GLI’s Strategic Plan for Regional Growth

As many cities across the U.S.  that were once major economic drivers become more expensive and unattainable for companies and professionals, Greater Louisville is on the rise. Our competitive advantages in affordability, accessibility, and livability are clear. But we can do so much more to be a hub for high-paying jobs and the place where highly skilled professionals want to live and work. That is the driving force behind Prosper 2030; to surpass what we have previously defined as OUR best, and be THE best region for talent, jobs, and growth.  

But we can’t do it alone. Our success depends on your engagement. GLI has a strong track record of success and has laid the foundation for results. A study by the University of Louisville College of Business estimates that Prosper 2030 will have an estimated economic impact of $6.8 billion when all strategies are fully funded and actualized. 

Join us in shaping a future where Greater Louisville leads the way in innovation, opportunity, and prosperity. Let’s prosper — together. 

Ready to be part of this vision? Email Dean Schlader or contribute here.

Download the full plan here!

Prosper 2030 Goals & Targets:

By 2030, we want our region to have more jobs, people, and opportunities than ever before. Prosper 2030 is a transformational initiative for regional economic growth that focuses on four key goals to create jobs, advocate for a pro-business environment, attract and retain talent, and promote an inclusive business community: 

• Attract business and grow jobs. By 2030, we will create 6,000 new jobs in the region through proactive business attraction and expansion. 

• Advocate for business. By 2030, we will have a more competitive tax code, policies that support population growth, and a streamlined local land development code that encourages transformative investment. 

• Recruit and retain talent. By 2030, we will increase the regional working age population by 41,000 people. 

• Drive economic inclusion. By 2030, we will graduate 70 businesses led by entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities from the Power to Prosper Business Accelerator and certify 50 minority businesses through GLI’s Minority Certification Hub in partnership with the Louisville Small Business Development Center. 

Each goal has specific audiences, targets, and metrics that GLI will focus on to reach these ambitious goals. Download the full plan here. 

Want to follow along with our progress over the next five years? Check out our Regional Comparison Dashboard with data on how Greater Louisville’s progress compares to peer regions. 

Funding required to fulfill the actions outlined in this strategic plan include:

Prosper 2030 will build on the successes of NOW Louisville which requires continued funding and support for the eight critical positions created under the plan. These roles have proven essential in enhancing GLI’s capacity to serve the community effectively. This strategic continuity will allow us to deepen our impact and deliver on the goals of Prosper 2030.  

The Fundraising goal for Prosper 2030 is $4M over five years

NEW Operational Funding Needed (2025-2030): 

In addition to continued funding our most important aspect of plan execution (our people), additional funds will be needed for: 

Special Project Funding to Target Boomerangs – Funds will be necessary to host events out of market that target alumni who have relocated out of the region, attracting them back to Louisville. $25K total  

Talent Attraction Campaign Advertising Funds (Boomerangs) – Funds will be necessary to drive engagement on social media channels to attract former residents back to Greater Louisville. $250K per year (CONTINGENT) 

Talent Attraction Campaign Advertising Funds (Influencers) – Funds will be necessary to implement influencer campaigns with lifestyle brands to showcase the benefits of relocating to the region. $100K (CONTINGENT) 

Additional Government Affairs Staff – Funds will be needed to hire additional government affairs staff to drive the work of the plan forward. One position. (CONTINGENT) 

Any additional funds raised beyond the $4M goal will be used to strategically invest in the items listed as “CONTINGENT” in the above resource plan. All other metrics in the plan are contingent on meeting the initial fundraising goal of $4M. If adequate funds are not raised metrics will be adjusted accordingly. 

Thank you to our Prosper 2030 Investors!