On April 23, Mayor Craig Greenberg unveiled his fourth proposed budget to Louisville Metro Council. The proposal focused on strengthening the foundations of a competitive, growing city. With targeted investments in public safety, workforce and early childhood development, affordable housing, and economic revitalization, the Mayor’s budget reflects key priorities for employers and families across the Louisville region. The proposal included investment in neighborhoods, modernized public safety technology, healthcare access, and the reinvigoration of commercial corridors, which signals a commitment to business growth and long-term economic vitality.
One Louisville was excited to see strong public support for its work in economic development, talent, advocacy, and chamber services. One Louisville CEO, Trevor Pawl, issued the following statement:
“Thank you to Mayor Greenberg for being a key partner, supporter, and investor in the creation of One Louisville, a world-class public-private partnership focused on creating jobs and opportunities in Louisville. With the city’s FY 2026 – 2027 investment in One Louisville’s strategy and operations, we will be more equipped than ever to bring to life our vision to make Louisville the best place in America to build a business, a career, and a fulfilling life.”
The budget includes the following investments to local organizations and initiatives:
Economic Development and Workforce:
- $3 million to One Louisville to support economic development efforts across the region
- $15 million to the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- $1 million to down-payment assistance
- $2 million to the Small Developer Loan Program
- $1.17 million to the Louisville Sports Commission to attract world-class sports events
- $1 million to the Big Street, Small Business Fund to revitalize commercial corridors with new or expanded local businesses and residential offerings on the second and third floors of existing buildings
- $300,000 to KentuckianaWorks to expand the SummerWorks and High School Talent Pathway program
- $42,500 to Hispanic Heritage Appreciation Initiative in the Preston Highway Corridor.
Public Safety:
- $5 million to a new first responder training facility in south Louisville to match the $5 million the Kentucky General Assembly allocated in the 2026 legislative session
- $505,000 to continue full operation of Community Violence Intervention sites
- $5 million to replace aging breathing gear for the Louisville Fire Department
Community Engagement
- $500,000 to the Louisville Free Public Library system for new books, e-books, audiobooks and other materials
- $800,000 to the Louisville Free Public Library system to provide for new staff positions needed to support the future openings of the new Fern Creek Library and renovated Main Library
- $5 million to fund a phase of improvements in Jefferson Memorial Forest
- $1 million to a playground replacement at Waterfront Park
- $3 million to improvements at Bingham Park, GG Moore Park, Hounz Lane Park, Sylvania Park and Shawnee Park
- $3 million to address deferred maintenance at parks
- $5.9 million to a new gym at the Newburg Community Center
- $5 million to the Kentucky Trails Exhibit at the Louisville Zoo
- $500,000 to sports fields at the Louisville Urban League Sports and Learning Campus
- $3.5 million for Thrive by 5
- $3 million to Dare to Care’s new Hunger Relief Center
- $500,000 to support the senior nutrition program
- $1 million to the Home of the Innocents to expand the Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center
- $275,000 to Family Health Center clinics at Jefferson County Public Schools and other locations
- $1 million to support an expanded, permanent downtown location for Roots 101 African American Museum.
Infrastructure Projects:
- $120,000 to the Louisville Riverport Authority
- $35 million to repair and paving projects to improve streets, alleys, sidewalks and bridges
- $2 million to conversions of one-way streets downtown into two-way streets
- $1.5 million toward demolishing Dosker Manor
- $15 million for the repair and redesign of the Belvedere
One Louisville looks forward to working with Metro Council and the administration to ensure these investments translate into a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Louisville. Metro Council will now dive into the proposal, holding hearings over the next two months to review projects and initiatives. The final vote on the budget by Metro Council will be held June 25 and the budget will take effect July 1. To read the full budget proposal, see here.