DAVE BIGGERS ADMINISTRATION

DETAILED LINE-ITEM BUDGET

Louisville Metro Government – Four-Year Plan

Version: 1.0
Date: October 30, 2025
Candidate: Dave Biggers
Website: rundaverun.org

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This detailed line-item budget integrates all 16 comprehensive policy areas into Louisville Metro’s $1.2 billion General Fund framework. The budget represents a fundamental reorientation of city priorities toward community investment, preventive services, and equitable development while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Budget Framework

Total Annual General Fund: $1.2 billion
New Policy Investments: $669.5 million gross ($605M net after savings/revenue) (50.4%)
Existing Core Operations: $595 million (49.6%)
Tax Increase: $0 (budget-neutral)
Four-Year Capital Investment: $2.646 billion

Funding Philosophy

Prevention over Crisis Response – Invest upstream to reduce downstream costs
Community Control – Resources flow to neighborhoods most impacted
Evidence-Based – Every dollar backed by peer city success data
Return on Investment – Programs generate 7-11x economic returns
Equity-Centered – Address historical disinvestment in West Louisville

SECTION 1: PUBLIC SAFETY & JUSTICE

Annual Investment: $132.5 Million | 12.9% of General Fund

1A. PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY POLICING

Total Annual Investment: $81 Million
Four-Year Investment: $339.5 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_01_PUBLIC_SAFETY_COMMUNITY_POLICING.md

Line Items:

Mini Police Substations:
– Year 1-2 Operations: $6.3M annually
– Facility leases/renovations: $2.5M
– Personnel (144 officers phased): $3.2M
– Equipment & technology: $0.6M
– Years 3-4 Full Operations: $25.6M annually
– at least one mini substation in every ZIP code operational: $18.5M (personnel)
– Facilities (owned/leased): $4.5M
– Equipment, vehicles, technology: $2.6M

Community Wellness Centers:
– Annual Operations: $45M
– 18 centers @ $2.5M each
– Personnel breakdown per center:
– Mental health clinicians (4): $400K
– Substance abuse counselors (3): $240K
– Social workers (4): $320K
– Medical staff (2): $200K
– Support staff (2): $100K
– Administrative (1): $65K
– Facility operations: $175K per center
– Medical supplies & equipment: $500K per center
– Total per center: $2.5M × 18 = $45M

Co-Responder Teams:
– Annual Operations: $8M
– 18 teams citywide
– Personnel per team:
– Mental health clinician: $80K × 18 = $1.44M
– Paramedic: $65K × 18 = $1.17M
– Support for partnering officers: $2.5M
– Vehicles (specialized): $900K
– Equipment & supplies: $700K
– Training & supervision: $1.29M

Violence Prevention Programs:
– Annual Investment: $12M
– Street outreach teams: $4M
– 45 violence interrupters @ $55K = $2.48M
– Supervisors & coordinators: $800K
– Operations & support: $720K
– Hospital-based intervention: $3M
– Cure Violence model implementation: $2.5M
– Community-based org partnerships: $2.5M

Police Accountability & Oversight:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Inspector General Office: $2.5M
– Inspector General salary: $185K
– Investigative staff (12): $1.2M
– Legal counsel: $400K
– Operations: $715K
– Enhanced Civilian Review Board: $1.5M
– Board members (15 @ $15K stipend): $225K
– Professional staff (8): $720K
– Investigations & hearings: $355K
– Community engagement: $200K
– Early intervention system: $1.2M
– Body camera program expansion: $1.8M
– Training & policy development: $1M

Community Policing Initiatives:
– Annual Investment: $11M
– Neighborhood liaison officers: $4.5M
– Youth engagement programs: $2.5M
– Community safety partnerships: $2M
– Police athletic leagues: $1M
– Cultural competency training: $1M

Funding Sources:

General Fund reallocation: $67M
Federal grants (COPS, Byrne JAG): $10M
Medicaid reimbursement (wellness centers): $8M
Reduced incarceration costs (offset): $15M
Reduced ER costs (offset): $8M
Economic development reform savings: $2.5M

1B. CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

Total Annual Investment: $22 Million
Net Cost After Savings: -$23 Million (generates $45M in savings)
Policy Document: POLICY_02_CRIMINAL_JUSTICE_REFORM.md

Line Items:

Pretrial Diversion Programs:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Diversion case managers (30): $2.4M
– Mental health services: $2M
– Substance abuse treatment slots: $1.8M
– Job training & employment: $1M
– Housing assistance: $500K
– Monitoring & evaluation: $300K

Reentry & Rehabilitation:
– Annual Investment: $4M
– Reentry coordinators (20): $1.6M
– Job placement services: $1M
– Housing transition support: $800K
– Family reunification programs: $400K
– Peer support specialists: $200K

Legal Aid & Public Defense:
– Annual Investment: $3M
– Public defender office expansion: $2M
– Civil legal aid for low-income: $600K
– Expungement clinics: $250K
– Know Your Rights programs: $150K

Prosecutorial Accountability:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Conviction integrity unit: $800K
– Sentencing review board: $400K
– Racial bias audits: $300K
– Community prosecution liaisons: $500K

Restorative Justice Programs:
– Annual Investment: $3M
– Restorative justice facilitators (15): $900K
– Victim services expansion: $800K
– Community healing circles: $500K
– Youth restorative programs: $600K
– Training & materials: $200K

Expungement & Record Clearing:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Automated expungement system: $600K
– Legal clinics & assistance: $800K
– Outreach & education: $400K
– Technology & processing: $200K

Cost Savings Generated:

Reduced incarceration (500 fewer jail beds @ $30K): $15M annually
Reduced recidivism (250 fewer returns @ $40K): $10M annually
Reduced court costs: $5M annually
Reduced public defender caseloads: $3M annually
Economic productivity of diverted individuals: $12M annually
Total Annual Savings: $45M

Net Budget Impact: -$23M (budget surplus from this policy)

SECTION 2: HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Annual Investment: $133.7 Million | 13% of General Fund

2A. COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES

Total Annual Investment: $77 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_03_HEALTH_HUMAN_SERVICES.md

Line Items:

Mental Health Crisis Services:
– Annual Investment: $18.5M
– Crisis stabilization center (24/7): $8M
– Clinical staff (32 FTE): $3.2M
– Medical staff: $2M
– Facility operations: $1.8M
– Medications & supplies: $1M
– Mobile crisis teams (12 teams): $6M
– 988 crisis line expansion: $2M
– Peer support specialists (30): $1.5M
– Training & supervision: $1M

Substance Abuse Treatment:
– Annual Investment: $11M
– Medication-assisted treatment: $4M
– Methadone/buprenorphine: $2M
– Medical supervision: $1.5M
– Counseling: $500K
– Residential treatment beds (100): $3.5M
– Outpatient treatment programs: $2M
– Harm reduction services: $1M
– Recovery support housing: $500K

Maternal & Child Health:
– Annual Investment: $5.2M
– Home visiting nurses (40): $3.2M
– Doula program (200 births/year): $800K
– Prenatal care navigation: $600K
– Postpartum support groups: $300K
– Breastfeeding support: $300K

Food Security Programs:
– Annual Investment: $7M
– Emergency food assistance: $2.5M
– Senior nutrition programs: $1.8M
– Summer meals for children: $1.2M
– Food bank partnerships: $1M
– Nutrition education: $500K

Homeless Services:
– Annual Investment: $12M
– Emergency shelter operations: $4M
– Rapid rehousing assistance: $3.5M
– Street outreach teams: $1.5M
– Day services center: $1.5M
– Case management (25 staff): $1.5M

Primary Care Access:
– Annual Investment: $8.3M
– FQHC partnership support: $3M
– Mobile health clinics (4): $2.5M
– Chronic disease management: $1.5M
– Preventive care initiatives: $800K
– Health navigator program: $500K

Dental & Vision Care:
– Annual Investment: $3M
– Mobile dental clinic: $1.2M
– School-based dental sealants: $600K
– Low-income dental assistance: $800K
– Vision screening & glasses: $400K

Community Health Workers:
– Annual Investment: $12M
– 80 community health workers @ $50K: $4M
– Supervision & training: $1.5M
– Home visits & outreach: $3M
– Health education materials: $500K
– Technology & communications: $500K
– Partnership coordination: $2.5M

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $42M
Medicaid reimbursement: $18M
Federal grants (SAMHSA, HRSA): $10M
State opioid settlement funds: $4M
Foundation grants: $3M

2B. PUBLIC HEALTH & WELLNESS

Total Annual Investment: $41 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_12_PUBLIC_HEALTH_WELLNESS.md

Line Items:

Environmental Health Justice:
– Annual Investment: $12M
– Rubbertown emissions monitoring: $2.5M
– Air quality sensors (200 units): $1.5M
– Lead poisoning prevention: $3M
– Home inspections: $1.2M
– Remediation assistance: $1.5M
– Blood level screening: $300K
– Water quality testing: $1.5M
– Environmental enforcement: $2M
– Community health assessments: $1.5M

Mental Health & Substance Use Continuum:
– Annual Investment: $10M
– Integrated treatment hubs (6): $5M
– Peer recovery centers: $2M
– Family support services: $1.5M
– Overdose prevention sites (pilot): $1M
– Naloxone distribution: $500K

Healthy Food Access:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Grocery incentive programs: $2.5M
– Corner store conversions (20): $2M
– Farmers market subsidies: $1M
– Community food projects: $1.5M
– Food prescription program: $1M

Community Wellness Infrastructure:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– Neighborhood wellness centers (12): $3M
– Fitness equipment in parks: $1M
– Walking/biking trail improvements: $1.5M
– Community gardens support: $500K

Maternal & Child Health Equity:
– Annual Investment: $5M
– Black maternal health initiative: $2M
– Centering Pregnancy groups: $1M
– Fetal/infant mortality review: $500K
– Lactation support program: $800K
– Reproductive health services: $700K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $25M
CDC grants: $5M
EPA environmental justice grants: $4M
State health department: $3M
Hospital partnerships: $4M

2C. SENIOR SERVICES

Total Annual Investment: $28 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_14_SENIOR_SERVICES.md

Line Items:

Affordable Senior Housing & Aging in Place:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Senior affordable housing (500 units over 4 yrs): $5M/year capital
– Home modification grants (500/year @ $4K): $2M
– Emergency repair assistance: $600K
– Accessibility upgrades: $400K

Senior Isolation & Wellness:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– Senior centers (18 centers): $3.5M
– Staff & programming: $2.5M
– Facility operations: $1M
– Friendly visitor program: $800K
– Technology literacy training: $600K
– Arts & cultural programs: $600K
– Intergenerational programs: $500K

Senior Transportation:
– Annual Investment: $5M
– Door-to-door transit (5,000 seniors): $3M
– Volunteer driver program: $800K
– Medical appointment transport: $700K
– Grocery shopping assistance: $500K

Aging Services Expansion:
– Annual Investment: $7M
– Meals on Wheels (2,000 seniors): $3M
– In-home care services: $2.5M
– Adult day programs (500 slots): $1M
– Respite care for caregivers: $500K

Economic Security & Benefits:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Benefits enrollment specialists (15): $1M
– Tax preparation assistance: $300K
– Financial counseling: $400K
– Prescription assistance program: $300K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $18M
Federal grants (Older Americans Act): $5M
State aging funds: $3M
Medicaid waivers: $2M

2D. DISABILITY RIGHTS & ACCESSIBILITY

Total Annual Investment: $28 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_15_DISABILITY_RIGHTS_ACCESSIBILITY.md

Line Items:

Universal Accessibility Infrastructure:
– Annual Investment: $10M
– Sidewalk curb cuts (2,500/year): $5M
– ADA building compliance (75/year): $3M
– Accessible playground equipment: $1M
– Audio/visual signal upgrades: $600K
– Accessible park facilities: $400K

Employment & Economic Inclusion:
– Annual Investment: $5M
– Supported employment program (300 jobs): $2M
– Job coaching services: $1M
– Apprenticeship/training programs: $1M
– Business technical assistance: $600K
– Entrepreneurship grants: $400K

Independent Living Services:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Personal care attendants: $3.5M
– Home modifications (200/year @ $8K): $1.6M
– Assistive technology: $1.2M
– Independent living centers (3): $1.2M
– Peer support programs: $500K

Accessible Housing:
– Annual Investment: $4M
– Accessible unit development (100 units/year): $3M
– Housing voucher support: $600K
– Accessible housing registry: $200K
– Fair housing enforcement: $200K

Disability Rights & Leadership:
– Annual Investment: $1M
– Disability Rights Commission: $400K
– ADA coordinator office: $300K
– Self-advocacy training: $200K
– Legal advocacy support: $100K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $18M
Federal grants (CDBG, Section 811): $6M
Medicaid HCBS waiver: $3M
State DD funding: $1M

SECTION 3: HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT

Annual Investment: $103 Million | 10% of General Fund

3A. AFFORDABLE HOUSING & ANTI-DISPLACEMENT

Total Annual Investment: $35 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_05_AFFORDABLE_HOUSING_ANTI_DISPLACEMENT.md

Line Items:

Affordable Housing Production:
– Annual Investment: $15M
– Permanently affordable housing fund: $8M
– New construction (150 units/year): $6M
– Acquisition/rehab (100 units/year): $2M
– Community land trust support: $3M
– Accessory dwelling unit incentives: $2M
– Workforce housing development: $2M

Anti-Displacement & Tenant Protection:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– Tenant legal aid & counseling: $2M
– Emergency rental assistance: $2.5M
– Homeowner property tax relief: $1M
– Anti-displacement monitoring: $500K

Homelessness Prevention:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Rapid rehousing (300 households): $4M
– Eviction prevention fund: $2M
– Housing stability case management: $1.5M
– Security deposit assistance: $500K

Public Housing Reinvestment:
– Annual Investment: $4M
– LMHA partnership improvements: $2.5M
– Resident services & programming: $1M
– Energy efficiency upgrades: $500K

Homeownership Support:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Down payment assistance (100 families): $1M
– Home repair loans: $600K
– Homebuyer education: $200K
– Foreclosure prevention: $200K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $15M
Federal grants (HOME, CDBG): $12M
Affordable housing trust fund: $5M
Developer fees & inclusionary zoning: $3M

3B. NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Total Annual Investment: $38 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_13_NEIGHBORHOOD_DEVELOPMENT.md

Line Items:

Community Development Corporations:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– CDC capitalization (20 CDCs @ $300K): $6M
– Technical assistance & capacity: $1.2M
– Evaluation & support: $800K

Anti-Displacement Protections:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– Community opportunity fund: $3M
– Legal services for tenants: $1.5M
– Property tax assistance: $1M
– Anti-gentrification monitoring: $500K

Neighborhood Infrastructure Equity Fund:
– Annual Investment: $12M
– Sidewalk installation/repair: $4M
– Street resurfacing: $3M
– Park improvements: $2.5M
– Street lighting upgrades: $1.5M
– Drainage improvements: $1M

Vacant Property Transformation:
– Annual Investment: $7M
– Property acquisition (100 properties): $3M
– Demolition of dangerous structures: $1.5M
– Rehabilitation & resale: $2M
– Interim greening/maintenance: $500K

Participatory Neighborhood Budgeting:
– Annual Investment: $5M
– Neighborhood project funds: $4M
– Facilitation & voting process: $600K
– Community organizing support: $400K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $23M
Federal grants (CDBG, NSP): $8M
Bond financing: $5M
Land bank revenues: $2M

3C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & JOBS

Total Annual Investment: $30 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_08_ECONOMIC_DEVELOPMENT_JOBS_EMPLOYEE_BILL_OF_RIGHTS.md

Line Items:

Equitable Economic Development:
– Annual Investment: $10M
– West Louisville investment fund: $5M
– Business corridor revitalization: $2.5M
– Commercial façade improvements: $1M
– Economic opportunity zones: $1.5M

Small Business & Entrepreneurship:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Microloan fund (200 loans @ $25K): $5M
– Technical assistance for entrepreneurs: $1.5M
– Business incubator support: $1M
– Minority business certification: $500K

Workforce Development:
– Annual Investment: $7M
– Registered apprenticeships (300 slots): $3M
– Job training partnerships: $2M
– Career counseling services: $800K
– Transportation to work programs: $700K
– Childcare for trainees: $500K

Employee Bill of Rights Enforcement:
– Annual Investment: $3M
– Wage theft enforcement unit: $1.2M
– Worker rights education: $800K
– Legal aid for workers: $600K
– Workplace safety inspections: $400K

Cooperative Economy Development:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Worker co-op development: $1M
– Technical assistance for co-ops: $500K
– Co-op financing fund: $500K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $18M
Federal grants (EDA, CDBG): $6M
State workforce funds: $4M
Revolving loan repayments: $2M

SECTION 4: INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Annual Investment: $135 Million | 13.2% of General Fund

4A. INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION

Total Annual Investment: $93 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_09_INFRASTRUCTURE_TRANSPORTATION.md

Line Items:

Complete Streets Implementation:
– Annual Investment: $25M
– Protected bike lane network (25 miles/year): $10M
– Sidewalk installation (50 miles/year): $8M
– Bus shelter upgrades (100/year): $2M
– Pedestrian safety improvements: $3M
– ADA curb ramps & crosswalks: $2M

Public Transit Expansion:
– Annual Investment: $30M
– Bus rapid transit corridors: $12M capital
– Increased bus service frequency: $10M operations
– Zero-emission bus fleet (phased): $5M
– Transit center improvements: $2M
– Real-time tracking & amenities: $1M

Street & Bridge Maintenance:
– Annual Investment: $20M
– Street resurfacing (100 miles/year): $12M
– Bridge repair & replacement: $5M
– Pothole rapid response: $2M
– Traffic signal upgrades: $1M

Active Transportation:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Bike share expansion (500 bikes): $2.5M
– Greenway trail construction (10 miles/year): $4M
– Bike parking infrastructure: $800K
– Pedestrian/bike safety programs: $700K

Transportation Equity:
– Annual Investment: $10M
– Free transit for low-income (10,000 passes): $4M
– Paratransit expansion: $3M
– First/last mile solutions: $2M
– Transit access jobs programs: $1M

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $45M
Federal grants (FTA, FHWA): $28M
State transportation funds: $12M
Transit fares: $5M
Developer impact fees: $3M

4B. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE & CLIMATE ACTION

Total Annual Investment: $42 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_07_ENVIRONMENTAL_JUSTICE_CLIMATE_ACTION.md

Line Items:

Environmental Justice & Pollution Reduction:
– Annual Investment: $12M
– Rubbertown transition fund: $5M
– Air quality monitoring network: $2M
– Environmental enforcement: $2M
– Community health screening: $1.5M
– Legal support for EJ communities: $1M
– Green buffer zones: $500K

Climate Resilience Infrastructure:
– Annual Investment: $10M
– Stormwater green infrastructure: $4M
– Urban tree canopy (5,000 trees/year): $2.5M
– Flood mitigation projects: $2M
– Heat island reduction: $1M
– Climate adaptation planning: $500K

Clean Energy Transition:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Solar on public buildings: $3.5M
– Energy efficiency retrofits: $2.5M
– Electric vehicle charging (50 stations): $1.5M
– Renewable energy procurement: $500K

Zero Waste & Circular Economy:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– Composting program expansion: $2M
– Recycling infrastructure upgrades: $1.5M
– Waste reduction education: $800K
– Reuse & repair centers: $1M
– Hazardous waste collection: $700K

Green Jobs & Workforce:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– Green jobs training (200/year): $3M
– Weatherization workforce: $1.5M
– Solar installer apprenticeships: $1M
– Environmental restoration jobs: $500K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $22M
Federal grants (EPA, DOE): $10M
State climate funds: $5M
Green bond financing: $3M
Utility partnerships: $2M

SECTION 5: EDUCATION, YOUTH & CULTURE

Annual Investment: $54 Million | 5.3% of General Fund

5A. EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Total Annual Investment: $28 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_06_EDUCATION_YOUTH_DEVELOPMENT.md

Line Items:

Early Childhood Education:
– Annual Investment: $10M
– Preschool scholarships (500 children): $5M
– Quality improvement grants: $2M
– Early literacy programs: $1.5M
– Home visiting for parents: $1M
– Childcare provider training: $500K

Out-of-School Time Programs:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– After-school programs (3,000 youth): $4M
– Summer learning programs: $2M
– Youth employment (500 jobs): $1.5M
– Mentoring programs: $500K

Educational Equity Initiatives:
– Annual Investment: $5M
– JCPS partnership programs: $2M
– School-based health centers: $1.5M
– College access programs: $1M
– Dropout prevention: $500K

Youth Violence Prevention:
– Annual Investment: $3M
– Youth intervention specialists (20): $1.5M
– Trauma-informed programs: $800K
– Conflict resolution training: $400K
– Youth peace ambassadors: $300K

Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Youth council & governance: $600K
– Leadership development: $600K
– Community service programs: $500K
– Youth participatory budgeting: $300K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $16M
Federal grants (21st Century): $6M
State education funds: $4M
Foundation grants: $2M

5B. ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM

Total Annual Investment: $26 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_10_ARTS_CULTURE_TOURISM.md

Line Items:

Creative Communities Fund:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– West Louisville cultural projects: $4M
– Neighborhood arts programming: $2M
– Public art commissions: $1.5M
– Cultural facility improvements: $500K

Artist Support Infrastructure:
– Annual Investment: $5M
– Affordable artist housing (100 units): $2M
– Artist health insurance pool: $1.2M
– Creative space development: $1M
– Artist grants & fellowships: $800K

Cultural Tourism Equity:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– Muhammad Ali Heritage District: $2.5M
– West Louisville tourism infrastructure: $2M
– Cultural heritage marketing: $1M
– Community tourism training: $500K

Public Art & Creative Placemaking:
– Annual Investment: $4M
– Mural & sculpture program (50/year): $2M
– Underpass/infrastructure art: $1M
– Artist-designed bus shelters: $500K
– Creative crosswalks & streets: $500K

Tourism Workforce Development:
– Annual Investment: $3M
– Hospitality training programs: $1.5M
– Living wage tourism jobs: $1M
– Career pathway development: $500K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $16M
Tourism & hospitality tax: $6M
Arts council grants: $2M
Private partnerships: $2M

SECTION 6: TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Annual Investment: $38 Million | 3.7% of General Fund

6A. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Total Annual Investment: $38 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_11_TECHNOLOGY_INNOVATION.md

Line Items:

Universal Broadband Initiative:
– Annual Investment: $15M
– Municipal fiber network expansion: $10M capital
– Low-income internet subsidies (20,000 households): $3M
– Community WiFi hotspots (200 locations): $1.5M
– Digital literacy training: $500K

Louisville Innovation District:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– West Louisville tech hub development: $4M
– Startup incubator operations: $2M
– Tech company recruitment: $1.5M
– Innovation programming: $500K

Tech Talent Pipeline:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– K-12 computer science education: $2.5M
– Coding bootcamp scholarships (200): $2M
– Tech apprenticeships: $1M
– STEM teacher training: $500K

Digital Government Transformation:
– Annual Investment: $7M
– Mobile app development & maintenance: $2.5M
– Digital services platform: $2M
– Cloud infrastructure migration: $1.5M
– Cybersecurity improvements: $1M

Civic Technology & Open Data:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Open data portal & API development: $800K
– Civic tech partnerships: $600K
– Innovation challenges & hackathons: $400K
– Data analytics staff (5): $600K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $23M
Federal broadband grants: $8M
State technology funds: $4M
Tech sector partnerships: $3M

SECTION 7: FOOD SYSTEMS

Annual Investment: $25 Million | 2.4% of General Fund

7A. FOOD SYSTEMS & URBAN AGRICULTURE

Total Annual Investment: $25 Million
Policy Document: POLICY_16_FOOD_SYSTEMS_URBAN_AGRICULTURE.md

Line Items:

Food Desert Elimination:
– Annual Investment: $6M
– Grocery store incentives (5 stores): $2.5M
– Mobile markets & food trucks: $1.5M
– Corner store healthy food programs: $1M
– Food access infrastructure: $1M

Urban Agriculture Infrastructure:
– Annual Investment: $8M
– Community gardens (100 sites): $3M
– Urban farms (20 farms): $3M
– Farmer training & support: $1M
– Agricultural equipment & tools: $500K
– Land acquisition for farming: $500K

Local Food Economy Development:
– Annual Investment: $4M
– Food hub development: $2M
– Farm-to-institution programs: $1M
– Local food procurement subsidies: $600K
– Farmers market support: $400K

Food Waste Reduction & Composting:
– Annual Investment: $5M
– Citywide composting program: $2.5M
– Food rescue & redistribution: $1.5M
– Waste prevention education: $600K
– Industrial composting facility: $400K

Food Justice & Sovereignty:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Food policy council operations: $500K
– Community food projects: $800K
– Food justice organizing: $400K
– Cooperative food businesses: $300K

Funding Sources:

General Fund: $15M
Federal grants (USDA): $5M
State agriculture funds: $3M
Food recovery partnerships: $2M

SECTION 8: BUDGET & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Annual Investment: $8 Million | 0.8% of General Fund

Revenue Generation: $19.5-45.5 Million

8A. BUDGET & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Total Annual Investment: $8 Million
Net Budget Impact: +$11.5M to +$37.5M surplus
Policy Document: POLICY_04_BUDGET_FINANCIAL_MANAGEMENT.md

Line Items:

Participatory Budgeting Process:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Community facilitators (30): $1.2M
– Public engagement & voting: $400K
– Translation & accessibility: $200K
– Technology platform: $200K

Budget Transparency & Accountability:
– Annual Investment: $1.5M
– Open budget portal development: $600K
– Public reporting & dashboards: $400K
– Community education & outreach: $300K
– Data visualization tools: $200K

Performance Management System:
– Annual Investment: $2M
– Performance management staff (10): $1M
– Data analytics platform: $500K
– Department training & support: $300K
– Outcome measurement tools: $200K

Financial Management Improvements:
– Annual Investment: $2.5M
– Procurement reform implementation: $800K
– Financial systems upgrades: $700K
– Audit & compliance staff: $600K
– Revenue optimization analysis: $400K

Revenue Generation Initiatives:

Conservative Estimate ($19.5M):
– Corporate subsidy reforms: $8M
– Procurement efficiency: $5M
– Fee restructuring (equity-based): $3M
– Tax compliance enforcement: $2.5M
– Asset optimization: $1M

Aggressive Estimate ($45.5M):
– Corporate subsidy reforms: $20M
– Procurement efficiency: $12M
– Fee restructuring: $6M
– Tax compliance enforcement: $5M
– Asset optimization: $2.5M

Net Budget Impact:

Investment: $8M
Revenue generation: $19.5M-$45.5M
Net surplus: $11.5M-$37.5M

BUDGET RECONCILIATION

Total Annual Investments by Section:

Public Safety & Justice: $132.5M
Health & Human Services: $174M
Housing & Development: $103M
Infrastructure & Environment: $135M
Education, Youth & Culture: $54M
Technology & Innovation: $38M
Food Systems: $25M
Budget & Financial Management: $8M (generates $19.5-45.5M)

Total New Policy Investments: $669.5M

Cost Offsets & Revenue:

Direct Cost Savings:
– Criminal justice reform savings: $45M
– Reduced incarceration costs: $15M (included above)
– Budget management revenue generation: $19.5M (conservative)
– Total Offsets: $64.5M

Note: Reduced ER costs ($8M) and other healthcare savings are economic benefits but not direct Metro budget offsets.

Net New Investment Required: $605M

Funding Sources for $605M:

Federal Grants & Partnerships ($88M):
– Public safety (COPS, Byrne JAG): $10M
– Health (SAMHSA, HRSA, CDC): $18M
– Housing (HOME, CDBG): $20M
– Infrastructure (FTA, FHWA, EPA): $38M
– Other federal programs: $2M

Medicaid & Healthcare Reimbursement ($29M):
– Wellness center services: $8M
– Mental health services: $10M
– Home & community-based services: $5M
– Other healthcare reimbursements: $6M

State Funding ($17M):
– Health & human services: $6M
– Transportation: $12M
– Workforce development: $4M
– Other state programs: $3M
– Less overlap: -$8M

Revenue Generation & Reforms ($28M):
– Corporate subsidy reforms: $8M (conservative)
– Procurement efficiency: $5M
– Fee restructuring: $3M
– Tax compliance: $2.5M
– Economic development reforms: $2.5M
– Other efficiencies: $7M

Bonds & Capital Financing ($65M annually on 20-year bonds):
– Infrastructure bonds: $40M/year
– Housing bonds: $15M/year
– Public facilities bonds: $10M/year

Reallocations from Existing Budget ($378M):
– Departmental efficiency improvements: $50M
– Program consolidations: $30M
– Administrative streamlining: $25M
– Technology-driven savings: $15M
– Remaining from general fund: $258M

Total Funding Sources: $605M

General Fund Allocation:

New Policy Investments (net): $605M (50.4%)
Existing Core Operations: $595M (49.6%)
General government: $95M
Existing public safety (beyond new programs): $130M
Infrastructure maintenance: $90M
Debt service: $100M
Contingency & reserves: $180M

Total General Fund: $1.2 Billion

RETURN ON INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

Economic Returns by Policy Area:

Public Safety & Community Policing ($81M investment):
– Reduced incarceration costs: $15M/year
– Reduced ER costs: $8M/year
– Property value increases: $50M/year
– Business development: $30M/year
– Annual ROI: $103M (0.9x) – Break-even plus social benefits

Criminal Justice Reform ($22M investment):
– Direct savings: $45M/year
– Annual ROI: $45M (2x) – Budget surplus

Health Services ($118M investment):
– Reduced hospitalizations: $35M/year
– Improved productivity: $90M/year
– Medicaid reimbursements: $29M/year
– Annual ROI: $154M (1.3x)

Housing & Development ($103M investment):
– Increased property taxes: $25M/year
– Economic development: $180M/year
– Reduced homelessness costs: $12M/year
– Annual ROI: $217M (2.1x)

Infrastructure & Environment ($135M investment):
– Reduced healthcare costs (cleaner air): $45M/year
– Increased property values: $120M/year
– Transportation cost savings: $55M/year
– Economic development: $200M/year
– Annual ROI: $420M (3.1x)

Education & Youth ($54M investment):
– Future earnings increases: $150M/year (long-term)
– Reduced juvenile justice costs: $8M/year
– Increased college enrollment value: $35M/year
– Annual ROI: $193M (3.6x)

Technology & Innovation ($38M investment):
– Economic development: $266M/year
– Productivity improvements: $45M/year
– New business creation: $69M/year
– Annual ROI: $380M (10x)

Food Systems ($25M investment):
– Healthcare cost reductions: $28M/year
– Economic activity: $96M/year
– Reduced food waste value: $51M/year
– Annual ROI: $175M (7x)

Total ROI Summary:

Total Annual Investment: $661.5M (before offsets)
Total Annual Returns: $1.787 Billion
Overall ROI: 2.7x (conservative estimate)
Net Budget Impact After All Offsets: Budget-neutral to slight surplus

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

Year 1 (2026): Foundation – $298M Investment

Focus: Launch programs, build infrastructure, establish systems
– Public safety: Begin mini substations & wellness centers
– Housing: Start affordable housing production
– Health: Open crisis centers & expand services
– Infrastructure: Begin complete streets & transit improvements
– All programs: Hire staff, establish operations

Year 2 (2027): Expansion – $585M Investment

Focus: Scale successful programs, reach more communities
– Public safety: 18 substations operational, 6 wellness centers
– Housing: 300 new affordable units, robust anti-displacement
– Health: Full service continuum operating
– Infrastructure: Major transit & climate projects underway
– Economic development: West Louisville investment flowing

Year 3 (2028): Maturity – $698M Investment

Focus: Full implementation, optimization, measurable outcomes
– Public safety: 40 substations, all 18 wellness centers operational
– Housing: 600 units produced, displacement prevented
– Infrastructure: Complete streets network 60% complete
– Environment: Major emission reductions, green infrastructure
– All programs: Data-driven improvements

Year 4 (2029): Sustainability – $665M Investment

Focus: Sustain gains, institutionalize best practices, plan next phase
– Public safety: All at least one mini substation in every ZIP code operational
– All programs: Full operation & optimization
– Evaluation: Independent assessment of outcomes
– Planning: Next generation of innovations

Four-Year Total Investment: $2.246 Billion
Average Annual Investment: $561.5M

RISK MITIGATION & CONTINGENCIES

Budget Contingency Fund: $25M Annually

Allocation:
– Construction cost overruns: $10M
– Economic downturn buffer: $8M
– Emergency response: $5M
– Unforeseen opportunities: $2M

Risk Management Strategies:

Revenue Shortfalls:
– Phased implementation allows adjustment
– Federal grants diversified across agencies
– Performance-based contracts protect taxpayers
– Reserve fund maintains 60-day operations

Implementation Delays:
– Conservative timelines build in flexibility
– Multiple projects proceeding simultaneously
– Early wins demonstrate momentum
– Transparent communication maintains trust

Political Opposition:
– Community engagement builds grassroots support
– Fiscal responsibility demonstrates competence
– Evidence-based approach hard to attack
– Measurable outcomes prove success

ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY

Public Reporting:

Monthly:
– Budget execution reports
– Program enrollment & outcomes
– Construction progress updates
– Community feedback summaries

Quarterly:
– Comprehensive performance dashboard
– ROI calculations & cost-benefit analysis
– Comparative data (peer cities, historical)
– Community town halls

Annually:
– Independent financial audit
– Program evaluation by external evaluators
– Community satisfaction surveys
– Strategic plan updates

Community Oversight:

Participatory budgeting ($5M annually)
Budget advisory committee (15 residents)
Departmental community advisory boards
Open budget portal (real-time data)
Public hearings in all districts

CONCLUSION

This detailed line-item budget demonstrates that Louisville can fundamentally transform its approach to public safety, health, housing, infrastructure, and economic development while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Key Achievements:

✅ Budget-Neutral: Fits within $1.2B General Fund
✅ Evidence-Based: Every program proven in peer cities
✅ Equity-Centered: Prioritizes historically underinvested communities
✅ High ROI: $2.70 return for every dollar invested
✅ Job Creation: 5,000+ quality jobs over four years
✅ Community-Driven: $5M annual participatory budgeting
✅ Transparent: Real-time public budget portal
✅ Accountable: Monthly reporting & independent evaluation

Bottom Line:

Louisville doesn’t need higher taxes to transform our city. We need smarter investments, community control, and leadership willing to challenge failed approaches. This budget proves it’s possible.

Dave Biggers for Louisville Mayor
rundaverun.org

Detailed Line-Item Budget | Version 1.0 | October 30, 2025
Integrating 16 Comprehensive Policy Documents
Total Investment: $661.5M Annual | $2.646B Over Four Years