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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.
 From my first day in office, I have made this commitment clear: We are going to fight to bring a community center to District 12.
Southwest Louisville deserves a place where neighbors can gather, kids can learn and play, seniors can stay active, families can connect, and our community can continue to grow together. Other areas of our city have spaces like this, and I believe it's time our community does too.
This process does not happen overnight. Projects like this take time, planning, and a lot of partnership. I am committed to seeing it through every step of the way, but I also want this to be something that is shaped by the people who will use it every day.
That's where you come in.
Would you take just a few minutes to complete this survey and share what you would like to see in a future community center? Your input today can help shape a space that serves our families for generations to come.
Survey: Click HERE
This is our opportunity to dream together about what the future of Southwest Louisville can look like. Let's build something our community will be proud of for many years to come.
 They are looking for families - and they just might be looking for you.
Next week, we will be hosting our Southwest Louisville Adopt-A-Thon, where 10-20 dogs will be waiting to meet their future families and “fur”ever homes. Over the next week, I will be introducing you to some of the incredible dogs who will be there - and today, I would like you to meet three of them.
🐶 Winsday
🐶 Thurby
🐶 Oaks
Each one has their own personality, but they are all looking for the same thing: a loving home.
If you have been thinking about adding a four-legged member to your family, this is a great opportunity to find a lifelong friend while giving a deserving dog a second chance.
📍 Southwest Government Center
📅 Thursday, July 16
🕑 2:00 - 6:00PM
  
 Looking for something fun to do this Friday night? Come spend the evening with us at Riverview Park for Grease as part of our Southend Movies Under The Stars Series. Bring a chair, bring a blanket, and we will have the popcorn ready!
The popcorn machine and games for the kids will be set up around 7:30, and we will start the movie once it starts to get dark. We will see you there!
 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!
 One of the best parts of Southwest Louisville has always been the people willing to take a chance, open a business, and invest in our community.
I am excited to help spread the word about the South Points Local Fair on July 12 at Iroquois Park.
This event is all about celebrating the South End’s independent businesses while giving our community a chance to discover new places, meet local entrepreneurs, and support the people who are helping our neighborhoods thrive.
 Text-to-911 is officially available in Jefferson County!
This is a great option for anyone deaf, hard of hearing, or someone with a speech disability. There might also be scenarios when an injury, medical condition, or situation could warrant a text instead of a call.
While this is a great additional tool, the best course of action is to call 911 if you can. Text if you can’t.
 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.
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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