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Data Centers... Those two words bring up a host of emotions for many people in Louisville and across the country.
Concerns over the growth of data centers is a truly bipartisan issue; most people want to see them stopped, or at least slowed down.
I get it. The world is changing so fast. AI is infiltrating everything we do online. No longer can we do a simple internet search and get a list of relevant websites to choose from. At the top of the page, an AI summary answers our question -- even if we don’t want it, we get it anyway. You call to order pizza from a local restaurant and find yourself talking to a chatbot. And who hasn’t tried to contact customer service and had to say, over and over again, “I need to talk to a human”?
It seems almost unavoidable. Meanwhile, we continue to hear stories of all the things it is capable of doing, including taking people’s jobs and escaping from its host to hack into another company’s website. You and I may not be able to stop the growth of AI, but we can certainly slow it down by preventing massive data centers from being built in our community.
In September of last year, we asked the Office of Planning and Design to create regulations regarding the siting of data centers in Louisville Metro. Those draft regulations were finally released in June. Following the release, an online public comment period and in-person meetings were held where the public could give feedback.
Now, as I write this, the Planning Commission is listening to proposed changes to the draft regulations. This hearing is publicly available for you to view here and AI-generated summary is available too on the website (irony noted).
This is a public process, and P&D is responding to public comments. I know many people (probably most) would like to see future data centers banned. I will vote for that if it is proposed, but I can’t speak to how my colleagues think.
We are not in a hurry to pass these regs. We’ve had a year so far to study the issue, and we now have an additional six months. Just keep in mind that the final P&D regulations haven’t arrived at the council yet.
In the meantime, I continue to encourage my colleagues to keep an open dialogue and genuinely listen to public comments so we can pass a regulation that reflects our community’s voice.
Sincerely,
~Betsy
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👥 Get Involved: Neighborhood Meetings September 2026
Wilder Park Neighborhood Association September 1 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Wilder Park Community Center
Lynnview City Council
September 8 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Lynnview City Hall
Beechmont Neighborhood Association September 21 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Beechmont Community Center
Iroquois Neighborhood Association (Meets Quaretelry) September 15 | 7:00–8:00 PM | DeSales High School
Friends of Iroquois Park
September 28 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Iroquois Library
Chat with Councilor Ruhe
September 30 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Iroquois Library
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I am so happy to see our new futsal pitch finally open! While I was at the metro council meeting last night, my Legislative Aide, Ashkan, was at the block party connecting with everyone who came out to celebrate.
It took several years to gather the funds to replace the old court, which was loved to death, seriously. But I know this new pitch is going to be just as loved. I remain fully committed to bringing more play spaces for our youth across District 21.
This vibrant space will give our local youth safe, healthy opportunities to play, grow, and connect for years to come.
None of this would have been possible without our incredible partners. A huge thank you to the LouCity & Racing Foundation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation for their support and investment in our community. I also want to thank Louisville Parks and Recreation and the Beechmont Community Center for pushing this project across the finish line and throwing such a great event!
This is what we can achieve when we work together to improve our community—together, we do better!
~Above photos are selections from the Block Party on August 27 and Press Event on August 26.
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Louisville – The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Below is a summary of key legislative actions and recognitions from the meeting.
Top Actions
- Approved amendments related to package liquor stores.
- Accepted $13.47 million in congressional appropriations for major projects.
- Approved local incentives for KPFF, Inc. to expand its Louisville operations.
Old Business
Approved
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O-227-26: Amendments Related to Package Liquor Stores Approved amendments to the Land Development Code related to package liquor stores. The measure passed with 21 members voting in favor and three members voting present.
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R-107-26: Incentives to KPFF, Inc. Approved local incentives for KPFF, Inc., a national structural engineering consulting firm, to expand its Louisville operations.
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R-110-26: Accepting $13,470,000 from Congressional Appropriations Accepted funding for the following projects including The Belvedere, Vacant to Vibrant Program, Young Adult Shelter and Transitional Housing, St. Mary’s Church, Louisville Loop/Dodge Gap, Cooper Chapel Road, Russell: A Place of Promise 30th and Madison Street Project, and the Louisville Metro Justice and Behavioral Health Project.
- Neighborhood Development Fund Allocations Approved for:
- Louisville Metro Police Foundation
Consent Calendar
All items passed unanimously
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R-093-26: Honoring Deacon James Turner & M. Annette Turner Approved the honorary naming of the intersection of 32nd Street and West Broadway, sponsored by Councilman Herndon.
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R-095-26: Contract for Zoological Gardens Mentor/Internship Program Approved contract for Jefferson Community Technical College students.
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R-103-26: Contract for LMPD Forensic Medical Services Approved contract with Norton Children’s Medical Group to provide forensic medical services for abused and neglected children.
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R-106-26: Contract for Public Health & Wellness Approved contract with UofL Research for wastewater monitoring.
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R-109-26: Requesting Louisville Riverport Authority Funding Requested $1,178,295 in funding for three Riverport railroad improvements projects.
- Neighborhood Development Fund Allocations Approved for:
- Taste of South Louisville
- Central Louisville Community Ministries for utility assistance in District 6
- Luv-It-Landscaping for beautification projects in Districts 2 and 15
Watch the Meeting
Tonight’s Council meeting and attachments may be viewed online and on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook Page.
Next Meeting
The Metro Council will meet on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
~Above was created by the Louisville Metro Council Democratic Caucus Communication Director
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Our chat this month didn’t feature a special guest.
Instead, I took the time to share more information about local data centers and highlight key updates from across District 21. It was a warm, friendly roundtable gathering, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to connect.
My office will continue holding these monthly chats so we can listen directly to your concerns, questions, and suggestions. At the end of the day, those of us in government must always remain accessible to the people we serve.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and to those who reach out to my office throughout the year. Our team loves solving problems, and we work hard on your behalf every single day. While much of this behind-the-scenes work never makes the news, knowing we’ve helped a neighbor navigate a tough situation makes it all worth it.
Thank you for your continued trust and for allowing me to serve our wonderfully diverse District 21 community. Please join us for our next chat on September 30 at 6 p.m. at the Iroquois Library!
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Our office successfully applied for a grant through Louisville Tourism to install new neighborhood signage along the borders of historic Wilder Park.
Because we share this area, we partnered with District 15 Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell, using a portion of our Capital Infrastructure Funds to cover the remaining cost. It's wonderful to have D15 as our partners and friends.
These new signs highlight our area for visitors and honor the incredible residents of Wilder Park, who make this community so welcoming to all.
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P.S. Improvements to the Huston Quin park parking area are currently underway, with more details coming soon! We are working hard to enhance the space just in time for the annual Ramen Fest this October. |
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We wanted to share a quick update on the Auburndale renovation project!
The Parks informed us that the construction team ran into a brief hiccup during excavation after discovering an old restroom foundation and piping hidden underground. Clearing that out pushed back the original paving timeline, but the team has already wrapped up the court paving!
The new asphalt is currently in its mandatory 28-day curing phase so it sets properly. Next up, the crew will install the fences and net posts with the final court surfacing planned very soon. We are still pushing hard to have everything finished and ready for play by the end of September.
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 Travel the world in downtown Louisville on the Belvedere
September 4 - 7, 2026
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
 I've always appreciated how The Big Table brings together people who might never otherwise meet. Cathy Berkey's message below does a wonderful job explaining what makes this event so special and why I hope you'll consider joining the conversation this year.
~Betsy
"Who will be at the table this year?You can never attend the same Big Table twice.
Hi Friends,
One of the things I love most about The Big Table is that it's never the same event twice. Every year, the tables are different. The people sitting around them are different. The questions are different. New stories emerge. Even if you've attended every Big Table we've ever hosted, your experience this year will be completely unique. That's part of the magic. We don't gather because we know exactly what will happen. We gather because we're curious about what could happen when eight people sit down together with good food and a willingness to listen. And the more different people we bring to the table, the richer that experience becomes.
Every neighborhood, generation, culture, background, and life experience adds something to the conversation. Who is at the table determines what Louisville gets to hear. I've watched people leave saying, "I never would have met those people otherwise." Those are the moments that stay with me long after the tables are packed away. That's why I hope you'll come—and why I hope you'll think about who else should be there. Who has a story Louisville needs to hear? Who would add something to the table simply by being themselves? If you've joined us before, come experience a completely new Big Table. And if you've never been, this year's table won't be complete without the people who haven't joined us yet. I can't wait to see who gathers around the tables this year—and what we discover about one another.
With joy,
Cathy Berkey
Executive Director,
The Big Table"
Sunday, September 13, 2026 5:00 PM
The Big Table 2026
Iroquois Park
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ECHO out-of-school time programming is open for registration for the Fall session. Join us for outdoor recreation and education programming at Shawnee Park. We will have activities such as hiking, bird watching, archery, wildlife exploration, and more! Space is limited so register early! Programming is free for ages 7-12 and will take place on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30 pm from September 23rd-October 28th. Register with the button below or scan the QR code. Registration includes all weeks of programming.
We can't wait to adventure with you!
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Need a little help with your utility bills? Louisville Metro residents may apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy, which helps eligible households offset summer cooling costs. The program provides a one-time benefit up to $250, paid directly to the household's electric provider.
Applications are accepted through Sept. 11, or until funds are depleted. Households with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify.
Learn more and schedule an appointment.
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 The national Community Action Partnership recently recognized our Office of Financial Empowerment in a new case study.
The study showcases the office's innovative approach to helping residents achieve financial stability through financial counseling, credit improvement, debt reduction, savings strategies and asset-building opportunities. A key strength highlighted in the report is the integration of financial empowerment services across Louisville Metro departments, ensuring residents can access support where they already receive services.
Since launching in 2022, the Financial Empowerment Center has served more than 2,000 residents, completed more than 9,000 counseling sessions, helped clients reduce more than $3.3 million in debt and supported nearly $1 million in savings growth.
The report also highlights innovative programs such as legacy planning services and the office's longstanding commitment to financial inclusion through the Bank On initiative.
According to the case study, our work demonstrates how financial empowerment can serve as a powerful prevention strategy, helping families build lasting economic security and create opportunities for future generations.
 Stay informed with Public Works and Louisville Metro Department of Transportation alerts!
Sign up to receive email or text notifications from Louisville Metro Public Works and the Louisville Metro Department of Transportation (LouDOT). Alerts will include updates on paving projects, LouDOT-managed road closures, road improvement projects, weather and snow event communications, public meeting notices, and other important transportation-related information.
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Is this a recycling week?
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Not sure if it's a recycling week? We've got you covered. The graphic below shows the remaining collection weeks for 2026, making it easy to see at a glance when to set out your recycling cart.
For the easiest and most reliable reminders, we encourage residents to download the Recycle Coach app. Recycle Coach provides personalized collection schedules based on your address and can send reminders directly to your phone before collection day. The app is also the best way to receive the most up-to-date information about service changes. If collection schedules are affected by severe weather or other unexpected events, our team can send push notifications directly to those affected.
If you prefer not to use the app on your phone but would still like a more personalized version, visit Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleCoach and enter your address to view your collection schedule. You can choose "Export Calendar" to add collection dates to your digital calendar or "Download PDF" to create a printable schedule for your home.
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To receive automatic waste collection reminders and real-time notifications, download Recycle Coach, the waste information and calendar app at the App Store or on Google Play.
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What if a parking space could be more than a place to park?
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On Friday, Sept. 18, Louisville will join communities around the world for Park(ing) Day, a celebration that temporarily transforms curbside parking spaces into parks, seating areas, art displays and other creative public spaces.
Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) and the Louisville Metro Department of Transportation (LouDOT) will host the local event in Downtown Louisville. Local businesses, organizations and community members are invited to transform on-street parking spaces along the Main Street corridor and 4th, 5th and 6th streets into fun, engaging spaces for people to enjoy. Other locations may also be considered.
Park(ing) Day highlights the importance of safer, greener and more accessible streets. It also gives Louisville Metro residents a chance to reimagine how public space can bring people together.
LDP and LouDOT will coordinate permits and traffic management for the event and cover parking meter costs. Participants will provide their own materials, install and remove their spaces, and staff them throughout the day.
Bring your creativity and help turn downtown parking spaces into places for people.
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Louisville Waste Management District will held its next Pop-Up Drop-Off event on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can dispose of unwanted items, recycle materials, and donate reusable goods at two nearby locations: Sun Valley Park and Ashby Lane Baptist Church.
Sun Valley Park (enter at 10401 Lower River Rd.):
- Goodwill donations
- Large item disposal
- Scrap metal
- Household recyclables
- Waste tires
- Yard waste
- Bulky plastic recycling (including broken garbage cans, laundry baskets, buckets, and similar items)
Ashby Lane Baptist Church (6617 Ashby Lane):
- Prescription medication disposal
- Shoe donations for WaterStep
- Electronics recycling
- Document shredding
As always, please do not arrive before 10 a.m. While there is room for vehicles to line up at the park, there is no space for waiting vehicles at the church location prior to the start of the event. Your cooperation helps keep traffic flowing safely and minimizes impacts on neighboring properties.
For a complete list of accepted items and event guidelines, visit our website. We look forward to seeing you on September 19!
 I'd like to invite residents of Beechmont, Wilder Park, and surrounding District 21 neighborhoods to attend LMPD's Community Commitment Meeting on Wednesday, September 23, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the 4th Division Headquarters, 701 W. Ormsby Avenue.
The 4th Division serves many neighborhoods across central and south Louisville, including areas within Beechmont and Wilder Park. This is a great opportunity to meet with officers, ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about the work being done to keep our communities safe.
I hope you'll join the conversation and make your voice heard.
 Old tires may seem harmless, but when dumped illegally or left sitting outdoors, they can create serious problems for our community.
The good news? Louisville Metro residents will have a convenient opportunity to dispose of unwanted tires during the Waste Tire Collection Event, October 1-3. This special event helps keep tires out of vacant lots, roadways, waterways, and neighborhoods while providing residents with a responsible disposal option.
Why is proper tire disposal so important? Tires easily collect rainwater, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They can spread diseases, including West Nile virus, which has been detected in Louisville Metro. A single tire can hold enough water to support hundreds of mosquito larvae.
Improperly discarded tires can also harm the environment. They can trap standing water, contribute to illegal dumping sites, become fire hazards, and create long-term cleanup costs for communities. Tire fires are especially difficult to extinguish and can release harmful pollutants into the air and surrounding environment.
Whether you're cleaning out a garage, tackling a property cleanup project, or simply getting rid of a few worn-out tires, proper recycling helps protect public health, reduce environmental impacts, and keep Louisville looking its best.
Any Kentucky resident or business is eligible to participate in this event EXCEPT tire retailers, scrap/salvage yards, and recycling facilities. No limit.
For year-round tire recycling options, Louisville Metro residents can also recycle up to four passenger tires at no charge at the Waste Reduction Center or at a Pop-Up Drop-Off event. Businesses may recycle tires at the Waste Reduction Center, but there is a fee.
 Online ordering and curbside pickup have made shopping easier for families, but they may also create an unexpected opportunity for youth to access vaping products.
A recent situation brought to the attention of Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness involved a young person accessing a vaping product through a family member's online shopping account and retail pickup order. The situation raises an important question for parents, caregivers and retailers: Who is checking the age of the person actually receiving an age-restricted product?
"Federal law prohibits the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes, to anyone under age 21," said Connie Mendel, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and chief health strategist. "FDA regulations also require retailers to verify the age of customers under 30 through photo identification. These protections matter whether the transaction begins at a register, on a website or through an app. Research has also identified gaps in age verification involving remote vape purchases, making this an issue families and retailers should take seriously."
Parents and caregivers: Take a second look
When several family members have access to the same grocery or retail account, review the entire cart and itemized receipt, including items added shortly before checkout or pickup. Know who has access to your account, saved payment methods and passwords. If your teenager volunteers to pick up the family's order, know exactly what is in that order before handing over the keys.
Retailers offering online ordering, curbside pickup or other remote purchasing options should also review their procedures for age-restricted products. Age verification measures should protect against an underage person using an adult's account to obtain tobacco or vaping products. The person receiving an age-restricted product must be legally eligible to purchase it.
This concern is especially important as Louisville continues its work to prevent youth vaping. Through our Louder Than Smoke initiative, Louisville Metro is reaching young people with information and resources to help prevent tobacco and vape use. Our Vaping Is So Not Hot campaign is connecting with youth and generating strong engagement among ages 13 to 18.
"Ask your teenager whether they've seen the campaign on social media," said Mendel. "That simple question may open a much bigger conversation about vaping, nicotine and what young people are seeing around them."
Learn more about Louisville Metro's tobacco prevention, licensing and youth initiatives through the Smoke-Free Ordinance and Licensing Program and Louder Than Smoke.
-Above info is communicated from the Public Health & Wellness Department
 The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) mosquito surveillance program continues to find mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in neighborhoods across Jefferson County. Recent testing identified mosquitoes carrying the virus in nine additional areas, a reminder that West Nile virus is not limited to one part of Louisville and that everyone should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not become seriously ill, but some can develop severe symptoms. The best way to reduce your risk is to avoid mosquito bites and help prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home.
" Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus can be found in any neighborhood. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect you, your family, and your community," said Connie Mendel, director of LMPHW and chief health strategist.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
- Use an insect repellent registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency when outdoors.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when possible.
- Take extra precautions at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Consider treating clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin, following product directions.
Help reduce mosquitoes around your home
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. At least once a week:
- Empty water from flowerpots, buckets, pet bowls, birdbaths, gutters, pool covers, and other containers.
- Throw away old tires and other items that can collect rainwater.
- Repair damaged window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside.
Jefferson County reported 12 human cases of West Nile virus in 2025. So far in 2026, one human case has been reported.
The health department may conduct mosquito control fogging in additional areas where surveillance detects increased mosquito activity or mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus.
Stay informed
- Visit the department's website to see current mosquito spraying areas and maps and prevention resources.
- For fogging updates call the Mosquito Fogging Hotline at 502-574-6641.
- Report mosquito concerns to Metro311 by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.
- To be alerted by text message when mosquito fogging occurs in your neighborhood, opt-in for LENSAlerts with your cell phone. Text “LENSALERT” to 67283 to start receiving fogging notifications in your area.
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 Navigating health insurance can be overwhelming, but Family Health Centers' certified kynectors are here to help at no cost. Whether you need help renewing coverage, updating your information, understanding an insurance notice, or exploring options after losing coverage, expert assistance is available.
To make the process easier, residents are encouraged to bring:
- Identification
- Social Security cards or immigration documents
- Income verification such as recent pay stubs
- Information about household members including names, birthdates, and incomes.
Residents can receive free, one-on-one support at multiple Family Health Centers locations throughout Louisville. To schedule an appointment, call 502-772-8182 or visit this website for more information.
 Join LMPHW team and help build a healthier Louisville! Explore the latest open positions and apply today.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
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 Here are a list of recourses available for our constituents
LIHEAP:
As temperatures drop, no one should have to choose between warmth and other necessities.
Louisville’s LIHEAP Fall Subsidy is here to help, offering one-time home heating assistance for low-income households. Please share this information for those who may be in need!
Flight Tracking:
If you have complaints about airport noise, please call Noise Office at 502-363-8516 and follow the below prompts to track flights:
Go to the airport's website www.flylouisville.com. At the top of the page, click on CORPORATE tab. Under the heading LRAA, click on the tab for NOISE COMPATIBILITY PROGRAM. Near the bottom of the page, look for Flight Tracking and click the button for NEAR-LIVE FLIGHT TRACKS DISPLAY. Click the Flight Tracking heading at the top of the page. Click the Accept button to accept the terms and conditions and you can begin viewing flights.
Pothole Reporting:
Use the Louisville Metro online form by clicking here.
Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
Call our office at 574-1121, and we'll turn it in on your behalf.
To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov
Recycling:
We are asking for your help to ensure that we are correctly setting out our recycling carts in our district. Follow these tips to ensure that your recycling gets picked up time!
Do: Make sure the lid is closed flat and break the boxes down flat to maximize space.
Don't: Set boxes beside the cart or leave lid open or overflow the cart
For the Public Works recycling schedule click here
 Neighborhood Associations and Groups
Beechmont Neighborhood Association:
- Meets 3rd Monday @ 6:00pm
- Beechmont Community Center, 205 W Wellington Ave
Iroquois Neighborhood Association:
- Meets Quarterly @ 7:00pm
- DeSales High School, 425 W Kenwood Dr
Airport Neighbor’s Alliance
- Meet every 3rd Saturday 10-11am
- For location contact Mary Rose
Lynnview City Council:
- Meets 2nd Tuesday @ 6:00pm
- Lynnview City Hall, 1241 Gilmore Ln
Wilder Park Neighborhood Association:
- Meets 1st Tuesday @ 6:30pm
- Wilder Park Community Center, 120 Fairmont Ave
Friends of Iroquois Park:
- Meets 4th Monday @ 6-7pm
- Iroquois Library. 601 W Woodlawn
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Interested in council meetings?
Here is the Metro Council calendar for 2026. It outlines all scheduled meetings, key decision dates, and opportunities for public involvement throughout the year.
Stay informed, plan ahead, and participate in the discussions that shape our community!
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