LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The city of Louisville is receiving $380 million from the American Rescue Plan. Now, Metro Council is listening to input from experts, as well as people who call Louisville home, about how most of the millions should be spent.

Louisville Metro Council members listened closely to public comment, often taking notes during each speaker’s 5 minutes at the mic.

Some members arrived early to the first public hearing on how to use Louisville's ARPA funds. (Spectrum News 1/Michael Cadigan)

Cathy Kuhn from the Metro Housing Coalition showed up to the first public hearing after tuning into the Metro Council’s meeting on Tuesday with the goal that should be on everyone’s minds.

“[We need] to be bold with these historic funds. I was pleased to hear so many of you discuss how important it is to not spread this money too thin, but instead to focus on 2-3 big issues that we know will have the biggest impact on our city,” Kuhn said.

Issues that the public commenters seemed to reach a consensus on were affordable housing and more investment into Louisville’s library system.

"There is no greater need than the development of affordable housing. Housing is absolutely foundational to everything else in our lives from our physical health, mental health, education, employment, and overall quality of life,” Kuhn said.

As the council members wrote and typed up notes on the sentiments of their constituents, Chandra Gordon from the Library Foundation took the opportunity to remind everyone that the funds should be directed at not just East or West Louisville, but as one community.

“The important thing we can say about the ARP funds is that there is opportunity for the whole city,” Gordon said.

There will be two more opportunities for in person comment. The second public hearing will be Monday July 19 at Southwest Regional Library  from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The final hearing will be held Monday July 26 at West Broadway Church of Christ from 6-8 p.m.