 I recently had the honor of attending and helping MC the Southwest Community Ministries Giving Back Gala—a night dedicated to celebrating and supporting the incredible work this organization does for our community.
Held at L&N Stadium, the event brought together neighbors, business leaders, and volunteers, all united in the mission to help those in need. From the food pantry and emergency assistance to Meals on Wheels and children’s programs, Southwest Community Ministries plays a vital role in lifting up families in our district.
The evening was filled with great food, a silent auction, raffles, and—most importantly—a shared commitment to giving back. Seeing so many come together to support this cause was truly inspiring.
I want to thank everyone who attended, donated, or volunteered to make this event a success. If you couldn’t make it but would still like to support their efforts, I encourage you to visit to learn more about how you can help.
It’s organizations like Southwest Community Ministries that make District 25 such a special place to call home, and I look forward to continuing to support their mission in the future.
 I had an amazing time at the Battle of the Badges, hosted by the Nick Rodman Legacy Foundation, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church! This exciting matchup between LMPD and the Louisville Fire Department was more than just a game—it was a celebration of service, camaraderie, and community spirit.
In a hard-fought contest, Louisville Fire came out on top with a 63-58 victory. But no matter which team you were cheering for, this event was a true testament to the unity and resilience of our city. The energy in the gym was electric, and it was inspiring to see so many people come together in support of our first responders.
Even more importantly, proceeds from the event went to the Nick Rodman Legacy Foundation, which continues to make a lasting impact in our community by honoring Officer Rodman’s legacy and supporting local families and first responders.
A huge thank you to the Nick Rodman Legacy Foundation for organizing this incredible event and to St. Lawrence Catholic Church for hosting.
 On February 27th, Councilman Khalil Batshon had the honor of attending the 23rd Annual Black History Month Program, a celebration of history, leadership, and community. This inspiring event highlighted the achievements and contributions of Black leaders in education, public service, and beyond, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, excellence, and unity.
One of the evening’s honorees was Ms. Nicole Travis, a dedicated educator with over 20 years of service in JCPS and the current principal of Trunnell Elementary. Ms. Travis exemplifies the values of leadership and service, creating a school environment where students thrive and teachers feel supported. Her ability to lead with both wisdom and warmth has made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
“From the moment you meet Ms. Travis, you can tell she’s someone special,” said Councilman Batshon. “She has a way of making people feel seen and valued, and her work in education is truly shaping the future of our community.”
The event served as a powerful reminder of the individuals who work every day to make our city stronger. Councilman Batshon extends his gratitude to all those who made the program possible and looks forward to continuing the work of honoring and supporting leaders who inspire positive change.
 At a recent Parks and Sustainability Committee meeting, Cindi Sullivan of TreesLouisville provided an update on the Louisville Tree Plan, the city’s Urban Forest Master Plan for 2025. The plan focuses on expanding Louisville’s tree canopy, improving air quality, and ensuring equitable tree distribution across all neighborhoods.
TreesLouisville is working with the city to provide free tree adoptions, rebate programs, and neighborhood planting initiatives to help residents and businesses contribute to a healthier environment. The committee will continue discussing ways Metro Government can support these efforts and integrate sustainability goals across the city.
For more information on how to participate in local tree-planting programs, visit .
Residents have the opportunity to provide input on the following zoning change requests in District 25. If you have feedback or input, you must submit comments before the deadline.
How to Submit Feedback:
To share your thoughts on any of these zoning changes, you must contact the case manager directly:
Molly Clark – Molly.Clark@louisvilleky.gov
Zoning Change Requests:
AutoZone – New Cut Road
- Location: 5862 New Cut Rd
- Request: Rezoning from R-4 to C-1 to allow construction of an AutoZone retail store on 2.09 acres
- Case Manager: Molly Clark
- Comments Due By: March 12, 2025
Y&S Auto Repair Body Shop LLC
- Location: 5417 Valley Station Rd
- Request: Rezoning from C-1 to C-2 to allow operation of an automotive body shop on 0.38 acres
- Case Manager: Molly Clark
- Comments Due By: March 19, 2025
916 Palatka Road Residential Development
- Location: 916 Palatka Rd
- Request: Rezoning from R-5 to R5-A to allow development of three residential units on 0.32 acres
- Case Manager: Molly Clark
- Comments Due By: March 19, 2025
Your input is important in shaping these developments, so be sure to reach out before the deadlines.
Check out this story about the foundation of Waverly Park from July 1960!
Credit: Courier-Journal
 Exciting Developments in District 25: The 25 for 25 Plan
Councilman Khalil Batshon is excited to announce the “25 for 25 Plan,” a bold roadmap to transform District 25 with 25 actionable goals that will enhance community life and foster growth. Here are ten key goals from this ambitious initiative:
1. Enhance Safety with Streetlights: Lease 20 strategically placed streetlights over the next five years to improve visibility and safety across District 25.
2. Open Nick Rodman Park: Launch Nick Rodman Park with a new playground, splash pad, and walking trail, creating a vibrant recreational space for families in District 25.
3. Expand Nick Rodman Park: Acquire land from MSD to quadruple the size of Nick Rodman Park, providing room for future development and new amenities for residents.
4. Improve Library Visibility: Install a new sign on Dixie Highway to make the community library more accessible and easier to locate.
5. Strengthen Community Connections: Establish two new Neighborhood Associations to empower residents and foster stronger local ties. *NOTE* Neighborhood Associations are voluntary and are different that HOAs.
6. Standardize Recovery Housing: Develop an ordinance to align recovery housing in the district with state regulations, ensuring consistency, accountability, and the elimination of bad actors in the space.
7. Adjust Transitional Housing Zoning: Update zoning language to protect neighborhoods and eliminate loopholes, while ensuring that transitional housing is located near essential resources for those in need.
8. Launch a Public-Private Partnership: Initiate at least one public-private partnership project to bring innovative solutions and resources to District 25.
9. Increase Representation: Identify and encourage 50 South End residents to serve on city boards and commissions, amplifying the district’s influence in decision-making.
10. Combat Predatory Lending: Draft and introduce legislation to define and limit predatory lending, protecting our community and its values.
Councilman Batshon has also established a newly formed District 25 Advisory Panel to guide and collaborate on the development of the remaining 15 goals. However, we need your input to ensure this plan reflects the priorities and needs of our entire community.
We encourage residents to share their ideas and feedback to help complete this transformative vision. Together, with your involvement, we can make the 25 for 25 Plan a success and create a brighter future for District 25.
Help Shape the Future of District 25: Take Our Survey!
Your feedback is crucial in ensuring that the initiatives we implement truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. By participating in this survey, you will have the opportunity to voice your opinions and contribute to the future development of District 25.
Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/xaZZqqxKWw
The recent rainstorms and freezing temperatures have taken a toll on our roads, creating a surge in potholes across Louisville. Here in District 25, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly these road hazards can form, making travel difficult and potentially damaging vehicles.
I have worked hard to ensure that many of the potholes in our district have been addressed as quickly as possible. By coordinating with Metro Public Works, we’ve already made significant progress in repairing affected roadways. However, this is an ongoing effort, and I remain committed to advocating for continued road maintenance and improvements.
How You Can Help?
If you encounter a pothole that still needs attention, please report it:
• For city roads, contact Metro311 online HERE or call 311 or 502-574-5000
• For interstates, report them to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 1-877-FOR-KYTC (1-877-367-5982)
I appreciate your patience as we continue working to improve road conditions in District 25. If you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will keep pushing for faster and more effective repairs to ensure safer roads for everyone.
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