 This month, I’d like to extend an invitation.
An invitation to hop on a TARC bus and explore a neighborhood you’ve never visited. To spend an afternoon in one of Louisville’s incredible parks. To volunteer with BOB and help connect neighbors with resources. To attend a neighborhood event, support a local business, or simply slow down long enough to appreciate what makes our city so special.
Last month, Louisville welcomed local elected officials from across the country for the National League of Cities Summer Committee Meetings. One of my favorite parts of the week was introducing visitors to places that make Louisville uniquely Louisville. Seeing our city through fresh eyes reminded me just how much we have to be proud of—and how much there still is to discover, even for those of us who have lived here our whole lives.
Cities don’t become great because of buildings or budgets alone. They become great because people choose to participate in them.
I hope this month’s newsletter inspires you to do just that.
 P.S. If you’re an avid reader of the newsletter, you may have noticed that there wasn’t a July newsletter. Communicating with y'all is super important to me, although it's also important that I recognize when I need to slow down. Apologies for skipping last month—we're back on track now!
P.S.S. Even though it's only been two days, I hope your first week back to school has been a great one, JCPS students! Special shoutout to all the JCPS schools in D15: Semple Elementary, Gutermuth Elementary, Shelby Elementary, and Churchill Park School.
June & July highlights included Schnitzelburg and Saint Joseph neighborhood meetings (Hazelwood not pictured!), a visit to the Speed, Wild Nights at the Louisville Zoo, checking out the new "I Too Am a Kentuckian" exhibit at Frazier History Museum, SlabFest in D10, 4th of July at Waterfront Park, a visit to Albert O. Jones Park, closing out the Metro Aquatics season at Camp Taylor pool, a visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Detroit, and Dainty!
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I want to acknowledge the tremendous amount of work that goes into building a budget of this size and complexity. This process requires countless hours, difficult decisions, and many late nights, and I sincerely appreciate the staff, departments, and colleagues who contributed to it, even when I may disagree with some of the choices that were made.
You’ll often hear Councilmembers say something along the lines of, “This isn’t the budget I would have passed, but it’s the budget we have, and I can live with it.” I understand that perspective. With 26 Council members, each representing different districts with different needs, consensus is never easy.
But I also believe we should expect more from this process than reluctant acceptance. We should strive for a budget that reflects intentional priorities, equitable investments, and thoughtful collaboration—not one we simply tolerate because compromise is difficult.
I also want to be transparent about my own budget requests this year. I didn’t come to the table with an extensive wish list for District 15. Many of the largest infrastructure needs in my district, such as improvements to Taylor Boulevard and Eastern Parkway, require state partnership and funding. Other neighborhood concerns can often be addressed through smaller, targeted interventions, like signage or modest infrastructure improvements. And for larger transformational projects, we are still in the process of planning and assembling comprehensive proposals for future investment.
I love this city and want to see it thrive.
See my full comments here.
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The only thing better than the weather on BIG BOB DAY was the event itself! We are so grateful for the partners, volunteers, and neighborhood representatives that made BIG BOB DAY in Wyandotte Park so successful. I'm very proud of the hard work that Alena and Amy put in to make sure that not only BIG BOB DAY was a success, but the entire BOB program in Wyandotte-Oakdale. I'm especially proud of Alena who, along with amazing volunteers, knocked on over 1,500 doors!!! We connected with a lot of residents and it was the first time we hit triple digits on BOB menus being returned for free city services.
We're still crunching the numbers, writing thank you cards, and gathering our bearings, but I'm excited to share more about BOB: Wyandotte-Oakdale in the next newsletter, as well as the announcement of our next BOB neighborhood. Hint: It has a grotto...
See more photos from BOB: Wyandotte-Oakdale here.
We’re excited to announce that Building Our Blocks (BOB) is coming to the Saint Joseph neighborhood this fall!
Over the next several months, my office, Louisville Metro departments, nonprofit partners, and—new this year—our BOB Champions will be knocking on every door in the neighborhood to connect residents with free services, resources, and volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re interested in a free tree, smoke alarm, rain barrel, soil test, trash cart repair, home repair assistance, or simply have ideas for improving your neighborhood, BOB is here to help.
You don’t have to wait for a knock at your door! Our BOB Menu is now available online, making it easy to sign up for free services and share your ideas. Keep an eye on your mailbox for your BOB mailer, and on your front porch for a visit from our team in the coming weeks, or go ahead and fill out your BOB Menu online.
We’re also bringing BOB into the neighborhood with several opportunities to connect:
🍉 Watermelon in the Park – Monday, August 10, 6:30 PM at Bradley Park
🦃 Friendsgiving in the Grotto – Wednesday, October 1, 6:00 PM at Lady of Lourdes Grotto
🏘️ Saint Joseph Area Association Neighborhood Meeting – Monday, October 12, 6:30 PM
🧹 Neighborhood Cleanup – Saturday, October 24, 11:00 AM at Zanzabar
And be sure to mark your calendar for BIG BOB DAY on Saturday, November 7, from 10 AM to 1 PM! We’ll celebrate the neighborhood with an incredible resource fair, free services, family-friendly activities, and dozens of community partners all in one place.
Want to get involved? Consider becoming a BOB Champion! Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, neighbors helping neighbors is what makes BOB so special. We’d love to have you join the team. Sign up here.
I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in Saint Joseph!
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Recently, Deputy Mayor Nicole George, Public Works Director Wes Sydnor, and Executive Administrator of Transportation Planning Claire Yates joined the D15 team on a tour of the Saint Joseph neighborhood to get a firsthand look at the terrible traffic patterns in the area.
We saw big trucks taking BIG turns, people blowing through stop signs, one-way streets that didn't make sense, sidewalks that needed to be connected, and spots where pedestrians say "eh, no thanks." The walk allowed us to identify and prioritize a lot of opportunities for improvement—some immediate and some that will take time.
I'm grateful that we have a Public Works team that is willing to walk with us in 90+ degree heat and develop a plan that will increase safety for residents and visitors alike! |
That's a wrap on another hot Dainty! Congratulations to Mike Brooks, the 2026 Dainty World Champion, on his 130' hit!
I've been blessed to organize the World Championship Dainty and Dainty Pre-Game & Carnival FUNdraiser for the past 7 years with my fellow Dainty Preservation Society members: John Roynane, Bri Bowers, Jeff Walschon, Michelle Kurland, and JC Denison. I'm also want to thank the Schnitzelburg Area Community Council, The Merryweather, Hauck's Corner, Louisville Slugger Museum, all the local businesses that contribute to the Schweepstakes, and the incredible volunteers that help make Dainty possible. One of the most beautiful things about Dainty is how the community shows up
Soon, we'll be dropping off $1,000 to the Little Sisters of the Poor from the generous donations of all the players.
We'll see you again next year on the last Monday in July for the Dainty 2027!
A brand-new Iroquois Playground is on the way!
Designed with fun, safety, and inclusivity in mind, the new playground will feature spaces for younger and older children, low-sensory areas, and nature-inspired play elements for all to enjoy.
Construction is currently on track to begin in Fall 2026.
Learn about park improvements at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/park-improvements
Louisville had the honor of hosting the National League of Cities’ Summer Committee Meetings, welcoming local elected officials and mayors from across the country. I'm proud to serve on the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee, where we discussed some of the biggest challenges facing communities today (data centers) and shared sustainability-centered opportunities that Louisville is exploring (i.e. combating our urban heat island and using geothermal energy to heat and cool our airport).
In addition to workshops and committee meetings, attendees experienced Louisville through a variety of mobile tours and local attractions, including Waterfront Park, the Louisville Water Tower, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Belle of Louisville and Mary M. Miller, the Botanical Garden, Louisville Slugger Field, and much more.
One of my favorite parts of the week was playing tour guide. Outside of the conference, I had the opportunity to introduce fellow committee members to some iconic Louisville destinations, including Angel’s Envy Distillery, Cave Hill Cemetery, Wagner’s Pharmacy, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and a drive through historic Old Louisville. I was delighted to hear all of them planning their return trip!
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The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) has launched a massively redesigned bus network. While service has been reduced in some areas, the new system is designed to create more direct routes, more frequent service, and more reliable trips.
Here are a few things to know:
🗺️ Compare your route. TARC has a Comparative Trip Plannerthat lets you compare your old route with the new one and find the best option for your trip.
🔴🔵🟢 Look for the new bus stop signs. Larger, color-coded signs now indicate how frequently buses serve each stop, making it easier to understand the network at a glance. (Red = every 15 minutes, Blue = 30 minutes, and Green = 60 minutes)
🚏 Fewer bus stops. The previous system often had stops just a few hundred feet apart, which slowed buses down. The redesigned network consolidates many of those stops to improve travel times.
💲 Ride free through August 16! TARC is offering free fares for the first two weeks to encourage riders to try the new system.
District 15 residents will notice several route changes (fact-check me!):
- Route 43 is now 5A/5B and travels along Goss Avenue instead of Texas Avenue and Burnett Avenue
- Route 29 on Easter is now Route 20
- Route 6 on Taylor is now 8A/8B
- Route 29 on Berry Blvd, Route 63 on 7th St, Route 18 on Manslick, Route 27 on Preston/Eastern Parkway, and Route 93 around the University have all been eliminated
- Route 4 on 3rd St is the same (kinda)
I'll be honest: service reductions are never ideal. But the previous system had become difficult to navigate, inefficient in many places, and wasn't always serving riders as effectively as it could. My hope is that this redesign creates a stronger foundation that we can continue to improve and expand over time.
In the meantime, my office is working to make sure the new routes in District 15 are supported with functional bus stops and other infrastructure improvements.
Good news for Louisville drivers: I-65 through downtown has reopened!
Gov. Andy Beshear joined state and local leaders Tuesday to announce the reopening of the I-65 Central Corridor, restoring two lanes of traffic in each direction after a planned two-month closure to accelerate the replacement of three aging bridges.
The five-mile stretch of I-65 between the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and downtown Louisville (Jefferson Street) reopened early Wednesday morning. The accelerated construction schedule saved at least a year of additional traffic restrictions and delays while allowing crews to make significant progress on the bridge replacements.
During the closure, crews removed the old bridge structures and installed approximately 70 steel beams and more than 200 precast bridge deck panels. Construction on the three bridges will continue through March 2027, but traffic is now able to travel through the corridor.
Although I-65 has reopened, drivers should remember the project is not complete. The interstate remains an active work zone with two lanes of traffic in each direction, a reduced speed limit through much of the corridor, and some ramp closures near active construction areas. Drivers traveling through Louisville are encouraged to continue using the signed I-264 detour when possible to help reduce congestion.
Looking ahead, KYTC will continue planning for the replacement or rehabilitation of six additional bridges between Broadway and Liberty Street, including the Hospital Curve area. More information on the next phase of the project will be shared once construction plans are finalized.
For the latest project updates, traffic information, and detour maps, visit I65CentralCorridor.com. Residents can also sign up for email or text alerts and follow KYTC District 5 on Facebook and X for ongoing updates.
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From the Parks Alliance of Louisville:
"The Parks Alliance of Louisville is excited to continue our fall pumpkin tradition at Iroquois Park nightly from October 1 through November 1, 2026. Last week’s announcement from Kentucky Kingdom raised understandable questions, so we want to provide additional information and reassurance about this year’s plans.
The prior production company, who owns the “Jack O’Lantern Spectacular” name, chose to partner with Kentucky Kingdom. The Parks Alliance has carved a path forward with a new name, Jack’s Lantern Trail, and is bringing fresh creativity and new features to the trail. The experience will remain rooted in Iroquois Park, shaped by the woods, and feature locally grown pumpkins carved by local artists. While the name of our event is changing, the vibrant and engaging tradition is not.
Jack’s Lantern Trail continues to offer something unique. Every ticket directly supports our public parks, trails, playgrounds, and greenspaces throughout our community. This event has brought hundreds of thousands of people to Iroquois Park over the past decade and has become a beloved event in South Louisville. Guests will still enjoy a glowing walk through the woods, the wonder of hand‑carved pumpkins, and the magic of a fall night in one of Louisville’s most beautiful parks.
We are moving full steam ahead with planning and production of Jack’s Lantern Trail. We look forward to sharing more details soon and welcoming everyone back to Iroquois Park for another unforgettable fall season, full of creativity and connection in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Thank you for your continued support of our public parks and for being part of the community that makes one of Louisville’s favorite events possible.
With gratitude,
Parks Alliance of Louisville"
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After weeks, the Planning & Zoning Committee approved my moratorium on data centers! It’s not over the finish line yet, but it will go to Council next week for final approval. This puts a pause for 180 days on any new data centers while we work to update our Land Development Code. I hope you had your change to submit comments on the proposed regulations. There are a couple more public meetings in which you can share your feedback (see below). I’ve been blown away at how thoughtful and thorough your feedback has been—thank you!
The Office of Planning will host a series of public meetings in which attendees can comment on the regulations. While attendees may attend multiple meetings, each speaker can comment at only one of the meetings and will be limited to three minutes. A speaker will not be required to stay for the remainder of the meeting after commenting.
Draft regulations for Data Centers are now available for public review here.
Remaining upcoming data center meetings:
- Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 5 p.m.Online meeting. To join, a meeting link will be available on the Upcoming Meetings webpage for August 6.
- Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5 p.m.; Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard
For more information visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/data-centers .
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Kentucky Waterways Alliance will be serving as the nonprofit partner on Louisville MSD's Mill Creek Watershaed-Based Plan approved by the EPA and announced last month in a press conference next to the creek. A Courier Journal article about the need to restore this urban watershed noted, "Mill Creek is polluted with sewage and bacteria such as E. coli, sedimentation and other contamination. The creek falls short of meeting most standards for healthy waterways." Mill Creek is located in southwest Louisville. It is a 34-square-mile urban basin that contains 156.8 stream miles and is divided into two reaches: Mill Creek Cutoff and Mill Creek. The watershed is highly urbanized and is home to two large industrial areas and three major utility facilities. Read the article here.
D15 August Event Calendar
8/4: SDF Airport Noise Compatibility Program Open House (3016 Preston Hwy)
8/4: Taylor Berry Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 2911 Taylor Blvd)
8/4: Wilder Park Neighborhood Association meeting (6:30 pm; 120 Fairmont Ave)
8/5: Oakdale Neighborhood Association (6 pm; Center for Neighborhoods, 1126 Berry Blvd)
8/10: Cloverleaf General Meeting (6pm, Cloverleaf Baptist Church)
8/10: Saint Joseph Area Association Watermelon in the Park (6:30, Bradley Park, 2516 Bradley Ave)
8/11: 4th Division Advisory board meeting (6:30 pm; Edison Building cafeteria; 701 W Ormsby Ave)
8/12: Meriwether-Fort Hill Neighborhood Pizza Night (6:30 pm; 1500 S Shelby)
8/13: Metro Council Meeting (6 pm; 601 W. Jefferson St)
8/17: German-Paristown Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; at Hope Worsted Mills, 1000 Swan St)
8/18: Hazelwood Neighborhood Association Meeting (6 pm; South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave)
8/18: Lucky Horseshoe Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 1017 Queen Ave)
8/20-8/30: Kentucky State Fair (Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln)
8/24: Friends of Iroquois Park (6 pm; Iroquois Library, 601 W Woodlawn Ave)
8/27: Metro Council Meeting (6 pm; 601 W. Jefferson St)
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Follow @councilwomanchappell
Stay up to date on everything D15 and see what's happening around the district and in the city.
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The gate to the North Overlook via Uppill Road in Iroquois Park will be open on August 8 and 9 from 10 am to 4 pm.
Here's the remaining 2026 schedule:
🚗 August 8-9
🚗 September 12-13
🚗 October 10-11
🚗 November 14-15
Please remember to drive SLOWLY as the drive will still be shared with pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. |
The Village School of Louisville is hosting afterschool programs for students Mondays through Thursdays from August 15 to September 24. After school programming is open to the public.
All clubs/aftercare run from 3:45PM-5:00PM with pick-up 5:00-5:15PM.
Includes a shelf stable snack at start of club.
Prices vary by day and club.
Sign-up is for the entire learning block:
Kid's Club/Aftercare: Limit 10 students. Hangout with friends after school in a relaxed environment.
Art Club: Limit 8 students. Join Ms. Susie to get creative and explore different art techniques and styles!
Dungeons & Dragons: Limit 6 students. Explore dark dungeons, fight menacing dragons, and join pirate crews with silly hats! Run by VSL’s resident Dungeon Master Mr. Daniel, D&D club lets the students use their creativity, teamwork, and dice to go on epic adventures. What fate awaits our intrepid adventurers this year?
First Lego League Robotics JK-2nd grade: Limit 8 students. Come and learn about robotics with VSL FTC Robotics Team Coach! Club members will build a robot to complete challenges together, learning problem solving, engineering skills, and coding basics!
First Lego League Robotics grades 3rd-8th: Limit 10 students. Come learn about and compete in robotics with VSL's award winning robotics team! Team members will compete in a robot game, learn basic coding skills, hone presentation and problem solving skills, and foster creativity and innovation. Some Saturday practices may be necessary during the season.
First Tech Robotics Team grades 7th & up: VSL's First Tech Robotics Team, The Phoenix, meets twice a week to prepare for competitions during the school year with other FTC teams in Kentucky. Our team will collaborate to design, build, and code a robot to complete a challenge presented by First Robotics. No need to know how to code or to have experience in robotics - just an interest in being part of an award-winning team, a willingness to learn, and a desire to have fun while doing it! Practices will run until 5:30 and some Saturday practices will be required.
Magic the Gathering w/ Mr. Daniel: Become a Planeswalker, a powerful wizard who can summon ancient dragons and cast world-bending spells! Test your mettle against other players in the ultimate game of strategy, skill, and luck. Hurl lightning bolts, command mighty beasts, and construct artifacts to overwhelm your opponent’s forces. For age 10+ up (if you have a younger student who can play the card game and would like to join, they may be able to do so on a case by case basis). Students will need to bring their own card sets.
Sign up here.
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“Watching silly cat videos is good for you.” –The Wall Street Journal
Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CatVideoFest 2026, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos curated by Will Braden from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.
Each year, across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations and shelters alike. The CatVideoFest will once again be returning to the Speed Art Museum for the 2026 fest that runs August 7th through August 16th with a portion of ticket proceeds from every show going directly to Alley Cat Advocates. Total run time: 70 minutes. Rated G.
Find tickets here.
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Mamaw Sandy’s Kitchen is baking up a "Muffin Making Class" in Hazelwood on Tuesday, August 12 at the Hazelwood Community Center (1703 Bicknell Avenue). Participants will learn how to make muffins with fillings and toppings of their choice.
For more information, reach out to hazelwoodcommunitycenter@gmail.com.
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There are two more opportunities to catch a movie under the stars at Iroquois Park this season:
- 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
https://iroquoisamphitheater.com/hollywood-classics-under-the-stars/
For more info or if you have questions, reach out to amphitheater@louisvilleky.gov or call (502) 368-5865.
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Get ready for Manual High School will be hosting 4 home games this season, so make sure you're aware of game nights if you live in Schnitzelburg or the surrounding area.
See Manual's full football schedule here.
The University of Louisville has also released their 2026 football schedule at Cardinal Stadium. The Cards will be hosting 6 home games this season.
See UofL's full football schedule here.
Go Rams! Go Cards!
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Beginning in 2027, the new six-race national championship will bring together the country’s leading three-year-old Thoroughbreds across three iconic racing venues: Churchill Downs, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. Three of the six championship events will take place right here in Louisville: the Kentucky Derby in May, the Matt Winn Stakes in July and the Championship Race in September.
The inaugural 2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series is expected to include:
- Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs Racetrack on May 1
- Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets at Belmont Park on June 5
- Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs Racetrack in July (exact date TBD)
- Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late July/early August (exact date TBD)
- Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late August (exact date TBD)
- Championship Race at Churchill Downs Racetrack in September (exact date TBD)
A unified points system is designed to encourage the nation’s leading three-year-olds to compete against
one another more frequently. In addition to individual race purses, a $5 million prize pool will be awarded
based on the final standings, which will also provide owners and trainers with meaningful financial
incentives to remain active throughout the championship series.
Each race will be broadcast to a national television audience. The Churchill Downs races will air on NBC,
while the NYRA races will air on FOX.
Read more (+ my comments) here.
A zoning case, funding decision, or new ordinance can shape a neighborhood for years. The Center for Neighborhood's new CivicPulse Policy Hub brings Metro Council legislation, public meetings, neighborhood spending, and planning applications together in one place—so you can see what is coming while there is still time to weigh in.
Start close to home: use the interactive map to find active planning and zoning cases near your address!
Access it now: https://hub.centerforneighborhoods.org/
The Association of Community Ministries' members recently made a minor adjustment in our service areas.
Highlands Community Ministries took on the section of 40218 previously served by Ministries United of South Central Louisville. As a result the 40218 zip code is now shared by just Fern Creek Highview United Ministries and Highlands.
As a result we have updated our online map where anyone can look up their ministry by simply entering their address. The new link for that map is https://tinyurl.com/ACM2026Map.
Meanwhile, except for the 6 shared zip codes (40203, 40208, 40211, 40218, 40219 and 40220) ministries can be determined by referencing the attached directory.
As a reminder in addition to a wide array of other services, each of our members offer assistance with food, utilities and rent. Visit their individual websites to learn more.
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The Land and Roots Workshop Series is a free, five-week educational program designed to help residents protect their property, plan for the future, and connect with valuable local resources. Topics include heirs' property, estate planning, foreclosure prevention, Landbank programs, and more.
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-development/land-and-root-workshop-series
Registration is free, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged.
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The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy is here to help Kentucky households offset summer cooling costs. Enrollment starts on Aug. 3 and runs until Sept. 11 or until designated funds are depleted. Funds are approved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Summer Subsidy Component provides households with incomes up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines a one-time benefit ranging from $41 to $250, depending on income levels and housing category. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor.
To apply, Jefferson County residents may schedule an appointment through the automated appointment system. Appointments may be scheduled by phone at (502) 991-8391 or online at the LIHEAP Appointment Scheduler. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:
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Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card for each member of the household.
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Proof of income from the preceding month for all members of the household.
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Most current electric bill, which may be a statement from your landlord if electric is included in your rent or a bill/statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
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The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
The Summer Subsidy does not require a disconnect notice or past due bill. The benefit can be applied as credit on your account. Previous LIHEAP assistance does not affect a household's eligibility.
For more information about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, visit louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP or call the automated LIHEAP information line at (502) 991-8391.
The Louisville Metro Office of Social Services (OSS) serves as the administering agency of the Louisville Metro Community Action Agency.
Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies administer LIHEAP in partnership with Community Action Kentucky and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Funding for the program is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and helps eligible households manage home energy costs throughout the year. For more information, visit Community Action Kentucky.
Quality child care should not be out of reach!
Thrive By 5 Louisville has launched Family Access Scholarships, a pilot program that helps more Louisville families afford early learning for their 3- and 4-year-olds, including families who may not qualify for traditional assistance.
Learn more and apply at thriveby5louisville.org/scholarships. |
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Join the La Villa Lou Passport Challenge and discover food, shops, and culture that help make the Preston Corridor shine.
Participants can scan a QR code at participating businesses to check in and earn points toward La Villa Lou swag, which can be picked up at Metro Hall or mailed to their address. Community members can learn more and sign up for the Passport Challenge here.
The first 75 people to register will receive a limited-edition La Villa Lou item.
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The Public Health Department recently discovered mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in traps in the Lucky Horseshoe, Wyandotte-Oakdale, and Schnitzelburg neighborhoods. As a result, all the areas have been fogged for mosquitoes over the last couple of weeks. Make sure that you are doing your part to prevent mosquitoes. If anything, please please please make sure that you don’t have any standing, stagnant water on your property. These are breeding grounds for these little suckers! |
Mosquito Prevention Resources
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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
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Have a question about zoning in your neighborhood? Wondering how developments get approved?
Planning impacts how our neighborhoods grow, what the future of Louisville looks like, and where we live. Louisville Metro’s Office of Planning is hosting open Q&A sessions at library branches on select Tuesday afternoons. These sessions are free and open to the public – no RSVP required.
The goal of these conversations is simple: to make the planning process clearer and easier to understand.
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