Louisville City Wire

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On March 15, at Lynn Family Stadium, Mayor Craig Greenberg and leaders from Racing Louisville Football Club (FC) previewed the upcoming season, which kicks off this weekend. The mayor also celebrated the Kentucky Senate’s inclusion of $100 million for downtown revitalization, his Thrive by 5 Louisville universal pre-K plan, new business growth, spring break camp opportunities through Louisville Parks and Recreation and honored Louisville Grammy winner Antonia “YONS” Gardner. 

“This has been an incredible week for Louisville! From the Kentucky Senate dedicating $100 million for downtown revitalization to unveiling our universal pre-K plan for all 3- and 4-year-olds and the kickoff to Racing Louisville FC’s soccer season, we’ve got a lot to be excited about,” said Mayor Greenberg. “I want to thank Racing Louisville and Lynn Family Stadium for hosting us today for our weekly update, which is full of positive news for our city!” 

Racing Louisville Football Club  

The Mayor was joined by Racing Louisville FC Coach Bev Yanez, General Manager Ryan Dell and players Savannah DeMelo and Arin Wright to kick off the weekly press conference and highlight the season opener for the team on Saturday, March 16 at 4 p.m. This is the first time since 2021 Racing Louisville will host the season opener, this time against Orlando Pride. 

“Rachel and I will be there cheering on this incredible team, and we hope all of Louisville will come out and join us,” said the mayor.

Bev Yanez has taken over as the new head coach after serving 2023 as the team’s assistant coach. The season will include 13 regular season home games at Lynn Family Stadium and 13 away during the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League Season. 

$100 million for Downtown Revitalization 

The mayor celebrated the Kentucky Senate announcing $100 million in funding dedicated to downtown revitalization. The funding will support ambitious plans for the Belvedere, the LouMed Campus, Louisville Gardens and more. 

“Downtown is the heart of our city and it also plays a crucial role in the success of our entire state,” Mayor Greenberg shared. “I am grateful to Senate Leadership and the Louisville Delegation for their commitment to Downtown Louisville and our commonwealth. We will continue working with them as we build a safer, stronger and healthier Louisville.” 

Thrive by 5 Louisville, Universal Pre-K 

On Tuesday, Mayor Craig Greenberg unveiled his five-year plan to create a pathway to universal pre-k. The Mayor announced that to implement the phased plan over a five-year period, Thrive by 5 Louisville, a separate 501c3 nonprofit, will be established with early learning advocate and supporter Ashley Novak Butler serving as Board Chair.

“When I took office, I promised the people of Louisville a plan to invest in our children, our workforce and our future through universal pre-k – and this week we delivered on that commitment,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This is a plan created by childhood experts that will ensure every 3- and 4-year-old in Louisville has the opportunity to access quality early learning so that they see long-term success through school and beyond. We are excited to get this program up and running because we know the benefits for our children, our economy and our future will be transformational.” 

To read more about the announcement, click here.

Amiracle Aid Opens at Lynn Family Stadium 

Mayor Greenberg also celebrated the opening of a new location for Amiracle Ade, which specializes in fresh lemonade, at Lynn Family Stadium. Owner Tiffani Adams was in attendance, and the mayor thanked her for her commitment to providing employment and professional development opportunities to youth through her business.

“Tiffani is making a difference in our city, not only as a local business owner but also as a leader who is focused on opportunities that provide leadership experience, financial literacy and community service to our youth,” said the mayor. “Next time you’re at Lynn Family Stadium for a game, make sure to stop by Amiracle Ade and support Tiffani and her team and the amazing work they are doing throughout our city.” 

“To the loyal supporters across our city and state, when you purchase Amiracle Ade lemonade, you are keeping young Louisvillians employed and that aids in violence reduction amongst our youth,” said Tiffani Adams, owner of Amiracle Ade. “It helps increase real world experiences with entrepreneurial skills.” 

The woman-owned and operated business celebrated the opening on Monday this week during Women’s History Month with Deputy Mayor Barbara Sexton Smith. 

Spring Break Camp at Louisville Parks and Recreation 

The Mayor was also joined by Ben Johnson, Director of Recreation for Louisville Parks and Recreation, to remind parents and caregivers that spring break youth camps are being offered at 10 community centers. Registration is available for students aged 6 through 12. 

The camps are led by experienced, caring staff who are dedicated to bringing educational, safe and fun camp experiences to help working families during the week of spring break. Camps feature special programs like basketball and arts, and they also include a field trip to Iroquois park, a visit from Raptor Rehab and more. 

The camp takes place April 1 – 5, with hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The cost is a one-time registration fee of $25. To sign up, visit BestParkEver.com. 

Louisvillians Doing Good 

As part of his weekly press conference, Mayor Greenberg is celebrating Louisvillians making a difference throughout the city. This week the mayor honored Grammy winner Antonio “YONS” Gardner, who also serves as a music instructor at Amped Music Academy in West Louisville. Gardner won a 2024 Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance. 

“Antiono just earned a world-renowned award through a Grammy, yet he’s still focused on supporting Louisville’s kids. That speaks volumes about Antionio and who he is as a person, a leader and an artist,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Antiono is serving as an inspiration to many students in West Louisville, while empowering them to express themselves and develop into healthy, productive members of the community through music. I am proud to honor Antiono with a Distinguished Citizen Proclamation.” 

Original source can be found here.