Louisville's Growth Plan: Too Much, Too Fast?

Louisville is looking at a big change. The city wants to add a lot of new homes and people. The plan is to increase housing by 46% to 67%. That could mean up to 33, 410 people living there. That's a lot more than the 19, 889 people who live there now. But is this a good idea? Louisville is known for its small-town charm. More people might mean more traffic, more crowding, and more strain on services like water and roads. It could also mean higher taxes and more crime. The city already has a plan that suggests a smaller increase of 28%. So why the big change? The goal is to make housing more affordable. But building more homes doesn't always mean prices go down. In fact, when Louisville added thousands of new homes in the past, prices and rents went up. So, this plan might not solve the affordability problem.What do the people of Louisville want? A survey showed that most people prefer moderate growth. But the survey didn't give them a moderate option. Instead, it offered low growth or high growth. Many people chose "other, " showing they want something in between. The city should think carefully about this plan. A smaller increase of 20% to 25% might be better. It would still mean more people and homes, but it would be easier to manage. The city should also study the costs and benefits before making a decision. If you live in Louisville, you can have your say. Attend the open house on January 28, 2026. Or speak at the planning commission and city council meetings in February and March. Make your voice heard!