A Voice for the People 

A Heart for the Community

A Leader for District 5

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Betty Bailey is a proud, long-standing 4th generation resident of District 5, with over 15 years of deep-rooted community involvement. She is a mother, wife, caregiver, advocate, and changemaker who has dedicated her life to uplifting West Louisville—not just in words, but through years of meaningful action.

Since 2014, Betty has volunteered across West Louisville, partnering with dozens of organizations and community leaders to distribute food, holiday gift packages, and vital resources to families in need. Her commitment led her to become a driving force in revitalizing Greenwood Cemetery, and she rallied more than two dozen at-risk youth to help clear debris, clean walkways, and maintain shared public spaces. Beyond physical labor, she poured into these young lives—tutoring, mentoring, and guiding them away from violence and toward a brighter future.

In 2018, Betty and her husband launched a bounce house rental business, with a mission to provide affordable fun, for low-income families. That small business quickly became a tool for change—hosting free pop-up events in some of West Louisville’s most distressed neighborhoods, giving youth safe, joyful experiences in their own communities.

Betty’s passion for service only deepened through personal tragedy. Between 2022-23 she lost her children’s father and her nephew to gun violence yet continued to show up for her community. In 2024, she endured the heartbreaking loss of her sister to lupus, shortly after learning her father had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung and liver cancer. Even after battling that, tragedy struck once again in 2025 when her sons became victims to the gun violence that plagues West Louisville. Despite it all, Betty balances being a full-time mother and caregiver to both her mother and father—while still fighting for justice, peace, and opportunity in District 5.

She and her husband are the proud parents of a blended family with nine children ranging in age from 8 to 25 and one grandchild, keeping family values at the heart of all she does.

Her community advocacy began formally in 2014, volunteering at King Elementary, where she supported students, families, and staff through challenges that plagued the school’s reputation. Guided by the wisdom of her late mentor, Karen Luney, Betty joined the JCPS system as a dedicated school bus driver, witnessing firsthand the deep needs of children and families in the area.

In 2022, she turned that insight into action—founding Purpose Over Profit, Inc., a nonprofit organization that birthed the “Keep It Clean” (KIC) Program. Bridging the gap between youth, seniors, and school personnel, while promoting responsibility, cleanliness, and unity throughout the community.

In 2025, Betty took it a step further. She donated her family’s land to develop a safe community space in partnership with the Office of Violence Prevention (Formally OSHN), Blueprint 502, Brightside, Santos Construction, and dedicated volunteers from Portland, Chickasaw, and Shawnee. This space now features a play area, picnic tables, and a sheltered bus stop—designed by the people, for the people.

Over the years, Betty has built a strong coalition of partnerships with community leaders and organizations such as Chef Space, Sanctuary of Sisters, Change Today- Change Tomorrow, Ashes to Beauty, GCCP, NABVETS, City of God, OneWest, Feed the City, Dare to Care, and many more.

Through every challenge, Betty Bailey has remained a beacon of hope. Her journey is not defined by politics, but by purpose. She has experienced the struggles many in District 5 face—and instead of folding, she chose to fight forward. Her mission is simple but powerful: Create real change. Positively impact real lives. Make a big difference—so we all can thrive.

Now, Betty is ready to serve on the Louisville Metro Council—not just to represent District 5, but to rebuild it, protect it, and pour into it with the love and leadership it deserves.