Policy Distilled: Louisville Metro Council approves $1.1 billion 2026-2027 budget, funds key initiatives for economic growth
Thursday, June 25, Metro Council approved a $1.1 billion dollar FY 26- 27 budget, which included allocations for key safety, housing, and economic development programs. Louisville’s budget process began April 23 with the Mayoral Budget address and was followed by a series of budget hearings ranging across Metro departments and funding recipients. The budget reflects the needs of the city and the goals of both Metro Council and the Mayor’s office.
The final version of the budget passed the Metro Council 22-3 and will take effect July 1, 2026.
The budget includes the following investments to local organizations and initiatives:
- $30 million for paving needs
- $10 million for the Belvedere improvement project
- $5.9 million for a new gym at the Newburg Community Center
- $5 million for the Louisville Zoo’s new Kentucky Trails exhibit
- $5 million for initial phases of the Jefferson Memorial Forest masterplan
- $4.5 million for renovations of the Sun Valley Pool in southwest Louisville
- $4.4 million for deferred maintenance at parks
- $3 million for One Louisville’s economic development efforts across the region
- $2.5 million for a new Highlands-Shelby Park Library building as part of the Mid City Market development
- $1.5 million for the purchase of properties adjacent to parks or to help establish a future site for a Community Center in south and southwest Jefferson County
- $1.39 million for home repairs
- $1.25 million for down payment assistance
- $1.17 million for the Louisville Sports Commission to attract sports events
- $1 million for Roots 101 African American Museum to help with the purchase of a new, permanent facility
- $500,000 for the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Housing and Stabilization Fund
- $500,000 in start-up funds for a new Housing Finance Agency, a permanent local financing program
- $500,000 for rainy day funding
- $500,000 for solar projects in Metro buildings and streetlights
- $500,000 for the creation of a database to track repeat violent criminal offenders
- $250,000 for capital projects planned by Heuser Hearing Institute
- $250,000 for capital projects planned by Hosparus Hospice Center
- $100,000 for school bus stop lighting study
- $50,000 for the expansion of the Ambassador Program on Broadway between 7th and 30th Streets
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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 and members of Metro Council for your partnership and investments in the work of One Louisville, an innovative 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.”
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. To read the full budget click here, and to watch the budget proceedings, click here.