Ben's Pen: A Note from CM Reno-Weber

District 8,

As we embrace the start of spring, I’m reminded of the season’s theme of growth. As we see flowers bloom, we’re also witnessing new opportunities for our neighborhoods to grow and thrive. Be it through improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, or investing in education, this is a time for us to reflect on our growth and keep pressing forward.

March is Women’s History Month, and we’re taking this opportunity to honor the women who have shaped our city’s past and continue to impact it today. One notable figure is Anne Braden, a courageous civil rights activist from Louisville. Her work as a journalist and her tireless efforts to combat segregation and racial injustice are an inspiration. As a community, we’re proud to acknowledge her contributions, and the legacy she left for future generations. To learn more, check out the Anne Braden Institute at the University of Louisville.

As the father of two young women, I love that I get to expose them first hand to powerful leaders driving real change.  Being on Metro Council, I am grateful to be able to work with so many powerful women who have taken on the most important issues facing our community.  A particular shout-out to the amazing work of Gretchen Hunt's team at the Office for Women and their Rosie the Riveter awards.

In this month’s newsletter, we highlight several exciting events and initiatives that contribute to our community’s growth. From the upcoming Tyler Park Easter Egg Hunt to the launch of the Anti-Racism Challenge, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. We also spotlight the importance of safe driving and local business investment, as well as the free Shakespeare in the Park performance this May. Additionally, we honor the achievements of young leaders and recognize the efforts of Assumption High School’s athletics. All this ties into our shared commitment to strengthening the bonds that make District 8 a wonderful place to live.

I look forward to the continued progress we’ll make this season as we work together to ensure a bright future for District 8.

Ben 

P.S - Keep reading to get the punchline to the dad joke of the month:

Why did the gardener plant light bulbs in the spring?

What's Bubbling Up: Events & Opportunities to Engage

D8 Book Club with Brigid Kaelin

April 19th from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

The Monarch: 1318 Bardstown Road

Join the D8 team as we host author and musician Brigid Kaelin for a discussion of her book Lakeside.

Brigid will be selling and signing copies of the book on-site, so don't miss your chance to get a signed copy!

Lakeside is available at Carmichael's, Amazon, and on Brigid’s website: Buy Lakeside Here.

Please RSVP via this link. 

We hope to see you there!

TPNA Easter Egg Hunt

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for one of our community’s favorite traditions—the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association’s Easter Egg Hunt! Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19, and bring the whole family for an egg-citing day of fun!

Last year’s event saw a huge turnout of kids from all over the city, which was wonderful but also a bit overwhelming for our volunteers. We need your help! If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to give back to the community, consider joining the Tyler Park Easter Bunny and the TPNA team to help make this year’s event even better.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, reach out to Rebecca Watson at Rebecca.watson@twc.com. Let’s make this the best Easter Egg Hunt yet!

Macbeth in Highview Park

Join Kentucky Shakespeare for a free outdoor performance of Macbeth in Highview Park on May 17 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Sponsored by Councilman Ben Reno-Weber (District 8), this event is part of the Shakespeare in the Parks Tour, bringing live theater to neighborhoods across the city.

Location: Highview Park, 1501 Castlewood Ave., Louisville, KY 40204 Rain Space: Under Tyler Park Bridge Cost: Free

This classic tragedy of ambition and power will be performed by professional actors from Kentucky Shakespeare. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.

For more information, visit this link.

From KFC to the Future: Louisville's Real Opportunity

This month, in a Courier Journal Op-Ed, CM Reno-Weber reflected on a bittersweet moment for our city: KFC — an iconic brand that helped put Kentucky on the map — is moving its headquarters to Texas. It’s more than a corporate relocation; it’s a moment that stings for many of us.

But while the headlines focused on what we lost, bigger stories of growth and promise quietly unfolded. A Louisville-born company, Alani Nutrition, was acquired for $1.8 billion — and is staying here. At Story Louisville, five diverse startups just received $500,000 in investment to grow right here in our city.

In his recent op-ed, Ben makes the case that Louisville doesn’t need to chase big companies to feel relevant — we need to grow them from within. That means investing in our people, our skills, our workers, and our innovators. It means building a city where we don’t just make the things America loves — we move them, host them, and welcome the world to experience them.

If we want to shape the Louisville we deserve, we need to focus on:

✅ Celebrating our wins

✅ Investing in world-class skills

✅ Building and supporting local companies

✅ Centering the needs of our workers

✅ Creating a downtown that’s vibrant and inclusive

Louisville’s future isn’t about what we’ve lost — it’s about what we’re creating.

Read the full op-ed here and let us know: What do you think we should be building next?

Safe Driving in Our Neighborhoods: A Reminder for All

Keeping our streets safe for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists is a shared responsibility. Lately, we’ve heard concerns about illegal parking and unsafe driving habits—especially on Highland Avenue between the Post Office and Starbucks. Instances of cars parking in traffic lanes, parking against the flow of traffic, and blocking driveways create unnecessary hazards for everyone.

To address these concerns, Major Grissom has made traffic enforcement a priority, and we will continue working to improve safety in our neighborhoods. However, enforcement alone isn’t enough—we need everyone to do their part.

• Here are some key reminders for being a responsible driver in our community: Stop at stop signs—rolling through creates serious risks. Park legally—never in traffic lanes, across driveways, or facing the wrong direction.  Stay aware—watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.

We will continue highlighting these issues and considering additional measures, including a Public Service Announcement on safe driving habits. In the meantime, let’s all commit to making our streets safer and more navigable for everyone.

Thank you for driving responsibly!

Councilman Reno-Weber Recognizes Young Leader and Assumption Athletics

At the March 13 Metro Council meeting, Councilman Ben Reno-Weber welcomed Charlie Rubenstein, a sixth grader from Highland Middle School, as a page. Charlie has a strong passion for social studies and civics and recently participated in the Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) on March 16. With aspirations of becoming a public defender and state representative, she represents the next generation of engaged civic leaders. Councilman Reno-Weber also presented a proclamation honoring Assumption High School’s athletics program for its outstanding achievements. Each team received a proclamation recognizing their dedication and success. These honors highlight the commitment of young leaders and athletes in our community, celebrating their contributions and dedication to excellence.

Take the City-wide 4-Week Anti-Racism Challenge

In times of uncertainty and division, staying engaged, informed, and proactive is more important than ever. That’s why Listen Learn Act is launching the Anti-Racism Challenge (ARC)—a city-wide initiative designed to help us all become more aware of racism and take meaningful steps to challenge it in our daily lives.

The ARC begins on April 4th and runs for four weeks. Each week, participants will receive an email with 10-12 anti-racism activities and be encouraged to complete at least three. This challenge is a personal journey—no reporting required—but the impact of individual action can help create real change in our community.

Let’s work together to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable Louisville. Sign up today via this link.  

For more information, visit listenlearnact.org.

Ben in the Wild

This month, Councilman Ben Reno-Weber attended several important community events.

Highland Commerce Guild Meeting On March 12th, Councilman Reno-Weber participated in the Highland Commerce Guild's monthly meeting, where he learned about progress on TARC improvements, new parking plans for LMPD, ride-share zones, and investments in the Ambassadors program.

Section 8 Housing Information Session On March 19th, he attended the rescheduled Learn More About Section 8 Housing! event at the Highlands Shelby Park Library. The event provided valuable insights into the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and affordable housing options.

Councilman Reno-Weber remains dedicated to supporting and connecting with the community to improve our neighborhoods.

Where Will We See Ben Next Month? If you’d like Councilman Reno-Weber to attend a community event, email his legislative assistant, Betsy Foster, at betsy.foster@louisvilleky.gov. She ensures all constituents are heard and gets your message directly to Councilman Ben Reno-Weber.

Save Birds by Going Lights Out This Spring!

Each spring, millions of birds migrate over Louisville, but artificial lights at night can disorient them, leading to injuries and deaths. You can help protect these birds!

Here’s how:

• From April to May, between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., turn off non-essential lights and close your blinds.
• This simple action reduces the dangers of artificial light, giving birds a safer journey.

Going Lights Out also saves you money on your electricity bill! Learn more and sign up at www.lightsoutlouisville.org.

Thank you for helping protect Louisville’s migrating birds!

Dad Joke of the Month

Councilmember Ben Reno-Weber  |   Louisville Metro Council   |   District 8

601 West Jefferson Street, Third Floor

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

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