AHA Program Manager

Metro Arts: Beginning Throwing

Beginning Throwing at Metro Arts Community Center

Beginning Throwing is a welcoming introduction to pottery on the wheel. Over this multi‑week class, Stephanie will guide you through essential techniques including throwing, shaping, trimming, glazing, and designing your own ceramic pieces! Register here.

2026 Spring Break Camps 

Looking for Plans for Spring Break?

Get ready for a week full of creativity, adventure, and making friends during our Spring Break programs, happening April 6–10! Kids and teens can enjoy days packed with games, arts & crafts, outdoor activities, and opportunities to make new friends at community centers across the city. With both structured camps and open programming, there’s something for every age and interest. It’s the perfect way to stay active and engaged during time off school!

Pop Up Drop Off Waste - April 4

Got Waste? 

Louisville Metro Public Works is hosting its next Pop-Up Drop-Off event April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UofL Shelby Campus, 440 N. Whittington Parkway. These events provide Jefferson County residents with a convenient, free way to recycle items and dispose of large household materials. 

Residents can drop off a variety of items, including large household items, up to three electronic devices, scrap metal, bundled yard waste, up to four tires, and household recyclables. Additional services include prescription medication collection by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, on-site document shredding by a vendor, and gently used shoe donations to WaterStep.

New this year, residents can also bring gently used textiles and household items, which will be donated to Goodwill Kentucky.

Pop-Up Drop-Off events are designed to make it easier for residents to responsibly manage waste, reduce landfill use, and keep neighborhoods clean. The program is made possible through a partnership between Louisville Metro Public Works and the Louisville/Jefferson County Waste Management District. 

Residents are encouraged to review accepted and non-accepted items before attending and take advantage of this free service.

Recap from PABA Town Hall with Mayor Greenberg

Thank you to everyone who attended the PABA Town Hall with Mayor Craig Greenberg! We loved seeing the community come together to discuss the future of the Preston corridor.

Alcoholic Beverage License Advertisements

PUBLIC NOTICE

JS Mexican Street Bites, LLP., 4313 Preston Hwy. unit A, Louisville, Ky. 40213, Hereby declares intention(s) to apply for a Quota retail Drink, NQ4 Malt Beverage Drink, 4 AM hours license(s) no later than March 4, 2026. The business to be licensed will belocated at 4313 Preston Hwy. Unit A, Louisville, Kentucky 40213 doing business as La Cabanita Mexican Bar & Grill. The owner(s) are as follows: Josue Gonzalez of 5012 Yew Ln. Louisville, Ky. 40213, Sergio Alberto of 5012 Yew Ln. 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. March 6 2026 LSBN0472711

Neighborhood Development - 26-CUP-0020

Important Note: These notices are from the Office of Planning, informing neighbors about development applications being submitted in their area.

This is a notice for an upcoming public meeting related to a request at the address above. The meeting will be held at 1:00 PM at 514 W Liberty Street (Old Jail Building). For more information, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/upcoming-public-meetings.

Neighborhood Development - 26-CUPPA-0040

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING NOTIFICATION

Today’s Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
To the Adjoining Property Owners, Neighborhood Group Representatives expressing interest in this area and Metro Councilperson for the 21st District, A Conditional Use Permit application to allow a licensed health care provider office at the address below
was filed with the department of Louisville Metro Office of Planning on March 2, 2026.

ADDRESS: 1203 Larue Avenue
CASE NO: 26-CUPPA-0040
CASE MANAGER: Kaitlin Dever, AICP
CASE MANAGER EMAIL: kaitlin.dever@louisvilleky.gov
COUNCIL DISTRICT: 21 – Betsy Ruhe
APPLICANT: The Zen Den, LLC

In accordance with the procedures of Louisville Metro Office of Planning, we have been directed to invite you to discuss this proposal before a formal application can be filed. This will be an informal meeting to give you the opportunity to review the proposed plan and discuss the proposal with the applicant or its representative. We encourage you to attend this meeting and to share your thoughts. This meeting will be held in addition to the established public meeting procedures of the Planning Commission and/or the Board of Zoning Adjustment.

The meeting to discuss this application will be held on:
DATE: Thursday, April 2, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
LOCATION: 1203 Larue Avenue, Louisville, KY 40213

Kathryn Fischer and Steffany Knauer are the primary points of contact for any questions or comments. Any questions or comments received will be incorporated into the meeting record. The contact information is below:

Name: Kathryn Fischer & Steffany Knauer
Email: zendenlouisville@gmail.com

If you have questions about this application, or would like to view the case file, please visit
http://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design or contact Louisville Metro Office of Planning at:
Metro Development Center
444 S 5th St, 3rd Floor
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-6230

District Resources

Here are a list of recourses available for our constituents

LIHEAP:

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

• Beechmont Neighborhood Association: Meets 3rd Monday @ 6:00pm Iroquois Library, 601 W Woodlawn
• Iroquois Neighborhood Association: Meets Quarterly @ 7:00pm DeSales High School, 425 W Kenwood Dr
• Preston Park Neighborhood Association: Meets 1st Wednesday @ 6:30pm Lynnview City Hall, 1241 Gilmore Ln
• Lynnview City Council: Meets 2nd Tuesday @ 6:00pm Lynnview City Hall, 1241 Gilmore Ln
• Wilder Park Neighborhood Association: Meets 1st Tuesday @ 6:30pm Wilder Park Community Center, 120 Fairmont Ave
• Friends of Iroquois Park: Meets 4th Monday @ 6:30pm Iroquois Library. 601 W Woodlawn

2026 Metro Council Calendar

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!