Public Infrastructure Assistance

Public Infrastructure Assistance is a financial reimbursement program administered by the LRC and City of Louisville to support infrastructure improvements that facilitate redevelopment and long-term community benefit within the Urban Renewal Area.

This program helps fund public improvements that are essential to enabling private development and reinvestment. Assistance is evaluated based on a project’s ability to:

• Eliminate or prevent blight within the Urban Renewal Area
• Stimulate private investment and redevelopment
• Generate positive community and economic impacts
• Improve surrounding property conditions and values
• Demonstrate a clear need for public funding support
• Enhance the overall function and connectivity of the area

Eligible infrastructure projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Streetscape improvements (brick pavers, lighting, landscaping, tree lawns)
• Streets, sidewalks, underpasses, and pedestrian facilities
• Vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian access and circulation improvements
• Parking infrastructure improvements
• Utility upgrades, expansions, or relocations (underground and aboveground)
• Parks and public space enhancements
• Railroad corridor improvements and grade separations

Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and varies depending on project scope, cost, complexity, and alignment with program objectives.

Applications may be submitted before, during, or after the zoning entitlement process; however, applicants should have a well-defined project scope and reliable cost estimates prior to submission.

This program is intended for property owners, developers, and project partners proposing public infrastructure improvements within an eligible Urban Renewal Area.

Applicants may be eligible if their project:

• Supports redevelopment or reinvestment within the URA
• Requires infrastructure improvements to enable development feasibility
• Provides clear public benefit and improved community connectivity
• Enhances access, circulation, or utility infrastructure
• Contributes to increased property values and economic activity
• Aligns with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Urban Renewal objectives

Projects are evaluated based on their ability to generate broad community benefit, including improvements to surrounding properties and long-term support for private investment within the Urban Renewal Area.

The Public Infrastructure Assistance program follows a structured review and approval process designed to ensure alignment with City and LRC objectives.

1. Pre-Application Meeting
   Applicants are encouraged to meet with City staff to review project eligibility, scope of improvements, and program requirements.
2. Submit Application
   Submit a completed Application for Public Infrastructure Assistance with a defined scope of work and cost estimates.
3. Staff Review
   City staff review the application for alignment with Urban Renewal Plan objectives, program criteria, and community benefit.
4. LRC Review and Consideration
   The application is presented at a regular LRC meeting for consideration. If supported, staff prepares an Agreement for Public Infrastructure Assistance.
5. City Council Approval
   The Agreement is reviewed and approved by City Council, then returned to the LRC for final approval.
6. Project Completion
   The applicant completes the approved infrastructure improvements within the timeline outlined in the Agreement.
7. Reimbursement Request
   After project completion and final City acceptance, the applicant submits a Request for Reimbursement with all required documentation and paid invoices.
8. Payment Processing
   If the request aligns with the approved Agreement, reimbursement is typically issued within 30 days.

All assistance is awarded at the sole discretion of the LRC and City Council. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or funding. All projects must comply with applicable City plans, zoning regulations, building codes, and design standards.