A strategic and actionable plan adopted by City Council in May of 2024 that allows the City to address future housing needs. Louisville has continued to see a spike in housing costs that have vastly outpaced incomes, even more so than many of its peer cities in the region and State. While the reasons for these changes are complex, the City has determined that the creation of policies and programs to address the housing needs of current and future Louisville residents is a top priority.
Comprehensive Plans, Studies & Reports
City Council adopted the updated Comprehensive Plan on March 24, 2026. The Comprehensive Plan sets a shared vision for the next 20 years and serves as Louisville’s guiding framework for how we grow, invest, and evolve as a community. It addresses key priorities like housing, transportation, economic vitality, infrastructure, and the preservation and enhancement of our natural, historic, and cultural assets. The Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10 years, but can be amended at any time to respond to changing community needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Plan
- Appendix A Action Plan
- Appendix B Community Engagement Summary
- Appendix C Existing Conditions
- Appendix D Residential Growth Methodology
Learn more about the project at EngageLouisvilleCO.org/Comp-Plan
Louisville’s historic downtown area is a special asset to the community. As such, it should be preserved, protected and enhanced because it contributes greatly to the character that makes Louisville a special place.
In 1997, at an open public workshop, participants identified the primary issues of concern and general project goals for the downtown area. Out of that group a Steering Committee was developed which was charged with the goal to oversee the framework plan and design guidelines for downtown Louisville.
On January 3, 2023, the Louisville City Council endorsed the Future 42 plan linked below. This plan, in partnership with the City of Lafayette, sets the latest vision for multi-modal improvements along the corridor.
Highway 42 Framework and Comprehensive Plan Amde
City Council adopted the Highway 42 revitalization area framework plan and comprehensive plan amendment in September 2003. It applies to an area bounded on the north by South Boulder Road, on the south by Pine Street, on the west by the BNSF railroad and on the east by State Highway 42. The plan recommends the area redevelop over time as a mixed use, transit oriented neighborhood that is an extension of downtown. The plan includes a likely commuter rail station, medium to high density residential projects and a mix of shopping, restaurants, offices, etc. Existing neighborhoods in the area will be preserved.
On September 18, 2007 the city adopted zoning regulations and design standards and guidelines that implement the Highway 42 Revitalization Area Comprehensive Plan Amendment. See the "Zoning & Design Regulations" webpage for these details.
In 2013 the city completed an additional planning study for the area in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Boulder County, and the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The 42 Gateway Alternative Analysis Report provides an integrated infrastructure improvement plan for the area, including the Louisville FasTracks Station Area and Highway 42 Corridor.
42 Gateway Alternative Analysis Report
On October 6, 2015, the city adopted its first preservation master plan. Louisville’s preservation master plan provides a framework for the city’s voluntary historic preservation program and serves as a guide for proactive decision-making over the next 20 years. The plan combines the city’s existing preservation efforts with desires expressed by the community during the plan’s public outreach effort. The plan recommends actions for integrating preservation practices into the city’s policies, its regulations, and its staff’s day-to-day activities. The scope of the document is city-wide and influences areas beyond downtown and old town.
Small area plans are extensions of the comprehensive plan for certain areas of the city where additional study are more detailed policies are developed. The plans use public input to identify the community’s vision for each area and transform those visions into implementation items.
South Boulder Road Connectivity Plan
The South Boulder Road Connectivity Plan was recently completed to identify improvements along South Boulder Road to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety at intersections.
On October 1, 2019, City Council adopted the city's first transportation master plan. This plan is a comprehensive look at transportation conditions and options throughout Louisville and the region for all modes. This long range effort describes baseline conditions, establishes eight overarching goals and recommends policies, projects and programs along with implementation strategies.