Saturday December 6, 2025
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Photo: Louisville Metro Council
It is a unique event designed to spotlight up and coming talent of Louisville’s young people in all areas of the arts while encouraging opportunities for a better future.
Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5) and the Yearlings Club have joined together to present “Louisville Has Talent and Opportunity” Showcase to the community on Saturday, February 10th at the Kentucky African American Heritage Center.
“As a way to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month, this will be a great event to showcase the talents of our young people and encourage them to continue pursuing their dreams,” says Hamilton. “Our goal is to bring together many different groups and agencies to show young people what opportunities lie ahead in various fields from the arts, education and business areas.”
In one area of the Heritage Center, the event will showcase young people in a variety of arts ranging from Rhythm & Blues music to Gospel, Stand Up Comedy to Poetry and Dance, a variety of arts beginning at 1:00pm.
“This is an opportunity and example to go in a different direction for some and a continued enhanced direction for others,” says Mike Roberson of the Yearlings Club. “So come out Feb 10th and bring a young person with you.”
Beginning at 10:00am, the Heritage Center will also host Opportunity Vendors such as the University of Louisville, Simmons College of KY, the Kentucky Youth Career Center (a division of JCPS), the Louisville Urban League, the Metropolitan Sewer District, the Louisville division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Edwards Jones Internship program.
The event will bring a host of local businesses, organizations and activities like Voter Registration, the Metro United Way and the Better Business Bureau to provide additional information on each groups program.
The Kentucky African American Heritage Center is located at 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Admission to the “Louisville Has Talent and Opportunity” Showcase is free and will run from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
For more information contact: Councilwoman Hamilton’s office at 574-1105.
Photo: Vacant and Public Property Administration
The Metro Council’s Community Affairs and Housing Committee has announced the first in a series of meetings to update Louisville’s progress in dealing with vacant and abandoned property in Metro Louisville.
“This year the committee will invite the community to come out and ask questions on the various programs recently announced last fall by the mayor,” says Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2), who chairs the committee.
The first meeting is set for Monday, February 12th beginning at 1:30pm at the Shawnee Golf Course Clubhouse, 460 Northwestern Parkway.
The committee is encouraging the public to come out and meet with staff from Metro Louisville’s Vacant and Public Property Administration. The office has recently implemented new programs designed to help with the purchase of abandoned property along with helping improve the appearance of vacant buildings in neighborhoods with problems properties.
“Last year, the Metro Council approved funding for a clearboarding program. We have also increased the funding to demolish unsightly buildings on neighborhood streets,” says Shanklin. “Metro Government working through the Landbank has intensified efforts to help anyone purchase property. This meeting is an opportunity to be updated on where we are and how the community can get involved.”
Councilwoman Shanklin says this series of meetings will offer the community a chance to learn more about what’s going on and will be held in multiple locations in the coming months.
For more information about the various programs on Vacant and Public Properties, go to: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/vacant-public-property-administration.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Following the end of her third term this December and after careful deliberation, Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15) has decided not to seek re-election to the Louisville Metro Council.
“I am honored to have served the residents of District 15 and Metro Louisville for the past eleven plus years. I have taken my responsibility seriously and worked tirelessly to help make this community stronger, more resilient and provide opportunity for growth to its residents, non-profits and businesses,” Butler said. “I thoroughly enjoy helping people – some even say that public service is in my DNA. This decision was not made lightly and my hope is for the people to elect someone who will carry their torch as enthusiastically as I have.”
Butler learned public service from her father, Denver Butler who was a former Alderman and State Representative. She began her public service career as Administrative Assistant to then-Jefferson County Commissioner Darryl T. Owens.
During her tenure on Metro Council, Butler has chaired the committees on Budget, Labor and Economic Development, and Contracts. She has been active with the National League of Cities (NLC) and, and for several years, served on its Federal Advisory Committee for Community and Economic Development.
Notable ordinances Councilwoman Butler sponsored include:
- Updating the code allowing Metro Louisville to impound a vehicle used in the act of illegal dumping and to prosecute those responsible with photographic evidence.
- Created a new section of code developing Rental Registry for rental properties. This free registry requires a contact name and phone number for the property as well as a physical address for the owner no longer allowing owners to hide behind a LLC name and a PO Box.
- Required posting an application for a liquor license on the property where liquor is to be sold or served. This ordinance allowed neighbors to be aware of the license request and actively take part in the process.
Notable community/neighborhood initiatives Councilwoman Butler spearheaded:
- Completed three corridor studies, two neighborhood plans and one park master plan
- Lead the effort for the redevelopment of the Old Jacob School into 68 senior apartments – a $12 million project
- Began free movie nights at Iroquois Amphitheater
- First to offer curbside pickup of debris after the 2009 rain deluge left nearly 75% of District 15 under water
- Helped Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital obtain a grant to expand their Emergency Department
- Helped Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital obtain a grant to build a mechanical building
- Held Narcan training classes, offering not only instructions on how to administer it, but educating family members on the signs of drug use and offering pamphlets with resources
- Led the charge for funding the Healing Place capital program to increase the number of open beds for detox
- Installed splash pads at Wyandotte and Huston Quin parks
- Redevelopment of the Northern Overlook at Iroquois Park
“While we have accomplished much, there is much yet to accomplish,” Butler added. “Whether I am a member of the Metro Council or a resident of District 15 – I want what is best for our community so our future residents and children can reach their full potential.”
Mayor Greg Fischer and Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith joined the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (LAHTF) as it celebrated a ribbon cutting and open house at its first major project.
“Housing is a basic need for all people in our city and I want to thank the partnership of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and YMCA of Greater Louisville for preserving these 41 units at the Chestnut Street YMCA,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “Over the last two years, the city is proud to have made an unprecedented investment of almost $30 million in affordable housing. I look forward to celebrating more groundbreaking and ribbon cuttings of affordable housing opportunities across the city.”
The LAHTF provided $477,000 in forgivable funds to the YMCA for major deferred maintenance repairs for its 41-unit permanent supported housing program. The program is the only such program in the city that provides housing for men moving towards self-sufficiency.
“This is a great day for affordable housing in Louisville,” proclaimed Councilwoman Sexton Smith. “The renovation of these apartments was very much needed and thanks to the collaboration and leadership of so many people, it a reality for those that depend on us.”
The renovation included upgrading plumbing and bathroom facilities, laundry facilities, individual HVAC units for residents and common areas and new appliances in the main community room. This renovation has enhanced not only our facility, but the self-worth and hopes of every man that lives here,” said Leah Mullaney, Senior Program Director for Housing at the Chestnut Street YMCA.
In total, LAHTF was allocated $2.5 million for the 2017 funding period. Other projects funded last year are in various stages of progress.
“We are excited to be able to fund the types of projects that have been presented and also understand that, without the flexible type of funding available through the Trust Fund, programs like the YMCA would not receive the funds needed to continue to provide these services in our community,” said Christie McCravy, Director of the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund. “This is just one example of what is possible when the Trust Fund receives funding. Next year the impact will be even broader and greater.”
For more information on the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing-community-development/louisv…
By a vote of 18 to 2, the Louisville Metro Council on Thursday night retained the current zoning for property at the corner of South Third Street and Kingston Avenue by overturning a recommendation from the Louisville Metro Planning Commission.
“I would like to thank my colleagues for this vote,” said Councilman Vitalis Lanshima (D-21). “Serious public safety concerns were raised by the people who live in the area. Because of those concerns I asked that the current zoning be maintained.”
The property in question is located at 5024 and 5026 South Third Street and 307 Kingston Avenue. A drive thru pharmacy was planned for the property which is currently zoned OR-1 Office/Residential and R-7 Multi-Family Residential. Developers for the project were seeking a change to C-1 on .44 acres
Entrance to the pharmacy would be gained by Third Street. Cars would exit on Kingston Avenue.
Several members of the Council raised concerns that continuous traffic using the drive thru could back up traffic of the people who live in two adjoining multi-plex apartments, since there was no proposed buffer zone in the plan.
Concerns were also raised about traffic and children who might live in the area as well as access by public safety vehicles in the event of an emergency at the apartment buildings.
“I know economic development is important to all areas of the city. However, in this case it was not the right fit for this neighborhood when you consider the traffic and safety concerns,” said Lanshima.
On behalf of the members of the Louisville Metro Council, President David James (D-6) has issued the following statement concerning today’s shooting incident at Marshall County High School:
“The Louisville Metro Council would like to extend our thoughts and prayers on behalf of those at Marshall County High School, specifically the students, teachers and families who were touched today by violence. Everyone should be proud of the first responders who quickly got this situation under control to stop the violence. They, like first responders everywhere, protect us and work to keep us safe. Now that grieving and healing have begun, we want the people of Marshall County to know they are not alone at this time of sorrow.”
It is a free program that helps low income people and families in Metro Louisville and every year returns millions to the local economy.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is once again ready to help those who qualify to get the most from their income tax refunds during the 2018 tax season at the Sun Valley Community Center.
“The VITA program offers free assistance to those who may not realize all the tax breaks or deductions they are entitled to and in return it brings more money back to Metro Louisville,” says Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14). “There are many volunteers who come together with the goal of helping families and our community.”
VITA is a program of the Louisville Asset Building Coalition. It is a free tax preparation program for low income families making less than $64,000 per year, or who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Councilwoman Fowler has for many years been a volunteer to help families and individuals in the filing of their tax returns.
The LABC says these are the items you should bring to take advantage of this free service:
- Social Security card and photo ID
- Social Security number or card for your child
- Last year’s 2017 tax return
- W-2’s and 1099 from an employer
- 1099’s for interest, dividends, state tax refund or other income if applicable
- 1095 for health insurance (1095As, Health Insurance Marketplace Statements will be mailed by February 2nd)
- 1098 for education credit with detailed information
- Documentation of deductible expenses including medical, charitable contributions, business expenses, mortgage points, educational expenses
- Total paid to daycare provider and daycare tax ID
- Appropriate information for direct deposit
The Sun Valley Community Center is located at 6505 Bethany Lane.
“Sun Valley is a convenient location for many people in Southwest Jefferson County. However, with the help of other members of the Metro Council, VITA is able to offer other locations through Metro Louisville. Those locations are easy to find by simply typing in an address and clicking online,” says Fowler. “We are always in need of volunteers to be tax preparers or greeters. If you would like to help, the program will train you and let you know where you can be of assistance. Simply get in touch with my office if you would like to join our family of volunteers.”
The LABC also provides a website which gives information on who can qualify for the free program and what you should bring with you before a visit
Here is the list of 2018 VITA Locations throughout Metro Louisville:
- Sun Valley Community Center
- Tuesday, Thursday: 10am – 7pm
- Wednesday: 10am – 4pm
- Saturday: 10am – 2pm
- Call 502- 937-8802 or 305-0005
- Walk-ins welcome
- Americana Community Center
- 4801 Southside Drive
- Thursday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday: 9am – 3pm
- Call 502-366-7813
- Bates Community Development
- 1128 Jackson Street
- Monday: noon – 7pm
- Thursday: 10am -4pm
- Saturday: 10am – 3pm
- Walk-ins welcome
- Call 502-305-0005
- Edison Center
- 701 W. Ormsby Ave, Ste. 201
- Monday, Wednesday: 9am – 1pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- First Neighborhood Place
- 1503 Rangeland Road
- Tuesday, Thursday: 9am – 1pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- Louisville Urban League
- 1535 W. Broadway
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Th: noon – 8pm
- Saturday: 10am – 4pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- Nia Center
- 2900 W. Broadway
- Tuesday, Thursday: 1pm – 5pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- Portland Promise Center
- 1831 Baird St
- Friday: 7pm – 9:30pm
- Saturday: 9am – 3pm
- Sunday: 3pm – 7pm
- Walk-ins welcome
- Salt and Light Community Development
- 3025 Gerald Drive
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 6pm – 9pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- United Crescent Hill Ministries
- 150 State Street
- Friday: 10am – 4pm
- Call 502-574-3908
- Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place
- 1411 Algonquin Parkway
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am – 4pm
- (SELF FILE ONLY)
- Walk-ins welcome
- Wesley House Community Services
- 5114 Preston Highway
- (Mobile Site Only)
- Please call 502-305-0005 for dates or to make an appointment.
For more Information visit:
https://www.labcservices.org/index.php/volunteer-resources/volunteer-pos…
www.louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com
For an application:
http://www.labcservices.org/images/pdf/2017-18-VolunteerApplication.pdf
For more information about the VITA program at the Sun Valley Community Center, contact Councilwoman Fowler’s office at 574-1114.
