LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In his first budget proposal as mayor of Louisville, Craig Greenberg’s $1.1 billion budget focuses heavily on public safety and housing. 

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg unveiled his budget proposal Thursday

  • LMPD would see a 2% increase in their budget

  • Public works would get a significant bump for road repairs

  • Universal pre-k won't be proposed for at least another year

Compared to the current budget, LMPD would see a 2% increase, totaling $222 million. 

Millions of dollars are being allocated to improve the department, following last month’s report by the Department of Justice on its practices. Included in these changes are better training for recruits and added oversight on how warrants are written. 

“We’re also investing into the continued expansion of the defection program, which focuses on mental health by diverting certain 911 calls to social workers who’ve helped hundreds of people and saved hundreds of hours of police work since Metro launched this program last year,” Greenberg said. 

Additionally, Greenberg has included a significant investment into more license plate readers and FLOCK cameras. The line item for these devices is six times higher than the previous year, up to $1.5 million. 

“We’re also putting more money into reentry assistance so that when people are released from jail they have information and resources to help them change their lives so they avoid a return visit,” Greenberg said. 

Greenberg’s plan also increases the city’s contribution to an affordable housing trust fund — from $10 million last year to $15 million.  

“I propose that we work with the affordable housing trust fund to set up a robust and revolving loan fund that will continue to support affordable housing projects far into the future,” Greenberg said. 

The city also looks to double its investment in resources for people experiencing homelessness. 

It includes opening a new women’s day shelter and the operation of a shelter, clinic and affordable housing development announced earlier this year. 

“This budget balances reductions with strategic investments,” Greenberg said. “We are investing in people, in places, and in preparing for the future because that’s what this moment requires.”

Compared to the current budget, public works would see a significant increase. More than $37 million is earmarked for roadway improvements across Louisville. That’s nearly twice the current amount. 

“We will continue to evaluate all of our investments to make sure they are producing results for the people of Louisville, and if something is not working, even if it’s always been done that way, we will make changes,” Greenberg said. 

While it won’t be coming this year, come 2024, Greenberg will be announcing his plan to create a Louisville Department of Transportation, consolidating many areas of public works under one roof. 

Another campaign promise, universal pre-k, will have to wait at least another year. 

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