Eight More Miles - The Louisville Metro District 8 Podcast

After a successful corporate career, a period of loss, and raising millions of dollars for local nonprofits and arts organizations, Barbara Sexton Smith never expected to hold elected office. But now that she's Councilwoman for District 4, it's easy to see that her experiences outside of government make her the best person for the job. District 4 is home to both economically challenged neighborhoods and some of the most expensive development projects in the city. It's this dichotomy that makes her district challenging and exciting, and why her mandate is to connect people in her district to each other and to their government.

For more information on Barbara Sexton Smith and District 4, visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council-district-4

This episode is all about how Louisvillians get around - and a little bit about how they don't. And who better to talk about transportation in our city than Tyler Allen, architect of 8664, and JC Stites, longtime transportation advocate and TARC board member? They join Councilman Coan to talk about the continued debate of the Louisville Light Rail, how transportation creates a sense of place, and how it affects the quality of life in our city - for both better and worse.

For more information about 8664, visit: http://8664.org/

For more information about TARC, visit: https://www.ridetarc.org/

Dr. Tom Owen has been many things. An archivist at University of Louisville for 43 years, a husband for over 50, and most importantly - to this podcast, anyway - a civil servant for over 25. Dr. Owen is the former councilman for District 8, retiring just 2 years ago, when Councilman Coan took over.

Many folks in District 8 miss Dr. Owen, but if you're one of them, never fear! You can listen to him talk here about his service throughout the years, his forthcoming book about of U of L's Belknap campus, and his historical neighborhood walks.

Still not enough Tom Owen? You can even find him on Twitter: @tomowen2012

Louisville sports is more than just a game; it's an identity, and one that's embedded into Louisville residents from a very young age. Councilman Coan sits down with sports journalist Mike Rutherford, a Louisville native and law school dropout who started Louisville sports blog Card Chronicle, now owned by SB Nation and Vox Media. Together, they talk about the potential of sports - and endeavors like the new Louisville FC stadium - to both build community within our city, as well elevate the status of Kentucky in the eyes of the rest of the world.

Read some of Mike's work at: www.cardchronicle.com.

School policy is an oft-discussed topic, especially for a district that has over 170 schools, 101,000 students, and a multi-billion dollar budget. Dr. Chris Kolb, one of the newest members of the Jefferson County Public Schools board, talks with Councilman Coan about the unique challenges of an urban school district and how the district works with metro government.

Major Aubrey Gregory is the brand new commander of the Louisville Metro Police Department's Fifth Division, which includes the Highlands, Crescent Hill, and the Irish Hill neighborhoods, among many others. Though overall crime is down in the Fifth Division and across the city, Major Gregory says the opioid crisis continues to contribute to higher rates of burglaries, arrests, and medical emergencies in the Fifth Division - though he also says the LMPD can't arrest their way out of the crisis. Major Gregory and Councilman Coan also talk about their "wish list" for the area, including lighted alleyways, cameras, and extra personnel to help keep residents of District 8 safe.

For more information on the Louisville Metro Police Department's Fifth Division, visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/police/fifth-division

The relationship between government and media is the bedrock of democracy. Here, Councilman Coan about that relationship with the Courier-Journal's Metro Government reporter, Philip Bailey. They also talk about how government can be more transparent with the media, what it really means to be "off the record," and what makes a story newsworthy.

How do you grow a city? And can too much growth be a bad thing? Mary Ellen Wiederwohl is the Chief of Louisville Forward, a "super department" that focuses on the economic and community health of Possibility City. Here, she talks with Councilman Coan about the things that make Louisville unique (like bourbon!), harnessing Kentucky's natural assets (the Ohio River), and place-making as economic development (think Highlands).

For more info about Mary Ellen and Louisville Forward, visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward

Director of Public Works Vanessa Burns has a long history of public service starting with her term as a councilperson in New Haven, Conn., when she was just 24 years old. Here, she talks with Councilman Coan about her career, potholes, road maintenance, and the overall role of the Public Works department in keeping Louisville clean and running smoothly.

State Senator Morgan McGarvey joins Councilman Coan to talk about current issues facing Kentucky state government, the similarities and differences between city and state offices, and how he decided on a career in politics instead of journalism.