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Over the next six weeks, Metro Council will begin one of the most important responsibilities we have each year - the budget process.
As a sitting member of the Budget Committee, this can often mean long days (and nights), tough conversations, negotiations, hearings, and a whole lot of time digging through where taxpayer dollars are being proposed and how they are being spent. These meetings listed below are just the beginning of a very tedious and detailed budget process that are in addition to all other council responsibilities and duties. It is busy season in every sense of the word, but it is also one of the most important times to fight for our community.
District 12, please know through my words, but see it in my actions within the community - I am all in… Every. Single. Day.
Since taking office sixteen months ago, I have prided myself on perfect attendance with committee work and our all-council meetings. Showing up for our district is not optional to me. It is a non-negotiable. Whether it is committee meetings, neighborhood conversations, events, or budget hearings - I believe our community deserves someone who is present, engaged, and willing to do the work.
Over the coming weeks, I will be working to bring home everything we can for District 12 and Southwest Louisville while also making sure we are being responsible and thoughtful with taxpayer dollars citywide.
These hearings are open to the public, and I encourage folks to stay involved and informed throughout the process. If you have questions, concerns, ideas, or something you would like me to ask during hearings, please do not hesitate to reach out.
📞 502-574-1112
📧 Jonathan.Joseph@louisvilleky.gov
I may not always have every answer immediately, but I promise you this - I will always show up, listen, and fight for our corner of Louisville the best way I know how.
We have a lot of work ahead of us. Let’s get to it.
 We are coming together on May 16 to clean up District 12.
Partnering with Brightside, we will be out picking up litter and taking care of our streets. The plan is to meet at PRP High School and go out in different focused areas within our district.
We will have the supplies and materials needed for the day - all we need is… you!
If you are planning on helping, please reach out to our office and let us know how many will be joining you.
We will meet in the front parking lot of PRP High School (closest to Greenwood Rd).
We are also keeping an eye on the weather for tomorrow. If we need to reschedule our clean-up, we will post on Facebook and sent out a newsletter alert.
It takes all of us. This is our Southwest Louisville, our community, and our home.
 🎶 BIG NEWS FOR SOUTHWEST JEFFERSON COUNTY 🎶
Something special is coming to our parks, our neighborhoods, and our community this summer… and I truly could not be more excited to finally share it with you.
Today, alongside Councilwoman Crystal Bast, Councilman Dan Seum Jr., and Councilman Khalil Batshon, we are proud to officially announce the very first annual…
☀️ SOUTHWEST MUSIC SERIES 2026 ☀️
For years, people have said Southwest Louisville deserves more entertainment, more community events, more reasons to gather, and more investment in experiences that bring people together. We heard you loud and clear.
This summer, we are turning some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Southwest Jefferson County into destinations for live music, community connection, family fun, and unforgettable nights under the sky.
From the forest… to the river… to our neighborhood parks… this series is about celebrating the places that make our corner of Louisville so special.
This did not happen overnight. My colleagues and I came together and pooled neighborhood development funds because we believed our community deserved something exciting, something positive, and something people could look forward to all summer long.
And honestly? This is exactly the kind of thing Southwest Louisville should have more of.
🎸 2026 SOUTHWEST MUSIC SERIES LINEUP
🌳 FOREST FEST
Jefferson Memorial Forest – Horine Reservation
May 16, 2026
Featuring legendary bluegrass favorites including Amelia Day, Denitia, The Tillers, Roadie & Fresh Cut Grass
☀️ SUN VALLEY PARK CONCERT
Sun Valley Pavilion
June 13, 2026
Featuring Gary Brewer & The Kentucky Ramblers
RIVERVIEW INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL
Riverview Park
June 27, 2026
Featuring Dee White, Sheryl Rouse, and Sound Machine
🤠 SOUTHWEST JCTC CONCERT JCTC
Southwest Campus
August 1, 2026
Featuring JD Shelburne
🎵 VILLAGE GREEN CONCERT
Village Green Pavilion – Fairdale
September 12, 2026
Featuring Jake McVey
This series is about more than concerts.
It is about families bringing lawn chairs and kids dancing in the grass. It is about neighbors reconnecting. It is about showcasing Southwest Louisville in a positive way. It is about supporting our parks, our local venues, our artists, and our community pride.
We are incredibly thankful to our partners at 91.9 WFPK, Media Events USA, Jefferson Memorial Forest, Louisville Parks & Recreation, and everyone behind the scenes helping bring this vision to life.
And most importantly thank YOU.
Thank you for continuing to support efforts to grow and invest in Southwest Jefferson County. We have spent a long time being told to wait our turn, and I hope people are starting to see that we are working every single day to change that.
Mark your calendars now because this summer is going to be one to remember.
Southwest Louisville… this is for YOU. 🎶
( watch for more information- Event FB pages etc…)
   🌲 Get ready to soak up the sounds of Forest Fest 2026 THIS WEEKEND.. the first of the Southwest Music Series!
This year’s lineup is stacked with incredible talent: Amelia Day, Denitia, The Tillers, Roadie, and Fresh Cut Grass are all hitting the stage for a full day of music, makers, food, and community energy you will not want to miss.
📅 May 16
⏰ 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
📍 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Fairdale, KY 40118
$15 per car for parking
 I am excited to announce the lineup and artists scheduled to perform at Riverview Independence Festival next month!
Dee White
Sound Machine
The Sheryl Rouse Band
Dee White is a preservationist. On his new album Heart Talkin’, produced by Grammy-winning Nashville visionary Tony Brown, the 26-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Slapout, Alabama, is committed to celebrating the people and things that came before. Over 10 tracks, he sings about mischievous old men at a church potluck dinner, laments the way his lover treats him like a discarded paper cup, and ruminates on the lesser qualities of humanity that are passed on through generations. Heart Talkin’ is the follow-up to Dee’s 2020 debut album Southern Gentleman, which paired him with producers Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys and David “Ferg” Ferguson. After beginning his career as a teenager under the encouragement of legendary record man Harold Shedd, Dee has evolved into his own man and artist, touring the world with icons like Alan Jackson and Alison Krauss and with fellow rising stars like Jackson Dean. He represents both the past and the future of country and Americana music.
Sound Machine has been igniting the stage for years. This powerhouse delivers electrifying rock, party, and dance music. They have ignited stages and set crowds a blazed and have been the heartbeat of unforgettable celebrations. Performing timeless Classics of the 60s to chart toppers of the day. Their repertoire spans decades and ensures there is a groove for every soul in the crowd.
The Sheryl Rouse Band is a high-energy cover band which originated in Louisville. She has been singing and entertaining audiences since the tender age of three. She has been compared to the likes of Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and Aretha Franklin and has performed with artists such as: Al Green, Eddie LeVert, Shirley Murdock, Frankie Beverly, Lenny Williams, and so many others all across the United States.
 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Shakespeare in the Park is headed to Riverview Park
🎭 Join us Sunday, May 17 at 1:00 PM for The Tempest, performed by Kentucky Shakespeare. Think shipwrecks, magic, romance, and a powerful choice between revenge and forgiveness - all under the spring sky.
This is a great chance to enjoy a free afternoon of live theater right here in Southwest Louisville. Bring a chair or blanket and come enjoy one of our city's best parks along the river.
Sno-E Joe's Mobile will be there with some great treats for sale!
Hope to see you there!
 Exciting news! We are partnering with Louisville Metro Animal Services to bring an Adopt-a-thon to Dixie Highway! This event will take place on July 16 at the Southwest Government Center from 2:00-6:00pm.
 🐶 Louisville Metro Animal Services Pet of the Week 🐶
Bio provided by Metro Animal Services:
We've got Ham Shamwitch for you today; this beautiful girl has spent time in a foster home flourishing and is very ready for a family of her own.
Meet Ham Shamwich, the elderdog rockstar who completely refuses to act her age. She has the pep of a teen, the heart of a professional cuddler, and one feature that makes her completely unforgettable: The Snaggle.
One bottom canine tooth that permanently pushes her lip up into a flawless Elvis sneer. Looks tough, but actually just wants to melt into your lap. World Class Work from Home assistant (specializes in snoring during Zoom calls). Leads enthusiastic walks where she trots like a champion. Will follow you everywhere just to be your snuggle buddy.
Hammy is in a foster home; email MASFoster@Louisvilleky.gov to schedule your backstage meet and greet!
Weather permitting, the milling/paving locations for the upcoming week are below. Please note that all projects are of an advisory nature and subject to change.
- Valley College Dr, from E Pages Ln to the End of Metro maintenance
- Frel Rd, from Dead End to Dead End
- Palma Rd, from Frel Rd to Seville Dr
- Granada Dr, from Palma Rd to Seville Dr
- Granada Ct, from Granada Dr to Dead End
 We are a few weeks away from the temporary closure of I-65.
🛣️ A five-mile section of I-65 is scheduled to close for two months this summer as part of the I-65 Central Corridor Project that will rehabilitate interstate bridges and pavement along this heavily traveled corridor. I-65 is scheduled to close between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and Downtown Louisville (Jefferson St.) beginning June 1. I-65 will reopen on August 1 to two lanes of traffic in each direction.
During the closure, traffic will be detoured to I-264 (Georgia Davis Powers Expressway) on the west side of Louisville. Traffic accessing Downtown will use the Jefferson St. exit from southbound I-65 and traffic leaving Downtown will use the ramp from East Liberty St. to access northbound I-65.
Project information and updates can be found at I65CentralCorridor.com.
 We are looking for the right spot to bring a mural to life right here in Southwest Louisville - something that reflects our pride, our people, and our community.
Have a location in mind? Send it my way!
 🎥 Hollywood Classics Under The Stars 🍿
Starting May 4
Hollywood Classics Under the Stars kicks off on Monday, May 4th with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story!
Bring the whole family to the amphitheater from May through September for free outdoor movie screenings.
2026 MOVIE NIGHTS:
Monday, May 4: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Monday, May 18: The Princess Bride presented by Monticello Bank
Monday, June 1: When We Were Kings
Monday, June 15: Hannah Montana Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds presented by Monticello Bank
Saturday, June 20: Wicked For Good Sing-Along
Monday, June 29: How to Train Your Dragon presented by Monticello Bank
Saturday, July 11: Almost Famous / This Is Spinal Tap (Double Feature!)
Monday, July 20: The Big Lebowski
Monday, August 3: Shaun of the Dead
Saturday, August 22: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (with Live Shadow Cast)
Saturday, September 5: Godzilla (1954) & Godzilla vs Destoroyah (Double Feature!) presented by Monticello Bank
Learn More: Hollywood Classics Under The Stars – Iroquois Amphitheater
Have a question? Reach out to Iroquois Amphitheater at amphitheater@louisvilleky.gov or call (502) 368-5865 for more information.
It's getting real! Jefferson County Public Schools graduation dates for the Class of 2026 are here.
Check below to see when your senior takes the stage.
Courtesy of the Courier Journal
   
 We are already meeting monthly, but we have a few open seats at the table.
I say it all the time - nobody understands a neighborhood better than the people who live in it.
That’s what this board is all about. Real neighbors from across the district sharing what they are seeing, what needs attention, and where we can do better.
If you live in District 12 and want to stay involved in what’s going on around the community, this is a simple way to do just that.
If you want to be part of the conversation and bring your voice and solutions, I would love to have you. I am working to make sure every corner of District 12 is represented.
Interested? Shoot Bryson or me an email and we will get you plugged in.
 If you see a pothole, let us know!
How to contact Metro 311
-Metro311 Mobile App
-Call 311 or (502)574-5000
-Email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov
Include a photo if you can take one safely. Precise locations are needed (not just a broad street name). Help us keep District 12 safe!
Follow up with our office at Jonathan.joseph@louisvilleky.gov or call us at (502)574-1112
  Got empty pill bottles?
After washing them out, consider dropping them in the donation bin right inside the front doors of the Southwest Government Center to help Metro Animal Services.
Drop-off is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
 All events are expected to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and no appointment is necessary. Residents can simply drive up, drop off medications and drive away.
Tentative 2026 Drug Take Back Dates & Locations:
• March 21 — Sun Valley
• April 11 — UofL Shelby Campus
• May 16 — Shawnee Park
• June 13 — Doss High School
• July 18 — Fern Creek High School
• August 22 — Metro Fleet
• September 19 — Sun Valley
• October 17 — Metro Fleet
• November 14 — UofL Shelby Campus
 What is a Change of Use permit?
A change of use permit is required in Louisville whenever a property’s use shifts from one type to another – like converting a retail space into a restaurant or a warehouse into offices – even if no construction is planned. These permits are issued by Construction Review, a division of the Department of Codes and Regulations.
Why is it needed?
- 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.
How to apply?
Apply online through Louisville Metro’s Accela Citizen Access portal. City staff will review for code, zoning, and safety compliance before approval. If you are not a licensed contractor with Louisville Metro, please visit the Construction Review office at 444 S. 5th Street to apply. Questions? Visit LouisvilleKY.gov/Construction or call (502) 574-3321.
There are dozens of Boards and Commissions in Louisville that exist to support and advise our local government. One of the most important duties that our citizens can perform is serving on one of these Boards or Commissions, and we need to increase the South End representation. If ANY of the Boards and Commissions seem of interest to you, or you have a unique background or specialty that you can use to give back to your community, we encourage you to apply. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions or to let us know that you submitted an application.
To learn more about Boards and Commissions, click HERE.
Interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your area? Let's make it happen!
It's simple: fill out a quick application (reach out to our office and we can send it your way), and once it's approved, Public Works will place a complimentary sign in your neighborhood within two weeks.
Need more than one sign? Additional ones are available for $55 each.
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