West Louisville Economic Development Forum

City Church Gathering oil painting

Strategies for Revitalizing West Louisville:
Arts, Culture & Tourism Past, Present & Future

March 7, 2019

Arts and culture are consistent sources of economic growth, during both good and difficult economic times. Specifically, arts and culture policies and programs increase economic development in states and communities by attracting businesses, creating new jobs, increasing tax revenues and promoting tourism. With the historic Portland Community serving as a case study, in the new UofL Fine Arts Institute on Rowan Street, the Forum will examine the potential impact of incorporating arts and culture in the redevelopment of West Louisville and get a glimpse of future.

2017 West Louisville Economic and Community Development Forum

November 2, 2017

Featuring Derek Anderson, former NBA Player for the Miami Heat, Darrell Griffith former NBA Player for the Utah Jazz,  and Charlie W. Johnson, Civic and Community Leader, Philanthropist, and Luncheon Honoree. Topics included revitalizing West Louisville, financing options for large-scale projects, using the Community Reinvestment and Fair Housing Acts to create integrated communities, creating a path for economic opportunities for minority owned firms, making neighborhood plans work.
EMANUEL CLEAVER at WLEDF 2016

2016 West Louisville Economic and Community Development Forum

August 26, 2016

Featuring the keynote luncheon speaker, Honorable US Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. Topics included: "Moving from Vision to Reality – What do We Need?", "Financing the Dream (Where's the money?", "Small Business Finance (This is how we do it!)", and "Let's Do This! An Update on Existing and New Projects".