In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
I was truly honored to serve as emcee for the Rosie the Riveter Awards Ceremony on March 26th, hosted by the Women’s Caucus of the Louisville Metro Council. It was an inspiring afternoon celebrating “The Riveters Among Us – Women Who Fasten Communities Together with Courage and Conviction.”
Each of this year’s 11 honorees exemplifies what it means to be a “Riveter”—a trailblazer who builds, uplifts, and transforms our community through courage and commitment. Those honored were Senator Julie Raque Adams (Government), Kirby Adams (Journalism), Lonnie Ali (Humanitarian), State Representative Emily Callaway (Government), Gretchen Hunt (Women’s Empowerment), Adria Johnson (Non-Profit Leadership), Deputy Police Chief Emily McKinley (Law Enforcement), Maddie Shepard (Education), Corenza Townsend (Health & Wellness), Nachand Trabue (Entrepreneurship), and Carla Wallace (Activism). (See pictures below: Group picture with Mayor Greenberg, and a collage of the honorees and me, as emcee.)
The event was a powerful reminder that the legacy of Rosie the Riveter lives on in the women who continue to lead, serve, and break barriers in our community. These honorees embody strength, purpose, and perseverance.
In next week's eNewsletter, I will share my opinion about another piece of legislation that has been introduced to the Council regarding kids and guns. As you might imagine, it is a bit controversial, basically because of the subject matter, but also because of how it is being handled.
Everything is on hold since we are on spring break, but when we start back up next week, there will be plenty to discuss and share. I'll also weigh in on the legislation that was introduced while we were on spring break last week. That legislation on transgender rights, will be discussed in the public safety committee next week.
Lastly, please mark your calendar for a special Arbor Day celebration being planned for April 25, at 10 a.m., right here in District 7. I am sponsoring the event, which will include highlights of the beautification measures and sidewalk installation that have taken place in the last several months. The celebration will also include tree planting, music, food trucks, and so much more. I will talk more about this big day in next week's issue.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend. While Sunday was a bit chilly, lots of sunshine is predicted for this week. Enjoy!
Oh, one last thing... I hope to see you on April 21st for The Tempest, a Shakespeare in the Park production (see details below).
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 3, 2026) - Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Office of Equity invite Jefferson County high school students to participate in the Juneteenth Essay Contest, an annual opportunity for young people to reflect on the historical significance of Juneteenth and its relevance today.
“Our students have powerful perspectives, and this essay contest gives them space to be heard,” said Mayor Greenberg. “By reflecting on Juneteenth, they help connect history to action and move our city forward.”
This year’s essay theme is:
“What Does Juneteenth Mean to You? How Can Lessons from the Past Be a Catalyst of Change for the Future?” The contest encourages students to research, reflect, and share their perspectives on Juneteenth, exploring its historical context, its importance to the community, and its connection to present‑day issues of freedom and equality.
The contest is open to Jefferson County high school students. Essays must be original, 500–1,000 words and submitted without any personal identifying information. The use of generative artificial intelligence is prohibited, and each student may submit one essay. All submissions must be completed through the official Juneteenth Essay Contest Form by May 1, 2026.
Winners will be announced on May 20, 2026, and will receive cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100, provided by the Louisville Chapter NAACP, Louisville Central Community Centers (LCCC), and the National Council of Negro Women, Louisville Section (NCNW). In addition to cash prizes, winners will receive a Mayor’s Proclamation and be recognized at the Juneteenth Reception.
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom in America was delayed for far too many people,” said Dr. Vanessa McPhail, Executive Director of the Office of Equity. “This essay contest gives our young people the opportunity to learn our history, reflect on its impact today, and share their vision for a more just and equitable future.”
More information, including full contest guidelines and the submission form, is available through the Office of Equity.
I ran into Patti and Sally while they were walking in the neighborhood last week. They had just walked on the new sidewalks at Brownsboro and Hubbards Lane. They pointed out to me that a portion of the sidewalk was not connected, and it caused an inconvenient detour. I immediately went over to the area in question and discovered that Patti and Sally were absolutely correct - the detour was inconvenient. It didn't appear to be a clear explanation for the sidewalk disconnect, so the next day, I contacted the Public Works Department to inquire about the situation. To my surprise, the disconnected sidewalk had an excuse.
Here is what I learned: The Public Works Department ran into two underground fiber optic lines that were not on any plans, and they experienced a delay in getting those relocated. When the fiber lines were relocated, another problem arose when that relocation broke the sewer line from the fire house to the street. That sewer line is scheduled to be fixed this week, and the sidewalk gap will be fixed immediately afterwards.
I am so grateful to you, District 7, for seeing something and saying something to me about it. Working together, we can keep our district safe, clean, and accessible. Call my office at 574-1107 to report anything in District 7 that is cause for pause and in need of attention.
By the way, Sally and Patti told me that they were grateful for the sidewalks and the beautification of the recycling center. I concur.
Again, mark your calendar for April 25 - District 7's Arbor Day celebration. It is going to be great fun! Stay tuned for more details next week...
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, 23, at 6:00 p.m.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the LouisvilleMetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
While overall funding for projects significantly reduced, Louisville performed extremely well, securing more than $200 million in funding for local projects.
In addition, the state road plan includes $707 million for Jefferson County projects.
Below is a list of funded projects:
Public Safety
• Louisville Metro Government – First responder driving track – $5,000,000
• City of Middletown – Firing range and first responders training- $25,000,000
Revitalizing Louisville
• Louisville Metro Government – Downtown revitalization (Belvedere, Community Care Campus, Convention Center Corridor, LOUMED, downtown vacant buildings, waterfront amphitheater): $90,000,000
• Louisville Metro Government – 4th & Oak Corridor revitalization (infrastructure, historic preservation, pedestrian improvements): $3,000,000
• Louisville Metro Government – Brownfield redevelopment into affordable housing: $2,500,000
• Louisville Metro Government – Cedar Creek site access improvements: $1,750,000
Transportation and Infrastructure
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport – Airline incentives and route development: $4,000,000
• Louisville Regional Airport Authority – Airfield capacity improvements and federal grant match: $17,300,000
• Road Plan - $707 million for Jefferson County, including $13 million for the construction of Plantside Drive; congestion and safety improvements along major corridors including Hurstbourne Lane, Shelbyville Road, Taylorville Road, and Bardstown Road and Palaka Road; $2 million for solar lights at several interstate exchanges.
Arts and Cultural Institutions
• Louisville Ballet – Touring infrastructure, facility improvements, live music restoration: $3,000,000
• Louisville Orchestra – Statewide harmony tour: $3,200,000
• Speed Art Museum – Completion of renovation project: $3,000,000
• Kentucky Center for the Arts – Capital upgrades: $11,100,000
• Kentucky Center for African American Heritage – Facility maintenance, programming, and staffing support: $2,000,000
• Frazier History Museum – Capital support for expansion and programming: $1,000,000
• Sons of the American Revolution – Construction of education center: $2,500,000
Kentucky Film Foundation – Workforce development and startup support: $500,000
• Louisville Zoo – Grounds maintenance and program expansion: $5,000,000
Education and Workforce Development
• Louisville Metro Government / Jefferson County – Thrive by Five Louisville mineral severance funds allocation) – estimated $500K+
• University of Louisville – Literacy and numeracy clinic in West Louisville: $1,300,000
• Canopy – Operations and program support: $750,000
• Robotics (KY FIRST) – STEM education and school programming: $250,000
• KentuckianaWorks – Workforce development programming: $10,000,000
• Kentucky Film Foundation – Workforce development for film industry: $500,000
Health Care and Social Services
• Dare to Care Food Bank – Construction of new warehouse: $5,000,000
• Down Syndrome of Louisville – Operations support: $1,000,000
• Uspiritus (Bellewood/Brooklawn) – Operations support and reopening of care facilities: $2,500,000
• Healing Place – direct services: $2,835,000
• Maryhurst – services for children: $2,700,000
• Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies – Capital expansion: $9,000,000
• Southwest Center for the Developmentally Disabled – Accessible housing construction: $2,000,000
• Cedar Lake Foundation – Support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: $3,000,000
• Bluegrass Center for Autism – Operations support: $1,000,000
• National Stem Cell Foundation –$220,000
• University of Louisville NIH National Cancer Institute designation–$2,700,000
The Jefferson County PVA will mail property assessments on April 24, 2026. The 2026 reassessment covers MLS Areas 8 & 9, including areas in and around Prospect, Norton Commons, Glenview, Graymoor-Devondale, Anchorage, Lyndon, Hurstbourne, Douglass Hills, Middletown, Lake Forest and Polo Fields. If your property value changes, a full-color assessment notice on a large postcard that includes a photo of the property and information about the assessment appeal process will be mailed to you. New values will be posted on Jeffersonpva.ky.gov on April 24, 2026 at noon.
If you believe the assessed value is not correct, The Jefferson County PVA wants you to know: You have a right to appeal.
The mission of the PVA is to provide fair and equitable assessments for all property owners in Jefferson County. PVA staff works hard to get the value of our property correct. However, the PVA does not know every detail or condition of your property. If you believe the PVA assessed value does not represent the fair-market value of your property, you have a right to appeal your assessment.
To learn more about property assessments and how to file an appeal, attend one of the PVA’s upcoming community meetings:
March 31: Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS HQ (108 Urton Ln) 6:30pm-8pm
April 14: Lyndon City Hall (515 Wood Ln) 6:30pm-8pm
April 16: Berrytown Recreation Senior Nutrition Annex (1340 Heafer Rd) 6:30pm-8pm
All meetings will also be available on Zoom, visit jeffersonpva.ky.gov to register for virtual meetings.
The first step of the appeal process is to complete the PVA Online Conference which is available at www.jeffersonpva.ky.gov from April 24, 2026 at noon EDT, until May 18, 2026 at 4pm EDT.
Most people prefer to complete the appeal using online self-service. However, if you need assistance with the Online Conference, PVA staff will be available and ready to assist you.
In-Person Appeal Assistance at the Southwest and South-Central Library Branches: • Opening Day April 24: 12pm-4pm • Weekdays April 27-May 18: 9am-4pm
PVA Office By Appointment: Weekdays April 24-May 18, 8am-4pm EDT and 2 Saturdays, May 9 and 16, 9am-1pm EDT at the PVA Office, 815 W. Market Street, suite 400. Optional appointments available: 502-574-6224 to reserve a time.
By Telephone: Accommodations will be made for property owners with limited mobility and access to technology. Call 502-574-6224 to reserve a time for a telephone conference.
More helpful information, including tips on preparing for your Online Conference can be found at www.jeffersonpva.ky.gov.
Athena Engineering and Environmental is set to begin soil boring and rock coring operations along Oxmoor Woods Parkway/Christian Way here soon. If you have questions, please forward them to: Nathaniel Krautheim (nkrautheim@athenaee.com), his manager Kelley Spence(kspence@athenaee.com), or the project manager Dusty Barret (dbarret@athenaee.com).
Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC
3012 Business Park Circle, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
ATTENTION…PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: District7 participated in this year's Portable A/C distribution program, initiated by Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe, District 21. Ten Metro Council districts participated this year, and hundreds of residents throughout our community will benefit. District 7 purchased five units this year and plan to fund more next year depending on how much participation and interest is shown from District 7.
The application period will run from April 6 through April 17 through the Office for Social Services. To request one of the five units reserved for District 7, call the hotline number at (502) 574-1437.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must reside in Council Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, or 21
- Must meet income qualifications based on household size (see graphic)
- At or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
- Must meet at least one of the following:
- Be 60 years or older
- An individual with a disability (SSDI)
- Live in a household with children under 18
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. If approved, distribution is planned for April 22 and 24.
Public meetings announced to showcase draft freight network
Louisville Metro’s Department of Transportation will host three opportunities for members of the public to review a draft network of preferred freight routes across Jefferson County as part of the Freight Mobility Action Plan.
These open house-style meetings will allow residents and freight operators to share feedback on the draft network and receive updates on the plan.
Public meeting opportunities include:
- Tuesday, April 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Hwy.
- Wednesday, April 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Americana World Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
- Thursday, April 23, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave.
The Freight Mobility Action Plan is being developed in partnership with HDR Engineering, Inc., to better understand the interactions of freight and neighborhoods and provide action steps to facilitate a preferred freight network across the county.
Your input will help shape safer, more efficient truck routes and mitigate disruptions to residential neighborhoods across Louisville Metro.
Register NOW for the Brightside Community-Wide Cleanup
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.
Visit website to register: https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/m1ks6jbh095uol4/
Join Kim Michele Richardson at Oxmoor Farm to celebrate the release of The Mountains We Call Home. She will be joined by Emily Bingham.
Event Information:
Gates will open 30 minutes prior to the event. Please follow the signage for parking. Staff will be onsite to assist with parking.
Each ticket includes a copy of the book with the option for paperback or hardcover.
About the Book:
In this standalone and companion novel to the The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series, our heroine for the ages, legendary book woman, Cussy Lovett, returns home. A powerful testament of strength, survival, and the magic of the printed word, The Mountains We Call Home is wrapped into a vivid portrait of Kentucky life: examining incarceration and criminalization, exploring the effects on the poor and powerless, and tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds, along with nostalgic glimpses of a bustling, multifaceted Louisville, and heartwarming portraits of reading efforts in every facet of life.
Meticulously researched and richly detailed with a new cast of absorbing and complex characters, this beautifully rendered, authentic Kentucky tale is gritty and heartbreaking and infused with hope, spirit, and courage known only to those with no way out.
About the Author:
A native-born Kentuckian, Kim Michele Richardson is the New York Times, L.A. Times, USA Today bestselling author who has written six novels, a memoir and most recently, two children’s picture books. The works have been published in more than 18 languages, and she is a two-time Southern Book Prize finalist. Her novel The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is taught widely in high schools and college classrooms and has been adopted as a Common Read selection by states, cities, and colleges across the country and abroad, and was a Favorite Read by Dolly Parton in People Magazine. Kim Michele was inducted into the Kentucky Women’s Remembers Exhibit in 2025 by Gov. Andy Beshear for her contributions to Kentucky, and was awarded a Doctorate in Humanities from Eastern Kentucky University. She lives with her family in Kentucky and is the founder of Shy Rabbit, a writers residency, and a literacy initiative Courthouses Reading Across Kentucky & Beyond.
Get tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kim-michele-richardson-presents-the-mountains-we-call-home-tickets-1982702035160?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
From $27.75
Thursday, Apr 23 • 7 pm
I LOVE this brainteaser! What say you? (Answer is below.)
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Remove the letters F and E. Remaining is IV, which is the Roman numeral for four. |
