Hi neighbors,

Metro Council votes on the final budget on Thursday, June 25 (tonight!). As with any billion-dollar budget, I like some items more than others. On the whole, I appreciate the investments it makes in the entire spectrum of affordable housing, from eviction prevention to down payment assistance to new construction; in early childhood education; and in public infrastructure improvements like roads and parks. 

A few highlights of the changes made by Metro Council to the Mayor's proposed budget:

• $6.2 million less in debt will be issued to pay for the FY27 Capital and Operating Budgets
• $500,000 will be placed in the Metro’s “Rainy Day” account to help in the event of a natural disaster or economic downturn.
• $500,000 to Facilities & Fleet Management for solar projects in Metro buildings and streetlights
• $500,000 in funding will be allocated to help create a database to track repeat violent crime offenders and to track their movement within our justice system.
• $1,264,000 in funding to support year one and part of year two of the three year Golf Plan to improve our public courses.
• Restoration of Funding for the Kentucky Soil and Water to $113,000
• Nearly $2 million reduction in scheduled overtime.

I got just over 30 officially submitted comments on the budget. District 10 has about 30,000 residents, so that's 1%. Of course, I try to take the pulse of the district in conversations with residents, at neighborhood and small city meetings, and through the phone calls and emails that come into the office throughout the year, but these annual comments are valuable. I wanted you to see what I see, so I'm sharing the comments anonymously: 

1. I'd like too see re-pavement and speed bumps for Glen Oak Dr.
   
   
2. I believe what matters most is investment in the community. Continued effort to make Joe Creason a community meeting spot. Making the pool and Tom Sawyer park a great spot for families. I want our city budget to go to building more or enhancing other community spaces and events that get people to know their neighbors. 
   I think we spend too much money on police officer overtime. That money can be spent better improving roads and TARC options so more people use it and the service is more reliable. I would use TARC if it could get me downtown from by the zoo reliably and back in 15-20 mins. 
   I also think our other metro govt employees like library staff could use a huge raise. They do so much community work and offer so many amazing programs just one police officers over time could be used to improve the pay of other city workers. 
   I also think newer facilities for metro animal services would be great. They do such good work with limited space imagine if they had more funding and facilities so they could pay people better. 
   
   
3. Please find the common and fiscal sense to fully fund the Jefferson Co. Soil and Water Conservation District. It is imperative that our city retain ALL of their _much_ needed services and programs, of which all residents benefit from. Myself, and many of my neighbors grow garden-fresh vegetables and flowers (direct community impact right there) - we would be put at a disadvantage by this proposed reduction in funding, namely from the loss of free soil tests (shouldn't have to explain why) and water catchment seminars/workshops. I personally attended several of these water workshops, and gained both the knowledge and tools to set up my own water catchment systems. These systems have compounding impacts on our communities lives: reduction in utilities costs (lowering water tap usage), alleviating sewer spillway overflows (collecting and using water before it has the chance to runoff into a spillway), to name a couple. 
   The group also offers free native wildflower seed packets, free native fruit trees, and free signs demarking native pollinator flower habitats - these are also vitally important if we want to keep Louisville from over heating, stop killing off our native animal species, and continue being a healthy and lush place to live. All of these are direct impacts of the Soil and Water Conservation District. This program is vital to our city's health - both the people and the environment - and defunding this in any capacity is akin to a self-inflicted wound. An unforced error. 
   Please keep the Soil and Water Conservation district fully funded. Hell, find some extra funds and give it to them. They have direct measurable impact on our city - keep the impact going in the right direction.
   
   
4. As you put together the budget, I'd like to request that the Soil & Water Conservation District be fully funded.  I've attended workshops on gardening (native gardens, attracting pollinators) put together by the Soil & Water Conservation District, and have found them extremely valuable. They've influenced my decisions around what to plant, given me information to keep what I've planted thriving, and made me feel connected to my community.  Let's face it -- without dirt and water, nothing really matters, does it?
   
   
5. Metro Corrections should not allow so many people to die in jail. City council needs to figure out how to de-carcerate the people who should not be in there, and provide minimum levels of care for those who have to be locked up.
   
   
6. My budget concerns:
   - Keep funding to the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District
   - Continue funding to FHC for their clinic at PRP
   - Additional funding for adolescent services. The city is focusing so much funding towards children and adults (which is good), but neglecting teen/young adult ages creates higher costs down the line when they need help for issues that could have been prevented
   - No funding cuts to LFPL locations, and additional funding for programs would be nice
   - No new funding to LMPD for any weapons of war, Flock cameras, tracking services, etc.
   - Remove funding for any AI services that replace workers
   - NO FUNDING FOR DATA CENTERS
   
   
7. To Josie Raymond and the City of Louisville!! Please consider placing speed bumps on the end of Packard Ave that is considered part of the city of Louisville (Parklawn Ave.to Delor Ave.) Its a raceway from Preston to Delor.
   
   
8. I live in Fincastle Heights Mutual Ownership Corporation we have 248 units on Fincastle Rd and Belmar Drive, our street is a city street I got paper work last year for speed humps got signatures, turned it all in, but still haven't heard anything back we desperately need them we have a lot of elderly residents and children cars fly up and down the street I was putting my granddaughter in her car seat one evening and a car was going faster then 25 mph and their car car mirror actually hit me on my low back and butt but kept going, someone is going to get hit and hurt bad or killed on our street. Can you please check into getting us speed humps it could save a life. We have actually had children get hit in the past. Thank you for your time.
   
   
9. Please invest in Joe Creason park, in particular the slab. Make it possible for children to ride bikes and play basketball. We love to see the programming in the park. It is helping to keep us in our house because the affliction of the relentless Mega Cavern traffic through winter has nearly pushed us out. Please continue your work for better safety and care of our community by helping to mitigate the Mega Cavern's disregard for its neighbors.
   
   
10. The budget should go to improving the lives of every day citizens. Enhancing parks and other recreational spaces so they get used to further support the community. 
    Also affordable housing and not places going for thousands of dollars. Subsidies for first time home owners and parents would also encourage people to have children and stay in Louisville. Investing in our educators so they are not burnt out and students so they are prepared for life after high school whether that be college or the trades. 
    We spend too much on “policing” that seldom solves violent crimes and get over time for doing very little to stop crime. There were two shootings in my neighborhood and neither have been investigated or solved by LMPD.
    
    
11. Homeless services need more money, not the cuts being proposed. Y'all are all up in arms about homeless people being visible to tourists, but you do realize if you cut services then shelters have to cut hours, space, and resources and that leaves more people on the streets right? People who are still citizens and deserve to be served by this city. Criminalizing homelessness doesn't automatically give people jobs and homes. Cutting services doesn't either. LMPD is a national joke and we keep throwing more and more money at them. For what? To be embarrassments. Let's try actually funding health, public services, education, and find homes for our most vulnerable.
    
    
12. 1) Paying down TARC debt should be a top priority. I realize its a quasi situation but its the only low cost mode of transportation your constituents have. The Mayor gets to appoint the 8 board members and TARC gets 60% of its funding through a .2% occupational tax funding model that hasn't changed in 52 years. Therefore, you have an obligation to help fix it!
    2) More funding of code enforcement officers to specifically focus on trash violations of businesses and homeowners. We have a terrible litter problem in this city and need more enforcement!
    3) The neglect at George Rogers Clark Park almost seems intentional at this point. Please replace some of the benches, re-pave the basketball court, replace the basketball goals, and update the baseball field for starters.
    4) Better pay for school crossing guards. Last time we discussed this a year ago the city was short 25 to 30 positions leaving schools vulnerable. Mayor Greenberg has stated he wants to help JCPS where he can and this would be a perfect starting place.
    5) Funding of an outdoor youth sport complex to go along River Road or LRAA property along Preston Hwy. Smaller cities including but not limited to Etown, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Covington are kicking our tail in this department.
    Regarding policy ideas:
    1) Better or stricter utility franchise agreements. a) Right now your constituents have no way to pay their Louisville Water Company by credit card for a reoccurring monthly charge as it only allows you to pay it once by credit card. LGE has no problem doing this, and the Water Co needs to update with the times. b) Compensation to businesses for lost income when water utilities disrupt traffic flow to their businesses instead of subsidizing 4th street live and coldish group.
    2) Creating TIFS, Opportunity Zones, or investment opportunities equal to what's afforded to companies investing in Downtown in the specific, immediate area surrounding the KY Exposition Center including but not limited to the Preston Hwy corridor, Phillips Ln, and Crittenden Dr. a) We should be trying to connect the KY Exposition Center to Old Louisville to Downtown.
    
    
13. I am very grateful to see investment continuing going into education and the community. As a paramedic, I am grateful to see that a first responder training facility in the budget. I went to Chicago first responder training facility and it was remarkable. I look forward to seeing investment going to our emergency medical providers and fire fighters. I politely request that metro council and the mayor's office reconsider cutting the budget for the office of equity and office for women. As an OFW ambassador, I experienced the positive impact of the program and have heard from many other ambassadors from the different cohorts with a similar response. 
    I have a lot of confusion as to why the Office for Strategic Initiatives has such a massive budget increase in comparison to the other offices in the metro area.
    
    
14. I want to see our schools supported with mental health, art and buses!  I want for there to be expanded hours for our local pool. It is ridiculous that we only have budget for keeping it open from 12 - 5pm.
    
    
15. Three things:
    1. Under the mayor's budget proposal, the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District would receive only $50,000 in fiscal year 2027, a cut of more than 50%. The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension office would receive $150,000, compared to $250,000 in the prior year. Do not let this happen!
    2. Also, Do NOT sell Stansbury Park to the University of Louisville. Our public parks are not development properties. Without Stansbury Park, Louisville no longer has an Olmsted Park System. That tiny little park needs revitalization not sold off. 
    3. Do NOT put a data center in the West End. How horrific for a community that already has to suffer the environmental consequences of Rubber Town and horrid water treatment infrastructure. 
    
    
16. I do not want my tax dollars padding the coffers of LMPD. The police should NOT get more money until they can demonstrate that they are trustworthy, can perform their duties with integrity, empathy and common sense, and are willing to hold themselves accountable for the harm they've perpetrated in our community. This means no funding for a huge First Responder Training Facility either.
    Instead of investing in LMPD, we need to invest more in things that address the root causes of crime, such as desperation due to poverty, homelessness and hunger, too few safe places and activities for positive youth development, and accessible, quality services to treat substance use and mental health disorders.
    Also, please do not cut more from the County Extension office or Soil & Water Conservation District, as any further cuts would render them completely ineffective and they provide services our community depends on.
    
    
17. More money for the people that work in the public libraries. No raises for the police or prison development this year. That money could go to housing and other poverty programs. The mayor has not come close to providing all of the housing units for the poorest Louisvillians and the homeless that he promised 4 years ago. But developers of luxury units are certainly staying busy. The Soil and Water group are providing ways for individual homeowners to have a positive impact on the environment. They use grants and volunteers to fund these very popular programs but their government employees need to be paid too. I do not want new Belvedere that is just an over exaggerated piece of art that will be more expensive to maintain than the original. And now that it has been determined that the land under the Botanical Gardens is unstable should another structure be built there only to fail again. 
    
    
18. The condition of highway infrastructure in Louisville is deplorable. Maybe the city has little to no involvement and its a state issue, but we have highway signs with unreadable numbers (I-264 E Bardstown Rd exit), missing signs, damaged signs from snow removal and wind damage from several years ago. Pavement issues on many downtown streets and on I-264 where pavement slabs have sunk. If this is a state issue, why is there such a vacuum of non-action? Public works needs more resources.
    
    
19. Please, please, fully fund the Soil and Water Conservation District! We cannot lose this important resource in our city! Around the country conservation efforts are being defunded, it's more important than ever that we protect our soil and water! I am a vegetable farmer and a parent and a lifelong Louisville resident. Greenberg will NOT get my vote again if he does this.
    
    
20. Please - I'm requesting that the Metro Louisville 2026-27 budget for Community Ministries be funded in the amount of $2.5 million (or more). These funds will allow for crucial housing, utilities and other supportive services. These additional funds are needed due to increased and rising costs of inflation and decreased support from other Government-related grants.
    
    
21. I am writing in opposition to the slashing of the budget proposed to Jefferson Co. Soil & Water Conservation District. I have attended programs from this group and have enjoyed content delivered by them. Losing them with the proposed meager budget would lower quality of life for Metro Louisville residents.
    
    
22. Slashing the budget for the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District and for the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Agency is incredibly short-sighted. 
    With increasing food and fuel costs for families, worsening climate change, and air quality issues in this city — to say nothing of habitat and essential pollinator loss — it's truly staggering that our government would recommend a budget cut that would destroy these programs as a "cost savings." Consider how much everyone in our community (not just the people at the top) benefits from investment into these offices. Consider how much better our community could be. The people who love Louisville want it to be a healthy, forward-thinking, community-minded place to live. The future rests on programs like these. 
    Louisville needs MORE support when it comes to conservation, environmental awareness, and urban agriculture. Barring that, we at least need the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Agency to continue existing, arguably now more than ever.
    
    
23. I believe that the local metro budget should maintain priorities with residents. I think it should help a wide-ranging of opportunities for people that live here. Not just towards tourism I understand it's necessary but it cannot take priority over those that live here. We should focus on mental health facilities facilities for at-risk youth. Youth detention for youth offenders. Youth Civic apprenticeship programs with wages. Affordable housing projects Increase green spaces. Tearing down homes that are long since dilapidated and hazardous. Increased support towards first responders. Maintaining oversight of taxpayer money that's used through third party contractors to ensure no abuse or waste.
    
    
24. The Soil and Water Conservation District must be fully funded! This agency provides fundamental resources to our community and continuing to cut it's already too small budget is a disservice to all Louisvillians, even for those who haven't worked directly with the conservation district yet. Their programs and the other supports they offer residents protect our most precious resources, and empower people to care for their spaces responsibly and intentionally. Their essential work MUST be fully funded.
    
    
25. I would like to strongly encourage Metro Council to fully fund the Soil & Water Conservation District and the County Extension Agency in the upcoming budget. Many citizens in Louisville, including myself, have benefitted greatly from educational resources from these agencies as we strive to be responsible stewards of our natural resources. I have learned how to tend my land to have more resources available to birds, bees, pollinators, and wildlife. I have learned how to improve my soil to allow for better water absorption to help keep water on my property instead of going down storm drains that are already near capacity. Growing native plants helps to cool our heat island, lower stress levels of people, and be a better steward of land for all living things around us. Louisvillians desperately need these agencies to keep educating us as our climate continues to experience increasing extremes.
    
    
26. As a resident of Jefferson County, I value our natural resources. The Mayor’s proposed budget left out critical funding for the Soil and Water Conservation District that would lead to it’s closure. I call on Metro Council to be an ally in defending our county’s natural resources by fully funding the Conservation District’s budget request of $219,000.
    
    
27. The Metro Council must fully fund the Soil and Water Conservation District and the County Extension Agency! Without conservation efforts we have nothing.
    
    
28. As a resident of Jefferson County, I value our natural resources. The Mayor’s proposed budget left out critical funding for the Soil and Water Conservation District that would lead to it’s closure. I call on Metro Council to be an ally in defending our county’s natural resources by fully funding the Conservation District’s budget request of $219,000.
    
    
29. As a resident of Jefferson County, I value our natural resources. The Mayor’s proposed budget left out critical funding for the Soil and Water Conservation District that would lead to it’s closure. I call on Metro Council to be an ally in defending our county’s natural resources by fully funding the Conservation District’s budget request of $219,000.
    
    
30. Budgetary resources should be turned towards our library employees (especially union employees) and towards the zoo for more family activities and supplies.
    
    
31. Dedicated library workers need raises. Inflation is ridiculous and only going to get worse. These are highly educated workers with professional schooling and should be treated with professional growth and cost of living increased should be a basic right/necessity.
    
    
32. Our Librarians are pillars of our community and provide vital education services for families and individuals. I understand that the budget is allowing for new library positions but a raise in wages for our existing dedicated librarians is vital.  Many of our Librarians are highly educated, constantly create community outreach/education and are constantly in more pursuit of education. Librarians also provide the most consistent avenue for family programming.  Education is not cheap, however, they still constantly pursue it. They deserve a more livable wage for all they do.

Thank you for the chance to be your voice at City Hall. With the 4th of July being next weekend, remember to stay safe and enjoy the fireworks. In the meantime, I hope to see you at a church picnic this weekend!

District 10 News

Led by Louisville Metro Government Office for Immigrant Affairs and Office of Strategic Initiatives, La Villa Lou is designed to celebrate and honor the Hispanic community in Louisville.

These efforts aim to foster inclusivity, enhance cultural appreciation, and build a vibrant community that recognizes and values the rich contributions of Hispanic residents. Click here to learn more about the initiative and their passport challenge.

During the Neighbor Meeting in April, Zoo staff provided information about project components and special features of the planned Commonwild at Kentucky Trails habitat.

The team shared construction would begin in May 2026 with land infrastructure, which would include a temporary closure of a small portion of the Jim King Trail to accommodate the installation of retention basins within the project.

Within the next week, a 125’ section of the Jim King Trail will be closed for up to 60 days once work begins. During this time, the Zoo’s perimeter fence will be realigned to include the retention
basins; and a small section of the path itself will shift slightly closer to Beargrass Creek.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Zoo folks. You can contact Assistant Director, External Relations, Kelly Grether, at (502) 238-5615.

Don't forget to get your tickets for the Wild Lights at the Zoo. Click here to purchase.

This image is a rendering of the future LNC!

Swallowtail Forest School provides students ages 3-5 individual attention with a 1:5 teacher-to-child ratio. Their half-day programs are entirely play-based and student-led, guided by caring teachers who encourage curiosity in the outdoors. Spots are filling up fast for next school year, so make sure to submit your application at this link today. 

This weekend is St. Martha's Church Picnic. Click here to learn more.

This weekend is Holy Family's Church Picnic. Click here for more information.

Louisville News

From now until July 9, all members of the community are encouraged to review the data center draft regulations put together by the Office of Planning and provide feedback. After July 9, Louisville Metro staff will evaluate public feedback, consider any necessary revisions, and determine next steps in the legislative process. Click here to learn more.

Next weekend, there are multiple America 250 events taking place around the city. Click here to check them out. 

Summer is underway at the Belle of Louisville. Click here for various events and cruise opportunities. Use code METRO for a 20% off local appreciation discount.

Thrive by 5 Louisville's Family Access Scholarships help eligible families afford quality child care and early learning by placing 225 3- and 4-year-olds, so parents can return to work, keep working, and children can get a strong start. Click here to learn more and apply.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7, connecting you with trained counselors who listen, offer support, and help keep you safe. Visit the 988 Lifeline if you or someone you know needs help. 

Solarize Louisville launched its fifth program on April 22, offering discounted, vetted solar installations for homeowners, small businesses, and non‑profits, including places of worship. Since its inception, the program has supported over 300 installations across Jefferson and surrounding counties, totaling 3.1 MW of rooftop solar—which has the generation equivalent of roughly 5% of Louisville Metro Government’s annual electricity use across operations.

Their next workshop is on July 9 at 6:30 PM at the Bon Air Public Library.

Register for the Planet Fitness Mayorthon series to save 10% off the price of all four registrations! Additionally, registrants who complete all four races will receive a special Mayor's Mayorthon Challenge Coin. If your schedule doesn't permit the full race series, you can register for the individual races! Click here to register and learn more.

Summer is Skeeter Season

Mosquito season is underway in Louisville. When temperatures rise above 50 degrees, mosquitoes become active, with peak season running from May through October. To learn more about mosquitos and who to contact if they are bad in your neighborhood, click here.

Metro Nights at Slugger Field

The Louisville Bats are once again delighted to host two Metro Council Community Nights of baseball this season. These two games are scheduled for Tuesday, August 11; and Wednesday, September 9. While supplies last, the offer will include free admission for a reserved seat at Louisville Slugger Field, and a voucher good for one free hot dog, and one free small soft drink. INDIVIDUALS/GROUPS of - 20 GUESTS: Click here for tickets. ORGANIZATIONS/GROUPS of 20+ GUESTS: Click here for tickets. The cutoff date for ticket requests for the August 11 date will be August 3 and September 1 for the September 9 game.

If you have any events you want added, let us know!

June 26 & 27: Holy Family Church picnic

June 26 & 27: St. Martha Church picnic

July 4: Independence Day

July 16-18: St. Agnes Church picnic

August 6: First day of school - JCPS

Thanks for reading!

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