News & Insights
Neighborhood change doesn’t happen in headlines—it happens block by block, relationship by relationship. Here, we share the stories, insights, and real-world examples behind CFN’s work, highlighting what it takes to build lasting neighborhood power. Each post is a window into how communities move from idea to impact. Explore our stories and if you see yourself in this work, connect with us to be part of building what comes next.
Louisville’s proposed budget includes $23.1 million in local housing investment but Louisville’s housing need is measured in the billions. Is it the best kind of investment and is it enough?
Budgets are not just spreadsheets. They are choices. And when we look at Louisville Metro’s budget trends over the last five years, one thing becomes clear: some parts of local government have grown significantly, while other departments tied directly to neighborhoods, housing, and planning have lost ground.
Communities are often asked to dream, plan, attend meetings, share their history, lend credibility, and support redevelopment. But too often, when the value is finally created, ownership sits somewhere else. The Nia Center gives Louisville a chance to do something different.
Louisville’s next city budget is now in the hands of Metro Council, and May is when the public review begins in earnest.
This week’s budget review starts with a simple but important fact: Louisville Metro is expecting more General Fund revenue this year — $919 million total, up $42.5 million from last year. Before residents can weigh in on what the budget should fund, we need to understand where the money is coming from.
Over the next several weeks, Metro Council will review the Mayor’s proposal, hear from departments, ask questions, consider amendments, and adopt a final budget before the end of June. This is one of the most important civic processes of the year because the budget is where public priorities become real — or do not.
Thanking Rev Bishop Lyons and his colleagues for creating a space where neighborhood voices matter, where important information can be shared openly, and where people from across Louisville can come together to listen, learn, and stay connected to what is happening in the community.
Learn how the Nia Center is becoming a permanent hub for community ownership. Support local businesses & organizations for lasting change.
CFN has evolved from a design center doing primarily human-centered architecture work into an organization focused on education, engagement, and resident leadership—training and programs that help neighbors define priorities and build power together.
Louisville doesn’t need more ideas. It needs more capacity to execute—in neighborhoods, with residents, and in ways that actually last. That’s why Center for Neighborhoods is building a citywide Expert Network of experienced planners, facilitators, designers, organizers, analysts, developers, and project leaders.
This post is part of CFN’s Project78 series—spotlighting what’s happening in neighborhoods across Louisville through the lens of experienced, concerned local experts and partners who help communities stay informed and ready to engage.
CFN issues its FY2025 Impact Report
Louisville Is Moving to Nonpartisan Local Elections. Here’s What It Means for Neighborhoods.
Community Foundation of Louisville Delivers Bridge to Community Ownership
Over the years, CFN has helped neighborhoods and corridors tackle real challenges: how to preserve character while welcoming change, how to make streets safer and more connected, how to support local businesses, and how to turn community priorities into plans that can actually be implemented.
Most neighborhoods don’t lack passion. They lack leverage—the know-how to navigate systems, build consensus, and move from frustration to action. CFN’s education work exists to close that gap: we teach people how power works, how neighborhoods organize, and how to turn ideas into outcomes.
At CFN, engagement isn’t a “phase.” It’s how the work starts and how it stays accountable.
Resident work is the backbone, and it “all begins with engagement,” with liaisons on the ground helping neighbors drive change through their vision—providing technical support, not decisions.
The Center for Neighborhoods FY2026–FY2028 Strategic Plan sets the direction for our work over the next three years and sharpens how we turn neighborhood leadership into lasting change.
CFN’s Role in the Nia Center Path to Community Ownership
Paying for Participation: How Our COAB Project Invests in Community Voices
Residents in Louisville are leading community-driven development. Join the Center for Neighborhoods in shaping a just future for local neighborhoods.
Understand the Louisville Metro budget process & recent council concerns. Advocate for transparency & public engagement in fiscal matters.
CFN closed on the Triangle property at 1120 W. Hill Street on October 21, 2025, holding it on behalf of neighborhood leaders until it transfers into a new resident-led co-op structure.
Louisville’s FY25-26 Operating Budget: What Changed on the Way from Mayor’s Desk to Metro Council?
Ways to get involved
Every neighborhood’s path is different. Some are just beginning to organize. Others are ready to build, invest, or scale. CFN exists to support all of it without rushing the process or skipping the people.
If you’re ready to engage, learn, plan, or invest in the future of Louisville neighborhoods, we’re ready to walk alongside you.
