Louisville Metro Land Development Code Update

Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government is seeking qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive update to the Louisville Metro Land Development Code (LDC) through Request for Proposal #260096. The project aims to transform development regulations from a traditional use and density approach to a form-based code, with a focus on removing regulatory barriers to housing development. Key deliverables include a complete regulatory document prepared for presentation to the Louisville Metro Planning Commission and eventual legislative adoption. The project's objectives include evaluating the current hybrid land use approach, regulating by building type and form, modifying building height measurement methods, incentivizing development on priority corridors, and streamlining development processes. Proposers will be evaluated based on relevant experience (20 points), project approach (35 points), public engagement process (30 points), cost (10 points), and project timeline (5 points). The proposal is due by November 21, 2025, with the project timeline spanning from October 2025 to January 2029, and the ultimate goal of creating 15,000 affordable housing units by 2027.

The procurement includes specific requirements for minority and disadvantaged business participation, with established diversity goals of 15% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), 5% Female Business Enterprise (FBE), and 0.5% Historically Black Enterprise (HBE). Vendors must comply with Louisville Metro's "Ban the Box" ordinance, which restricts criminal history inquiries on initial employment applications, with specific exceptions for certain job categories. The project is partially funded by a $7 million HUD Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant, with $4 million dedicated to removing regulatory barriers to housing development. Vendors must complete various certifications, including a vendor information form, lobbying certification, and SAM debarment certification. The project emphasizes inclusive community engagement, including language accessibility and targeted outreach to non-traditional participants. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the project requires extensive community involvement and will utilize neighborhood ambassadors to ensure comprehensive input throughout the land development code update process.