Louisville Metro Appropriations Committee Meeting - November 4, 2026

The Louisville Metro Appropriations Committee, chaired by Councilman Jonathan "JJ" Joseph (R-12), met on November 4, 2026, at 3:05 PM (the agenda had listed a 3:00 PM start time) to consider 20 appropriations from Neighborhood Development Funds (NDF) and Capital Infrastructure Funds (CIF). All items on the agenda received committee approval, with several requiring roll call votes for addition to the consent calendar, and others passing via voice vote. The committee action forwarded the legislation to the full Metro Council.

Consent Calendar

The following items were added to the consent calendar after passing by roll call vote:

• O-300-26 (D1, A-One All Stars/Pumpkins in the Park, $8,600) – 6-0
• O-303-26 (D8, Bardstown Road Lights/ABC, $25,730) – 6-0
• O-309-26 (D9, Grinstead Drive Beautification, $5,990) – 7-0
• O-159-26 (D10, Petersburg Estates LED Lights, $8,840) – 7-0
• O-304-26 (D10, Clarks Lane Public Mural, $9,000) – 7-0

Discussion Items

• Highlands Community Ministries (O-312-26): Councilman Ken Herndon (D-4) spoke in support of the $2,500 appropriation for the Individual Family Assistance Program (eviction fund), urging other council members to contribute as the organization was seeking $15,000. Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2) expressed confusion over district eligibility, and ultimately stated she would not contribute since her district would not directly receive the services, saying, "If I don't get nothing out of it, I ain't giving it."
• Bardstown Road Street Takeovers (O-303-26): Betsy Foster, legislative assistant for Councilman Ben Reno-Weber (D-8), explained the $25,730 appropriation to the Alcohol Beverage Control Division was for emergency measures—mobile lights and sign boards—to deter street takeovers during the summer.
• Sidewalk and Loop Repairs (Items 11 & 12): Councilman Kevin Kramer (R-11) detailed a proactive approach to sidewalk repair ($21,356.12) and noted the $7,500 item for the Louisville Loop was to repair electrical conduit damaged during construction.
• Nativity Academy Auction (Item 6): Councilman Ken Herndon (D-4) proposed a $500 amendment. Clerk Sonia Harward advised that the event was the following day and the appropriation structure did not allow for the change; the request was withdrawn.
• First Hour Grief (O-313-26): Chair Joseph described the organization's work supporting individuals immediately after traumatic incidents. An amendment by Councilman Dan Seum Jr. (R-13) to add $500 was unanimously adopted, bringing the total to $3,000.
• Prisoner's Hope (Item 20): Councilman Dan Seum Jr. (R-13) expressed strong support for the safe reentry program, stating the organization "needs about $2,500 more on the ask." An amendment adding $500 from District 4 was adopted, totaling $3,000.
• South End Movie Nights (Item 13): Councilwoman Crystal Bast (R-14) acknowledged the submission was late but requested support for the $5,000 appropriation for event setup costs.
• Speed Humps (Item 15): Steve Goodman, legislative assistant for Councilman Khalil Batshon (R-25), noted the importance of the six speed humps and associated signage on Grafton Hall Road to address speeding.

Key Outcomes

All 20 items on the agenda were approved by the committee, with the votes and amendments noted above. The following items were passed by voice vote or advanced to old business:

• CIF110426PW03 (D3, Manslick Road Fence Repair, $3,649.19)
• O-312-26 (Highlands Community Ministries, $2,500)
• NDF110426MUWm (Metro United Way, Bikes or Bust/Boxes of Love, $5,000)
• CONDF110426NASB08 (Nativity Academy Auction, $1,500)
• CIF110426PW09 (D9, Honorary Street Signs, $564)
• NDF110426VSCCm (South End Movie Nights, $5,000)
• CONDF110426DFSm (Dress for Success Louisville, $1,000)
• CIF110426PW25 (D25, Grafton Hall Road Speed Humps, $24,256)
• NDF110426OLNC06 (Old Louisville Strategic Plan, $5,000)
• NDF110426LNA06 (Limerick Community Garden Equipment, $757)
• O-313-26 (First Hour Grief, amended to $3,000)
• NDF110426LMPDm (LMPD Shop with a Cop, $3,000)
• NDF110426PHm (Prisoner's Hope, amended to $3,000)
• CIF110426PW11 & CIF110426PW11a (D11, Sidewalks & Loop Electrical Repairs, $28,856.12)

The Chair reminded members that the schedule for the next committee meeting might be adjusted due to the National League of Cities conference.