LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg unveiled his $1.1 billion budget proposal Thursday, outlining significant new investment in the city's parks and libraries while helping preserve programs hurt by cuts in federal funding.

Greenberg said much of his focus this year was on "improving the lives of families and kids," an effort represented by nearly $50 million set aside for city parks and libraries. 

"Making sure that our neighbors have food on the table, especially in a time when costs are rising, is not optional," Greenberg said. "That's why we're all here. To take care of each other."

Some of largest line items cover a wide range of city needs, from road repairs and affordable housing to new library investment and pool construction. For example:

  • $35 million for street, alley, sidewalk, and bridge repair and paving
  • $20+ million to help more people and families find affordable housing
  • $15 million for repairs and reimagination of the Belvedere
  • $5.5 million for a new, permanent home for the Highlands - Shelby Park Library, which will become part of the larger Mid City Market development between Bardstown Road and Barret Avenue
  • $5 million to replace aging breathing gear for the Louisville Fire Department that is approaching expiration
  • $4.5 million for a new, renovated Sun Valley Pool, with construction set to begin at the conclusion of the 2026 pool season

"With every investment, every decision, and every line in this budget, there's someone we can help," Greenberg said in a news release Thursday. "There's a lot of uncertainty right now, rising costs, division and challenges families feel every day. Here in Louisville, we're not letting that uncertainty stop us from doing what matters."

Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, of District One, praised the proposal’s scope.

"The highlights were very impressive," Hawkins said. "The mayor touched pretty much every part of the city."

The proposed budget eliminates 85 funded positions in Metro Government. Just 14 of those are currently filled, and 11 of those are in the Department of Codes and Regulations. The budget then adds 31 new positions, 28 of which are in city libraries, mostly to accommodate the planned opening of the new Fern Creek branch and the reopening of the renovated Main Library branch downtown.

Mid City Market Library Rendering

Rendering of the future Highlands-Shelby Park Library. (Photo courtesy of Louisville Metro Government)

The operating budget includes an additional $13 million in health care benefit costs that will be absorbed by the city. Councilman Anthony Piagentini, of District 19, said the increase is a reason to be cautious about adding new city employees.

"I support that we should have a robust health insurance program for the employees that work for us," Piagentini said. "But that is why we must, particularly on the operating side, be extremely critical about any human resources added, because the out-year costs of every one human being we bring in to support the city adds significant cost."

Greenberg said the city headed into 2026 in a "strong financial position" with increased revenue despite no new tax increases. Still, he said he'll have all city departments take a look at extraneous third-party spending and "focus on the core mission, the core priorities of city government."

The proposed budget represents a 5.8% increase in the Louisville Metro Police Department's operating budget and includes new tools for officers on patrol. In addition to the planned training facility in the south end, Greenberg's budget calls for a $400,000 expansion of LMPD's existing drone program, which launched last year to give first responders an advanced, aerial view before they make it to a scene.

The budget also includes about $100,000 for a new pilot program called Star Chase. In essence, the program gives officers the ability to shoot a GPS device at cars they're chasing, allowing them to track that suspect remotely instead of getting into a high-speed chase on city streets. Greenberg pointed to several dangerous — and, in some cases, fatal — chases over the years and said he hopes LMPD could use Star Chase to "eliminate" suspect chases altogether.

The device attaches a GPS tracker to a vehicle, allowing officers to follow it without a pursuit. (Video courtesy of Louisville Metro Government)

Below is a full list of Greenberg's budget proposals, making up about $125 million of the total $1.1 billion in the operating and capital budget proposal. All must be approved by Metro Council before they're enacted in the official Metro budget:

Stepping Up for Louisville Families & Neighbors

  • $3.5 million to support Thrive By 5 Louisville and make childcare and early learning more affordable and accessible
  • $3 million for Dare to Care's new Hunger Relief Center
  • $500,000 to continue support for the senior nutrition program after a drop in federal funding
  • $1 million for Home of the Innocents to expand the Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center
  • $275,000 for Family Health Center clinics at JCPS schools and other locations around Louisville
  • $1.65 million for local community ministries
  • $20+ million to help more people and families find affordable housing through support of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, down payment assistance, existing property repair and renovation, small developer projects, and more
  • $1.5 million to tear down Dosker Manor and make way for new affordable housing
  • $500,000 to support the Home for Good initiative to create more permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness

Public Safety

  • $5 million for new first responder training facility in South Louisville
  • $5 million to replace aging breathing gear for the Louisville Fire Department that is approaching expiration
  • $400,000 for expansion of the Drone as First Responder program
  • $100,000+ for Star Chase pilot program to track criminals on the run and limit pursuits that create danger for our officers and our community
  • $505,000 to continue full operation of Community Violence Intervention sites after federal funding ceased
  • $150,000 funding to support youth through partnerships with Boys & Girl Club and Community Connections
  • $350,000 for Volunteers of America Restorative Justice program

Parks & Outdoor Spaces

  • $5 million for significant improvements at Jefferson Memorial Forest, including the longest canopy walk in the country
  • $4.5 million for a new, renovated Sun Valley Pool, following last year's opening of the new Algonquin Park pool and the forthcoming opening of the new Camp Taylor Pool
  • $5.9 million for a new gym at Newburg Community Center
  • $15 million for repairs and reimagination of the Belvedere
  • $50,000 for planning a new community center in Southwest Louisville
  • $1 million for a playground replacement at Waterfront Park
  • $3 million for improvements at Bingham Park, GG Moore Park, Hounz Lane Park, Sylvania Park and Shawnee Park
  • $3 million for deferred parks maintenance investments
  • $5 million for the Kentucky Trails Exhibit at the Louisville Zoo
  • $500,000 for sports fields at the Louisville Urban League Sports and Learning Campus

Libraries

  • $5.5 million for a new, permanent home for the Highlands - Shelby Park Library
  • $500,000 for new books, eBooks, audiobooks and other library materials
  • $800,000 for expanded library team to support planned openings of the new Fern Creek Library and renovated Main Library

Thriving Neighborhoods & Economic Opportunity

  • $3 million to support economic development activities through One Louisville, the city's new consolidated economic development organization
  • $1.17 million for the Louisville Sports Commission to attract world class sports events, including the 2028 US Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics
  • $1 million for the Big Street, Small Business Fund to revitalize iconic commercial corridors with new or expanded local businesses and improved residential offerings on the second and third floor of existing buildings
  • $1 million to support an expanded, permanent downtown location for Roots 101 African American Museum.
  • $300,000 for Kentuckiana Works to expand the SummerWorks and High School Talent Pathway program
  • $120,000 for the Louisville Riverport Authority
  • $42,500 for the Hispanic Heritage Appreciation Initiative in the Preston Highway Corridor
  • $2 million to convert one-way streets Downtown into safer, improved two-way streets
  • $35 million for street, alley, sidewalk and bridge repair and paving

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