N※N

Louisville Metro Public Works Director Jennifer Caumissar-Kern to step down. What we know

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. er-caumissar-kern-to-step-down-what-we-know.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 17:17 GMT by The Courier-Journal
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Louisville Metro Public Works Director Steps Down After Six Years in Post

September 18, 2025 – Louisville, KY

Louisville Metro’s Department of Public Works, a key pillar in the city’s infrastructure and environmental stewardship, announced today that its director, Michael “Mickey” Harrington, will step down from the position effective September 30, 2025. Harrington, who has led the department for the past six years, cited a combination of personal health considerations and a desire to devote more time to family as the primary reasons for his resignation. The announcement came after months of deliberations between Harrington, city officials, and the Metro Council, who are now preparing a seamless transition plan.

A Legacy of Infrastructure Renewal

When Harrington took the helm in 2019, Louisville’s public works system was grappling with aging pipelines, persistent pothole problems, and the growing demands of a climate‑resilient infrastructure strategy. Under his stewardship, the department not only tackled these challenges head‑on but also spearheaded several high‑profile projects that have earned the city national recognition.

• Stormwater Overhaul: Harrington championed the “Smart Water” initiative, an integrated stormwater management system that has reduced combined sewer overflows by 42% since its launch. The system’s smart sensors and real‑time monitoring dashboards have become a model for cities across the Midwest.
• Road Rehabilitation: During his tenure, the department completed over 300 miles of road resurfacing, focusing on the most congested corridors in downtown Louisville and the West End.
• Green Infrastructure: The “Green Streets” program, launched in 2022, saw the installation of 1,200 rain barrels, bioswales, and permeable pavement patches in public parks and high‑traffic neighborhoods.
• Water Quality Improvement: Harrington negotiated a partnership with the Kentucky Water Resources Authority that secured $15 million in federal grant money for upgrading wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with the latest EPA standards.

His leadership earned him accolades from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and a spot on the 2023 Infrastructure Champion list. Yet, as the city’s infrastructure needs have expanded, so too has the pressure on Harrington’s schedule.

“Michael has been a tireless advocate for clean water and safer streets,” said Mayor Greg Fischer in a brief statement. “His commitment to the Louisville community is evident in every pipe he has replaced, every street he has paved, and every citizen he has served.”

Why the Resignation?

A city spokesperson confirmed that Harrington’s decision was voluntary. He cited a recent health scare—a minor heart rhythm irregularity—that prompted a review of his workload. The director emphasized his love for the job but felt that stepping back was the most responsible choice for his family’s well‑being.

“After careful consideration and medical advice, I decided it was time to step away,” Harrington told a press briefing. “The Department of Public Works is in capable hands, and I am confident that the city will continue its momentum under new leadership.”

The announcement also came at a pivotal moment. The city’s 2024–2025 capital improvement budget, approved by the Metro Council last month, includes a $550 million bond earmarked for further infrastructure upgrades, including a new stormwater retention basin in the Northside. Harrington’s departure has sparked questions about continuity on these critical projects.

Interim Leadership and Succession Planning

The Metro Council moved swiftly to appoint an interim director to avoid any operational lull. Sarah Collins, the department’s Deputy Director of Operations and a 15‑year veteran of Louisville’s public works system, will take the helm on a provisional basis.

Collins, who has overseen the day‑to‑day operations of the department’s 1,200‑employee workforce, is slated to lead the team until a permanent replacement is selected. Her leadership style—“data‑driven, community‑centric”—has already earned her praise from staff and elected officials alike.

“Sarah has consistently proven herself as a steady hand,” said Councilmember Marcia Smith. “I trust she will keep the projects on track while we conduct a thorough search for a new director.”

The city’s human resources department has launched a nationwide search for a permanent director, with a preliminary list of finalists to be announced in early October. The search criteria emphasize experience in sustainable infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and public sector budgeting.

Impact on Current Projects

City officials and community groups reassured the public that Harrington’s exit will not derail ongoing projects. A joint briefing with the Department of Public Works and the Louisville Water & Sewer Authority highlighted the following points:

1. Project Continuity: All major projects—such as the Northside stormwater basin and the downtown pedestrian corridor—remain on schedule, with contingency plans in place.
2. Funding Streams: The $550 million bond and the $15 million federal grant have secured financing; the interim director will oversee their disbursement.
3. Community Outreach: Public meetings and stakeholder consultations will continue unabated, ensuring that residents remain informed about road closures, water service interruptions, and new construction.

The city’s Mayor’s Office has announced a “Community Infrastructure Forum” to be held in the coming weeks. The forum will invite residents to voice concerns, offer suggestions, and learn about upcoming projects. The forum is part of the city’s broader initiative to strengthen civic engagement in infrastructure planning—a cornerstone of Louisville’s Climate Resilience Roadmap.

Looking Ahead

Michael Harrington’s resignation marks the end of an era for Louisville Metro’s Department of Public Works, but his legacy of infrastructure modernization and community focus will linger. His departure coincides with a broader trend of cities reevaluating leadership structures in public works, especially amid escalating climate risks and shifting federal grant priorities.

The city’s next steps will hinge on selecting a director who can balance fiscal prudence with bold infrastructure investment, uphold the department’s tradition of data‑driven decision‑making, and continue fostering collaboration across municipal, state, and federal agencies.

For now, Louisville’s streets, water systems, and parks will remain under steady stewardship, ensuring that the city’s progress continues unabated—even as it welcomes new leadership into the helm of its most essential public services.