In case you missed it, Mayor Craig Greenberg outlined his 2024-2025 budget proposal to the Louisville Metro Council last week. The $1.1 billion plan represents a $200 million decrease from last year’s budget.
According to Greenberg, the plan will address public safety, affordable housing, early education, and civic improvements. Here’s the breakdown.
Public safety
Greenberg’s proposal will direct $448 million to address public safety issues. Specifically, the plan will:
- Support new license plate readers and MetroWatch Cameras for the Louisville Metro Police Department
- Purchase new technical search and rescue gear for the Louisville Fire Department
- Upgrade the emergency operations center
- Address current public safety staffing shortages
Affordable housing
According to Greenberg, the proposal will direct $32 million toward the mayor’s goal of creating 15,000 new affordable housing units by 2027 by:
- Investing $15 million in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- Directing $238,000 to the Louisville Metro Housing Authority to address issues at Dosker Manor and Avenue Plaza
Early education
The budget will invest $5 million in Thrive by 5, the nonprofit created by Greenberg’s administration in March that aims to offer universal Pre-K to Louisville’s children.
You can read Greenberg’s budget address to the Metro Council in full.
Photo courtesy of Wales Hunter – Louisville Metro Government
Civic improvements
The mayor’s proposal included funds meant to support maintenance and upkeep around Derby City, including:
- $50 million for street paving, sidewalk repairs, guardrail replacements, and traffic calming solutions
- $7.1 million in general parks repairs
- $2 million for the Public Works Department, new library openings, a new Park Ranger program, and the Baxter Community Center reopening
- Funds for three projects that will complete the Louisville Loop
The Metro Council will vote on the budget on Thursday, June 20, at 6:00 p.m. There are several opportunities for the public to weigh in before then:
- Share your thoughts + comments by filling out this form
- Attend the Community Budget Hearing at City Hall (601 W. Jefferson St.) on Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m.