Retail Renaissance

Sometimes, Louisville just stumbles into the spotlight. Even for all its strategic planning to bolster the city’s reputation – the merger, a new arena, a new branding plan – that wasn’t the goal when Mayor Jerry Abramson created the Corridors of Opportunity in Louisville program, or COOL. But the program has now become a model of sorts for the rest of the nation, including Las Vegas.

Part of the Metro Development Authority, COOL was created shortly after Abramson became the first metro mayor in 2003. While campaigning, residents frequently told him they’d like to see certain restaurants or stores in their area; COOL was created to bring in those businesses.

John Fischer, assistant director of the Metro Development Authority’s Retail Development Division, has led the program since its inception. The program serves as an “umbrella program,” coordinating retail development in a number of ways.

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