LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Greater Louisville Inc. unveiled its outlook for Louisville in 2025, focusing on key issues such as safety, tourism and business development.
The chamber of commerce spent six months gathering feedback from more than 200 businesses to craft its early agenda. The goal: make Louisville more appealing to both visitors and locals — including downtown.
George Timmering, president and CEO of Bearno's Pizza, has operated a downtown location for nearly three decades. While his restaurant sees a surge in business during major events, he said everyday foot traffic is lacking.
"We're missing the locals," Timmering said Tuesday. "We want more locals to come downtown on a Sunday afternoon or a Friday night."
GLI officials said they share that concern.
"The things that land us on those lists are the things that we want our entire community to embrace," said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, GLI's president and CEO.
GLI's 2025 agenda includes:
- Land Code Development Reform to convert older buildings into residential spaces
- New business attraction and retention
- Tourism and events growth
- Increased safety measures
As part of its safety initiatives, GLI is working with Louisville Metro Police to encourage businesses to grant camera access, helping officers improve response times.
"We've been in conversation with LMPD on how we can ask businesses that have key locations to provide that camera access," Davasher-Wisdom said.
GLI is also collaborating with the mayor's office and local organizations to drive investment in the city while strengthening Louisville's appeal to residents and visitors alike.
"You have to have the combination of local support and events," Timmering said. "That's going to give the consistent volume that any small business needs."
Other topics considered include homelessness, parks and rec spaces, public education, mobility and workforce development.
Davasher-Wisdom remains optimistic about the future.
"I am very excited to see some of the policy positions we outlined in the agenda move forward," she said.
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