Louisville's proposed budget for 2024-2025

Photo by LOUtoday

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.

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.