In 2000, voters elected to merge the City of Louisville and Jefferson
County. On January 6, 2003, Jeffersontown became part of the 16th-largest
metro area in the United States. “Though Jeffersontown does not
actively receive many services from the current metro government, working
cooperatively as this newly hatched government develops will accommodate
us in areas of mutual interest,” says Mayor Clay Foreman.
While Jeffersontown remains a separate entity, with the merger of Louisville
and unincorporated Jefferson County, Jeffersontown became the second-largest
city in the county. Indeed, Jeffersontown is poised at the beginning
of a great era of growth; and city government as well as civil services
are ready to meet the needs of a growing city.
Jeffersontown has a second-class designation among the tiers of cities.
It’s governed by a mayor and city council with zoning authority.
Jeffersontown has a full-service, 25-employee public works department.
Fire and police departments are run by the city, with available 911
service. The Fire Protection District has three stations constantly
staffed with a minimum of four firefighters each. The Police Department
is the first in Kentucky to receive both state and national accreditation.
City government is divided into specialized planning departments for
more efficient and expert service. These include the Building Department,
Clerk/Treasurer, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Public
Works, Senior Citizens, and Tax. A staff of 118 full-time, part-time
and seasonal workers keeps departments running year-round.
Jeffersontown hosts a number of seasonal festivals
to highlight the holidays. The Gaslight Festival is by far the largest
and best-known, but there’s lots of fun to be had year-round. In
the spring, kids and adults alike enjoy Easterfest. Spruce Up offers
a chance for the community to join together for spring cleaning. Up
to 35 local farmers participate in the Farmers Market held at the Jeffersontown
Pavilion May through October. Pumpkinfest adds some not-too-scary fun
to Halloween, while Light Up adds much to the town’s festive feeling
of holiday cheer in December.
What started as a small street party in 1968
has grown to become the fifth-largest festival in the area and has taken
its place as one of the top 20 in the Southeast. The Gaslight Festival,
hosted by the Chamber, brings an estimated 200,000 visitors — and
their dollars — into Jeffersontown every year. “Gaslight Festival
is a prime example of how businesses and the community can come together
and have fun while they’re doing business,” says Vicky Weber,
president of The Chamber-Jeffersontown.
Centered in the traditional small-town ambience of Gaslight Square,
the Festival is a seven-day extravaganza that has always celebrated
the arts. Artists and craftspeople from around the country come every
year to be part of the juried festival. But through the efforts of the
Chamber, the Festival has grown and is packed with events including
a golf scramble, a 5K run/walk, a parade, a balloon glow, a bicycle
tour, a children’s playground and carnival rides. This commitment
to create a truly family event means fun for everyone and lots of traffic
and exposure for area businesses.
Of the many events that Chamber members can become involved in, the
Gaslight Festival has to be the most fun. There is plenty of opportunity
for anyone interested in volunteering to help with planning and coordination.
Businesses and residents have a great opportunity to show off Jeffersontown
and take pride in all the city has
to offer.
“The Festival really showcases Jeffersontown,” says Weber.
“You see why residents love living here and businesses love doing
business here.”
