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Louisville Metro Government operates on an annual budget that, unlike the Federal Government, must be balanced and passed prior to the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. Last week, Mayor Greenberg delivered his third budget proposal to the members of the Louisville Metro Council, outlining approximately $1.2 billion in spending ($960 million for the operating budget and $240 million for the capital budget).
The mayor’s budget proposal begins from one of the strongest financial positions in recent years. According to the Mayor’s Office, Louisville Metro is working from a position of strength, with a surplus of approximately $50 million. This funding will be used to increase investments in infrastructure, crime-fighting technology, and streamlining permitting and application processes for those looking to invest in our city. The mayor also used this positive position to propose increased funding for road paving and other deferred maintenance, helping to continue improving roads, sidewalks, and the general upkeep of community assets.
Next Steps
Over the next few weeks, we will review hundreds of pages of detail to better understand the proposed budget. Starting Thursday, May 8, the Metro Council’s Budget Committee will begin hearings with an overview from Metro’s Chief Financial Officer, Angela Dunn, and Budget Director, Aaron Jackson. Over the next two months, we expect nearly 30 hours of budget hearings covering at least 20 departments and government agencies.
Many Good Things to Talk About
Mayor Greenberg appears to have incorporated many of our ideas into this budget proposal. Fully funding road paving, the police headquarters construction, and supporting new libraries are just a few of the positive highlights.
Importantly, this proposal includes investment beyond downtown—into neighborhoods such as Highview, Okolona, and Fern Creek. There is $122 million proposed for management by the Department of Public Works and Assets, funding 41 projects, including:
- $30 million for paving throughout Metro,
- $2 million for sidewalk repair,
- $29 million to expand the Louisville Loop in over 10 areas across Metro,
- $18 million for the Cooper Chapel Road extension project,
- Numerous additional sidewalk and road projects.
- An additional $26.8 million is proposed for affordable housing projects, home repairs, and homeless shelter initiatives.
- The Mayor also proposed $33.3 million in grants or contracts to nonprofit organizations to support the activities and goals of Louisville Metro.
A few concerns heading into Budget Hearings:
Lack of Funding for a Police Training Facility: While the budget adequately funds the continued work on a new police headquarters, it lacks support for an equally critical police training facility. This project has been needed for nearly a decade and was one of the top priorities raised in our meetings leading up to the Mayor’s speech. I will continue to advocate for this facility to support the recruitment and training of police, fire, and public safety officers.
Growth of Metro Personnel: The proposal includes 69 new positions and various salary increases. While some of these additions—such as engineers and project managers—are necessary, we must ensure that all positions are truly needed and that government remains efficient. I will be closely reviewing these additions to ensure we’re spending wisely.
Planning for the Future: Over the past decade, the Metro Council has prioritized proactive solutions, including increased funding for preventative maintenance in parks and public works. This budget must continue that trend while also addressing traffic concerns, public safety, and timely delivery of services. As a member of the Budget Committee, I will work to secure funding for continued progress on the McNeely Lake Park Master Plan, Highview Park and infrastructure improvements in District 23.
Big Picture Highlights of the Budget Proposal:
- $30 million for street paving and repairs—marking the ninth consecutive year the Metro Council would meet or exceed paving goals.
- $1 million for additional surveillance cameras and license plate readers to aid crime reduction.
- $9.2 million for continued development of the new LMPD Headquarters.
- $3 million for an innovative program to attract new businesses and restaurants to the South End.
- $3 million for overdue infrastructure improvements in eastern Jefferson County.
- Increased funding for 24-hour homeless shelter services.
- Funding to provide medical assistance to homeless individuals recently discharged from hospitals.
- $15 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
- $2 million to explore the use of artificial intelligence to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory burdens.
You can read, review and make comments on the proposed budget:
to see the full schedule Metro Council FY26 Budget Committee hearings planned during the months of May and June use the following link: Budget Hearing Schedule
To review the Mayor’s Proposed FY26 Budget, visit Proposed FY26 Budget
To submit a comment, suggestion, or question about the budget, complete this form: Louisville Metro Budget Comment Form.
Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your representative on the Louisville Metro Council. Please feel free to reach out by phone at 574-1123 or email at Jeff.Hudson@louisvilleky.gov if you have questions or suggestions regarding local government.
Wishing you a happy and safe Oaks and Derby!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hudson
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The following facilities will be closed at 1pm on Friday, May 2 and all day Saturday, May 3 due to Oaks and Derby. |
Staffed Recycling Locations:
- Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
- Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Hwy.
- East District Public Works, 595 N. Hubbards Ln.
Disposal Locations:
- Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Ave.
- HazBin, 7501 Grade Ln.
For more information about drop-off locations, visit Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleMap.
Saturday May 10, 2025
Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center
Noon-4:00pm
The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) with Metro Animal Services (MAS) is hosting the third annual Hammer’s Lou Adopts, a mega adoption event aiming to find loving homes for nearly 200 adoptable local dogs and puppies. Once again sponsored by Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers, Hammer’s Lou Adopts will offer on-site adoptions.
After finding homes for 270 dogs in the last two years, we are excited to find homes for more homes for more dogs!
KHS and MAS will be joined at Hammer’s Lou Adopts by several other local shelters to offer the public a large variety of friendly, loving local dogs and puppies who are available for adoption on-site.
Adoption fees will vary by shelter. Jefferson County adopters will be required to pay a $10.50 licensing fee for each adoption. All the dogs and puppies will be spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Adopters are encouraged to bring their resident dogs so they can meet any potential dog siblings and to bring their dogs’ vaccine records.
For more information visit: Hammer's Lou Adopts
HAC is thrilled to present the grand finale of its 2024-2025 season, RIDE THE CYCLONE, running May 15-25, 2025. This wildly inventive musical has gained a cult following for its wit, poignancy, and high energy score.
What happens when the ride ends too soon?
A group of six Canadian high school choir students find themselves in an unexpected limbo after a tragic roller coaster accident. As they navigate this surreal afterlife, each teen gets a chance to tell their story and plead their case for a second shot at life. The result is a touching, hilarious, and thought-provoking exploration of fate, ambition, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this exhilarating and unforgettable journey—get ready to Ride the Cyclone!
Performances: May 15-25
Location: The Highview Arts Center: 7406 Fegenbush Lane
Tickets: Available at highviewartscenter.com/events
Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission
Content Warning: Themes of death, adult and “teenage” humor, including references to sex, drugs, and violence.
Age Recommendation: 16+
Visit them online at: highviewartscenter.com
Visit them on Facebook at: facebook.com/highviewarts
Louisville Metro Solid Waste Management will be hosting various free recycling and large item disposal events throughout 2025. All events are from 10 am to 2 pm on select Saturdays:
2025 Pop-Up Drop-Off Schedule:
- May 17: Sun Valley Park/Ashby Lane Baptist, 10401 Lower River Rd/6617 Ashby Ln
- May 31, UofL Shelby Campus, 440 N Whittington Pkwy
- June 14: Doss High School, 7601 St Andrews Church Rd
- July 19: Fern Creek Elementary/High Schools, 8815 Ferndale Rd
- August 23: Metro Fleet Services, 3515 Newburg Rd
- September 27: Sun Valley Park/Ashby Lane Baptist, 10401 Lower River Rd/6617 Ashby Ln
- October 18: Metro Fleet Services, 3515 Newburg Rd
- November 15: UofL Shelby Campus, 440 N Whittington Pkwy
Learn more: Pop-Up Drop-Off
Join us for our annual Forest Fest. This will be a fun-filled day of Bluegrass and Americana music, arts & crafts, family activities, and local food. This year's lineup features the Tray Wellington Band, Tommy Prine, Kentucky Gentlemen, Relaay, and Miles Nielson & the Rusted Hearts.
Follow the Forest Fest Facebook page for information leading up to the event! All Ages Welcome. Family Friendly. Open to the public. Parking fee: $15/vehicle. May 17th 12pm-7pm.
The FridayFest concert series will return for its thirteenth year this summer at Highview Park. This is a series of six concerts offering a variety of music on Fridays, as well as various food vendors and children’s activities.
All shows are free and run from 6pm-10pm at Highview Park, 7201 Outer Loop. Make plans now to attend this year’s shows.
Dates and performers for each night are as follows:
May 23
Caribou (Pop/Rock) with
School of Rock St Mathews (Pop/Rock)
June 6
Stacy Mitchhart (Blues) with
Da Mudcats (Blues)
June 20
Bibelhauser Brothers (Bluegrass) with
Them Lasses & The Old Dogs (Folk/Bluegrass)
July 11
All That Band (Pop/Rock) with
School Of Rock Louisville (Pop/Rock)
July 25
An Evening with the Monarchs (Oldies)
Aug 8
The Swerve (Pop/Rock) with
The Bickers Benefit (Pop/Rock)
Sponsorship and Vendor Packages Available
Sponsorship packages and vendor space to fit is available.
Contact John Grantz at john@mediaeventsusa.com for more information.
Cost for Services:
$10 - 1 year Rabies Vaccine
$15 - 3 year Rabies Vaccine
$25 – Microchip
Free – DAAP Vaccine
$10 – 1 year Altered Pet License
$5 - 1 year Altered Pet License Senior Discount
$60 – 1 year Unaltered Pet License
$27 – 3 year Unaltered Pet License
$13.50 – 3 year Altered Pet License Senior Discount
This is a FREE, family-friendly performances for the community and
do not require reservations or tickets. Enjoy a 5-actor, 75 minute production of William Shakespeare's MACBETH.
Please bring your own chairs,
blankets, or other sittables that are most comfortable for you.
For more information and to view the entire 41 park tour schedule visit Shakespeare in the Parks
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Councilman Hudson wants to meet you and hear what you want to see from Metro Government. Stop by with any questions, concerns or comments. |
Next Meeting Date:
Monday, May 12
5:00pm-6:00pm (Drop In)
6:00p-7:00pm (By Appointment)
Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
District Office Hours are the 2nd Monday of each month at the Central Government Center.
Call 574-1123 or email Jeff.Hudson@louisvilleky.gov for more information.
There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.
If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.
To learn more please visit Boards and Commissions.
Always Remember to Lock Your Car and Remove All Valuables, it's the Easiest Way to Prevent Crime
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Click Here to view LMPD's interactive crime mapping tool.
If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies.
Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related assistance.
Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips |
