 On Tuesday, June 24th, the District 3 Advisory Board met at Shively City Hall and talked about the annual budget for Louisville (more below), the Good Neighbor Awards, and trying to be as inclusive of all the neighborhoods within the district. We had an excellent meal from Wing Station on Crums Lane.
Louisville Metro BUDGET: We Deserve Better
Last night, Louisville Metro Council passed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. While Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright is grateful that District 3 secured funding for key infrastructure projects—such as improvements to GG Moore Park, Watterson Lake Park, added security cameras, and traffic calming on Arcade Avenue—the overall budget falls short of what is truly in the best interests of all Louisvillians.
This year, the External Agency Funds (EAF) were significantly reduced, leaving many critical nonprofit organizations without the support they need to continue serving our communities. These are groups that provide social services—from youth summer camps to arts, housing, and rental assistance. Many of them now face the real possibility of closure or scaling back services, directly harming the people who rely on them most. We’ve also heard troubling reports that the application and scoring process for these funds was inconsistently followed, with some applications not reviewed at all.
Louisville's estimated population stands at 622,981 as of July 1, 2023—a city already experiencing a nearly 2% population decline since 2020. Yet, only 439 residents were able to submit feedback through the online budget comment form. This reflects a broader issue: our city’s digital divide. Too many people are excluded from engagement because of limited access to technology or information. The few who could participate overwhelmingly asked for increased funding for TARC, Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS), and the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund. And yet:
TARC received zero dollars.
LMAS funding remained flat.
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund was cut from $15 million to $12.5 million, far short of the $20 million recommended by the Safe & Stable Housing Coalition to meet basic needs.
We also have a 2030 sustainability plan—including solar installations on all Metro-owned buildings—that remains unfunded. (However, on the newest budget amendment lists $1M for the Energy Innovation Fund as capital project 123.) We are not prepared for the next disaster or economic downturn. Thousands of Louisvillians are at risk of losing jobs, housing, and benefits like Medicaid and food assistance. Meanwhile, proposed utility rate hikes loom large, and the very organizations that patch these systemic gaps have been left out or underfunded.
Public health is public safety. The criminalization of poverty, especially without funding what has been proven to work is a dangerous path forward.
A budget is more than an ordinance—it is a declaration of our city’s values. It should never be used as a bargaining chip, a re-election strategy, or a tool of retaliation. As stewards of public funds, we are obligated to act for the greater good. Infrastructure investments in District 3 are welcomed, but they are not a gift—they are the bare minimum. Our residents contribute significantly to the city budget, yet we have one of the smallest and most overused libraries per capita and neighborhoods that have been consistently overlooked in past budget cycles.
The 439 voices that took time to comment on the budget were ultimately ignored. The services they advocated for will now diminish or disappear. While creating a budget that pleases 26 council members is undeniably complex, the bare minimum must include true community input.
Our tax dollars should be invested in a non-partisan, transparent, and equitable manner. There is far too much red tape in the budget process. As your Councilwoman, I will continue to fight for justice, vital services, and programs that improve and save lives—no matter your zip code, political affiliation, or income level.
I long for the day we pass a people-centered budget—one that supports all Metro Government employees equitably; delivers the community protection we deserve; advances health equity, housing, and homeownership; modernizes our roads and public transit; and provides growth and business opportunities for residents of all ages.
Let’s begin now to shape next year’s budget with the community at the center—starting today.
Councilwoman Parrish-Wright on the NEWS!
If you haven't already seen it, please be sure to check out Councilwoman Parrish-Wright discussing the Good Neighbor Awards on WHAS! Link HERE!
Metro Council Break
Metro Council will be on summer break from June 30th until July 22nd. The District 3 office will still be available, but no committee or council meetings will take place until the week of July 21st. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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