LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a packed private ceremony, Craig Greenberg was inaugurated Monday.
Alongside his two sons and wife, Greenberg took his oath of office before addressing the city for the first time as mayor.
“Starting now, our team will focus the energy of Metro government and our community on making Louisville a safer, stronger, and healthier city,” Mayor Greenberg said.
Public safety, the new mayor says, is his administration’s top priority. “Part of my job as mayor is holding others accountable and I expect every one of you here today and everyone in the city of Louisville to hold me accountable,” Greenberg said. “Becoming a safer and more just city is essential to everything we do, and let me be clear. Improving public safety is about much more than policing.”
In his remarks, Greenberg promised his administration is ready to get to work and address a number of issues in the city. Equity, affordable housing, and universal pre-k were among a few of the things on his list.
“My team will take steps to create broader economic opportunity by making Louisville an even easier place for businesses to invest, relocate, and expand. We’re going to increase support for small businesses with a special emphasis on business owners from communities that have been historically excluded from opportunity,”
Following the inauguration, Mayor Greenberg held an open house at Metro Hall. Welcoming the community of Louisville to tour the building and meet their new mayor.
“I think it’s wonderful that city hall is open, and it’s a great crowd, just felt really wonderful to be here to wish the outgoing mayor all the best and to welcome the new mayor,” Louisville resident Kathy Harmon said.
Others in attendance are demanding action. A handful of demonstrators, Including Nancy Cavalcante from the 490 Project, spoke with Greenberg at the open house. Cavalcante says she wants to ensure the community is involved in the upcoming contract negotiation between the city and the River City Fraternal Order of Police. After speaking with Mayor Greenberg, Cavalcante says she felt heard.
“And that he will pay attention to that and Kevin from his office has committed to being back in touch with us and scheduling a time for us to talk to him and his administration,” Cavalcante said.
Craig Greenberg takes over as Louisville Mayor after Greg Fischer, who held the position for 12 years.