Local government should be accessible. Betsy is in the office nearly every day, along with Council 21 office staff, responding personally to emails and calls. When residents raise concerns, she works directly with city departments — and often shows up in person — to make sure problems are addressed.

Results include:

• Hundreds of constituent service requests resolved

• Action on illegal dumping, drainage issues, unsafe traffic conditions, and property complaints

• Consistent follow-up so residents know where things stand

• Betsy and her staff regularly go door-to-door to invite residents to special meetings that affect them.

Public safety is a top concern in District 21. Betsy’s focus has been on practical, preventative steps that improve safety, coordination, and communication — not just reactive responses.

Her work includes:

• Regular coordination with LMPD and Public Safety officials to address break-ins, theft, and neighborhood crime patterns

• Supporting community policing approaches that emphasize visibility, responsiveness, and trust-building

• Advocating for traffic calming and street design changes that reduce dangerous driving and improve neighborhood safety

• Hosting public meetings with senior public safety officials so residents can raise concerns directly and get clear answers

• Supporting LMPD through the budget process and maintaining strong working relationships with commanders in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th divisions

• Increasing patrols around high-call areas, including Heritage Green, Colonial Oaks, Southern Parkway, and 6th Street, and supporting the park ranger program to reduce vandalism and illegal motorcycle use

• Supporting the community consent decree to ensure police are held accountable to the highest standards in public safety

Betsy believes safer neighborhoods come from consistent presence, prevention, and partnership with residents.

For too long, South End neighborhoods have waited for basic improvements. Betsy has helped move long-delayed projects forward.

Recent progress:

• Targeted road paving and sidewalk repairs on long-neglected neighborhood streets, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, seniors, and families

• New speed humps and traffic-calming measures

• Safety improvements along Southland Boulevard near Iroquois Manor, replacing unused pavement with sidewalks, green space, and landscaping

These changes make neighborhoods safer, more walkable, and more accessible for families and seniors.

Strong neighborhoods need places where people can gather, exercise, and enjoy their community.

Betsy has delivered meaningful investment in local parks and facilities:

• Highland Park Bike Park – fully funded and moving into development

• Updated futsal court at Beechmont Community Center

• Auburndale Park – community-driven master plan focused on lighting, walking paths, and court improvements, with work expected to begin in 2026

• Ongoing advocacy for Iroquois Park, including regular coordination with Olmsted Conservancy and hands-on volunteer work

These projects support families, youth, and seniors — and improve quality of life close to home.

Housing costs, housing instability and homelessness are major concerns in District 21. Betsy has focused on practical steps that improve safety and stability.

Her work includes:

• Sponsoring and leading an ordinance that passed Metro Council to update city regulations so emergency shelters can open quickly during extreme weather

• Securing funding for Repair Affair home repairs, with projects prioritized in District 21 to help seniors and longtime residents remain safely in their homes

• Supporting more than $2 million in additional funding for housing through the Office of Housing and Community Development

• Standing up for renter protections and lead-safety standards

• Funding air conditioners for low-income district 21 residents.

Betsy is committed to continued work on affordability, housing access, and neighborhood stability.

Strong neighborhoods depend on thriving local businesses. Betsy has worked to strengthen business opportunities throughout District 21 by supporting small business networks, helping entrepreneurs navigate city programs, and advocating for responsible investment that benefits residents across the district.

Her work includes:

• Hands-on, ongoing support for the Preston Area Business Alliance, helping small businesses access grants, technical assistance, and coordinated promotion

• Working with community partners to strengthen the Preston corridor’s identity and attract responsible investment

• Supporting the South End Community Market at Iroquois Park, creating opportunities for local vendors, food access, and neighborhood gathering

Betsy believes business growth should strengthen neighborhoods — not push them out.

Betsy’s office works to create opportunities for neighbors to meet, engage, and build stronger community ties through celebrations and non profit organizations. 

Highlights of this work:

• Partnering on local events like the South End Community Market and Beechmont Concert Series to bring neighbors together

• Organizing neighborhood cleanups and tree maintenance projects, including in the Preston area

• Supporting food distribution programs and other community initiatives that connect residents and volunteers across District 21

These efforts foster stronger bonds, help local businesses and volunteers thrive, and show that healthy communities grow from shared experiences and active participation, not just policy decisions.

Nonprofit Partnerships:

Betsy also works closely with nonprofits across District 21 to strengthen support systems for residents. She partners with the Americana Community Center to help immigrant families build full, thriving lives, and has collaborated with Louisville Animal Services on legislation to improve pet reunification rates, expand spay and neuter services, and reduce shelter overcrowding.