Councilor
Betsy Ruhe
Contact Betsy

Legislative Aide
Ashkan Rezai

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
• I-65 Central Corridor Closure
• South End Community Market Day May 30th
• Beechmont Summer Concert Series 2026 is here!
• Recycle Campaign Signs & Keep Louisville Clean
• Scam Jam (Hosted by AARP)
• Fan Fair, June 6, 2026
• Safe Summer Kickoff 2026!
• Agape Day – Community Food Distribution
• The Legacy of York Program
• 988 Crisis Line: What It Is and When to Use It
• Stay Safe This Summer: Smart Water Safety Tips for Kids
• Alcoholic Beverage License Advertisements
• Neighborhood Development
• District Resources
• Neighborhood Associations and Groups
• 2026 Metro Council Calendar

A Message from Betsy

Hello Dear District 21 neighbors,

We're in the middle of budget season. The Mayor presented his budget to the Metro Council on April 23. This is followed by a month of marathon hearings from the many different departments that keep our city functioning, such as Codes and Regulations, Public Works, Emergency Services, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, and Louisville Metro Police, just to name a few.

How the Budget Process Works

These departments don't make presentations at these meetings. Our council office gets reports from the Office of Management and Budget the day before – or sometimes a few hours prior to each meeting – and we have just a very short window to read through them before the hearing.

At the hearing, my colleagues and I ask questions of the department heads to better learn about how they spend your money. When the hearings are over, council members make suggestions to redistribute the money. Just remember, the pot of money is limited, and if you want to spend more money in one area, you have to take it from another.

What Do We Value?

It's been often said that you can see what a community values by how they budget their money. If you are concerned about public safety (as most of us are), you immediately look toward the police department. However, public safety has many facets.

• Safety on our streets is an important aspect, and that can mean preventing accidents by slowing traffic and changing one-way streets back to two-way.
• Investing in our young people means well-planned, long-term programs. Keeping them engaged in productive activities surrounded by positive role models makes them less inclined to join gangs to find a sense of belonging.
• Feeding the children ensures they are able to focus on school and not on the empty feeling in their bellies.
• Keeping people in safe, stable housing is also public safety. Someone once told me, "Try living on the streets yourself. It won't take long before the pain causes you to start drinking or using drugs just to survive."

Do not take me wrong, personal choices matter, but we all need help to thrive. Every one of us gets this help from the moment we are born. As the poet David Whyte reminds us in his essay Help: A Selection from David Whyte’s Consolations

"We are born with an absolute necessity for help... After that, the need for continual help becomes more subtle, hidden as it is by the illusion that we are suddenly free agents able to survive on our own..."

Mental Health and Community Priorities

Public safety also means providing free (or at least affordable) mental health services without the stigma that has been put on mental illness for generations. Studies show that this social stigma creates shame, which stops people from getting medical help until a crisis hits. By treating mental health with the same compassion as physical health, we can give real care before a tragedy happens.

The problems are complex, and the solutions must address the many facets to be successful. I keep advocating for improved and added housing, fair, competitive, and livable wages for all Metro employees – especially our dedicated library staff, who are essential to our communities yet are often undercompensated. I also support more care for our parks and green spaces, youth programs, and support for entrepreneurs and local businesses in our area, as well as prioritizing everyday Louisvillians first.

Share Your Feedback

Many of you have submitted your suggestions and concerns – I thank you for being engaged citizens and will take all suggestions into serious consideration. I continue welcoming your suggestions for how we spend your money. You can contact my office directly or email your concerns via this platform: 2026 - 2027 Louisville Metro Budget Comment Form | LouisvilleKY.gov

Thank you for giving me this great honor and opportunity to serve you. Have a nice, refreshing weekend, and I look forward to seeing you next Friday at the Beechmont Concert Series.

-Betsy

Community Calendar

👥 Get Involved: Neighborhood Meetings June 2026

Wilder Park Neighborhood Association  June 2 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Wilder Park Community Center

Lynnview City Council
 June 9 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Lynnview City Hall

Beechmont Neighborhood Association  June 15 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Beechmont Community Center

Iroquois Neighborhood Association  June 16 | 7:00–8:00 PM | DeSales High School

Friends of Iroquois Park 
June 22 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Iroquois Library

Chat with Councilor Ruhe
 June 24 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Lynnview City Hall

I-65 Central Corridor Closure

🚧 I-65 Central Corridor Closure

A major section of I-65 in Louisville will be closed from June 1 through July 31 between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and downtown (Jefferson Street) as part of a project to replace three aging bridges. 

🚗 Detours & Travel Tips:

• Through traffic will be redirected to I-264 (Watterson Expressway), the designated detour route designed to handle higher traffic volumes.
• Local drivers are encouraged to use navigation apps for real-time routing and alternate paths.
• Downtown remains accessible through select routes, including Jefferson Street and connections from I-64.
• 🔗Learn more, view detour maps, and stay updated here:[https://i65centralcorridor.com/]

Earlier this year, our District 21 office hosted a meeting with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to help constituents better understand the project, available resources, and navigation options during the closure.

While this temporary closure may cause inconvenience and adjustments to your daily commute, this is a critical infrastructure investment. The project will replace decades-old bridges and create safer, more reliable roadways designed to serve our community for generations to come.

Though the coming weeks may be challenging, there is light at the end of the tunnel -- a modern, safe, and improved I-65 corridor for all.

📞 Have questions or concerns? Please contact our office, and we will gladly connect you with the appropriate team at KYTC to help find answers or solutions.

South End Community Market Day May 30th

🌿 Check Out the South End Community Market!

🎶 Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Be sure to check out the South End Community Market for a lively and welcoming neighborhood experience.

It’s a great opportunity to explore local vendors, discover unique goods, and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere. Spend your morning browsing fresh finds, connecting with others, and supporting a dedicated local market that brings the neighborhood together.

🎟 Bonus Opportunity While you’re there, you can also enter for a chance to win Jazz Festival tickets! Entries are $5 each, and all proceeds go directly to support the South End Community Market. The drawing will take place at the end of the month. Don’t miss the chance to stop by, show your support, and enjoy all that the market has to offer!

Beechmont Summer Concert Series 2026 is here!

What better way to connect as neighbors than through live music? Our office is incredibly proud to help bring these concerts to the community. Join us every Friday in June from 6:30–8:30 PM at the Gazebo for a fantastic lineup of classical, bluegrass, jazz, and classic rock!

A huge thank you to Metro Council Districts 9, 12, 17, and 24 for kindly partnering with us to co-sponsor this series. We also want to deeply thank the Beechmont Neighborhood Association for organizing everything, along with all of our wonderful community sponsors.

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets—see you at the Gazebo next Friday, June 5th! 🎪🎸

Recycle Campaign Signs & Keep Louisville Clean

♻️ Recycle Campaign Signs & Keep Louisville Clean

With primary election season wrapping up, residents are encouraged to recycle old campaign signs now through June 6 at Louisville Metro’s staffed recycling centers.

⚠️ Reminder: Campaign signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way (medians, sidewalks, road shoulders, etc.) due to safety concerns.

Thank you for helping keep Louisville clean and safe! 🌱

Scam Jam (Hosted by AARP)

Join American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for Scam Jam, an informative event focused on protecting yourself from fraud and cyber threats.

The session is open to the public, but registration is required by June 2.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 3 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Location: Cottonwood Airport Expo Hotel, 4110 Dixie Hwy

In today’s increasingly digital world, scams and cybercrime are on the rise, making it more important than ever to stay informed and vigilant. This event will provide valuable tools and insights to help you recognize and avoid common scams, safeguard your personal information, and protect your finances.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to stay safe—register today!

Fan Fair, June 6, 2026

🌬️ Fan Fair (Hosted by the Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens & KIPDA)

Join us for a community Fan Fair!

📅 Date: Saturday, June 6 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

📍 Location: Edison Center (701 W. Ormsby Ave)

Fans are first come first served to qualifying individuals (60yrs+ or living with a verified disability). Proof of age, address and disability status (if applicable) required.

Stay cool 😎 and connected this summer! 🌞

Safe Summer Kickoff 2026!

🎉 Free Summer Kickoff Events for Families

Join the Office of Violence Prevention and Louisville Parks & Recreation for a day of free, safe, family-friendly fun on Saturday, June 13 from 1:00–5:00 PM!

📍 Events will take place at multiple community locations, including: Beechmont Community Center California Community Center Newburg Community Center Parkhill Community Center Shawnee Community Center Southwick Community Center Sun Valley Community Center Taylor Berry Park (South End Standup) Baxter Community Center (MOLO Festival) Shelby Park (Blueprint 502 3x3 Basketball)

🌟 District 21 Highlight – Beechmont Community Center:

Stop by Beechmont for great food and activities, including:

🍔 StrEats Food Truck (burgers & fries)

🌭 Hot dogs, 🍧 sno-cones & refreshing drinks

🎶 Live DJ

🎨 Arts & crafts activities

🏓 Cornhole (possible tournament!)

✨ Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and enjoy a fun-filled start to the summer!

Agape Day – Community Food Distribution

🍽️ Agape Day – Community Food Distribution

📅 Date: June 12, 2026

🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Location: Dare to Care Food Bank Distribution Warehouse (5803 Fern Valley Road, Louisville, KY 40228)

Local Divine 9 Black Greek fraternities and sororities are partnering with Dare to Care to help deliver food to communities.

The Legacy of York Program

🖤 The Legacy of York Program 

📅 Date: June 16, 2026 🕠

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 Location: George Rogers Clark Park (1024 Thruston Ave, Louisville, KY 40217)

The Juneteenth Jubilee Commission, Frazier History Museum, Filson Historical Society, African American Heritage Center, and Roots 101 are collaborating on a powerful program highlighting the legacy of York. The event will feature well-known artists and speakers, including Ed Hamilton, Frank X Walker, Jim Holmberg, and Dr. John Chenault, with tours and engaging discussions. ✨

988 Crisis Line: What It Is and When to Use It

Understanding 988 and knowing when to call The United States launched 988 in 2022 as an easy‑to‑remember number for anyone experiencing a mental health, emotional, or substance‑use crisis. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365, connecting callers with trained counselors who listen, offer support, and help you stay safe. You don’t have to be suicidal to call. Anyone—at any age—can reach out for help, and you can also contact 988 if you’re worried about someone else. Veterans, service members, and their families can be connected with specially trained counselors. Interpretation is available for people who speak languages other than English or Spanish. How to reach 988 (https://988lifeline.org/) Call Text Chat online Why people contact 988 People reach out for many reasons, including anxiety, depression, substance‑use concerns, stress, trauma, loneliness, or simply needing someone to talk to. What happens when you call A trained counselor will: Listen without judgment Check on your safety Talk through what you’re experiencing Offer support and local resources Most people feel calmer and more hopeful after connecting with a counselor. Privacy and safety You don’t have to share personal information. Counselors only involve 911 in rare situations when someone is in immediate danger.

Stay Safe This Summer: Smart Water Safety Tips for Kids

Dive into fun: Water play the smart way 💦☀️

The arrival of summer brings warmer weather and plenty of opportunities for water fun! 🏖️ While swimming is a delightful pastime during the summer, it’s essential for everyone to prioritize water safety.

⚠️ Here are some tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water:

Learn basic swimming and water safety skills 🏊‍♂️

Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children who have had swimming lessons still need close and constant supervision when in or around water.

👀 Learn more information on how to find swimming lessons in your area.

Build fences that fully enclose pools 🚧🏡 Construct and use a four-sided fence that is at least 4 feet in height and fully encloses the pool. The fence should separate the pool from the house, with self-closing and self-latching gates.

Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when the pool is not in use. 🧸

Supervise closely 👨‍👩‍👧👀

Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water (including bathtubs). You can assign a specific adult to supervise each child when they have access to water.

Adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like reading, using the phone 📱, and consuming alcohol or drugs, because drowning happens quickly and quietly.

Wear a life jacket 🦺🌊

Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and swimming abilities. Life jackets should be used by children for all activities while in and around natural water. Life jackets can also be used by weaker swimmers of all ages in and around natural water and swimming pools.

Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys ❌, as these are not safety devices.

Learn CPR ❤️‍🩹

Your CPR skills could save someone's life in the time it takes for paramedics to arrive. 🚑

Many organizations such as American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer CPR training courses, both online and in-person.

Source: CDC

Fight the Bite

Alcoholic Beverage License Advertisements

🍽️ Alcohol Beverage License Applications – Community Notice

Neighborhood Development

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

You are invited to attend a neighborhood informational meeting regarding a proposed non-owner-occupied Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application.

Meeting Details: Date: Monday, June 15, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: 601 W. Woodlawn Avenue, Louisville, KY 40215.

This invitation is being shared on behalf of the applicant seeking approval for the development proposal noted above. The meeting is intended to provide an overview of the proposal and offer an opportunity for community members to ask questions and provide feedback. Please note that this informational meeting is a required step that must take place prior to the applicant submitting a formal application to the Louisville Metro Office of Planning.

• 26-CUPPA-0085_STR CUP Neighborhood Meeting Letter .pdf

🏡 Stay Informed on Neighborhood Development

Want updates on development and planning activity in our district? Sign up to receive notifications directly from the Office of Planning:

🔗 Sign up for notifications: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/notifications

📅 Looking for upcoming public meetings? Stay engaged and informed by viewing the latest meeting schedule:

🔗 View upcoming public meetings: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/upcoming-public-meetings

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
• Beechmont Community Center, 205 W Wellington Ave

Iroquois Neighborhood Association:

• Meets Quarterly @ 7:00pm
• DeSales High School, 425 W Kenwood Dr

Airport Neighbor’s Alliance

• Meet every 3^rd Saturday 10-11am
• For location contact Mary Rose: maryroseevans@mac.com

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 @ 6-7pm
• 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!