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FY27 Budget is Focused on the Basics
Eight years ago, the members of the Metro Council decided to stop kicking the can down the road and instead invest in a plan to bring all of our roads up to acceptable/good condition over the course of a decade. Since that time, the Metro Council has funded our paving budget at the recommended level of $20 million over the first five years and $30 million over the past three years.
Because of this focus, our road ratings have improved significantly and our ability to proactively address driving conditions has been enhanced. This year, we again fully funded the program, and I was even able to add to our paving for District 12 by $240,000 in additional paving to help improve the driving conditions on even more neighborhood roadways.
Progress Fixing Sidewalks Continues
My office has been diligently working to fund every sidewalk repair that has been called in to either my office or Metro 411. This year I am proud to share that we were able to fund the repair of every remaining sidewalk repair that has been called in prior to May 1, 2026.
This does not mean that every repair will be made in the next few months, but it does mean that the funding is in place to have each sidewalk repair addressed. Overall, the FY27 Budget increases sidewalk repair by $250,000. As a city we still have a long way to go to repair all the trip hazards along our sidewalks. I am proud to say that District ## is leading the way in fixing these problems and we will continue to address them as we are made aware of them.
If you have a sidewalk that is in need of repair please remember to contact my office at 574-1112 or via email at jonathan.joseph@louisvilleky.gov.
Massive Renovation Planned for Sun Valley Pool Starting this Fall
The passage of the FY27 Budget clears the way for construction to start on major renovations at Sun Valley Park and Community Center later this fall. While there is hope that the pool will be open for the 2027 swim season, we must be prepared in the event that this undertaking could lapse into the summer.
Once completed the Sun Valley Pool will include 6,200 square feet of pool space and features such as a slide, lap lanes, and a splash pad. The funding for this project has been allocated over the course of the FY26 and FY27 Budgets. Once completed, we will focus our attention on bringing the same sort of renovation to the Fairdale Pool which is located within Nelson Hornbeck Park.
Bringing our Golf Courses Up to Par
Much effort has been made since Mayor Greg Fishers attempt to close up to four public golf courses in 2019. The Metro Council has helped lead the way in reorganizing the contracts with the golf pros that run each course and some have been supporting capital improvements to the pro-shops and golf ranges. Unfortunately the lack of prioritization has left some of our courses in a condition that is hard to bound back. In the past few years the Metro Council has assisted with modernizing our pricing, and sought answers on the care taking place by our teams. This year the Mayor has brought in anew member to the team who is focused on improving the courses. We now have a three year Agronomic Plan that will guide investment in our courses. It will focus on reseeding fairways, cutting back overgrown and dead trees, removing stumps and purchasing the type of equipment needed to elevate the care of our courses.
Seeing this improved and clear planning, members of the Metro Council not only funded year one of this plan, but also added funding to move faster with the plan by shifting some of the year two projects into FY27. Councilmembers representing SW Louisville Metro and Southeastern Louisville Metro have also included within the budget funding for improved irrigation as well as a new facility storage area for Charlie Vettiner as well as a new Storage area for Bobie Nichols.
This spring we have heard from many people about the improved playing conditions. We are hopeful that this increased funding will help to build on that progress.
 Our Louisville America 250 Commission has been working hard for nearly a year to prepare for July 4, 2026, and we are excited to begin sharing details of how our city will celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.
For generations, Americans have gathered with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate our independence, and this year Louisville has the opportunity to be part of something truly special. As our nation marks its 250th birthday, the Fourth of July season in Louisville will be unlike anything our city has seen in a long while.
From a theatrical reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of Metro Hall featuring members of the Hamilton cast, to reenactments of the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride on West Jefferson Street, to historic exhibits, fireworks, and much more, Louisville will come alive with the stories, people, and moments that helped shape America.
And the celebration begins even earlier right here in Southwest Louisville. On June 27, we will kick off the festivities with the Riverview Independence Festival at Riverview Park - an official America 250 event featuring live music, family activities, food vendors, and one of the region’s largest fireworks displays along the Ohio River.
One of the best parts is that every America 250 event and activity is completely FREE to attend. Families will also have the opportunity to enjoy free admission to the Frazier History Museum from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on July 4.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a proud patriot, or simply looking for a fun day with family and friends, there will be something for everyone.
A 250th birthday only comes around once. I hope you will join us as Louisville celebrates 250 years of the American story, remembers those who came before us, and creates memories that future generations will look back on as part of this historic milestone.
See you at Riverview Fest on June 27 and throughout Louisville’s America 250 celebrations this Fourth of July season.
  
  Join us as Southwest Louisville helps kick off America’s 250th Birthday Celebration!
The Riverview Independence Festival returns on Saturday, June 27 from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM at Riverview Park (8202 Greenwood Road).
This year’s festival is especially meaningful as it has been recognized as an official Louisville America 250 event, helping launch a year-long celebration leading up to our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
Over the past year, our office has been working alongside community partners, volunteers, sponsors, and the Louisville America 250 Commission to help create an event worthy of this historic milestone.
Bring the family out for an evening filled with:
🎆 Fireworks
🎶 Live music from The Dee White Band, The Sheryl Rouse Band, and Sound Machine
🚚 Food trucks
🎈 Family activities 🇺🇸 Community spirit along the Ohio River
💦 Splash Pad and Park open for the kiddos 🛝
 🎶 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
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…)
 Keeping our pets healthy and safe is one of the best things we can do for our furry family members. I am excited to once again partner with Councilwoman Crystal Bast and Metro Animal Services to offer two low-cost vaccination and free microchip clinics this summer.
The first 100 pets at each clinic can receive a free microchip, helping improve the chances of being reunited if they ever get lost. Vaccinations, licensing, and other services will also be available at affordable rates.
📅 June 20 – VFW Post 1181
📅 August 29 – Southwest Government Center
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Please remember all pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. We hope to see you and your four-legged friends there!
 Metro Louisville Draft Data Center Regulations Now Available for Review & Comment
YOU MUST follow the link and process to document your concern.
The draft data center regulations are now available online for review: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/data-centers
These proposed regulations aim to establish standards for future data center development, including size limitations, neighborhood protections, and utility safeguards while supporting technology investment and economic growth.
All community members are encouraged to read the draft and share feedback through the official public comment period form at https://louisvillemetropds.wufoo.com/forms/z4jom4r08nn0zi/ <——- CLICK HERE
After the review period, Metro Planning staff will evaluate public input, consider revisions, and determine next steps in the legislative process.
 🎥 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.
 Are you interested in helping create safer, more accessible streets for everyone in Louisville Metro? If so, consider applying to join Louisville Metro’s Complete Streets Coalition.
The coalition was established as part of the 2022 amendments to Louisville Metro’s Complete Streets Ordinance. It includes 15 community members, along with representatives from the Louisville Metro Department of Transportation (DOT), the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), and the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA).
Members play an important role in reviewing publicly funded transportation projects to make sure they consider the needs of people of all ages and abilities, across all modes of travel.
The Coalition also helps projects meet or exceed Louisville’s adopted design standards, supporting a more connected and inclusive transportation network.
There are currently several open positions, residents from across Louisville Metro are encouraged to apply.
To learn more or express interest, contact Jeremy Chesler - Complete Streets Program Manager at jeremy.chesler@louisvilleky.gov.
 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.
 Pop up, Drop off is coming to Doss High School June 13 from 10am-2pm.
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/pop-drop-waste-disposal-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
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
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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