‘Broken Sidewalk’ founder Branden Klayko had an unmatched passion for Louisville. Time for a banner?

If you've spent a weekend afternoon riding your bicycle down the middle of Bardstown Road, Frankfort or Goss avenues during a CycLOUvia event, you've benefited from the influence and foresight of the late Branden Klayko.

A forward thinking Louisvillian with a passion for architecture and urban design, Klayko helped bring events and ideas to Louisville that would draw the community into a conversation about urban life, including CycLOUvia, Park(ING) Day, or the development of alleys with restaurants and galleries.  

In 2008 Klayko founded the influential website Broken Sidewalk, an urban design, transportation and development publication that is used as a resource by cities and towns across the country.

Read this:'Urbanist' Branden Klayko, Broken Sidewalk founder, dies

When Klayko died after a battle with leukemia at age 33 earlier this year, his sister, Blair, remembers city planners from across the country contacting the family and detailing her brother's far reaching influence.

"Many told us they had been following Branden's work for years and what an important impression he had made on how they are working within their own cities," she said.

Because of his impact both nationally and locally, the Klayko family hopes to add Branden to the city's list of Hometown Heros who are recognized in large banners throughout Louisville. Muhammad Ali, Diane Sawyer, Jennifer Lawrence and Pat Day are part of the 27 jumbo banners displayed throughout the city. 

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"Branden always challenged us to do more, think more, be more," his sister said. "When there were wins for the community, he celebrated them. When there were places for improvement, he offered suggestions to move forward." 

The family has set a goal of $8,000 to be raised through a gofundme campaign. While on the fundraising site, the Klaykos ask that nominations be submitted to the Hometown Hero's site in Branden's name.

To donate and nominate Branden Klayko as a Hometown Hero visit, www.gofundme.com/make-branden-klayko-a-hometown-hero.  

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com 

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