In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Last week's announcement by Mayor Craig Greenberg regarding the Department of Justice’s decision to dismiss the proposed consent decree was deeply disappointing. The dismissal of the consent decree feels like a step backward in our collective journey toward justice, transparency, and accountability.
To me, the consent decree offered an opportunity for LMPD to show its willingness to prove to the naysayers that reform is not a dirty word. Most of the recommendations by the DOJ in the consent decree have already been implemented, so adhering to the consent decree was a nonissue for them.
The people of Louisville—especially those who have long felt unheard and underserved—deserve policies and practices that are monitored, enforced, and rooted in justice. The DOJ’s findings were clear: systemic reform is not optional—it is necessary. To now walk away from a binding path toward that reform sends a troubling message to our community and the nation.
While I am disheartened by the DOJ’s decision, I want to make it abundantly clear that my commitment to supporting LMPD and reform is unwavering. I will be watching closely and working diligently with Mayor Greenberg’s administration to ensure that every recommendation put forth by the DOJ is implemented within a reasonable and transparent timeframe. The work of transformation must continue—with or without a formal decree. Strengthening police policies and procedures and changing the behaviors of the few on the force who may be known as the "bad actors," are win-win solutions for the community and LMPD. Both deserve respect from one another.
Furthermore, I will advocate relentlessly to ensure that the independent monitor selected to oversee these reforms is truly independent—unaffiliated with LMPD, any other police force in the nation, and wholly separate from current or former officials within Louisville or Kentucky government. Only a monitor free from ties to the systems under scrutiny can deliver the impartial oversight our city desperately needs.
Our residents deserve to trust their government, to believe in the integrity of our police department, and to feel safe and secure in their homes and throughout our community. Let us not squander the opportunity to rebuild that trust. I call on all stakeholders—city leaders, law enforcement, and community members—to stand firm in our commitment to reform, not because a decree demands it, but because justice does.
Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney
Please note that the date for District 7’s signature event of the season, Muffins with McCraney—has been updated!
Originally scheduled for Saturday, May 31, the event will now take place on Saturday, June 14, to accommodate an upcoming community town hall meeting hosted by Congressman Morgan McGarvey.
Muffins with McCraney will be held at the Arterburn, located at 310 Ten Pin Lane in St. Matthews. Special thanks to St. Matthews Mayor Rick Tonini for graciously hosting us. We will start at 9 a.m.
We look forward to welcoming you for a morning of meaningful conversation, fresh muffins, and neighborly connections. Check out the attached flyer for more details.
An Evening of Culture, Community, and Council Connection
Even if you missed it, the magic of Shakespeare in the Park lit up our community a couple of weeks ago with an unforgettable performance under the stars.
District 7 residents gathered at The Green in Windy Hills for a beautiful evening of culture and connection. With lawn chairs, blankets, and a shared love for the arts, neighbors enjoyed a free performance that brought timeless literature to life, right in our own backyard.
A heartfelt thank you to the City of Windy Hills for hosting us in such a picturesque setting, and special appreciation to Councilwoman Paula McCraney for her continued sponsorship and support. Her commitment ensures that the arts remain accessible and celebrated throughout District 7.
Councilwoman McCraney was in attendance, warmly greeting constituents and celebrating the joy of live performance. We were also honored to welcome Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright, who joined us to show her support for this inspiring community event.
Shakespeare in the Park is more than just entertainment, it’s a reminder that the arts bring us together, enrich our lives, and belong to us all.
Thank you to everyone who made the evening a huge success. Kudos to the talented actors and director of Shakespeare in the Park productions. See you next year!
Meeting Location: 4910 Brownsboro Road
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LETTER UP CLOSE:
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, June 12, at 6:00 p.m.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the Louisville MetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
Metro Council Begins Budget Review for FY25–26
The Metro Council Budget Committee has officially kicked off its review of the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Capital and Operating Budgets. A total of 24 budget hearings are scheduled throughout May and June, providing Council members the opportunity to hear from various departments and agencies.
The next budget hearing is at 3 p.m. today. The Department of Corrections and the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods will present. On Thursday, May 29, starting at 3 p.m., Louisville Fire and EMS will present their budgets. All hearings are held in the Metro Council Chambers (City Hall, 3rd floor, 601 W. Jefferson Street).
Public comment is also welcome online through a submission form available here. The form will remain open until Monday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Residents can view the full budget document and hearing schedule at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/management-budget/approved-budgets-fiscal-year
All hearings are broadcast live on Spectrum Channel 184, streamed on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and available via the Louisville Metro Council Facebook page at facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil.
Metro Council is expected to vote on the finalized budget during its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m.
On May 21, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced a major step in Louisville’s journey toward police reform and public safety. Although the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has decided to dismiss its lawsuit against the city, effectively closing the door on a formal federal consent decree, Louisville isn’t slowing down. Mayor Greenberg is forging ahead with a new community-led plan: “Community Commitment – Louisville’s Consent Decree.”
This new agreement keeps the spirit and structure of the original consent decree intact and will move forward with or without federal involvement. It represents a commitment between Metro Government, LMPD, and most importantly, the people of Louisville.
Independent Monitor + Community Voice
An independent monitor will be selected through a public and transparent process. Once the judge’s ruling is final, the city will release an RFP (Request for Proposals) for applicants interested in serving in this oversight role. To ensure the community’s voice is central, there will be:
- Two public engagement sessions to gather input on what qualities the monitor should have
- An online survey for those unable to attend in person
- A public meet-and-greet with finalists for additional community feedback
These sessions will be led by Dr. Vanessa McPhail, Director of Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Equity.
LMPD Reform Already Underway
Under Chief Paul Humphrey, LMPD has already made significant strides:
- More than 260 policies revised
- Departmental restructuring and leadership changes
- Establishment of the Accountability and Improvement Bureau
- Expanded mental health and wellness access through the Summit Wellness Center
- Focus on de-escalation training and expanding the deflection program to support individuals in crisis
Chief Humphrey emphasized, “Our priority is to continue building trust with the community we serve. A strong, safe Louisville depends on accountability, transparency, and collaboration.”
Community Safety Commission: A New Era of Partnership
Progress will also be overseen by a newly formed Community Safety Commission, part of Mayor Greenberg’s Safe Louisville crime reduction strategy. This diverse group will:
- Receive regular updates from LMPD and the independent monitor
- Serve as a voice for the public
- Represent stakeholders across every LMPD patrol division—from faith leaders and educators to immigrants, medical professionals, and more
Evidence-Based Accountability
To ensure reforms are effective and grounded in data, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University will continue its embedded partnership with LMPD, providing real-time analysis of training, policies, and accountability measures.
Mayor Greenberg closed with a message to both LMPD and the people of Louisville:
“We are embracing this opportunity to make LMPD one of the country’s most respected and transparent police departments… Thank you for pushing us forward and working with us to build an even safer, stronger, and healthier Louisville.”
Social Security Town Hall with Congressman Morgan McGarvey
Saturday, May 31 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Congressman Morgan McGarvey will host a special Social Security Town Hall featuring a panel of guests, including Former Maryland Governor and current Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley and Senator Keturah Herron of Kentucky State Senate, District 35.
This community event will focus on the future of Social Security and how current and proposed policies may impact Kentuckians of all ages. Residents will have the opportunity to hear directly from federal and state leaders and ask questions about the path forward.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location:TBA
RSVP Required: bit.ly/42WyXv6
This event will also be streamed live on Facebook. You can watch it HERE
Zoning Matters: “Library Hours” with City Planners Returns
Have questions about zoning? Want to know how it impacts your neighborhood? Zoning Matters: Conversations with a City Planner is back in 2025!
City Planners from Louisville Metro’s Office of Planning will be available during designated “Library Hours” to chat one-on-one about zoning basics—What is zoning? Why does it matter?—and share updates on the Land Development Code (LDC) Reform project. The reform aims to increase housing opportunities and promote smart, inclusive growth across Louisville.
This is your chance to ask questions, share feedback, and learn how zoning changes could shape the future of your community.
To learn more and find upcoming dates and location visit:Zoning Matters Conversation.
Let your voice be heard—we want to hear from you!
Helping Our Neighbors Beat the Heat: Fan Fair Returns June 7
For the 10th year in a row, the KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living and the Louisville Metro Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens are teaming up to bring summer relief to older adults and individuals with disabilities through their annual Fan Fair event.
The Fan Fair event will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Edison Center (701 W. Ormsby Ave.). In addition to fan distribution, the event will feature health and resource vendors as well as a secure prescription drug toss.
Who Qualifies:
Anyone 60 years or older or with a verified disability is eligible to receive a free fan at the event—while supplies last.
Event Details:
- Where: Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave.
- When: Saturday, June 7 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- What: Free fan giveaway (for qualifying individuals), health/resource vendor fair, and secure drug toss
Saturday, May 31 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Main Library (301 York Street)
Get ready for a summer of discovery and fun! Join the Louisville Free Public Library for the official kickoff of this year’s Summer Reading and Cultural Pass programs.
This year’s theme is “The Great Summer Reading Caper”—and it all begins with a family-friendly celebration full of hands-on activities, mystery-themed stations, a scavenger hunt, and creative crafts.
Enjoy special appearances from Jasper the Rabbit (of Creepy Carrots fame), plus live performances by the Louisville Leopards Percussionists and Ambo Dance Theatre!
While you’re there, be sure to download the new Cultural Pass app and start planning your summer adventures across Louisville’s arts, culture, and community spaces.
It’s free. It’s fun. And it’s the perfect way to launch into summer!
More info: https://www.lfpl.org/culturalpass/
Travel Back in Time 65 Million Years—And Still Make It Home for Dinner
Louisville Zoo invites families to step back in time, 65 million years, to be exact—when Dinopalooza stomps into town. This exciting new exhibit will run through September 1, 2025, featuring 19 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that promise to wow dino lovers of all ages.
“I know people from across the region are going to be thrilled about this latest attraction,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “From towering dinosaurs to fossil digs, Dinopalooza offers something every family can enjoy.”
Visitors can marvel at prehistoric giants like the 65-foot-long Brachiosaurus, the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex, and the uniquely crested Parasaurolophus. And if you’re brave enough, try pronouncing tongue-twisters like Dsungaripterus or Quetzalcoatlus!
Young paleontologists can dig into adventure at the interactive fossil dig pit, where hands-on fun meets educational discovery.
The animatronic dinosaurs are placed throughout the Zoo to create an immersive prehistoric experience. Best of all, Dinopalooza is included with Zoo admission and is free for Louisville Zoo members.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this larger-than-life adventure right in your own backyard!
For more information, visit: https://louisvillezoo.org
Riddle Me This?
I have cities, but no houses…
Forests, but no trees…
Water, but no fish…
What am I?
Click here to read the social media public comment policy of the Louisville Metro Council.
Just for Fun Answers
Answer: A map! |
