In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
The countdown is on!
We’re just two days away from the next Muffins with McCraney! So, mark your calendar, set your clock, and prepare to join me for a casual morning of conversation, connection, and community, served with a side of muffins, coffee, and good vibes.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to District 7, this is your chance to share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply say hello in a relaxed setting. No set agenda and no questions are off limits. Expect real talk with me, invited government officials, and neighbors.
📍Location: The Arterburn (formerly St. Matthews Community Center), 310 Ten Pin Lane
📅 Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
I can’t wait to see you there!
Known for its shopping centers, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks, the City of St. Matthews, one of the vibrant municipalities within Metro Council District 7, is preparing to celebrate a major milestone: its 75th anniversary.
Current Mayor, Richard J. (Rick) Tonini, took office and leadership of city government on January 1, 2015, subsequent to serving as a city councilman for 30 years.
Since the mid 1970’s, Mayor Tonini has selflessly devoted his time and talents to the St. Matthews Fire Protection District, serving as a volunteer firefighter, Trustee, Vice Chairman, and Chairman of the Jefferson County Suburban Fire Service board.
We pause to pay homage and say thank you to the Honorable Richard Tonini, for his unwavering service. This moment also offers a chance to reflect on the city’s rich history. While Mayor Tonini was on vacation, we caught up with former Mayor Bernie Bowling Jr., whose roots in St. Matthews run deep. His father, Bernie Bowling Sr., served as the city’s second mayor from 1958 - 1984, and Bernie Jr. himself spent 22 years as a city councilman before taking office as mayor from 2007 to 2014.
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“This city bears my family’s legacy, and it means a lot,” Bowling shared.
“St. Matthews never incorporated until 75 years ago, when Louisville tried to annex the area. That sparked local business leaders to take a stand and push to form their own city. They went to court, fought for it, and eventually won. That’s how St. Matthews was born,” recalled Councilman Bowling.
This past weekend, that legacy was celebrated in a big way. On Saturday, June 7, from 12 to 10 PM, Brown Park came alive with music, food, family fun, and festivities for all ages. Highlights included a petting zoo, inflatable zip lines, face painting, and water slides for the kids. Adults enjoyed cooking demonstrations, a silent disco, and live entertainment, all capped off with a spectacular drone show as the grand finale.
When asked about St. Matthews’ role within the larger Louisville Metro community, Bowling reflected with pride: “We still live by our motto, 'a great place to live, work, and shop.' It’s a community where you can raise a family, surrounded by parks, and is just 15 minutes from the airport. We want to keep that spirit alive.”
As St. Matthews turns 75, we celebrate not just its years, but its people, its persistence, and the vibrant legacy that continues to shape District 7 and the city beyond.
Other past mayors of the City of St. Matthews include:
James H. Noland - 1950 - 1958
Arthur Draut - 1984 - 2006
Current City Council Members:
Bernie Bowling
Frank Flynn
Nathan Hernandez
Tim Holland
Sarah Landes
Mary Jo Nay
Amy Olson
Jackie Vanetti
Catch up with Mayor Craig Greenberg HERE in just 60 seconds.
From city updates to community wins, the Mayor’s Minute gives you a quick look at what’s been happening across Louisville this week.
Louisville Names First-Ever Transportation Director
Big Moves Ahead for Safer, Smarter Streets
Louisville is making history and putting the pedal to the metal when it comes to how we move around the city. For the first time ever, the city now has an official Department of Transportation and it just got its first leader.
Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that Bill Bell will serve as director of the new Louisville Metro Department of Transportation. The department, launched in 2024, will be the umbrella for planning, designing, building, and managing our city’s streets and transportation systems.
Bell’s track record backs that up. He most recently served as executive director of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety, where he helped the state hit its lowest highway fatality count since 1949. He’s also led safety and efficiency efforts under former Governor Steve Beshear.
From equity in infrastructure to safer sidewalks and streets, this is a major step toward a more connected, people-first Louisville.
Mayor Craig Greenberg just announced a powerful new initiative that puts the community at the center of change, and we want you to be part of it.
Introducing the Community Safety Commission, a newly formed group made up of citizen leaders, representatives from community organizations, and local government officials, all working together to help shape the future of public safety in our city. This group will play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and community feedback as the city rolls out two major efforts: the Safe Louisville Violence Reduction Plan and the Community Commitment Consent Decree.
Here’s the exciting part, there are open seats for citizens and community organizations to serve on the Commission.
What Will the Commission Do?
The Community Safety Commission will support two key initiatives:
- The Safe Louisville Plan, a comprehensive approach to violence prevention across the city
- The Community Commitment Consent Decree, which ensures that Metro Government follows through on reforms that build trust and fairness in public safety practices
Members of the Commission will receive regular updates from Louisville Metro Government and the Independent Monitor, review progress, and provide honest feedback and strategic input to ensure both plans are implemented fully and fairly.
Who Can Serve?
- Eight citizen representatives (one from each police division across the city)
- Seven community organization representatives
- Seven government representatives (as outlined in the Mayor’s Executive Order)
We’re calling on thoughtful, passionate, and justice-minded individuals, especially those who believe in building a safer, stronger Louisville for all.
How to Apply
Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/safelouisville to complete your application.
No internet? No problem. The Louisville Free Public Library is ready to help anyone submit an application. Just stop by your nearest branch.
Deadline to apply: June 16, 2025
People who live in Louisville will have two opportunities to have their voices heard as the city prepares to choose its "independent monitor."
The monitor will be hired as a neutral evaluator of the city and of the Louisville Metro Police Department in wake of the dismantling of the consent decree, which was in place to enforce changes within LMPD.
Mayor Craig Greenberg spoke on Louisville's consent decree Tuesday, saying the city is taking next steps toward finding the independent monitor.
There will be two community listening sessions in June that are open to the public.
The purpose of the sessions will be for citizens to discuss the qualities and qualifications they would like to see in the monitor.
The sessions will be:
- Tuesday, June 17, at the Republic Bank Foundation located at 1720 West Broadway. It will go from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, June 28, at the Newburgh Community Center located at 4810 Exeter Avenue. It will go from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The sessions will be facilitated by Sherry Dawson Edwards, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Louisville. | You can find a link to register for a session here.
GIVE FEEDBACK: You can also give feedback here.
Story by: Curadhan Powell, WLKY
 Ready to Be a Hometown Hero?
Applications open June 2 – July 4, 2025
Think you’ve got what it takes to be a hometown hero? The Louisville Fire Department is now hiring and this could be your chance to turn courage into a career.
Whether you’re looking for purpose, growth, or the chance to serve your city in a big way, LFD offers it all. You’ll train with the best, work as a team, and join a proud legacy of service.
Why join LFD?
- Starting salary: $66,140 in Year 1
- Up to $75,910 by Year 5
- 25-year retirement plan
- Paid vacation
- Health and life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deferred compensation plan
This isn’t just a job, it’s a mission.
If you thrive under pressure, work well with others, and want to make a real impact, this is your sign to suit up.
Click here for more info and to apply
Lace up those sneakers— Mayor Craig Greenberg’s Planet Fitness Mayorthon is back and better than ever!
Saturday, August 2 - Saturday, November 22, 2025
This exciting four-race series showcases the heart, history, and hustle of Louisville, with each 5K offering a one-of-a-kind experience in a unique location. Even better? Register for the full series and save 10% plus, complete all four races and earn an exclusive Planet Fitness Mayorthon Challenge Coin.
Here’s what’s on the track:
• Race the Runway 5.02K — Take off at historic Bowman Field as you race down the actual runway.
• Louisville Pure Tap® 5K — Soak in the views at Louisville Water Tower Park from start to finish.
• Bourbon & Beyond 5K — Groove through Kentucky Expo Center and Kentucky Kingdom during festival weekend.
• NEW for 2025: Thru the Ville 5K — Dash through the University of Louisville campus and see its most iconic spots.
Bonus Perk: All registrants can opt-in for a FREE 90-day Classic Planet Fitness Membership, redeemable from the day you register through November 1. Offer valid for both new and current members.
Don’t miss your chance to move through the city in a whole new way. 👉 Click here to register for the Planet Fitness Mayorthon Series!
Metro Council Community Nights with the Louisville Bats
We’re excited to share that Metro Council has teamed up with the Louisville Bats for Metro Council Community Nights at Louisville Slugger Field.
This special event is designed to give everyone in our community a chance to enjoy a night at the ballpark, especially residents and families who may not always have the means to attend a game.
Whether you’re an individual, part of a mentoring program, youth organization, or social service agency, you’re invited to join in the fun.
Mark your calendars for these two game nights:
• Tuesday, August 5
• Tuesday, September 16
Each guest will receive:
• Free admission with a reserved seat
•One free hot dog and one free small soft drink
•Access to $4 Taco Tuesday specials from Gustavo’s Mexican Grill
How to Sign Up:
• For individuals or groups of up to 20: Click here to register
• For organizations or groups of 20+: Click here to register
Tickets will be distributed beginning July 1, so hang tight while we get them out to you.
This is more than just a game, it’s about building memories, community, and connection. We hope to see you in the stands!
 The Wiz Returns July 29 – August 3
Coming to an Emerald City near you... The seven-time Tony Award-winning smash hit The Wiz is back and it’s boogieing into Louisville with a brand-new tour for the first time in 40 years!
Catch this electrifying revival July 29 through August 3 at Whitney Hall.
This soul-stirring, funk-filled reimagining of The Wizard of Oz features an all-star creative team, including director Schele Williams, writer Amber Ruffin, and choreographer Jaquel Knight (of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” fame).
The production breathes new life into the beloved story, fusing gospel, R&B, and dazzling dance in a joyful celebration of Black excellence, culture, and creativity.
What’s the story? It’s the classic tale you know, told like never before. When Dorothy is whisked away to Oz, she meets a colorful cast of characters—Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion—on her journey to find heart, courage, knowledge, and the meaning of home. Set to hits like "Be a Lion" and the iconic "Ease on Down the Road," this feel-good musical is a must-see for all generations.
Fun Fact: The popsicle was invented by accident in 1905 by an 11-year-old boy who left a cup of soda with a stirring stick outside overnight. He called it the “Epsicle,” but kids later renamed it the Popsicle and summer’s never been the same since.
Click here to read the social media public comment policy of the Louisville Metro Council. |
