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May 2025

⚜️ Louisville is building momentum! Whether you are a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s a lot to check out in this month’s Mayor’s Message. Read about what's moving our city forward in a new direction through investments and achievements by Mayor Craig Greenberg and his administration.

How Louisville's Community Commitment will guide police reform

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey announced the next steps in police reform and public safety improvements during a press conference on Wednesday, May 21.

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⚜️ Mayor Greenberg developed a new agreement to guide to police reform in response to the US DOJ’s intention to dismiss the federal lawsuit – nullifying the previously negotiated consent decree.

Proceeding with promises: Mayor Greenberg announced the city will move forward with the Louisville Community Commitment - Louisville’s Consent Decree which includes the same goals and objectives as the original consent decree.

Independent monitor: Louisville Metro Government will issue an RFP to solicit applications from qualified candidates wishing to serve as the independent monitor after the judge's ruling becomes final. Community engagement will guide selection of the independent monitor.

Community Safety Commision: LMPD and the independent monitor will provide regular reports to the new Community Safety Commission.

• Commission members will include community representatives from each patrol division, the justice system, and community organizations including...
• Faith leaders, crime victims, criminal justice advocates, business owners, immigrants, medical professionals, educators, and homeless service providers. 

Assessment & evaluation: John Glenn College of Public Affairs from Ohio State University is continuing its previously announced collaboration with LMPD to collect empirical evidence and evaluate practices to ensure reform. 

By the numbers: Over the past two years, LMPD has revised more than 260 policies, updated its procedures, and restructured the department’s organization, leadership, and personnel. 

Once an independent monitor is selected, the contract will be renewable annually for up to five years.

Access the Community Commitment - Louisville's Consent Decree.

Algonquin neighborhood celebrates best new public pool in the region

Mayor Greenberg joined Councilmembers Herndon (D4), Hawkins (D1), and Owen (D9) and students from Grace James Academy for the "first cannonball jump" into the new Algonquin Pool on Thursday, May 22.

⚜️ The Algonquin Neighborhood celebrated the grand opening of the newly restored, state-of-the-art Algonquin Park pool.

Ending years of neglect: Prior to 2020, the Algonquin Park pool was neglected and left in disrepair until it closed for good during the pandemic. The pool was Mayor Greenberg's first major construction project funded and started when he took office in 2023.

Historic investment: The new Algonquin Park pool is the first new public pool to open in West Louisville since the previous Algonquin Pool was built in the 1960’s.

State-of-the-art features: Swimmers can enjoy the two slides, lap lanes, lily pad splash pad bridge, rock climbing wall, and vortex pool.

• Accessibility is prioritized with a zero-depth entry ramp.
• Additionally, the facility includes a new pool house, featuring restrooms and a concession area to enhance visitors’ experience.

By the numbers: $7.2 million of American Rescue Plan funds went towards restoration of the Algonquin Park pool, which spans 13,000 square feet. 

Find an outdoor pool or sprayground near you. 

Teens take the lead in new city program

Mayor Greenberg and First Lady Rachel Greenberg pose with the 2026 YALL cohort on orientation day.

⚜️ Youth Ambassadors Leading Louisville (YALL) is a program launched by Mayor Greenberg and First Lady Rachel Greenberg which aims to nurture and enhance the leadership potential of high school students.

All schools represented: YALL offers two juniors from each high school in Jefferson County the chance to actively participate in shaping the future of Louisville Metro sponsored events their senior year.

• Students will promote, participate in, and propel mayoral-sponsored events such as WorldFest, Hike, Bike, & Paddle, Mayorthon, and Light Up Louisville.
• After each event, the students will complete a form detailing what they enjoyed and will be asked to share their opinions.

By the numbers: 69 students from across the city are represented in this year's YALL cohort. The first YALL cohort was organized in 2025.

Meet the 2026 YALL cohort. 

The Belvedere is back

Early renderings show Heatherwick Studio’s redesign for the Belvedere.

⚜️ The Belvedere Project is moving forward! An RFP for a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) has been issued to analyze costs and financial impacts of the proposal for the renovation of the Belvedere.

Community engagement is ongoing. Get more information and take the survey. Mayor Greenberg announced he’ll break ground on construction this Fall.

Louisville Free Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off

Children from the Chestnut Street YMCA joined Mayor Greenberg at the Western Branch Library to announce LFPL Summer Programs.

⚜️ Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL)’s Summer Reading Program kicked off during Mayor Greenberg's Weekly Press Conference, helping children and teens avoid summer learning loss by encouraging them to read for fun by offering prizes and incentives. 

More than books: In addition to the Summer Reading Program, kids can enjoy magic shows, storytelling, art projects, wild animals, and many more free summer events and programs including the Cultural Pass.

By the numbers: LFPL offers hundreds of free summer programs every year. This year’s Summer Reading Program, A Universe of Stories, just kicked off last Saturday and more than 9,000 area youth—newborns to 12th graders—have already signed up!

New public park breaking ground in the heart of city’s medical district

Mayor Craig Greenberg joined leaders from the Louisville Medical & Education District (LOUMED) and project partners to break ground on LOUMED Commons on Monday, May 19.

⚜️ LOUMED Commons, a new public park designed to serve those who work, study, receive care or visit hospitals in Downtown Louisville, broke ground earlier this month.

Greener, healthier, and more vibrant: The park will feature tree canopy and native plantings, shaded seating, gathering areas and space for food trucks, with flexible areas for future events and community programming.

By the numbers: LOUMED Commons is supported by city funding allocated through the Kentucky General Assembly’s investment in Downtown Louisville with...

• $10 million allocated to help fund multiple LOUMED projects, including LOUMED Commons, and an additional $1.75 million for improvements along Chestnut Street, totaling $11.75 million.

More than 18,000 health care professionals, 10,000 students, and more than 1.5 million visitors will find a place of respite and connection in this space every year.

Learn more about LOUMED Commons.

Making Downtown safer and more accessible

Two-way street conversion concepts are proposed to transform safety and accessibility of Downtown streets.

⚜️ New designs concepts and proposals to improve safety and accessibility of Downtown Louisville were unveiled to the public this month during open houses and presentations by Mayor Greenberg.

Two-way streets and walkability: Both Downtown and Nulu have proposed improvements for pedestrian and driver safety including the conversion of one-way streets. 

A safe and scenic riverfront: River Road is transforming with construction to expand Waterfront Park, enhance lighting, expand green spaces, and connect Louisvillians to Downtown attractions including the Kentucky Science Center. 

By the numbers: A 48% reduction in crashes has resulted from the restoration of two-way traffic south of Downtown and $2.2 million is being invested in the River Road transformation.