Metro Council Committees Convene to Review 2026 Legislative Priorities and Budget Today

Metro Council Committees Meet to Address 2026 Legislative Roadmap

The Louisville Metro Council is set for a productive afternoon today, Thursday, February 5, 2026, as key standing committees convene at City Hall to advance the city’s legislative and fiscal priorities. Today’s sessions follow the high-profile release of the 2026 Local Legislative Agenda earlier this week, which has set the stage for intense discussions on affordable housing, public safety infrastructure, and the city's billion-dollar budget.

Budget Committee Reviews $1.2 Billion Spending Proposal

The Budget Committee, led by Chair Kevin Kramer (R-11) and Vice Chair Markus Winkler (D-17), is scheduled to meet at 4:30 p.m. This afternoon’s primary focus is the ongoing evaluation of Mayor Craig Greenberg’s proposed $1.2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. With a reported $50 million surplus from the previous year, the committee is examining how to best allocate these funds toward neighborhood revitalization and emergency services.

• Public Safety Infrastructure: A major agenda item involves the proposed funding for a dedicated first responder training facility. The administration has identified land in Southwest Jefferson County for the project, though final budget approval remains a subject of committee debate.
• Emergency Response Enhancements: The committee is reviewing plans to hire medical professionals for the 911 call center to streamline non-emergency responses and manage current staffing shortages within EMS.
• Technological Upgrades: Proposed allocations for an expanded network of license plate readers and CCTV cameras across the county are also under review to bolster downtown security.

Parks and Sustainability Committee Tackles Legislative Alignment

Starting at 3:00 p.m., the Parks and Sustainability Committee, chaired by Khalil Batshon (R-25), will meet to discuss local infrastructure and green space developments. The meeting comes just days after Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) unveiled its 2026 Local Legislative Agenda, which calls for significant statutory changes and local policy shifts.

Committee members are expected to discuss how the city can align its goals with GLI’s priorities, particularly regarding the revision of Louisville’s Land Development Code. These revisions aim to streamline zoning processes and incentivize the construction of affordable housing units. Additionally, the committee may touch upon the new master plan for Jefferson Memorial Forest, which seeks to transform the site into a premier national recreational destination through enhanced infrastructure and amenities.

Recent Executive Announcements

Today's legislative activity follows Mayor Greenberg's announcement on February 3 regarding the launch of the "250 Lou" grant program. The program is designed to support local nonprofits with up to $48,000 in total funding for events celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. While the grant application process is now open, the Council continues to monitor the administrative rollout of these community-driven initiatives.

All committee meetings are held in the Metro Council Chambers at City Hall and are open to the public. Residents interested in the proceedings can also watch live or recorded sessions via the city's digital public portal.