As summer winds down, attention has shifted to the Interim Joint Session, a pivotal time when Kentucky's House of Representatives and Senate members convene to form joint committees. These meetings provide a unique opportunity for public engagement outside of the normal hustle and bustle of the General Session. 

Several local elected officials, many of whom are members of the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts (KCADD) Board of Directors, have been actively involved in these discussions.

On July 29, Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner, who currently chairs the KCADD board, participated in the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government. Judge Stiltner offered valuable insights into Menifee County's approach to managing prisoners, analyzing prisoner demographics, and addressing jail costs, particularly from the perspective of a county with a closed jail facility.

In health services, the Interim Joint Committee discussed the ongoing paramedic and EMT staffing shortages, with KBEMS officials presenting crucial insights. Additionally, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel provided an update on the Kentucky Rural Hospital Revolving Loan program, an initiative aimed at strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure.

These discussions, among many others during the Interim Joint Session, are of critical concern to local communities as they directly impact the quality of life and the efficiency of services residents rely on daily. Judge Stiltner's insights into managing jail costs and prisoner demographics offer a model for other counties facing similar challenges.

Meanwhile, the ongoing paramedic and EMT staffing shortages and the health services provided by rural hospitals are vital issues affecting residents' safety and well-being. The Kentucky Rural Hospital Revolving Loan program is a key initiative to ensure these essential healthcare services remain accessible, particularly in our most vulnerable rural areas. By staying engaged in the governmental process and addressing these issues head-on, we can help shape policies that support the stability and growth of our communities, ensuring that local needs are met effectively and sustainably.

In other news, Webster County Judge/Executive Steve Henry, a KCADD Board member, participated in a panel discussion on local economic development strategies at the 2024 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida. During the panel, Judge Henry highlighted his collaboration with the Green River Area Development District, emphasizing strategies to mitigate the economic impacts of the coal industry's decline and initiatives to diversify the local energy economy. We extend our gratitude to Judge Henry for his steadfast commitment to regional collaboration and advocacy for Western Kentucky and the entire Commonwealth.

As we transition from summer to fall, our focus will increasingly shift to the 2025 Legislative Session. The KCADD is actively preparing to advocate for key initiatives that will support communities across the Commonwealth.

Casey Ellis

Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

On Dec. 10, 2021, a violent, long-tracked EF4 tornado ripped through much of the Purchase Area Development District (PADD), leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The structure housing PADD's District Food Bank in Graves County was among the casualties.

Two and a half years and a significant donation later, PADD officials are celebrating a major milestone: the reopening of the food bank, which supplies food to the region's 37 food pantries.

Local office holders and community members joined PADD officials June 25 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening.

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Lewis provides GRADD with update on state medical cannabis efforts

From the Owensboro Messenger & Inquirer

Shelby Lewis, executive policy advisor for the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, spoke about the impact of House Bill 829 and the upcoming changes to medical cannabis in Kentucky at the Green River Area Development District (GRADD) board of directors July meeting. Continue reading.

NKADD establishes new Community Development Planning division, appoints associate director 

From Northern Kentucky Tribune

The Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD) has announced the establishment of the Community Development Planning Division and the appointment of Katie Jo Berkshire Kirkpatrick as the associate director of Community Development Planning. Continue reading.

Lewis County Fiscal Court honors outgoing BTADD executive director with proclamation

From the Lewis County Herald

After 28 years with the Buffalo Trace Area Development District, Executive Director Amy Kennedy has been counting the days until the beginning of her retirement from the agency. 

Kennedy began her tenure with BTADD in 1996 as a transportation planner, eventually replacing Steve Miller as executive director in 2008.

On July 31, the Lewis County Fiscal Court presented Kennedy with a proclamation declaring the day “Amy Gilbert Kennedy Day” in Lewis County. Continue reading.

Lincoln Trail board member participates in Housing Task Force meeting

 From KLC City Limit

The second Kentucky Housing Task Force meeting heard concerns from local officials, including Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory, who serves as Lincoln Trail Area Development District's board treasurer.

Senator Robby Mills, a co-chair of the task force, said the task force’s purpose is not to enter the next session with legislation but rather to hear about housing issues from across the commonwealth, from rural areas to large cities. Continue reading.