As we move into February, I want to recognize the remarkable work happening across Kentucky's Area Development Districts (ADDs). Last month, I had the privilege of presenting at the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) City Officials Academy, where I emphasized our ADDs' critical role in supporting cities across the Commonwealth. From economic development to infrastructure planning, our districts are steadfast partners, working hand in hand with local leaders to build stronger, more resilient communities.

January was a month of exciting developments, and nowhere was that more evident than in the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD). Executive Director Daniel London and his team marked a historic milestone with the introduction of a coordinated aerial drone fleet—one for each of the eight counties in the district, plus one for LTADD itself. This technology will enhance emergency response efforts, providing first responders with a critical tool to assess situations quickly and effectively. Gov. Andy Beshear joined LTADD for the announcement, underscoring the importance of this initiative.

Meanwhile, the Gateway Area Development District (GADD) took a major step in supporting small businesses with the launch of its GADD Micro-Loans program. This initiative will provide loans of up to $15,000 with competitive interest rates to entrepreneurs in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan counties. Access to capital is one of the biggest challenges for startups and small businesses, and this program will help local entrepreneurs get the support they need to grow and thrive.

In Louisville, the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA) is making an impact on homelessness prevention. A $1.1 million grant from KIPDA will allow the Louisville Metro Government to expand its services, adding six new positions within the Office of Resilience and Community Services. By reaching more individuals through Neighborhood Places and Metro's Homeless Services Division, this funding will help ensure more Kentuckians receive the support they need to regain stability.

Looking ahead, the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts Board of Directors will convene for its quarterly meeting at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, in Room 171 at the Capitol Annex in Frankfort. Following our meeting, we will host a legislative luncheon, allowing board members to engage with legislators and highlight the vital work our ADDs are doing. I encourage all board members to invite their respective legislators—this is a chance to strengthen relationships and advocate for the resources that keep our communities moving forward.

As always, thank you for your commitment to Kentucky's development. The impact of our ADDs is evident in every corner of the Commonwealth. I am grateful for the dedication of our teams, who work tirelessly to support our cities, counties, and communities.

Casey Ellis

Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

The Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts (KCADD) is proud to announce its selection as a participant in the 2025 Community Care Hub National Learning Community (NLC), an initiative led by USAging’s Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care.

This program brings together Community Care Hubs (CCHs) from across the country to foster shared learning, engagement, and capacity building. As a designated CCH, KCADD will work alongside other selected organizations to strengthen its ability to coordinate social care services, improving health outcomes and enhancing partnerships with local healthcare organizations.

“We are honored to be recognized as a participant in this national initiative,” KCADD Executive Director Casey Ellis said. “This opportunity allows us to collaborate with peers and experts across the country, ensuring that Kentucky’s communities have access to the most effective strategies for integrating health and social care services.”

The Community Care Hub National Learning Community provides selected organizations with tailored support and an interactive curriculum designed to enhance their ability to address non-medical drivers of health. Through this initiative, KCADD will further its mission of connecting Kentucky’s regional development districts with essential resources to support aging populations, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

The Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care, part of USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute, is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). While participation in the NLC does not include direct funding, it provides essential tools and collaborative opportunities that will strengthen the ADDs’ ability to support those in need. 

The Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) hosted a press conference at the Historic State Theater in Elizabethtown Jan. 15, announcing the acquisition of a new fleet of advanced drones. Funded through grant support and a public-private partnership with Lincoln National Bank to advance local disaster preparedness, these state-of-the-art search and rescue drones will enhance regional emergency response efforts.

Prompted by recent natural disasters such as the deadly, long-tracked tornado that struck western Kentucky in 2021 and disastrous flooding that devastated eastern Kentucky in 2022, these new drones will play a critical role in supporting area emergency managers during emergencies. The drones will be utilized for search and rescue missions, recovery operations, structural damage assessments and more following natural disasters and other critical events.

The press conference followed LTADD’s annual meeting. The event included several distinguished attendees, including Gov. Andy Beshear, Marion County Judge/Executive David Daughtery, LTADD Executive Director Daniel London, elected officials from state and local government and area emergency managers.

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Residents of Lewis and Robertson counties could soon see improved internet access thanks to a new broadband initiative led by the Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD). As part of the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, BTADD has developed strategic connectivity plans aimed at closing the digital divide in these rural communities.

With input from local leaders and residents, the plans outline steps to expand broadband infrastructure, improve affordability, and ensure that unserved and underserved areas gain access to reliable high-speed internet. Officials say the initiative will boost opportunities for education, telehealth, and economic development—key needs in the region. 

“These plans are the result of community collaboration and highlight the areas of needed connectivity throughout the planning areas,” BTADD Executive Director Kevin Cornette said. “Broadband connectivity is essential for the success of everyone in each of our communities. These plans provide paths forward to make connectivity possible for our region.” 

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The Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) received a $14.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program to improve pedestrian connectivity to the Ohio River for the Portland area of Louisville.

The project will improve multimodal connections through the I-64 interchange at 22nd Street by upgrading intersections and ramps. 22nd Street from Northwestern Parkway to Bank Street will be designed as a Complete Street, and two pedestrian bridges over I-64 will be reconstructed. These improvements will improve safety and access to essential services for all users in this historically disadvantaged area.

“This is a transformative project that aligns with regional efforts to expand access to amenities such as Waterfront Park,” KIPDA Executive Director Jarrett Haley said. “I commend the project team’s efforts and look forward to getting the work started.”

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Gateway Area Development District, in concert with the region’s local governments, the Center for Rural Development, the TENCO Workforce Development Board, and UK St. Claire, commissioned a regional Childcare Impact Analysis, covering Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties, was conducted by Indianapolis-based firm, Thomas P. Miller & Associates (TPMA). TPMA employed a rigorous, data-driven approach, utilizing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other reputable sources.



The study identifies the number of “work-willing” parents who are in the region but cannot return to work due to childcare restrictions. The study also informs local government leaders, employers, and partners about the ramifications of childcare limitations on the local economy, while providing return on investment metrics at both individual county and regional levels.

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BRADD presents 'Anchor Project' to Logan Fiscal Court

From News-Democrat & Leader

Eric Sexton, director of the Barren River Area Development District, presented information about “The Anchor Project,” a proposed regional mental health and substance abuse treatment facility, to the Logan Fiscal Court Jan. 28.

The Anchor Project would be a first-of-its-kind facility, combining a mental health crisis intake center, a life learning center, and a regional Office of Drug Control Policy under one roof.

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Regional leaders present final ‘menu’ of solutions for addressing housing

From Link NKY

The final version of a set of strategies developed by regional leaders aimed at addressing housing problems in Northern Kentucky is now available for public review.

Spearheaded by the Northern Kentucky Area Development District and the Brighton Center, a wraparound nonprofit based in Newport, the strategies have been in development since at least 2023...

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GRADD to study adding connector to I-165

From The Messenger-Inquirer

Officials with the Green River Area Development District will conduct a feasibility study to add a connection to I-165 to southern Daviess County.

The connection, Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said Friday, is needed for public safety — namely, to provide better fire and rescue response to wrecks in the southern portion of the county along the roadway.

I-165 is the former William H. Natcher Parkway. Currently, the only interchange between U.S. 60 in Daviess County and Ohio County is the interchange to Kentucky 69 near Hartford.

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Goodson joins Big Sandy Area Development District

From The Paintsville Herald

Big Sandy Area Development District welcomed Jeremy Goodson to their team during the Big Sandy Regional Industrial Authority meeting on Jan. 13.

“Jeremy is our new business development specialist, which is a new position we added, funded by our program,” said Joe Jacobs, the district's economic development director. “We haven’t been able to target small businesses and business retention/expansion services the past few years due to the lack of staffing..."

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Grace Herrmann, a Community Development Specialist with the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD), was selected to showcase her photography in the Team Kentucky Digital Art Gallery's Fall 2024 Exhibition. Her featured photograph, captured at Pennyrile State Park, highlights Kentucky's natural landscapes and reflects her lifelong appreciation for the state's parks.

The photograph, entitled "Looking Out," was taken during a family hike around the lake at Pennyrile State Park. 

"It was so peaceful, and I wanted to try to capture that feeling," she said.

Growing up, Herrmann spent countless summers exploring Kentucky's state parks, particularly Big Bone Lick and General Butler State Park. Her connection to these landscapes continues to influence her photography, which aims to showcase the often-overlooked beauty of Kentucky. Continue reading.