Louisville’s Metro Council is made up of 26 representatives from across Jefferson County. It’s the primary legislative body for the city, responsible for adopting the city budget, approving mayoral appointees, levying taxes + making laws, policies, and ordinances.
If you’re looking to get more involved with local politics, we’ve got the 411 on the Louisville Metro Council: Learn about your council member, how you can meet with them, and how you can participate in Metro Council meetings.
Who is your council member?
The Louisville Metro is divided into 26 districts outlined on this map. Each district has a single representative on the Metro Council. Here’s how a council member’s term works:
- Metro Council members must be at least 18 years old, be qualified voters, and reside within their district for at least one year prior to election.
- Council members serve four-year terms, with half the council elected every two years.
- The Metro Council President is elected by the full membership of the council at the first meeting of the year.
This year, the even-numbered districts are up for election. If that’s where you live, check out our guide to election day and make sure you’re prepped.
Stay in the loop
We know you’re already reading your favorite newsletter, but everyone has room for a second.
Each district has a weekly newsletter with upcoming events, relevant news, and other information specific to the district. Sign up for your district’s newsletter by entering your email or phone number and selecting your district’s e-news.
Pro tip: You can also sign up for emails about new alcoholic beverage licenses, development proposals, or historic structure demolition notices.
The current Metro Government structure is a result of the 2003 city-county merger.
Photo by Louisville Tourism
Get involved
Each Metro Council member hosts their own meetings with constituents. Subscribing to your district’s e-newsletter is a great way to keep up with upcoming opportunities to meet with your council member. You can also visit your district’s website to find upcoming events or contact your council person directly.
Each winter, the Louisville Free Public Library hosts Cafe LOUIE, an informal meeting with elected officials including Metro Council members. Keep an eye out for next year’s Cafe LOUIE schedule, starting in January.
If you’re looking to speak with the Metro Council as a whole, consider visiting a Louisville Metro Council meeting. Here’s the need to know info about attending:
- The full Metro Council meets every other Thursday at 6 p.m. inside Louisville City Hall. Head inside the front doors and up the stairs or elevator to the third floor. The meetings are free to attend and open to the public.
- Each Metro Council meeting has a 30-minute public comment period at the beginning.
- You can call the Council Clerk’s office (574-3902) by 12 p.m. the day before the meeting to register to speak.
- Only 10 residents of Metro Louisville are able to speak at each meeting, and each speaker is given three minutes to address the council.
- Informational handouts or documents can be forwarded to the Clerk to be distributed to the Council, but speakers can’t bring props or displays.
Bonus: The Louisville Metro has openings on several boards and commissions, with varying term lengths. Apply online to get involved.
