At a Thursday night Louisville Metro Council meeting, several council members publicly questioned Mayor Craig Greenberg’s decision to terminate Gretchen Hunt, who led the city’s Office for Women for nearly five years. Hunt announced on social media that her role had “ended in a sudden and unexpected way,” prompting concerns about the future of the office that provides basic needs and career support for women across the city.

Council members demand answers

“We’ve read in the press that the office continues, but no one has told us what that means,” one speaker said, reflecting the frustration felt by many council members. Another councilwoman added, “I’m here with my fellow ambassadors to express our shock and disappointment at the abrupt dismissal of Gretchen Hunt.” Metro Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell singled out the mayor’s silence, noting, “For a mayor who really loves press conferences so much, his silence has been deafening in this matter.”

Funding and focus shifts raise further concerns

The Office for Women operates under the larger Office of Equity, which has seen reduced funding in recent years. In the 2024‑25 fiscal year, the Office of Equity received $1,116,900, while the most recent Metro Council‑approved budget allocated $875,900. Councilwoman Chappell warned that the office’s focus appears to be shifting toward training, including sexual‑harassment training for the Louisville Fire and LMPD, work she said “is important but not simply the work of the Office for Women.”

Mayor’s response

During a brief press conference, Mayor Greenberg thanked Hunt for her service but declined to give a specific reason for her dismissal. “The Office for Women still exists,” he said. “A decision was made. As we’re entering a second term, there are often changes that are made as administrations change into a new term.”

Later, a mayoral spokesperson issued a statement confirming that the Office for Women “continues as part of the Mayor’s Office.” The city announced that Dr. Vanessa McPhail, executive director of the Office of Equity, will serve as interim director of the Office for Women.

Community reaction

Local advocates and residents who rely on the Office for Women’s services expressed worry that the abrupt leadership change could disrupt critical programs. While the mayor’s office assures continuity, council members and community leaders are calling for greater transparency and a clear plan for the office’s future.

Next steps

The Metro Council is expected to revisit the Office of Equity’s budget and staffing structure in upcoming sessions. Council members have indicated they will seek a detailed briefing from the mayor’s office to ensure that services for women remain uninterrupted and that any reallocation of resources aligns with the city’s equity goals.

WLKY reached out to Gretchen Hunt for comment but did not receive a response.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.