Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions about Dave’s plan for Louisville, answered.
How is Dave’s $1.2 billion budget funded without raising taxes?
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Dave’s budget is the same size as the current budget – $1.2 billion. The difference is priorities, not total spending.
Instead of raising taxes, Dave’s plan:
- Reallocates existing resources more efficiently
- Reduces waste through performance-based budgeting
- Generates savings from wellness centers ($2-3 return per dollar)
- Optimizes departmental spending through zero-based budgeting
Bottom line: Same budget. Better priorities. No new taxes.
How will at least one mini substation in every ZIP code reduce crime?
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Mini substations work through three proven mechanisms:
- Faster response times: Substations in neighborhoods reduce response by up to 75% compared to centralized precincts
- Community trust: Same officers patrolling daily build relationships with residents, increasing cooperation
- Visible presence: Walk-in facilities deter crime and provide accessible reporting
Evidence: Cities like Los Angeles (23% crime reduction), Chicago (31% violent crime drop), and Phoenix (68% faster response) prove this model works.
What is participatory budgeting and how does it work?
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Participatory budgeting gives Louisville residents direct control over $15 million in city spending.
Here’s how:
- Idea Collection: Residents submit project proposals online, in-person, or on paper
- Community Review: Volunteer committees work with Metro staff to evaluate feasibility and cost
- Public Vote: All Louisville residents 14+ vote on which projects get funded
- Implementation: Metro departments execute the winning projects
- Celebration: Neighborhoods showcase completed projects
Examples from other cities: Playground renovations, street repaving, security cameras, community gardens, Wi-Fi in parks
How will Louisville kids access the $45 million in youth programs?
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100% of Louisville children will have access through three program categories:
- After-School Programs: Available at schools and community centers citywide, 3-6 PM daily. Includes tutoring, enrichment, meals, and safe supervision.
- Summer Jobs: 3,000+ paid internships for teens 14-18 with Metro departments, nonprofits, and businesses. Applications open March annually.
- Mentorship: 1-on-1 mentor matching through schools, community centers, and online portal. Bilingual services available.
Cost: FREE for all families. Transportation provided to eliminate barriers.
Sign-up: Programs launch 6 months after Dave takes office. Enrollment opens through schools and rundaverun.org.
How do community wellness centers save $2-3 per dollar spent?
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Wellness centers save money by preventing expensive crises instead of reacting to them:
Cost Reductions:
- Emergency Room Visits: Down 35-45% (saves $2,400/visit avoided)
- Incarceration: Down 28-40% through addiction treatment instead of jail (saves $31,000/year per person)
- Homelessness: Down 60% through preventive services (saves $40,000/person/year)
- Chronic Disease: Down 30% through preventive care (thousands saved per patient)
Investment: $34.2 million annually
Savings: $68-102 million annually
Net Benefit: $34-68 million/year to Louisville
Data from 30+ cities with similar wellness hub models.
When is the election and how do I vote?
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Election Date: May 19, 2026 (Primary)
General Election: November 3, 2026
How to Vote:
- Check Registration: Verify you’re registered at vrsws.sos.ky.gov/vic/
- Register (if needed): Deadline is April 19, 2026. Register online or at county clerk’s office.
- Find Polling Place: Your polling location will be confirmed 30 days before election.
- Vote!: Polls open 6 AM – 6 PM on election day
Early Voting: Available at select locations starting May 5, 2026
How can I volunteer for the campaign?
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We need volunteers for:
- Canvassing: Door-to-door voter outreach in your neighborhood
- Phone Banking: Calling voters from home (flexible hours)
- Event Support: Help with town halls, rallies, and community meetings
- Social Media: Share campaign content, engage supporters online
- Data Entry: Track voter contacts, organize outreach
Time Commitment: Flexible! Even 2 hours/week makes a difference.
Training: Full training provided for all volunteer roles. No experience necessary!
When will my neighborhood get a mini substation?
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All at least one mini substation in every ZIP code will be deployed over 4 years, prioritized by crime rates and community need:
- Year 1 (Phase 1): West Louisville – 12 substations in highest-crime areas
- Year 2 (Phase 2): South Louisville – 12 additional substations
- Year 3 (Phase 3): Central & East Louisville – 12 more substations
- Year 4 (Phase 4): Complete coverage – final 10 substations
Find your timeline: Enter your ZIP code to see your specific deployment phase, exact substation locations, and projected crime reduction data.
What if my child has special needs or doesn’t speak English?
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All programs are designed to be fully inclusive and accessible:
Special Needs Accommodations:
- Individualized support plans for children with disabilities
- Trained staff in special education and behavioral support
- Modified activities to ensure full participation
- Transportation assistance for mobility-limited families
Language Services:
- Bilingual staff (Spanish, Somali, Arabic, Swahili, others)
- Translation services for all program materials
- ESL support integrated into after-school programs
- Parent communication in family’s preferred language
Every Louisville child deserves access, regardless of ability or language.
Who is Dave Biggers and why is he running?
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Dave Biggers is a 41-year-old Louisville native running for mayor because Louisville deserves a government that actually listens and responds.
Background:
- Grew up in Louisville, graduated from local schools
- Career focused on public policy and community development
- Spent years studying what works in cities across America
- Built comprehensive, evidence-based policy platform
Why he’s running: “For too long, Louisville has seen the same promises without results. I’m running to bring data-driven solutions, community-focused priorities, and a government that responds to what neighborhoods actually need.”