Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Definition
Louisville Metro’s multi-year plan for major infrastructure investments like roads, sewers, parks, buildings, and equipment typically costing over $100,000 and lasting 10+ years. The CIP prioritizes projects, estimates costs, and identifies funding (bonds, grants, dedicated revenues). Metro Council must approve the CIP and annual capital budget. The CIP process determines which neighborhoods get new facilities, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
Louisville Context
Louisville’s CIP totals approximately $150-200 million annually for roads, sewers, buildings, parks, and equipment. However, CIP investments have historically concentrated in East End and downtown while West Louisville receives minimal investment. Political influence, not objective need, often drives CIP priorities. Many worthy projects languish unfunded for years while less-needed projects in influential districts advance. This pattern perpetuates infrastructure inequality.
Why It Matters
The CIP determines which neighborhoods get new parks, renovated community centers, better roads, and improved drainage—or which neighborhoods are ignored. When CIP investments follow political influence rather than community need, it perpetuates inequality and signals that some neighborhoods matter more than others. Equitable CIP investment requires deliberate prioritization of underserved areas.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will reform Louisville’s CIP process to prioritize projects based on objective need (infrastructure condition, service gaps, safety) rather than political influence. He’ll establish equity criteria ensuring underserved neighborhoods receive proportional investment. He’ll make the CIP process transparent with community input. All CIP proposals will include equity impact analysis showing which neighborhoods benefit.