 Louisville – The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Below is a summary of key legislative actions and recognitions from the meeting.
Top Actions from Tonight’s Meeting
- Approved an amendment to the JCPS school bus stop lighting project, allowing $100,000 in previously allocated funding to be used for the installation of lighting improvements identified through the completed study.
- Granted local incentives to Cornbread CBD to support continued growth and investment in Louisville.
- Approved Neighborhood Development Fund allocations for public art, utility assistance, community events, and nonprofit operating expenses.
Old Business
Approved
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O-240-26: Establishing a Minimum Road Width
Approved an ordinance amending the Land Development Code to require compliance with LMCO 94.80, which establishes a minimum pavement width of 20 feet.
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R-116-26: Local Incentives to Cornbread CBD
Granted local incentives to Cornbread CBD, which manufactures a variety of CBD products from locally grown hemp.
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R-121-26: Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program
Approved a noncompetitively negotiated professional services contract with UofL Hospital/James Graham Brown Cancer Center for $100,000.
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R-123-26: Louisville Downtown Management District
Approved the Budget and Economic Improvement Plan for the Louisville Downtown Management District.
- Neighborhood Development Fund Allocations Approved for:
- Fern Creek Fire Protection District for equipment
- District 1 community events
- Americana Community Center for operating costs
- South Central Regional Library
Recognitions and Proclamations
- Councilwoman Shanklin introduced the District 2 Page, Aria Harris.
Consent Calendar
All items passed unanimously
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O-260-26: JCPS School Bus Lighting Funding
Approved an amendment to the ordinance to allow $100,000 previously allocated for the JCPS school bus stop lighting study to also be used for the installation of lighting improvements.
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R-117-26: Specialized Physician Services
Approved a professional services contract with Dr. Mark Jorrisch to provide specialized physician services for Public Health and Wellness.
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O-258-26: Closure of Unnamed and Unimproved Alley
Approved the closure of an unnamed and unimproved alley between North Peterson Avenue, North Galt Avenue, and Frankfort Avenue in District 9.
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R-122-26: Goldsmith Lane Bridge Replacement Project
Accepted $971,943 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the Goldsmith Lane Bridge Replacement Project.
- Neighborhood Development Fund Allocations Approved for:
- Arts & Creative Industries for a public mural project in District 26
- ElderServe, Inc. for utility assistance
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, October 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
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Democratic Caucus Communications.
September 23, 2026
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For Immediate Release:
Proposed changes strengthen human trafficking protections while reducing unnecessary enforcement on licensed massage therapists
Louisville (September 23, 2026) – Councilor Betsy Ruhe (D-21) and co-sponsors Councilman Ben Reno-Weber (D-8) and Councilman Jeff Hudson (R-23) have filed amendments to Louisville Metro’s ordinance regulating massage facilities.
The proposed changes are the result of months of collaboration between Louisville Metro agencies, licensed massage therapists, and industry advocates. These amendments strengthen efforts to prevent illegal activity and human trafficking while addressing concerns raised by licensed massage therapists operating legitimate businesses.
“This has been a collaborative effort involving many people who all want to get this right,” said Councilor Ruhe. “Over the past several months, I’ve listened to massage therapists, advocates, Metro agencies, and my colleagues about what is working and what needs to change. These amendments strengthen the ordinance while providing reasonable relief for licensed massage therapists."
The proposed changes include:
- Exempting sole-practitioner massage therapy businesses operated from a home owned and occupied by the licensed massage therapist.
- Clarifying license requirements for applicants recently arrested or charged with certain offenses involving forced labor or commercial sexual activity.
- Allowing code officers to enter a business during normal business hours or when an owner, operator, or employee is present. If all massage therapists are with clients and no other employees are present, the front door may remain locked if proper signage is posted.
- Repealed the requirement for video surveillance. If a violation occurs, video surveillance could still be required in common areas, such as lobbies.
- Creating a process for temporarily suspending businesses that pose an immediate threat to public safety.
- Reducing the required inspection frequency to at least once a year.
- Amended human trafficking posted notices to public restrooms and employee breakrooms.
“I’m looking forward to discussing these amendments further in committee,” said Ruhe. “I’m grateful to the many individuals, agencies, and community partners who provided valuable insights and shared different perspectives throughout this process. These amendments reflect the feedback we’ve received while keeping the focus on preventing human trafficking.”
The ordinance was filed on Monday, September 21, and will be discussed by the Public Safety Committee on Wednesday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m.
Read the proposed legislation online.
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***We will share more information soon. Thank you for your patience and support. Office of District 21 Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe
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 Good news for Beechmont: weather permitting, paving projects will be underway in parts of the neighborhood in the coming weeks. These improvements are part of the ongoing work to keep our streets in good shape and invest in our community. I've also been advocating for additional roads in the area to be included, and I'm glad to share that several more streets are already on the paving schedule.
I'll continue working to bring these improvements to all D21 neighborhoods and will keep you posted as more updates become available.
 Join us for a face-to-face conversation with Betsy at the Iroquois Library on Wednesday, September 30, at 6:00 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect in person, share your concerns, and discuss ideas to improve our community. Bring your feedback and local solutions so we can work together to make our district an even better place for everyone. We hope to see you there!
Date: September 30th starting at 6-PM
Where: Iroquois library ( 601 W Woodlawn Ave )
We’re excited to share that new parking is now available at Huston Quin Park!
A big thank you to Public Works for helping us get this done before the Ramen Festival. We worked closely together to keep things moving, and we're grateful for their partnership in making it happen.
We're continuing to make improvements in the park, and one project I've been working on is adding solar lighting to help make the space safer and more welcoming. These projects take time and coordination, but work is happening every day behind the scenes. My office stays in close contact with city departments to help keep projects moving, and I'm glad to see this progress taking shape while we continue looking for opportunities to bring even more enhancements to all of our parks.
Thank you to the nearby neighbors for your patience throughout this process.
Now, let's get ready for a wonderful Ramen Fest in just a few weeks. I look forward to seeing everyone there!
 
 Drivers near the Kentucky Exposition Center should plan for road closures, limited local access and heavier traffic Sept. 24 - 27 as Bourbon & Beyond brings crowds back to the Highland Festival Grounds.
For specific closure times, parking restrictions and access information, visit LMPD’s Street Closures webpage: https://www.lmpd.gov/455/Street-Closures
Several parking, transit and ride-share options are available to help festivalgoers get to and from the event. For details on parking, TARC service, ride-share locations and other transportation options, visit the Bourbon & Beyond parking and transportation page.
 Come out for a weekend of great food on October 10th through the 11th. There will be live music, live art, skateboarding, and community fun. Vendors will be on site from 11 AM-8 PM, live music runs from 3 PM-8 PM, and there will be live painting throughout the weekend. You'll also be able to check out the pop-up skate park hosted by Home Skate Shop and JT's Bump N Grind, along with a special Sunday screening of CT3.
District 21, alongside District 15, is proud to help sponsor this event and support opportunities that bring neighbors together and make our community a fun, vibrant place to be.
 Earlier this summer, I shared information about programs that can help homeowners with needed home repairs. I wanted to send a quick reminder that these resources are still available, and I encourage anyone who may qualify to apply.
During this year's budget process, I advocated for funding to support home repairs, and Louisville Metro included $1.39 million for home repair assistance in the current budget.
I also dedicated $30,000 from my District 21 Neighborhood Development Fund allocation to help seniors and other eligible homeowners make needed repairs. Those funds are being administered through New Directions Housing Corporation.
Whether you're interested in the Louisville Home Repair Hotline through Metro United Way or New Directions' Repair Affair program, these programs may be able to connect eligible homeowners with assistance for critical repairs, accessibility improvements, and other home maintenance needs.
If you or someone you know needs help with home repairs, please review the attached information and apply as soon as possible. These resources can help homeowners stay safe, maintain their homes, and continue living independently.
Louisville Home Repair Hotline: Call 211 or visit metrounitedway.org/211
New Directions Repair Affair: Call 502-371-4906 or email apply@repairaffair.org
Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.
 Do you know where you'll go to vote?
Your Election Day polling location may not be where you voted last time. Check your voter registration as well as you polling location ahead of time so you know exactly where to go when it's time to cast your ballot!
Find your polling place at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky/
 Know before you vote! Don't wait until the last minute!
Plan on voting by mail?
Kentucky's mail-in absentee ballot request portal opened September 19th for eligible voters.
October 20th at 11:59PM - Deadline to request a mail-in absentee ballot.
November 3rd at 6:00PM - Deadline for completed ballots to be received by our County Clerk
Check your registration and eligibility to request your ballot at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky/
 The Office for Women Ambassadors is a six-month training program for women and gender diverse individuals who represent the diverse communities across Louisville Metro. Through the program, participants will develop and hone their leadership skills, learn about issues impacting women, and explore government and community programs available to women. The OFW Ambassadors will serve as community liaisons, sharing out information about vital community services and communicating back to government about the needs of women in their communities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to and advocacy for improving the lives of women and/or girls and advancing gender equity.
- All ages over 18 welcome as we are striving for an intergenerational group.
- Applicants must live in one of the 26 Metro Council districts in Jefferson County.
- Applicants MUST COMMIT to attending all training sessions. The training dates for 2027 are: January 14, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 13 and June 17 and training will take place from approximately 8:30-4:30 each day.
- Applicants who are not able to be seated in the OFW Ambassador 2027 cohort will be invited to join OFW Connection, a one-day immersive training that is similar in kind on March 5, 2027.
YOU MUST COMMIT TO ATTEND ALL TRAINING DATES.
The training program is free, and food and transportation costs (bus tickets or parking) will be provided. Childcare will also be provided off site.
The Office for Women is committed to engaging the entire community of Metro Louisville in our work to promote gender equity. All programs of the Office for Women are open to the public. While there are unique civic engagement offerings for men, women and gender diverse individuals, we invite all to engage in programs that best suit your needs. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Office for Women at ofw@louisvilleky.gov .
Please use this link to apply or scan the QR code today. APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 1, 2026.
 A free recycling, donation, and large item disposal event is happening in our city on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3515 Newburg Rd. from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.
Please do NOT arrive early - this location does not have space for vehicles to wait.
 Tree Week takes place every year for a full week in mid-October to engage our community in celebrating and raising awareness of the value of our urban forest. Local organizations, businesses, and individuals across Jefferson County host tree-centric events, including tree planting and care activities, nature walks, book clubs, nature arts and crafts, K-12 programming, film showings, speaker sessions, and much more!
 As part of TREE Week this October, Green Heart Louisville is collecting short reflections. Please share 1–2 sentences about what trees, greenness, or Green Heart mean to you. Click the link below or scan the QR code.
My office has partnered with Louisville Tourism in the past to bring wayfinding signs to Beechmont and Wilder Park, helping visitors navigate the area and discover all our neighborhood has to offer. I encourage neighborhood associations and community groups to take advantage of this grant opportunity.
If you have an idea for a project that could benefit the community, please reach out to my office. We're always looking for ways to bring positive improvements, attract visitors, and help our neighborhoods shine.
The Louisville Tourism has two grant opportunities designed to strengthen Louisville's visitor economy and enhance our community as a destination. These programs support projects that drive visitation and improve the visitor experiences that make Louisville unique. Launched in 2008, the Destination Development and Events Grant received several updates this year and since its inception has awarded over $2 million to local projects and events.
Of particular interest is the new Destination Sense of Place Grant, a new initiative that supports tourism infrastructure and placemaking projects that enhance the visitor experience. Eligible projects may include public art, wayfinding, streetscapes, lighting, outdoor recreation, beautification efforts, destination arrival experiences, and other initiatives that authentically reflect Louisville's identity. These projects should focus in areas of high visitor volume and ideally where current tourism infrastructure exists. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, and community-based organizations.
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