Eight More Miles - The Louisville Metro District 8 Podcast

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.

What makes a great leader, and how do you know the decision you make is the right one? District 8 Councilman Brandon Coan talks with Mayor for Life Jerry Abramson, who served as Louisville mayor for over two decades, before serving at Lieutenant Governor under Steve Beshear, and White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs under President Barack Obama.