Louisville, Kentucky, December 5, 2025
Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) recently concluded a productive trip to Milwaukee, aiming to extract actionable economic strategies for Louisville. Over 140 local business leaders explored Milwaukee’s successes in areas such as housing, placemaking, and talent retention. This collaborative initiative intends to enhance local job creation and investment, reinforcing Louisville’s potential for economic growth. Key strategies discussed include creating a permanent supportive housing strategy and establishing a local angel-investor network.
Louisville, Kentucky
GLI’s Milwaukee Trip Sparks Economic Strategies for Louisville
Exploring Actionable Insights for Growth and Development
In an effort to stimulate the local economy and enhance community development, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) recently concluded a productive trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over 140 business leaders from the Louisville area embarked on this exploration as part of the 2025 Greater Louisville Idea Development Expedition (GLIDE). Their goal was to analyze Milwaukee’s successes in key sectors, allowing Louisville to adapt proven strategies and foster greater economic growth.
This initiative highlights the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of local leaders determined to drive job creation and community engagement in the Jefferson County economy. By focusing on a collaborative approach that values partnerships between businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies, the groundwork is being laid to enhance Louisville’s attractiveness for talent and investment.
Key Takeaways from the Milwaukee Visit
The Milwaukee trip carefully centered on four essential areas: housing, placemaking, economic opportunity, and talent retention. Following the visit, GLI outlined actionable next steps that aim to replicate Milwaukee’s successful initiatives. These strategies resonate with key themes of limited regulation and private investment to stimulate growth in the region.
- Support Louisville’s efforts to create a comprehensive Permanent Supportive Housing Strategy. A follow-up conversation with all local stakeholders is scheduled for later this week.
- Encourage the city and private businesses to invest in a flexible funding pool. This pool would support rental assistance, case management services, and incentives for landlords to accept rent assistance and lower certain eligibility requirements.
- Create a robust maintenance fund to support downtown’s built environment. This includes a new office and a plan for who is responsible for planting, removing, and maintaining landscaping.
- Create a local angel-investor network. This network would present vetted start-ups to interested investors, facilitating support for promising early-stage companies.
- Encourage collaboration among GLI, its partners, and higher education institutions. The goal is to support internships, co-ops, apprenticeships, and other work-study programs that help retain students in the region by providing job placement after graduation.
Insights from Milwaukee’s Successes
Milwaukee has demonstrated measurable success in reducing homelessness, maintaining business retention, and cultivating a vibrant downtown atmosphere through innovative policies and community partnerships. Louisville business leaders learned from individuals who spearheaded these transformative initiatives and are now eager to implement similar strategies to enhance the city’s metropolitan area. The emphasis on collaboration and community involvement could lead to a remarkable turnaround for local businesses and economic stability.
About GLIDE Milwaukee
GLIDE Milwaukee, presented by Norton Healthcare, marked the 40th annual trip conducted by GLI for the benefit of investors and community leaders. Past destinations have included cities like San Antonio, Boston, and San Francisco, each chosen for their successful approaches to various economic challenges.
About Greater Louisville Inc.
Greater Louisville Inc. serves as the Metro Chamber of Commerce, advocating for approximately 15 counties across Kentucky and Indiana. The organization’s ongoing mission is dedicated to nurturing business growth and enhancing the regional economy for the benefit of the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of GLI’s trip to Milwaukee?
The trip aimed to study Milwaukee’s economic growth and community development strategies to identify actionable items for Louisville’s improvement.
Who participated in the GLIDE Milwaukee trip?
140 Louisville-area business leaders participated in the 2025 Greater Louisville Idea Development Expedition (GLIDE) to Milwaukee.
What are the core areas of focus from the trip?
The trip focused on four core areas: housing, placemaking, economic opportunity, and talent retention.
What are the next steps outlined by GLI?
The next steps include supporting Louisville’s Permanent Supportive Housing Strategy, encouraging investment in a flexible funding pool, creating a maintenance fund for downtown, establishing a local angel-investor network, and collaborating with higher education institutions to support work-study programs.
How does GLI plan to implement these initiatives?
GLI plans to work closely with the business leaders who attended the trip, as well as elected officials, to replicate successful initiatives and programs observed in Milwaukee within the Louisville region.
Key Features of the Report
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Trip Focus Areas | Housing, Placemaking, Economic Opportunity, Talent Retention |
| Number of Participants | 140 Louisville-area business leaders |
| Next Steps Outlined | Support housing strategy, encourage investment, create maintenance fund, establish investor network, collaborate with education institutions |
| GLI’s Mission | Grow businesses and the regional economy in 15 counties in Kentucky and Indiana |
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