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

This month has been a powerful reminder that true safety, prosperity, and joy in our city come from deep investment—in people, in partnerships, and in possibility.

Whether it’s sitting down with case managers from Pivot to Peace to talk about breaking cycles of violence, or standing courtside (and net-side!) as your Metro Council team edged out the Mayor’s Office in the Brightside Volleyball Classic, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of community-centered action.

We’ve also been tuning in—literally. As we gear up for our Community Sound Study, it’s clear our neighborhoods are rich with voices ready to shape policy, from musicians to midnight shift workers to early-morning walkers. It’s not just about turning the volume up or down—it’s about listening before we legislate and making sure the balance between liveliness and livability works for everyone.

On Bardstown Road, Highland Fish Market returned to its roots with a new storefront that feels like a big win for local business and neighborhood identity. We continue to tackle over 80 active constituent issues this week alone—because making government accessible, transparent, and effective is what this office is here to do.

And then there are neighbors like Jackie Cobb, our July Highlands Hero, who remind us what everyday leadership looks like. Jackie’s love for walkability, community events, and green living speaks to the very best of District 8—where civic pride is worn lightly, but lived fully. Her commitment is a powerful example of how small actions and strong values shape our shared future.

In every corner of District 8, I see people showing up for each other. That’s how we build a city that’s not just safe, but whole—one where kids grow up with support, businesses grow with roots, and everyone has a seat at the table.

Thanks for continuing to dream big and engage boldly.

With gratitude,

Ben

P.S. – You know the drill. Scroll to the end of this newsletter for the punchline to this month’s dad joke.

Why did the neighborhood host a salad bar party?

Council Chronicles: Investing in Community Safety

What’s Bubbling Up? Events & Opportunities to Engage

Community Sound Study

🎶 Bardstown Beats: A Community Sound Study 🎶

Let’s Find the Right Volume Together

Join us for an innovative, hands-on community meeting where your voice—and your ears—matter. As we consider updates to Louisville’s noise ordinance, we’re inviting neighbors, musicians, business owners, and anyone who cares about the balance of life and liveliness on Bardstown Road to participate in a real-time sound experience.

Before we revise our existing Noise Ordinance, we want to be sure we get smart. We’ll be using live demonstrations to explore how sound travels through our shared spaces—both indoors and out—so we can better understand what “too loud,” “just right,” and “not loud enough” really mean for our diverse community.

Location: Big Bar, 1202 Bardstown Rd.

Time: August 11th at 6:00pm

What to Expect:

• Interactive sound tests
• Space for community dialogue
• Live input that will shape policy

Musicians—this is your moment!

Bring your instruments and get ready to get loud (responsibly). We want to hear the full range of sounds that make Bardstown Road come alive—from acoustic to amplified. Your sound is central to this conversation.

Why This Matters:

The heart of District 8 is alive with music, conversation, and connection—but we also all deserve the right to quiet enjoyment in our homes. This event is part of our commitment to thoughtful, inclusive governance that listens before it legislates.

Let’s tune in together.

Adopt a Pet at MAS

LMPD National Night Out

First Annual Youth Summit: Roots of Change – Youth Growing Peace Through Giving and Leadership

🌱 Our young people aren’t just the future—they’re the present. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this opportunity from the Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council (LYPC) and the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP): the 2025 Youth Summit: Roots of Change – Youth Growing Peace Through Giving and Leadership. 📍 Hosted at the Muhammad Ali Center on August 2, this summit is free and open to youth ages 13–18 and will focus on real solutions—like violence prevention, mental health, philanthropy, and leadership. By investing in youth, we’re investing in a more equitable, safer, and connected community for all. If you know a young person ready to lead, please pass this along. Let’s amplify their voice, elevate their ideas, and support their growth. 🔗 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roots-of-change-youth-growing-peace-through-giving-and-leadership-tickets-1431833194629

Donate to Dress for Success

D8 Works

Ever wonder what your Metro Council office is working on day-to-day? This week alone, we’re juggling 80+ active constituent issues — from collapsing rock walls to potholes, broken air conditioning to monkey bars.

Our project management system helps us track every request, stay accountable, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

This is what responsive, transparent local government looks like — and we’re proud to be doing the work, one issue at a time.

July Highlands Hero: Jackie Cobb

Each month, we spotlight a Highlands Hero—a neighbor whose love for our community shines through in how they live, contribute, and connect with others. These aren’t celebrities or headline-makers. They’re everyday folks who embody what makes District 8 such a special place to call home. This month, we’re proud to introduce Jackie Cobb, a longtime Highlands resident whose deep appreciation for walkability, community events, and green living reflects the spirit of our neighborhood. Highlands Favorite: “Cyclouvia on Bardstown Road. It’s always such a great afternoon spent with neighbors and appreciating how special it is to have a lovely, walkable mixed-use neighborhood.” Local Gem Tip: “Don’t miss the patio at Holy Grale. It’s fabulous.” Her Vision for Louisville: “That we each do what we can to make Louisville increasingly green, healthy, safe, and kind. Our city is a wonderful place—and the Highlands is full of residents working to build on our strengths.”   Thank you, Jackie, for being one of the many everyday change-makers helping shape a more connected, compassionate Louisville.

Ben in the Wild: CM Reno-Weber Out & About

Highland Fish Market Grand Opening

There’s something special about seeing a beloved local business come full circle—especially when it’s right in the heart of our neighborhood. I was thrilled to join the celebration as Highland Fish Market officially reopened its doors on Bardstown Road, just across from where it all started 30 years ago. This isn’t just about seafood (though let’s be honest—live lobster and frog legs are a flex). It’s about small business growth, community roots, and the kind of neighborhood reinvestment that strengthens the Highlands for all of us. Huge congratulations to Ashley and Matt Bedingfield and the whole team for bringing this local favorite back home. Supporting our small businesses isn’t just good economics—it’s good community. Pay them a visit at 1745 Bardstown Rd!

Brightside Classic Volleyball Tournament

Always Reaching for More..   Whether it’s passing legislation, solving neighborhood issues, or spiking one past the Mayor’s Office—your Metro Council Team knows how to show up and deliver.   Proud to bring home the win at this year’s Brightside Volleyball Classic—all in good fun and for a great cause. Shoutout to the Mayor’s Office for a great match and to Brightside for keeping Louisville green, clean, and full of community spirit!

Summer Waste Collection Update: Plan Ahead to Beat the Heat

From July 7 through August 29, Louisville’s Waste Management crews will be adjusting their collection schedules to stay safe during the hottest part of the year.   To protect these essential workers from extreme heat, crews may begin routes earlier than usual. That means your garbage, recycling, and yard waste should be set out the night before—or no later than 5:00 AM—on your regular collection day.   Let’s keep things running smoothly and show some love for the folks doing tough, necessary work in tough summer conditions.

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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