The Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce provided an opportunity for candidates for Jeffersontown City Council to share their perspectives and vision for the community of J-Town and meant to offer residents and business leaders a chance to learn more about the candidates and their vision for the Jeffersontown community prior to the November 2024 election. Below are Mark’s responses. If you have additional questions or needs, feel free to email Mark at mrussell@iglou.com.
Mark Russell
For Jeffersontown City Council
What is your vision for our community?
I’ve lived in Jeffersontown for 32 years and have seen significant progress during that time. That said, we still have opportunities for growth– especially in fiscal responsibility and economic development, and I believe my experience can help. We have resources we could be investing back into other areas in our community. These are needed investments, like providing for our police and public works so they can recruit, retain and grow their workforce. We also need these resources to improve the infrastructure in our commerce park and the drainage systems in our neighborhoods.
Next, I want to ensure our commerce park is the leading destination for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We need to listen to business owners who are here and develop a plan together. A plan that makes the park attractive to those business owners and those we should target to join our community. This plan should include better green spaces, facades, and improved lighting for both crime prevention and curb appeal.
My roles in the community and throughout my career have fostered a deep appreciation for fiscal responsibility and economic development. I have cultivated a skill set that enables me to critically evaluate proposed initiatives, assess their potential impact on our community’s progress, and make informed decisions that benefit us all.
The development of the amphitheater has faced delays, extending beyond the original intended timeline. How do you plan to expedite the completion of this project and ensure the successful launch of programming?
I am committed to working with the mayor’s office to support funding for the project. It’s essential all phases are completed efficiently and responsibly so the park can become the vibrant community space it was meant to be.
To achieve this, we need to take the following steps to ensure the amphitheater becomes an outstanding venue for our community:
- Hold regular updates and meetings to keep the public informed about upcoming phases and the timeline for their completion.
- Develop a clear plan to secure funding for the remaining phases and ensure their completion.
- Set clear deadlines and milestones to ensure the project stays on track.
- Promote events well in advance to build excitement and ensure a successful launch.
These steps will ensure that the amphitheater project is completed in a timely and effective manner, making it a valuable asset for Jeffersontown.
As housing development grows in and around Jeffersontown, traffic in the area seems to be getting more congested. How will you address the growing traffic concerns and help to mitigate it?
Jeffersontown’s population density has grown to 2,900 people per square mile, compared to Louisville’s 1,400 people per square mile. The increase, while beneficial, is putting pressure on major roads like Hurstbourne Lane, Taylorsville Road and Watterson Trail. To address this, we should take the following steps:
- Require future developers to submit traffic impact plans for their projects.
- Partner with the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA), which is preparing a report on parking and transportation in the Historic Gaslight Square District. The city should carefully consider and implement its recommendations.
- Create an access management plan that improves how vehicles enter neighborhoods and businesses, including the potential for roundabouts.
- Prioritize infrastructure upgrades, such as widening roads and adding turn lanes at key intersections.
These measures will help manage traffic congestion while supporting growth and maintaining quality of life for residents.
TARC is currently facing a serious financial crisis which could threaten transit services in Jeffersontown. Changes to TARC services in Jtown impacts both residents and employers. Transportation is the number one reason someone loses a job. What steps will you take to help retain this bus service and/or provide alternative transit in Jeffersontown?
TARC is grappling with a financial crisis, with a projected $30 million deficit by mid-2026. To address this, TARC is evaluating three options, one of which would enhance the transit system if additional funding were secured.
Without new funding, the other two options will involve significant service cuts. One option could eliminate TARC routes in Jeffersontown, while the other would reduce the frequency of already limited stops. Neither is ideal.
A key issue is TARC’s primary funding source, an occupational tax that has remained unchanged since 1974. Jeffersontown leaders must advocate for increased funding, work with other local leaders to secure additional revenue streams and promote a revision of the occupational tax structure that supports TARC.
If additional funding is not secured and critical routes in Jeffersontown are cut, we should explore financial partnerships with TARC and Louisville metro to maintain services. TARC has already begun discussions on a long-term funding and service improvement strategy through its “TARC Tomorrow” initiative, which aims to identify new revenue sources and redesign the bus network to better meet community needs.
It’s crucial that our city officials actively participate in these discussions to ensure Jeffersontown’s needs are addressed moving forward.
The Bluegrass Commerce Park is a vital part of JTown’s economy. It is home to more than 1,000 businesses including Baptist Health, ADP, KCC, and many others (large and small). As a councilperson, what will you do to support employers and help grow the JTown economy?
The Bluegrass Commerce Park plays a vital role in the economic stability of our community, serving as a gateway to well-paying jobs for many residents. To support these employers effectively, we must prioritize several key strategies:
- Jeffersontown provides various financial incentives, such as the Property Tax Reassessment Moratorium, which offers a five-year freeze on property assessments for improvements to older structures. Additionally, the Manufacturing Tax Moratorium allows for tax abatements for new or expanding manufacturing companies. We must continue to utilize these resources.
- The Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) offers loans for small businesses, including accessibility loans and façade improvement loans, which can help enhance local infrastructure and business visibility. This should continue being a priority.
- Collaborate with local educational institutions to provide training tailored to high-demand industries is essential. Programs like Kentuckian Works offer career training that aligns with local job needs. Expanding programs like Summerworks can create pathways for youth into the workforce, ensuring a skilled labor pool for local businesses.
- Build partnerships with community organizations that can enhance workforce readiness and provide resources for job seekers.
- Invest in marketing campaigns that highlight Jeffersontown’s diverse business landscape to encourage residents to support local enterprises and foster community growth.
Focusing on these strategies, we can strengthen the economic foundation of Jeffersontown and ensure that our residents have access to meaningful employment opportunities.
The Jeffersontown Gaslight Square is an iconic center for gatherings and commerce. What is your vision for downtown Jeffersontown?
Every year the Gaslight Festival brings in an estimated 170,000+ people to Downtown Jeffersontown. During this time our community is buzzing, businesses can bring in new customers and we are in the local spotlight. This type of energy can continue in the Gaslight District throughout the full calendar year. For our community to operate at the optimal level, we need Downtown Jeffersontown to be a vibrant hub. To make this happen we need to:
- Continue to invest in streetscape improvements to create a pedestrian-friendly environment.
- Improve connectivity between Gaslight Square and surrounding neighborhoods for easier access.
- Attract local and independent restaurants to cater to diverse tastes.
- Encourage unique retail shops to enhance the shopping experience.
- Host community events, festivals, and performances in Gaslight Square and the Amphitheatre to showcase local talent.
- Move the Jeffersontown Museum to the Historic district. Use an iconic building like the log cabin on Watterson Trail for new more visible location.
By focusing on these areas and collaborating with residents and businesses, downtown Jeffersontown can evolve into a vibrant, livable center that serves as a source of pride for the entire community.