UofL entities join Greenprint coalition aimed at revitalizing downtown Louisville

The University of Louisville Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute has joined the new Greenprint initiative to support the long-term revitalization of downtown Louisville through systematic, evidence-based approaches to greening projects. UofL and 12 other public, private and nonprofit organizations formalized their commitment to the initiative by signing the Greenprint Charter. The goal is to build a more vibrant and resilient urban core, using nature as a tool to improve health, strengthen neighborhoods and shape the city’s future.

“The Greenprint Project is an exciting collaboration with several partners committed to making Louisville a healthier, greener city. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to reimagine and revitalize downtown Louisville,” said Aruni Bhatnagar, director, Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute. “Using an evidence-based approach, the project will create a ‘greenprint’ designed to enhance both environmental quality and public health. The model we develop could serve as a scientific framework for greening downtowns around the world.”

This is the latest in the institute’s growing efforts to understand how the environment impacts human health and chronic disease. UofL’s New Vision of Health Campus and Trager Microforest also are participating partners.

“Downtown is the heart of our city and revitalizing our downtown benefits every Louisvillian. The Greenprint initiative shows what’s possible when government, nonprofits, businesses and community partners come together around a shared vision,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “By using nature as a tool to strengthen our neighborhoods and create welcoming spaces, we are making downtown safer, healthier and stronger for everyone – and setting an example that other cities across the country can follow.”

Seed funding of $1.5 million from the James Graham Brown Foundation helped catalyze the partnership, which includes leaders from city government, higher education, nonprofits and grassroots groups. The charter signing represents the formal beginning of this collective effort and signals Louisville’s intent to become a national model for revitalizing cities through nature-based solutions.

“The Greenprint initiative reflects the kind of bold, collaborative vision the James Graham Brown Foundation is proud to support,” said Mason Rummel, president and CEO of the James Graham Brown Foundation. “By aligning science and community input, this effort has the potential to transform downtown Louisville into a national model for place-based investment in public health and urban vitality.”

Greenprint projects will span beyond traditional parks to include tree canopy enhancements, pollinator-friendly landscaping, green corridors, microforests and nature-based health interventions. Together, these efforts aim to improve air quality, reduce heat islands, support biodiversity and enhance mental and physical health. Monitoring technology will be used to track environmental and health impacts of greening over time. These tools will help measure progress, inform future investments and increase transparency and public engagement.

The partnership, built on a collective impact model, focuses on measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability. While each participating project maintains its own identity, Greenprint ensures alignment through shared data and strategy that can assist with tracking impact across the downtown footprint.

Other partners include: Belvedere, LouMed, Louisville Downtown Partnership, Louisville Metro Government, Louisville Parks and Recreation, Office of Sustainability – Whole City Nature Vision, Broadway All the Way, East Market Streetscape Improvements, Reimagine 9th Street, Louisville Sports & Entertainment District/Slugger Field, Olmsted Conservancy, Parks Alliance of Louisville, TreesLouisville, VOA Care Campus and Waterfront Park.

View pictures on Flickr from the Aug. 20, 2025, charter signing event.

To learn more about the Greenprint initiative and explore the portfolio of projects, visit https://www.udstudio.org/greenprint.