August 17, 2026
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, Jefferson County Sheriff David James released the results of a new initiative to step up traffic enforcement in the 26th District through community policing and a more visible and regular presence to reduce crime and respond to emergencies in our community. This effort is in addition to our regular appropriation of $2,500 monthly for additional LMPD patrols in the 26th District.
Sheriff James and I served on the Council together before he was appointed deputy mayor and subsequently Jefferson County sheriff. We worked together on many things, including our shared commitment to improving public safety. That commitment is now being realized every day throughout the 26th District thanks to our work together.
Several years ago, our office produced a study showing various crime trends throughout Jefferson County. In the 26th District, this was most evident in an increase in property crime, such as car thefts and burglaries. Those types of crimes are often elevated when law enforcement agencies are spread too thin or focused on efforts to combat violent crime and gang activity in other parts of Jefferson County. Our research showed that at the time, Louisville was several hundred sworn officers short of the FBI's national recommendations for communities our size.
This initiative with the Sheriff's office is a step toward helping balance the responsibilities largely shouldered by LMPD over the past several decades.
The statistics that Sheriff James shared with our office last week show that from April to July of this year, an additional 141 traffic stops were conducted, the vast majority in response to speeding by 15 MPH or more on neighborhood streets. These increased patrols led to dozens of courtesy notices, over 100 citations, and charges being filed against those who choose to ignore the law where our friends, neighbors, and children live and play.
I am proud of the results our friends in the Sheriff's office have delivered so far, the transparency they are bringing to this effort, and that we are working together to slow traffic in our neighborhoods and reduce crime across our City.
Have a good week,
 Brent T. Ackerson
26th District Councilman
Beginning August 18, the Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue, will implement updated operating hours to better support daily operations and provide consistent service to residents.
Under the new schedule, the center will be closed from 12 - 1 PM, Tuesday through Friday. In addition, the facility will close for the day at 4:30 PM Tuesday through Friday, rather than its current 5 PM closing time. Saturday operating hours will remain unchanged.
These adjustments are necessary to ensure adequate staffing throughout the day and to maintain safe, efficient service for residents. It's understandable that schedule changes can be inconvenient, and they appreciate the community's patience and understanding. Residents are encouraged to plan visits accordingly and use the Recycle Coach mobile app to receive real-time updates.
The Waste Reduction Center website will also show the most up-to-date information.
 The Mayor's Office of Sustainability is hosting a Solar 101 workshop at the South Central Regional Library at 6PM on August 24th at the South Central Regional Library, 7300 Jefferson Blvd. The workshop is to help residents learn about the Solarize Louisville program.
For more information, click here.
 APCD is hosting its first ever Small Business Compliance Workshop on Wednesday, August 26 at 10 a.m. ET/ 9 a.m. CT in the Edison Center at 701 W. Ormsby Avenue. This is targeted towards small businesses, but all minor sources are encouraged to attend.
The goal of the workshop is to help permitted facilities better understand the requirements of their permits, services available from APCD, and other resources that could better facilitate regulatory compliance.
The following topics will be covered in the workshop:
- Overview of Clean Air Act and Louisville’s Air Quality
- How to Apply for or Update an Air Quality Permit in Louisville
- Understanding and Complying with Your Air Quality Permit
- What to Expect When Being Inspected
- Correcting Violations and Non-Compliance
After the presentations are completed, we will offer additional time for one-on-one assistance to anyone with questions about their permit, compliance, regulations, small business assistance, pollution prevention, and more. Staff members from compliance and permitting will be available to answer questions and provide resources.
Click here for more information on the Small Business Environmental Compliance Assistance Program
 Travel the world in downtown Louisville on the Belvedere
The 24th annual WorldFest, Louisvilleʼs premier international festival, will attract more than 150,000 attendees over the four-day Labor Day weekend. WorldFest celebrates and showcases the international cultures and communities that make up the city of Louisville and neighboring areas. WorldFest is free to attend and open to all ages, featuring entertainment stages, Parade of Cultures, Global Village, and more!
What to Expect:
- Three entertainment stages showcasing international, national, regional and local performers all weekend long.
- Nearly 150 International vendors featuring international arts, merchandise, food, and beverages.
- A Global Village highlighting cultures and customs from all over the world.
- A World of Information that informs citizens about services for our international residents.
- A Children’s International Activity Zone to learn about cultures and customs, arts, crafts, and more.
- A Parade of Cultures with nearly 1,000 participants celebrating all the diverse cultures in Louisville.
- A Naturalization Ceremony pronouncing more than 100 new Americans to Louisville as new citizens
Interested in getting involved? Email Blair at Blair@JWagnerGroup.com
For vendor/volunteer opportunities, please email Dorian at Dorian
For more information, click here.
Louisville Metro Equity in Procurement contracting task force initiative is hosting a Matchmaker Event bringing Louisville Metro organizations and vendor partners together to build relationships, share opportunities, and strengthen our local economy through joint procurement. All details are on the flyer or can be accessed through the link below. Feel free to share and attend.
Jefferson County residents can apply for utility assistance through the Louisville Metro Office of Social Services
Enrollment for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy to help Kentucky households offset summer cooling costs is now open. It will run through September 11th 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:
- Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card for each member of the household.
- Proof of income from the preceding month for all members of the household.
- 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.
- 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 LIHEAP Information or call the automated LIHEAP information line at (502) 991-8391.
For more information, visit Community Action Kentucky.
I-65 has partially reopened.
It’s important to remember I-65 will remain a construction zone, open to two lanes of traffic in each direction with a reduced speed limit of 40 mph for much of the corridor from the Watterson (I-264) to downtown (Jefferson Street). There will be a section of southbound I-65 south of the Hill/CSX/Burnett bridge that will be 45 mph. We will continue to urge through traffic to use the signed detour and swing to the west with I-264 (Georgia Davis Powers Expressway) to avoid construction. And we will continue to urge drivers to use mapping apps for the best routes at their time of travel.
Work on these three critical bridges will continue through March 2027. The approach is being finalized to rehabilitate or replace six additional bridges. The end date for the project will be known when that approach is finalized.
I65CentralCorridor.com
The Louisville Metro Police Department is asking residents to take a few simple steps to help prevent vehicle thefts and break-ins as the city continues to see an increase in these crimes.
Remember: Lock, Take, Hide.
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Lock your car every time you leave it unattended.
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Take your keys and firearms with you. Never leave them inside your vehicle.
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Hide your belongings or remove valuables from plain sight.
These simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.
LMPD is actively working to address these crimes and recently arrested several individuals connected to vehicle break-ins as part of an ongoing effort to target offenders. However, prevention and public awareness remain important tools in keeping our neighborhoods safe.
If you observe suspicious activity, please contact LMPD's non-emergency line at (502) 574-7111.
Together, we can help make Louisville a safer and stronger community.
There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land use, development, and planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.
If you are interested in serving on one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, learn more here: Boards and Commissions.
Our office routinely publishes information on upcoming public meetings and regarding planning and zoning cases in and around District 26. Our posting in this forum is not an official notice. This list may not be comprehensive nor does it include other zoning matters decided upon by zoning authorities other than Louisville Metro Government.
While we intended to expand the scope of our zoning notices, our office reverted to the former policy of relaying the information we receive from Planning and Zoning. We are limited by ordinance and state law to provide the publicly available information.
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