Gatsby, Growth, and the Great Budget Debate: Your Louisville Morning Briefing

Good Morning, Louisville

It is Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and a crisp, breezy morning greets the city with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark. The mood across the metro area today is one of focused momentum. While we are deep in the 'planning season' for the 152nd Kentucky Derby, the city is also grappling with the logistical realities of major growth. From the evolving skyline downtown to the ongoing debates at City Hall, there is a sense that Louisville is actively building the version of itself it wants to be by the decade's end.

The Talk of the Town: The Billion-Dollar Question

The primary talking point in coffee shops and office buildings this week is the Metro Council’s intense deliberation over Mayor Craig Greenberg’s proposed $1.2 billion budget. Following committee meetings earlier this month, the focus has shifted to how the city should spend a reported $50 million surplus from the previous fiscal year. Key points of contention and interest include:

• First Responder Training: Heated discussions continue regarding the funding for a dedicated first responder training facility in Southwest Jefferson County. While city leaders agree on the need, the scale and location remain under the microscope.
• Downtown Revival: Allocation of funds for the 'Community Care Campus' and the continued renovation of the Belvedere are high priorities as the city attempts to modernize the central business district.
• Traffic and Infrastructure: Commuters are keeping a close eye on the I-65 Central Corridor Project. While work on the bridge replacements is currently happening beneath the interstate with minimal impact, the looming full closure scheduled for June is already influencing long-term transit planning.

Today’s Cultural Calendar

If you are looking to head out tonight, the city is buzzing with activity. The touring Broadway production of The Great Gatsby takes the stage at Whitney Hall at 7:00 PM, bringing Jazz Age glamour to Main Street. For those looking for a more spirited evening, the NuLu Clash of the Cocktails returns today, featuring a mixology showdown between the district’s most innovative bartenders. Meanwhile, indie fans are heading to Zanzabar to catch Bad Bad Hats with SMUT at 8:00 PM.

Feel-Good Story: A Museum for the Future

In a heartening update for the West End, progress on the AHOY (Adventure House of You) Children’s Museum is reaching a fever pitch. Scheduled to open later this year, the museum is currently installing its 'risky play' exhibits, which are designed to help children overcome fears through climbing and boundary-testing. Modeled after the famous City Museum in St. Louis, this $4 million investment is being hailed as a transformative anchor for families in the Portland and Shawnee neighborhoods, ensuring that the next generation of Louisvillians has a world-class space to play and learn.