Over the last few weeks, Metro Council has been dissecting the Mayor's proposed Executive Budget. Metro Council has meet with 19 of Louisville's 44 departments to ask questions about their respective budgets.

Check out my budget breakdown here.

Again, you can also find budget breakdowns of all 19 departments on my Instagram page—just select the "2026 Budget" highlights on my profile to view. 

The Council is expected to vote to adopt the amended 2026-2027 budget during the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting on Thursday, June 25, at 6 pm.

One of the simplest ways we can make our neighborhoods more welcoming is by investing in the spaces we see every day. I'm proud to have used District 15 funds to support landscaping improvements in five medians throughout the district, with the work performed by Luv-It Landscaping.

The landscaped medians can be found at:

• Crittenden Drive & Warnock Street
• Manslick Road & Gagel Avenue
• Goss Avenue & Eastern Parkway
• Eastern Parkway & Crittenden Drive
• Taylor Boulevard at the Common Dignity statue

These beautification projects help create a stronger sense of place and neighborhood pride while making some of our busiest corridors more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

I also want to extend a special thank you to Luv-It Landscaping for their partnership on these projects and for placing signs in the medians recognizing the investment. Their work has consistently helped bring new life to these spaces, and I appreciate all of their efforts to make District 15 a little greener and a little brighter.

The Louisville Bats, AAA Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, are excited to host two Metro Council Community Nights this season: Tuesday, August 11th and Wednesday, September 9th. Louisville Metro residents and organizations can request tickets through the Bats that include free admission, a free hot dog, and one free small soft drink.

Metro Council Community game night offers are available to all constituents of Metro Council's 26 Districts. The program is geared toward, but not exclusively for, residents who might otherwise not be able to afford attending a Bats game. The offer is extended to both individuals and mentoring organizations, social service agencies, underprivileged kids’ groups, etc. 

Register now to secure your tickets:

Individuals or groups with less than 20 guests: https://bit.ly/4ttW776

Organizations or groups with 20+ guests: https://bit.ly/3RzfApE

Forms will be monitored and will close once each district has reached their maximum capacity of 300 tickets. 

The cutoff date for ticket requests for the August 11th date will be August 3rd and September 1st for the September 9th game. 

Ticket distribution will be done as responses come in. Please be patient and allow time for tickets to be distributed.

If you do not receive your tickets by August 3rd, please email mgraham@batsbaseball.com

Proposed regulations would ban hyperscale data centers and reduce environmental impact for smaller developments while protecting Louisville residents, existing businesses, infrastructure, and utility customers.

The Louisville Metro Office of Planning announced the
release of draft regulations for public input. Those draft regulations ban hyperscale data centers and establish strict standards regarding any proposed smaller developments. The regulations include protections for neighborhoods, the environment, and utility customers, while supporting the technology infrastructure needs of existing and future employers in Louisville.

The draft regulations would ban hyperscale data centers and limit future proposals to less than 500,000 square feet. The draft regulations also require any proposed developments to be located in industrial areas. Smaller-scale facilities that support existing employers and business
needs would be allowed in limited areas.

Additional key regulations would:

• Protect utility customers by requiring evidence that new facilities will not shift any costs to existing ratepayers;
• Require the developer presenting the proposal to bear the cost of improvements to infrastructure if upgrades are required;
• Limit data center development to designated industrial areas;
• Require environmentally low-impact construction and site design practices;
• Require substantial separation from homes, schools, and daycare facilities;
• Require a public hearing and conditional use permit for data centers that do not meet outlined exceptions for existing business operations;
• Establish noise standards and buffering requirements for generators and other equipment;
• Require the entity making the proposal to be transparent and disclose the company that would own and be using the proposed development; and
• Pay prevailing wages in connection with the project’s construction.

The regulations are the result of months of research and public feedback led by Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Planning. Thousands of residents submitted comments that helped inform key provisions related to facility size, location, noise, environmental impacts, utility infrastructure, and neighborhood compatibility.

Data centers come in a wide range of sizes, from small facilities that support a single business to large campuses serving multiple customers. They are not new to Louisville—many major employers, including manufacturers, healthcare systems, financial institutions, logistics companies, and government agencies, have long relied on data centers and server facilities to support their daily operations and store critical business information. These proposed regulations distinguish between large-scale developments and the smaller, business-supporting data centers that have long been a routine part of Louisville's economy.

The release of the draft regulations on Wednesday, June 10 begins a 30-day public review period. All members of the community are encouraged to review the draft regulations and provide feedback.

Following the review period, the Louisville Metro Office of Planning will evaluate public comments, consider any necessary revisions, and schedule public hearings with the Planning Commission.

The draft regulations are now available for public review here.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposal and submit comments here.

There will then be a public hearing before the regulations are presented to the Louisville Metro Council.

MSD has approved a preliminary proposal for a measured rate increase to support continued investment in infrastructure that protects public health, waterways, neighborhoods and flood resilience across the community. The fiscal year 2027 proposal includes a 3.9 percent rate increase for Jefferson County customers that would go into effect September 1.

The proposed adjustment comes as MSD continues to address federal clean water requirements, increasing construction and operational costs, aging infrastructure, and the growing need for resilient infrastructure capable of responding to severe weather and flooding events. MSD engineers have identified approximately $1.2 billion in critical infrastructure investment needed over the next five years to continue to protect the community.

Nationally, infrastructure challenges continue to affect communities across the country. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ annual “report card” assessing public infrastructure consistently grades the nation’s wastewater infrastructure at a “D.” Also, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies’ recent survey showed the average rate increase in 2025 was 4.4% for wastewater and stormwater utilities. Rates are projected to increase an average of 6.8% annually through 2030, a cumulative increase of 34%.

As part of the recommended budget for FY2027, there is continued funding for affordability programs such as Drops of Kindness, Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance (30%), and the Senior Discount (30%).  Customers can learn more and apply for these programs at https://dropsofkindness.com/.

Customers are encouraged to review the rate proposals at LouisvilleMSD.org/Rates and submit comments by emailing finance@louisvillemsd.org or by calling 502.540.6000.

Read more: MSD Board proposes 3.9 percent rate increase for Jefferson County to be effective Sept. 1 | MSD

The Dress for Success Louisville's Women Conference is a one-day, high-impact event designed to equip women in our community with the confidence, connections, and practical tools needed to advance in their personal and professional lives. Through engaging sessions and meaningful networking opportunities, attendees will leave feeling empowered to take their next steps toward economic independence and long-term success.

Featured sessions include:

• Own Your Presence: Style, Confidence & First Impressions
• Your Network is Your Net Worth: Building Rooms that Open Doors
• Money Matters: Smart Habits that Build Freedom

The Dress for Success Louisville Women's Conference is designed for women at all stages of their journey, including:

• Teens (ages 15 and up) who are getting ready to apply for college and to enter the workforce
• Women re-entering the workforce
• Early to mid-career professionals
• Women seeking career advancement or transition
• Entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Women working toward financial stability and independence

Our goal is to provide accessible, high-quality professional development and personal empowerment opportunities to women in our community. By removing barriers and creating a supportive environment, we aim to increase confidence, expand professional networks, and strengthen financial literacy, ultimately helping women achieve sustainable economic independence.

June 23, 2026
8 am – 5:30 pm
Spalding University, 812 S. Second Street, The College Street Ballroom

Coffee, snacks and lunch will be included.

This is a FREE all-day event. Everyone is welcome!

Register here.

Kick off the 2026 CycLOUvia season on Sunday, June 28, from 2 pm to 6 pm as Logan Street is transformed into a car-free community gathering space.

During the event, Logan Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Goss Avenue to East Broadway, creating a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, skateboard, roller skate, use mobility devices, dance, socialize, and enjoy the city in a new way.

CycLOUvia is modeled after Bogotá, Colombia’s renowned “Ciclovía” program and is designed to encourage active transportation while bringing neighbors together to experience Louisville Metro’s streets as public spaces.

Along the route, participants can enjoy activities, community organizations, local businesses, and opportunities to learn more about active transportation and neighborhood resources.

Logan Street along the event route will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Goss Avenue, East Broadway, and South Shelby Street will remain open to vehicular traffic. Drivers should follow posted detour signs and allow extra travel time in the area.

For more information, visit louisvilleky.gov/CycLOUvia.

Downtown Tunes is BACK and bigger than ever… Louisville Downtown Partnership’s (LDP) public street piano program has returned for 2026 and this year, it’s grown! A total of eight public pianos are now spread across key spots throughout Downtown Louisville.

Free and open to all, the pianos are available to play daily from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week from May through October (weather permitting). The program takes advantage of oversized or under-activated sidewalks and plazas, transforming them into engaging, active spaces to give passersby a reason to stop, sit down, and maybe strike a few keys.
 
Each piano is designed and hand-painted by middle and high school students from three Downtown schools: J. Graham Brown School, Francis Parker School of Louisville, and new to the program this year: duPont Manual High School.
 
2026 Piano Locations:

• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St. – “Louisville Slugger” painted by Francis Parker School of Louisville
• Derby City Gaming Downtown, 401 W. Market St. – “Environment” painted by J. Graham Brown School
• PNC Tower South Plaza, 101 S. 5th St. – “Jungle Groove” painted by duPont Manual High School
• Metro Hall CitySpot, 527 W. Jefferson St. – “Racial Equity | Justice Fest” painted by J. Graham Brown School
• Chase CitySpot, 320 W. Jefferson St. – “Thunder Over Louisville” painted by Francis Parker School of Louisville
• Fourth Street Live!, 411 S. 4th St. – “Under the Sea” painted by Francis Parker School of Louisville
• 21c Museum Hotel, 700 W. Main St. – “Music Heals the Soul” painted by J. Graham Brown School
• LG&E Center, 220 W. Main St. – “Armillary Sphere” painted by duPont Manual High School

2026 program sponsors include Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and Derby City Gaming Downtown. Learn more here.

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.

Mosquito season is underway in Louisville. When temperatures rise above 50 degrees, mosquitoes become active, with peak season running from May through October.

To help protect residents from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) takes several steps to reduce mosquito populations across the community:

• Reduce breeding areas: More than 385 locations that collect standing water—such as wooded areas, flood-prone zones, drainage easements, and vacant properties—are treated to prevent mosquitoes from developing.
• Treat catch basins: About 14,500 sewer catch basins are treated several times each year. These structures hold water and can serve as ideal mosquito breeding sites if left untreated.
• Monitor mosquito activity: Traps placed across the community collect mosquitoes for testing. When mosquitoes carrying diseases like West Nile virus are detected, targeted spraying is used to reduce both larvae and adult mosquitoes.
• Use natural controls: Gambusia, small native fish that feed on mosquito larvae, are used in creeks, ponds, and other standing water areas to naturally reduce mosquito populations.

Residents can also take simple steps to protect themselves and reduce mosquito breeding around their homes:

Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito bites

Watch this video on reducing standing water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding grounds.

Report mosquito concerns by calling Metro311 (311 or 502-574-5000)

Working together, we can reduce mosquito risks and keep our community safe this summer.

The Affordable Housing Lien Forgiveness Pilot Program (LFPP) helps transform vacant properties into quality affordable housing.

Through this program, eligible code enforcement liens may be forgiven when a new owner commits to:

• Rehabilitating an existing structure or developing a vacant lot, and
• Selling the property as affordable housing, renting it in limited cases, or occupying it as a primary residence

The goal is simple: remove financial barriers, return vacant properties to productive use, and expand affordable housing opportunities.

Why is this program needed?

LMG’s Property Maintenance Code requires properties to be maintained in line with the LMCO § 156.00 for the benefit of neighborhood and resident health and safety. LMG’s Codes and Regulations team works diligently to inspect and, in some cases, maintain these properties. However, when property owners are unable or unwilling to maintain these properties, code violations often accumulate as liens can exceed the property’s value, making redevelopment financially unrealistic.

LFPP addresses this gap by:

• Reducing or eliminating lien burdens
• Encouraging responsible investment
• Supporting neighborhood revitalization

This program is intended for individuals or entities committed to redeveloping vacant properties into affordable housing.

You may be a good fit if your situation looks like one of the following:

Example 1: You are under contract to purchase a vacant property (structure or lot) and plan to redevelop it, but existing liens make the project financially unfeasible.

Example 2: You are purchasing a vacant property from heirs of a deceased owner, but significant liens are preventing the transaction from moving forward.

Example 3: You inherited a vacant property, have secured clear ownership, and intend to rehabilitate or redevelop it, but liens limit your ability to proceed.

Example 4: You recently purchased a vacant property within the last 12 months and discovered existing liens that significantly impact your ability to complete redevelopment.

If this sounds like your situation and you are prepared to move forward with redevelopment, you may qualify.

Submit an application to begin the review process and determine your eligibility.

Before applying, we strongly encourage you to review the full program policy. It outlines eligibility, requirements, timelines, and compliance standards. The policy serves as the official guide for program participation.

Affordable Housing Lien Forgiveness Pilot Program Public Policy 

Application for the Lien Forgiveness Pilot Program

If you would like to discuss your project before applying, please call 502-574-1840 or email vaplienwaiver@louisvilleky.gov