In July, at the National League of Cities’ Summer Board and Leadership Meeting (SBLM) in Louisville, Ky., the First Tier Suburbs Council’s name was officially changed to the Suburban Municipalities Council (SMC). This change reflected the Council’s ongoing efforts to better represent and address the needs of suburban municipalities, regardless of their tier designation.
The Summer Board and Leadership Meeting brings together NLC’s local leaders for an invitation-only conference focused on leadership, collaboration and learning from peers. In addition to meetings, discussions and Board activities, the convening provides exclusive opportunities for council leaders to connect, share ideas and experience other communities firsthand, gaining insight into local challenges, solutions and how each community operates.
SMC leadership had an exclusive opportunity to tour the City of Jeffersontown, a suburban city in the heart of Louisville. The 2026 council leaders include:
- Chair: David Sander, Councilmember, Rancho Cordova, CA
- Vice Chair: Wally Campbell, Vice Mayor, Goodyear, AZ
- Vice Chair: Jackie Boleware, Mayor Pro Tem, Farmington Hills, MI
- SMC Board Liaison: Dan Kealey, Councilmember, Burnsville, MN
Learn more about what SMC leadership explored on their trip to the City of Jeffersontown.
Live, Work & Play
The City of Jeffersontown’s “Live, Work, & Play” approach is truly reflected in its hospitality, city planning and continued efforts to keep people’s well-being at the center of its initiatives. Jeffersontown is the oldest incorporated city in Jefferson County, dating back to May 3, 1797.
Jeffersontown is at the heart of the Greater Louisville Region, which encompasses 15 counties in Kentucky and Indiana, and is largely represented by Jefferson District 11 County Metro Councilmember and NLC President Kevin Kramer.
Embracing the spirit of Jeffersontown’s signature hospitality, Economic Development Director Brian Abrams personally escorted SMC leaders from the OMNI Hotel in downtown Louisville to Jeffersontown, a 13-mile journey east, aboard the city’s own custom bus. Upon arrival, the leaders were greeted by Jeffersontown Mayor Carol Pike; Director of Community Development Matt Meunier; Police Chief Richard Sanders; and Jefferson County District 20 Metro Councilman Stuart Benson.
For the past 50 years, Jeffersontown mayors and city councils have quickly learned to navigate the balance of the community and commercial ecosystem necessary to nurture a vibrant economy. Important and necessary zoning changes, including uniquely specific zoning for the Towne Center and the creation of parks, playgrounds, roadways, and even a parkway bypass to serve future growth and expansion within the park.
The Bluegrass Commerce Park has become the hub of this economic growth and is home to the largest concentration of varying jobs within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with approximately 850 businesses and representing over 30,000 employees. During the tour, leaders visited two headquarters in the Bluegrass Commerce Park: Papa John’s Corporate Office and Commissary and Bigelow Tea.
Papa John’s Site Tour
Papa John’s corporate office and commissary were incentivized to locate in Jeffersontown in 1997 through 30-year industrial revenue bonds, which originated under the forward-thinking leadership of the late, former Jeffersontown Mayor Daniel Ruckreigel, who served five terms over 19 years, 1982–2001. This effort has driven major economic benefits for the city, including bringing ancillary job growth.
Bigelow Tea Tour
Bigelow Tea manufactures 2 billion individual tea bags annually and has been part of Jeffersontown for over three decades. It is nearing completion of a new $60 million facility expansion, thanks in large part to economic incentives coordinated by Mayor Pike and the Governor’s office.
A Thriving Jeffersontown
Another key highlight of the tour was the 40,000-square-foot police headquarters, which includes a large community room. Mayor Pike and Chief Sanders have developed a robust public safety program that has been nationally recognized for its strides to improve the quality of life for residents through a community policing partnership. This department is led by Police Chief Richard Sanders, who previously served as State Police Commissioner and was voted Kentucky Police Chief of the Year.
To support individuals’ well-being throughout the city, the police department employs civil service social workers and connects residents with resources such as the unique Angel Program for substance abuse and the REACH Program, aimed at connecting individuals with customized resources, reducing crisis situations and building trust between the community and law enforcement..
Mayor Pike and the City Council continue to endorse initiatives and opportunities conducive to a harmonious environment that complement both residential and commercial communities. Jeffersontown is truly an economic engine for the Bluegrass state because it is committed to meeting the needs of its residents and businesses, a commitment met by the efforts of Public Works Director Jimmy Franconia and his department.
The tour was an exceptional experience for SMC leadership, and NLC is grateful to the City of Jeffersontown for its hospitality. Experiences like this highlight the value of SMC’s peer-to-peer network, giving city leaders the opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas and learn from each other’s successes. With applications currently open for NLC leadership positions, NLC encourages elected officials to apply for a leadership role and help shape the future of SMC and local government.
Lead with NLC
Applications for NLC leadership positions are open through Sept. 28, 2026. Log in to MyNLC to apply for an SMC leadership position or explore all available opportunities to lead with NLC.
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