Public Meetings - Louisville, Kentucky

The Louisville Metro Budget Committee held a special meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 3:05 PM to 4:21 PM to conduct a public hearing and vote on three fiscal year 2026-2027 budgets: the Greater Louisville Lodging Management District (GLLMD), Louisville Tourism, and the Transit Authority of River City (TARC). All three items were recommended for approval and sent to the consent calendar for the June 25 Metro Council meeting. Consent Calendar - O-162-26 (Louisville Tourism Budget): Approved unanimously (9-0) and sent to consent calendar. Enactment No. 101-2026. - O-163-26 (TARC Budget): Approved 7-0 (Kramer and Reno-Weber absent, Parrish-Wright excused) and sent to consent calendar. Enactment No. 102-2026. - R-044-26 (GLLMD Budget and Economic Improvement Plan): Approved by voice vote and sent to consent calendar. Enactment No. 041-2026. Public Comments & Testimony - The public hearing for the Greater Louisville Lodging Management District had no speakers. Discussion Items - Greater Louisville Lodging Management District (R-044-26): Eamon O'Brien, board chair of the Louisville Hotel Partnership, presented an approximately $8 million budget funded by a 1.5% assessment on hotel guests. He noted the competitive tourism landscape, citing the loss of Equip Expo to Orlando every other year. The majority ($7.1 million) goes to sales and marketing. The budget includes $400,000 for legacy groups (conventions with at least 30,000 attendees, 10+ years history, 10,000+ hotel room nights). Committee members discussed hotel occupancy (60% annual, meaning 40% empty), new hotel developments (e.g., Humana building, JW Marriott), and the potential of the city taking over management of the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) from the state. The committee expressed interest in exploring that option further. - Louisville Tourism Budget (O-162-26): Cleo Battle, President/CEO, presented a $31 million general fund (mostly from transient room tax) and a debt service fund ($20 million for KICC bonds). He highlighted record tourism years, new campaigns in Chicago and New York City, and the need for more direct flights at the airport and more hotel rooms (23,000 vs. Columbus’s 34,000). He cited the need for additional baseball diamonds and flat fields for youth sports. Committee Member Piagentini raised the possibility of city management of KICC; Battle said the topic has been discussed informally within the industry and he could provide more information if the Council pursued it. - TARC Budget (O-163-26): Ozzy Gibson, TARC Director, presented a $110.4 million budget. He reported $27 million in savings that pushed a projected fiscal cliff from FY30 to FY31. He focused on the high cost of TARC3 paratransit service: $47 per one-way trip (customer pays $4.50), with projections of $65–$70 per trip if rebid, potentially adding $7 million annually. He noted TARC has over 8,000 registered TARC3 users (3,200 regular) and has not enforced federal three-quarter-mile eligibility rules, costing $5–$7 million. He discussed exploring microtransit or Uber partnerships. Committee members praised Gibson’s fresh approach and emphasized the need to complete the network redesign (starting August 2, 2026) before seeking additional funding. Key Outcomes - All three budgets passed committee and will be considered by the full Metro Council on June 25, 2026. - Vice Chair Winkler was added as a co-sponsor to R-044-26. - No opposition was expressed to any of the budget items. - The committee did not take formal action on the suggestion to explore city management of KICC, but indicated openness to further discussion.

The Louisville Metro Council met on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 6:02 PM to 8:08 PM in Council Chambers with a hybrid attendance format. Council President Brent Ackerson (D-26) presided. Of the 26 members, 25 were present (Josie Raymond was excused); Councilmembers Kramer and Reed attended virtually. The meeting featured nine public speakers, a consent calendar approved 24-0, and a series of old business items culminating in the failure of the proposed "Safe Haven Law" and the passage of several zoning and neighborhood development fund (NDF) ordinances. Consent Calendar Approved by a vote of 24-0. Key items included: - O-148-26: Amending the FY 2025-2026 capital budget by transferring funds within the traffic calming project and adding project language. - R-052-26: Amending Council Rule 5A regarding the presiding officer at committee meetings and virtual attendance. - R-045-26: Authorizing the mayor to accept $59,357.92 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Summer Feeding Service Grant Program. - R-046-26: Honoring Rev. Dr. Leonard Ramsey by naming the corner of Dixie Highway and Gaulbert Avenue as "Rev. Dr. Leonard Ramsey Way." - Multiple appointments and reappointments to the Bardstown Road Overlay District Board, Civilian Review & Accountability Board, Human Relations Commission, and Jefferson County Extension Board. - R-057-26: Authorizing the mayor to accept $265,000 from the USTA for reconstruction of ten tennis courts at Seneca Park. - O-145-26: Amending LMCO Section 42.41 to set green fees at Louisville Metro Golf Courses. - R-051-26: Authorizing the mayor to accept $19,942.31 from the DOJ through the IACP grant program for LMPD. Public Comments & Testimony Nine residents addressed the Council. The majority spoke on two topics: - Safe Haven Law (O-075-26): Joe Bramer and Ryan Fullerton opposed the ordinance, arguing it would violate state/federal law, harm children, and endanger women. Catherine Blackard and Tyler Rooney supported it, citing the need for protections amid rising anti-trans legislation and urging the Council to uphold civil rights. Evan Calvin also spoke in opposition, emphasizing the two-gender reality. - Massage Facility Ordinance: Donna Martin, Samantha Davis, and Gabriel Vela (all licensed massage therapists) urged the Council to exempt solo practitioners, arguing the ordinance would burden legitimate businesses without effectively targeting human trafficking. - Other: Emmett Valentine of SOS requested $100,000 in the FY 2026-2027 budget to continue medical supply reuse, noting a surge in need (42 requests in 11 days in June). Discussion Items Safe Haven Law (O-075-26) - Failed Primary sponsor JP Lyninger (D-6) introduced an amendment by substitution to add definitions, a bias-motivated incident documentation section, advocate protections, and procurement compliance. The amendment failed 11-13-1 (Councilmember Winkler present). The main motion then failed 2-21-2 (Lyninger and Parrish-Wright yes; Hawkins and Chappell present). Councilmember Seum noted the unfavorable committee recommendation (6-1). Lyninger defended the grassroots organizing of trans residents and pledged to continue fighting. Piagentini argued the Fairness Ordinance already provides sufficient protections and that the ordinance would violate state law. Parrish-Wright supported the measure, stating that existing protections are inadequate. Hawkins cautioned against impugning motives. Zoning: 3827 Poplar Level Road (O-127-26) - Passed 25-0 Councilmember Owen presented the rezoning of a 0.22-acre lot in District 10 to split a single-family home into a duplex (three total units). Councilwoman Raymond supported via Owen. Zoning: 1901 R Payne Street (O-137-26) - Passed 20-5 Owen explained the downzoning from heavy industrial (M2) to light industrial after two fatal explosions at the Givaudan site. Batshon opposed, warning of a precedent that would create a developer loophole and undermine the zoning process. Lyninger supported, citing the need to protect public safety and address environmental racism. Reed and Herndon supported due to the uniqueness of the situation. Detailed District Development Plan: 9718 Dixie Highway / 5308 Citation Road (O-138-26) - Passed 25-0 A revised plan for a Chick-fil-A development in District 14, unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission. A typographical error ("Taylorsville" instead of "Citation") was corrected by amendment. TIF Amendment: 700 E Main Street (O-144-26) - Passed 24-1 Councilmember Reno-Weber described a $275 million mixed-use project adding 340 multifamily units (10% affordable at 80% AMI), a 214-room hotel, and a public parking garage. Lyninger voted no. NDF: Louisville Tool Library (O-107-26) - Passed 25-0 (amended to $8,967) Lyninger presented; additional funds added from Districts 1, 8, 9, 15, 20, and 21. NDF: Bard's Town Theatre (O-114-26) - Passed 24-0 with 1 abstention (Batshon) (amended to $6,500) Lyninger presented; additional funds from Districts 8, 9, and 15. NDF: Crescent Hill 4th of July Festival (O-132-26) - Passed 25-0 (amended to $5,250) Owen presented; additional funds from Districts 8, 12, 13, and 24. NDF: Prominent Youth of America Summer Program (O-139-26) - Passed 25-0 (amended to $7,000) Lyninger presented; additional funds from Districts 14 and 21. Administrative Search Warrants (O-047-26) - Passed 25-0 Councilmember Seum and Robbie Howard (County Attorney's Office) described the ordinance as creating a framework for issuing administrative search warrants, previously lacking a legal basis. Key Outcomes - Safe Haven Law (O-075-26) Failed: An amendment failed 11-13-1; the main motion failed 2-21-2. Councilmember Lyninger committed to continued advocacy. - Zoning Changes Approved: O-127-26 (25-0), O-137-26 (20-5), and O-138-26 (25-0) passed, including the controversial downzoning of the Givaudan site. - TIF Amendment Approved: O-144-26 passed 24-1. - Neighborhood Development Funds: Four NDF ordinances were amended to increase total funding and passed unanimously or nearly unanimously. - Administrative Search Warrants Ordinance Passed: O-047-26 passed 25-0. - New Business Assigned to Committees: Items 57-90 received a first reading and were assigned to the appropriate committees. No votes were taken on these items. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

The Committee on Committees met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 4:05 PM in Council Chambers, adjourning at 4:22 PM. Council President Brent Ackerson (D-26) presided. The committee assigned newly filed legislation to standing committees, voted on a resolution to clarify presiding officer rules for virtual meetings, and received a special discussion on the comprehensive review of Title III of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances. A quorum was present.

The Louisville Metro Parks and Sustainability Committee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers and via video teleconference, with Chair Khalil Batshon (R-25) presiding. The meeting was called to order at 3:03 p.m. and adjourned at 4:01 p.m. Six committee members were present: Chair Batshon, Vice Chair Paula McCraney (I-7), Crystal Bast (R-14), Jennifer Chappell (D-15) (attending virtually), Anthony Piagentini (R-19), and Betsy Ruhe (D-21). Non-committee members Donna Purvis (D-5) and JP Lyninger (D-6) also attended. The committee received two special presentations, recommended approval of two pieces of legislation, and held two items in committee. Special Discussion: Partnership for a Green City Sustainability Achievements - Brent Fryrear, representative of the Partnership for a Green City, presented the organization's sustainability accomplishments. The partnership includes Louisville Metro, the University of Louisville, Jefferson County Public Schools, and Jefferson Community and Technical College, operating since 2004 with a maximum contribution of $31,000 per partner per year (totaling $124,000 annually). - Reported outcomes since 2005 include over $16 million in savings through coordinated purchasing, avoidance of 528 million kilowatt hours of energy use, diversion of nearly 7 billion pounds of recyclables, and 15 million pounds of compostables from landfills. - Fryrear noted the partnership's sustainability education pipeline spans kindergarten through doctoral programs, and that Council Member Ruhe was the first graduate of the interdisciplinary master's in sustainability program at U of L. - Committee Member Piagentini asked about residential solar economics, noting he could not make the break-even analysis work for his own home; Fryrear acknowledged challenges including energy costs, grid interconnection with Louisville Gas & Electric, and policy uncertainty, while mentioning the Mayor's Office of Sustainability's "Solarized Louisville" program. - Committee Member Ruhe asked how the partnership could become more prominent; Fryrear mentioned plans for an AI and environmental impacts committee, a potential TV presence, and a newsletter. He then presented Ruhe with a Sustainability Champion award made of bamboo and recyclable metal. Special Discussion: Olmsted Parks Conservancy Current Work and Future Projects - Mary Grissom, President and CEO of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, presented on the Conservancy's history, operations, and projects. The Conservancy, formed in 1989 under Mayor Abramson, partners with Louisville Parks and Recreation to maintain 17 original Olmsted parks and six parkways totaling over 2,000 acres, with more than 2.5 million visitors per year. - Grissom described Louisville's Olmsted system as one of only four complete Olmsted park systems in the world and the most fully realized, with parks including Shawnee (298 acres), Cherokee (389 acres), and Iroquois (over 700 acres). She emphasized the system's status as the only one in America with a park (Chickasaw) specifically designed by the Olmsted firm for Black Americans. - Recent and upcoming projects include the 2025 opening of the Campbell Overlook in Cherokee Park, restoration of the Central Park pergola, a $5 million gift announced last fall for full restoration of Chickasaw Park, restoration of the Galbert Pavilion at Big Rock, a new Iroquois Park playground (with plans expected to be released early the week following the meeting), and the Bingham Park master plan implementation, which Grissom asked the committee to keep in the budget. - Committee Member Ruhe shared a personal story about Iroquois Park and asked about the Conservancy's role in golf-related improvements; Grissom responded that the Conservancy sees itself as a partner supporting the underlying land of golf courses and cited First Tee's investments at Shawnee. - Committee Member Chappell asked about the Louisville Metro-Olmsted Parks Conservancy MOU. Grissom explained it is a 2012 agreement under which the matching requirement is interpreted across the entire Olmsted Park system rather than dollar-for-dollar on every project, requires project-specific agreements for co-investments, allows the Conservancy to act as owner's agent, and requires Metro to consult the Conservancy on master plans and design decisions. - Committee Member Piagentini expressed appreciation for the partnership but noted that historically Olmsted parks received a large share of city capital funding while some parks outside the system, such as Long Run Park, received little to no city funding until recently. He urged continuing to balance funding based on need. Grissom responded that the Conservancy advocates for the entire park system and hopes its model can inspire other park partnerships. - Council Member Lyninger expressed gratitude for the three Olmsted parks in District 6 and acknowledged that some Olmsted parks have not seen investment in 20 years due to location, highlighting the deferred maintenance challenge across the city. Pending Legislation: Foraging Ordinance (O-108-26) - The ordinance, sponsored by Council Member JP Lyninger (D-6), would amend LMCO Section 42.31 to permit foraging of certain plant material in Louisville Metro Parks. - This item was held in committee without discussion or a vote. Pending Legislation: Golf Course Green Fees (O-145-26) - Committee Member Piagentini, a primary sponsor, explained the ordinance amends LMCO Section 42.41 to implement dynamic pricing at Metro golf courses, last adjusted in 2020. Key changes include removing base rate charts from the ordinance, requiring the Parks and Recreation director to publish and maintain an annual green fee rate sheet on the department's website, allowing annual fee increases without Metro Council approval by the greater of $1 or the CPI-based amount (in $1 increments), eliminating the mandatory $5 booking fee, and adding authority for golf pros to establish policies for missed tee times. - Piagentini noted the seven-day pass fee increases from $375 to $500 and stated that proposed baseline rates are not even at the level that would have resulted from keeping pace with the Consumer Price Index. He described the ordinance as part of ongoing improvements to golf course conditions, including the recent hiring of a dedicated agronomist. - Michelle King, Executive Director of Louisville Parks and Recreation, expressed support, stating fee changes are needed because the costs of materials, supplies, and labor have risen since 2020. - Committee Member Ruhe asked how golfers would learn dynamic pricing; King responded that prices are updated on the website where tee times are booked and at clubhouses, and that rates are locked in at the time of booking. - A motion by Committee Member Piagentini, seconded by Committee Member Ruhe, was approved with 5 yes votes (Batshon, McCraney, Bast, Piagentini, Ruhe), and Committee Member Chappell recorded as present. The ordinance was sent to Old Business. Pending Legislation: USTA Tennis Court Grant (R-057-26) - Jason Canuel, Director of Louisville Parks and Recreation, presented the resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept $265,000 from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for reconstruction of ten tennis courts at Seneca Park, funded through USTA National, USTA Southern, and the local USTA district. - Canuel stated the Seneca Park courts are the second-largest bank of tennis courts in the system and are heavily overplayed, making the renovation project important. - A motion by Committee Member Piagentini, seconded by Committee Member Bast, carried by voice vote, and the resolution was sent to the Consent Calendar. Pending Legislation: Urban Forest Master Plan Resolution (R-142-25) - The resolution, sponsored by Committee Member Jennifer Chappell (D-15) with additional sponsors, urges implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan strategies and actions to ensure Louisville's tree canopy is resilient, protected, and sustainable. - The item was held in committee because the financial impact statement was not available. Key Outcomes - O-145-26 (golf green fees) recommended for approval by a 5-0-1 vote (Chappell present), sent to Old Business. - R-057-26 (USTA Seneca Park tennis court grant) recommended for approval by voice vote, sent to the Consent Calendar. - O-108-26 (foraging) held in committee; no timeline for further action stated. - R-142-25 (Urban Forest Master Plan resolution) held in committee pending the financial impact statement. - Items sent to the Consent Calendar or Old Business will be heard before the full Metro Council on June 11, 2026.

This meeting of the Louisville Metro Budget Committee, held on June 4, 2026, at 4:51 PM, focused on the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget for Metro Technology Services (MTS). The hearing was the last of the department budget hearings. Committee Member Anthony Piagentini (R-19) chaired the meeting in the absence of Chair Kevin Kramer and Vice Chair Markus Winkler, who later joined virtually. Seven committee members were present. The meeting adjourned at 5:27 PM. Discussion Items - ADA Compliance Analysis and Remediation (Project 58): Executive Director Chris Seidt reported that the first year was spent assessing digital systems and that contracted resources are now remediating PDFs, color patterns, and other elements. The U.S. Department of Justice extended the compliance deadline from April 2026 to April 2027. The budget includes $400,000 for ongoing work. Seidt noted that decentralized content management may require further funding to prevent future non-compliance. - Contractual Services Increase: Councilmember Piagentini queried a 31% increase in contractual services from $15 million (FY 2025 actuals) to $20.5 million (proposed). Seidt attributed $1.8 million to AI investments approved last year, increases in SaaS subscriptions, and contracted ADA remediation staff. He explained that the AI budget supports longer service hours (e.g., 311) without adding headcount. - AI Investments and ROI: Councilmember Piagentini and Vice Chair Winkler discussed how AI could bend the curve on personnel growth. Seidt highlighted a pilot using GenAI to allow 311 to operate 24/7, reducing hold times. Councilmember Chappell expressed caution about overinvestment, noting that some companies are scaling back AI. She requested a breakdown of the CRM budget ($3 million) and details on specific products. Vice Chair Winkler asked for a concrete AI action plan with measurable ROI by next June. Seidt agreed to provide a dashboard of pilot results. - Cybersecurity: Councilmember Parker asked about the $1 million cybersecurity budget. Seidt stated that AI-driven threats (e.g., using tools like Claude’s “Mythos”) require AI-based defenses, and the current investment is a bare minimum. He noted that security services spending decreased from $1.4 million to $102,000 because contract cybersecurity staff are being converted to full-time employees, yielding savings. - CRM Replacement: Councilmember Chappell asked about the replacement of the CELA system. Seidt clarified that the $3 million is for a new front-end resident interface, while CELA remains the back-end system of record. He also noted that the website platform has not been significantly updated since 2014, and a centralized content team is not in this budget but could be considered after the CRM project. - Data Center Enhancements and Refresh: Councilmember Chappell asked about the $3 million capital request for data center upgrades, clarifying that it is not a new facility. Seidt stated that the equipment, installed in 2009, is past its service life and supports critical systems including 911. He indicated that an additional $4–6 million may be needed next year to complete the work. - Staffing and Peer Comparison: Councilmember Parrish-Wright asked about staff size and salaries. Seidt reported 82 personnel, with entry-level help desk pay at $57,000–$58,000 and his own salary at $190,000. The department has one vacancy. Councilmember Chappell referenced a budget comparison with Columbus, Nashville, and Lexington, noting that Louisville runs very lean on IT staffing. Seidt confirmed that MTS supports over 40 agencies with roughly two IT staff per department. - AI-Generated Questions Demonstration: Chair Piagentini displayed AI-generated questions based on prior transcripts and the proposed budget. The questions accurately predicted what members would ask, including queries about equity, vendor dependence, and operating risks. The demonstration was used to illustrate the tool’s potential for council preparation. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the hearing. - Vice Chair Winkler requested that Metro Technology Services provide a detailed AI action plan with specific projects and ROI metrics by the next budget cycle. - Councilmember Piagentini asked MTS to identify any surplus funds from previously approved capital projects that could offset borrowing for the data center upgrades. - The committee accepted the testimony and information provided by Executive Director Chris Seidt for further consideration in the budget process.

The Budget Committee of the Louisville Metro Council met on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 4:31 PM in Council Chambers with a virtual option. Committee Member Anthony Piagentini called the meeting to order and facilitated in the absence of Chair Kevin Kramer. Eight members were present, two excused. The committee considered two items on the agenda. Discussion Items - O-148-26: An ordinance to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Budget by transferring funds within the Traffic Calming Project and adding language. Sponsored by Councilman Kramer, with additional co-sponsors Vice Chair Winkler and Councilwoman Parrish-Wright. Wes Sydnor, Executive Director of Public Works, explained that the ordinance adjusts budgets for three of 18 council-directed traffic calming projects, reallocating surplus from under-budget projects to those needing additional funding. It also identifies a specific project in District 3 (Arcade Avenue) for restriping and other improvements. Added language (inserted by Council Financial Analyst Stenberg) allows remaining funds after a project is complete to be used on other listed projects. - R-044-26: A resolution approving the Budget and Economic Improvement Plan for the Greater Louisville Lodging Management District (dba Louisville Hotel Partnership) for the period July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. This item was held in committee without discussion or vote. Key Outcomes - O-148-26 was recommended for approval by a unanimous vote (8-0) and sent to the full Metro Council's Consent Calendar. The ordinance is now Enactment No. 086-2026. - R-044-26 was held in committee; no action taken. - The meeting was adjourned at 4:39 PM.

The Louisville Metro Appropriations Committee met on June 3, 2026, at 3:03 PM in Council Chambers with a virtual option. Chair Jonathan "JJ" Joseph presided. All seven committee members were present (Vice Chair Marilyn Parker attended virtually). The committee considered 14 funding appropriation items, including capital infrastructure funds, neighborhood development funds, and ordinances. All items were approved unanimously, with several ordinances amended to increase funding amounts and sent to the full Metro Council for consideration. Consent Calendar - Item 1: Approved $2,500 from District 3 Neighborhood Development Funds to More Than a Smile Foundation for a gold sponsorship at the Mini Soccer Tournament on June 20, 2026. (Voice vote) - Item 2: Approved $14,318 from District 3 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for milling and paving at Old Millers Lane and Millers Lane. (Voice vote) - Item 4: Approved $318 from District 9 Neighborhood Development Funds to Metro Parks for portable restrooms at the Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep event on July 25, 2026. (Voice vote) - Item 5: Approved $5,000 from District 19 Neighborhood Development Funds to Louisville Zoo for a large lantern sponsorship at Wild Lights at the Zoo event (May 15 – July 26, 2026). Initially withdrawn, later approved by voice vote. - Item 6: Approved $657.20 from District 26 Neighborhood Development Funds to Sermersheim Landscape Company for reinstallation of the Highgate Springs neighborhood sign. (Voice vote) - Item 7: Approved $7,342.01 from District 26 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for a new sidewalk at Breckenridge Lane and Taylorsville Road, supplemental to Ordinance 052-2026. (Voice vote) - Item 11: Approved $62,960 from District 6 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for speed humps and signage on multiple streets. (Voice vote) - Item 12: Approved $188 from District 6 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for an honorary street sign for Dr. Leonard A. Ramsey at West Gaulbert Avenue and Dixie Highway. (Voice vote) - Item 13: Approved $1,066 from District 13 Neighborhood Development Funds to Metro Parks for extended hours at Fairdale Pool for two family night events on June 26 and July 17, 2026. (Voice vote) - Item 14: Approved $39,986 from District 13 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for a leaf sculpture as centerpiece of the Fairdale Roundabout Beautification Project. (Voice vote) Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were made. Only legislative assistants and council members spoke to the items. Discussion Items - Item 3 (O-132-26): Ordinance appropriating $5,250 from multiple districts (originally $4,000) to Crescent Hill Community Council for the 2026 Fourth of July Festival. Regina Garr (District 9 administrative assistant) spoke in support. Approved by roll call (7-0) and sent to old business. - Item 8 (O-107-26): Ordinance appropriating $8,967 from multiple districts (originally $5,000) to Louisville Tool Library for rent and utilities. Council Member Lyninger spoke, noting the tool library's community programs and expressed interest in additional funding. Approved by roll call (7-0) and sent to old business. - Item 9 (O-114-26): Ordinance appropriating $6,500 from multiple districts (originally $5,000) to Bard’s Town Theatre for new works and production program. Council Member Lyninger spoke about the theatre's relocation to District 6 and nonprofit status. Approved by roll call (7-0) and sent to old business. - Item 10 (O-139-26): Ordinance appropriating $7,000 from multiple districts (originally $6,000) to Prominent Youth of America for Jackson Woods summer program (June 22 – July 31, 2026). Council Member Lyninger spoke, noting potential for additional contributions. Approved by roll call (7-0) and sent to old business. Key Outcomes - All 14 items were approved unanimously. - Items 3, 8, 9, and 10 were ordinances amended to increase funding and will be considered by the full Metro Council on June 11, 2026. - The committee adjourned at 3:21 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

A brief meeting of the Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health, and Education Committee was held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 1:34 p.m. to 1:39 p.m. in Council Chambers/Virtual. Chair Barbara Shanklin presided over two consent agenda items: a summer feeding service grant and an honorary street naming. Both resolutions were unanimously approved and sent to the Metro Council Consent Calendar. Consent Calendar - R-045-26: A resolution authorizing acceptance of $59,357.92 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the Kentucky Department of Public Health for the Summer Feeding Service Grant Program, administered by the Department of Public Health and Wellness. Funds will cover food safety inspection costs, inspector mileage, computer hardware, and uniforms. Motion by Council Member Dan Seum Jr., seconded by Council Member JP Lyninger; approved by voice vote (Resolution No. 037-2026). - R-046-26: A resolution honoring Rev. Dr. Leonard Ramsey by naming the corner of Dixie Highway and Gaulbert Avenue as “Rev. Dr. Leonard Ramsey Way.” Motion by Council Member Seum, seconded by Council Member Lyninger; approved by voice vote (Resolution No. 038-2026). Public Comments & Testimony - Sierra Warren, Epidemic Administrator in the Environmental Health Division at Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, presented R-045-26, explaining grant-funded activities and answering questions about feeding locations (schools, parks, churches) for families with children under 18. She noted the list for summer 2026 was released the previous day. - Council Member Lyninger spoke in support of R-046-26, highlighting Rev. Dr. Leonard Ramsey’s civil rights leadership, pastorship, and community service, and noting an upcoming church celebration. Discussion Items - Council Member Dan Seum Jr. asked about feeding locations in South Louisville; Sierra Warren offered to provide the online list. - Chair Shanklin confirmed the church location near Dixie and Gaulbert and expressed support for the street naming. Key Outcomes - Both resolutions (R-045-26 and R-046-26) were recommended for approval and placed on the Consent Calendar for the Metro Council meeting on June 11, 2026. Voting was unanimous by voice vote (quorum present: Chair Barbara Shanklin, Council Members Tammy Hawkins, JP Lyninger, Dan Seum Jr., Marilyn Parker; Vice Chair Stuart Benson excused). - No further business; meeting adjourned at 1:39 p.m.

The Louisville Metro Public Safety Committee met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers with virtual attendance options. Chair Dan Seum Jr. (R-13) presided. Eight committee members were present, with two excused (Andrew Owen and Scott Reed). The meeting lasted one hour and covered four agenda items, including one resolution, two ordinances, and one postponed item. Consent Calendar - R-051-26: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept $19,942.31 from the U.S. Department of Justice through the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) grant program for the Louisville Metro Police Department's Victim Services Unit. Chief Corey Robinson explained the funds will expand community outreach and professional development for victim services personnel. The resolution passed by voice vote and was sent to the Consent Calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - O-075-26 (Safe Haven Law): Council member JP Lyninger (D-6), primary sponsor, expressed full support, stating the ordinance affirms protections for transgender residents. He noted that 35 local businesses and 3,262 individuals signed in support, while about 100 individuals opposed. Liz Hardin (District 24) argued for leadership and against capitulation to state-level bullies. Madelyn Spalding urged passage to send a message of safety for LGBTQ+ youth. - Opposing speakers included: - Jaz Williams (Kentucky Health Justice Network) expressed concerns that the ordinance lacks research, defined terms, and enforcement mechanisms, and that black and brown trans voices were excluded from the process. - Dr. Bobbie Glass (Fairness Education Fund) stated the coalition supports protections but has concerns the current proposal is not the most effective or broadly supported. - Dr. Alden Jones (trans scholar) criticized the process for not centering marginalized voices and for lacking material benefits for trans people. - A letter of opposition was submitted from the ACLU of Kentucky, Fairness Campaign, and other organizations. - Committee member Shameka Parrish-Wright (D-3), co-sponsor, spoke in favor, stating the legislation responds to constituents' requests and represents a chance to improve protections. - Committee member Markus Winkler (D-17) opposed, arguing the ordinance risks retaliation from the state legislature that could undermine existing protections like the Fairness Ordinance, and that the vote's likely failure would harm trans individuals seeing headlines of rejection. - Committee member Ginny Mulvey-Woolridge (R-24) stated she cannot support the ordinance as written, noting it does not meet everyone's needs. Discussion Items - O-047-26 (Administrative Search Warrants): Jeff O'Brien, Executive Director of Economic Development, presented an ordinance creating a formal process for obtaining administrative search warrants to enforce Metro Code violations (e.g., illegal auto junkyards, vacant abandoned properties, illegal smoke shops, massage parlors). An amendment by substitution was offered that added requirements: an agency director must approve the application, and the application must detail prior notice or explain why no notice was given. - Committee member Parrish-Wright raised concerns about asset forfeiture, judge selection, documentation, and protection against theft accusations. Christian Garrison (County Attorney's Office) confirmed warrants go through the Administrative Office of the Courts, preventing judge-shopping. - Vice Chair Tammy Hawkins (D-1) questioned whether contact with property owners is required, expressing concern about complaints being used to target properties in the West End. Deputy Mayor Nicole George noted the process formalizes existing practices and incentivizes compliance. O'Brien clarified the goal is compliance, not property seizure, and that foreclosure is a separate, lengthy process. - The amendment passed by voice vote. The amended ordinance then passed unanimously (8-0) on a roll call vote and was sent to Old Business. - O-280-25 (Late-Night Business Security): This item remained postponed in committee per the sponsor's request. Key Outcomes - R-051-26: Approved via voice vote, sent to Consent Calendar for the June 11, 2026 Metro Council meeting. - O-075-26: Motion to recommend approval failed 1-6-1 (Parrish-Wright yes; Seum, Joseph, Winkler, Ruhe, Bratcher, Mulvey-Woolridge no; Hawkins present). Sent to Old Business with an unfavorable recommendation. A technical correction was noted: the title incorrectly cites section 39.405, which does not exist. - O-047-26: Amendment adopted, then ordinance passed 8-0, sent to Old Business. - O-280-25: Remained postponed. - The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.