Office of Sustainability Nixed in Louisville

Budget cuts resulted in the demise of the Office of Sustainability in the city of Louisville.

1 minute read

July 27, 2019, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Louisville Bridge

Thomas Kelley / Shutterstock

According to Ryan Van Velzer, budget cuts made last month included a decision to lay off the city's sustainability director and fold the Metro Office of Sustainability into the Office of Advanced Planning.

The decision to eliminate the position and the office was made just months after Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer reaffirmed a commitment to a coalition of U.S. cities that have pledged to meet emissions reduction targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement. The city is aiming to cut emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050.

"Fischer says sustainability will continue to be integrated across city departments like what’s being done with Louisville’s resiliency plan, which among other goals seeks ways for the city to adapt to the changing climate," according to Van Velzer.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 in WFPL

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Large Walmart store with empty parking lot.

How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities

Bigger is not always better.

January 2, 2025 - Marcelo Remond

Large brutalist building and skyscrapers viewed from middle of wide street in downtown Houston, Texas.

Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness

An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.

January 3, 2025 - Wired

Pedestrians in a busy city intersection with a cirty bus passing behind them.

Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach

Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.

January 1, 2025 - Beth Wemple

"Danger Extreme Fire Hazard" sign on street sign post below "No Parking" sign.

Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis

Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.

5 hours ago - DW.com

Minneapolis, Minnesota skyline with river and bridge in foreground.

Looking Back on 60 Years of Land Development in the Twin Cities

In 1960, about 12 percent of the Twin Cities metro's land was already developed. By 2020, about 34 percent had been developed. Many factors influenced how the region has changed since 1960.

7 hours ago - Metropolitan Council: Metro Update

New Haven, Connecticut downtown skyline with fall foliage in foreground.

New Haven Reaches for Reinvention Amidst Failures of Urban Renewal

Seeking recovery from decades of failed urban renewal projects, New Haven rings in the new year by continuing a series of small-scale urban planning initiatives to reinvent its municipal spaces. 

January 12 - Governing Magazine

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.