February brought another round of natural disasters to the commonwealth, this time in the form of devastating floods. Once again, Kentuckians—and the state’s Area Development Districts (ADDs)—have stepped up to meet the challenges of these events. Time and time again, our communities prove their resilience, working together to support those in need and rebuild what’s been lost.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll see how Kentucky’s ADDs are working around the clock to support communities, whether by assisting small business owners, collecting essential supplies for those affected, or providing a hot meal to someone in need. As always, we are proud to stand alongside these dedicated teams as they continue their work to strengthen and uplift our commonwealth.

That same dedication was on full display Feb. 13, when the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts (KCADD) gathered at the Capitol Annex for its annual legislative event and quarterly meeting. Along with electing new officers, the KCADD highlighted the impact of Kentucky’s ADDs over the past year—shedding light on the 1,887 projects worked on throughout FY 24, representing more than $3 billion in investments. 

Across the state, these projects are making a real difference, strengthening infrastructure, supporting businesses, and improving the quality of life for countless Kentuckians. This work would be impossible without Kentucky’s 138 legislators continuously supporting the ADD network and its mission. Our thanks to Senate Majority Caucus Chair Robbie Mills and House Majority Caucus Chair Rep. Suzanne Miles for speaking with the KCADD and sharing valuable insights into this year's legislative session.

As we look ahead, I, along with a number of ADD staff and board members, will be attending the 2025 National Association of Development Organizations and the Development District Association of Appalachia Washington Conference from March 9-12 in Washington, D.C. This event provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with our congressional delegation at the Kentuckians in Washington gathering. The conference itself will provide sessions focused on regional development, the federal landscape, and the programs and policies that matter most to Regional Development Organizations and their stakeholders. 

With 2025 rapidly progressing, we remain committed to advocating for the needs of Kentucky’s communities. The dedication of our ADDs, the support of our state and federal leaders, and the resilience of Kentuckians all play a vital role in shaping a stronger future for our commonwealth. We look forward to the conversations, collaborations, and opportunities ahead as we work together to build a thriving Kentucky for all. 

Casey Ellis

Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

Incoming Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts Board Chair and Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matt Wireman, left, with outgoing Chair and Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner. (Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Association of Counties)

FRANKFORT, Ky.—Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matt Wireman has assumed the role of the 50th chairman of the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts (KCADD) Executive Board.

Wireman, who represents the Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) – which includes Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties – succeeds Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner of the Gateway Area Development District. His term will last one year.

A U.S. Army veteran, Wireman has served as Magoffin County’s judge/executive since 2019. Before holding office, he spent more than 20 years as a finance officer for a local school district. He is an active member of the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association’s Legislative Committee and the Kentucky Association of Counties Leasing and Trust Board and Finance Corporation Board. He previously served as president of the Kentucky Association of School Business Officials.

Wireman served one term as a Magoffin County magistrate and is a former deputy sheriff. He graduated from Morehead State University.

“Judge Wireman has a deep understanding of the challenges facing our rural counties and the critical role Area Development Districts play in addressing them,” KCADD Executive Director Casey Ellis said. “His experience, dedication, and vision make him the right leader to guide KCADD as we continue to advocate for regional development.”

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PRESTONSBURG, Ky.—As flood cleanup begins in eastern Kentucky, the Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) is adapting its Fueling Innovation, Revitalization, and Entrepreneurship (FIRE) program to provide direct, hands-on support to affected small businesses.

Launched in October 2024 with funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Kentucky Power, FIRE was initially designed to foster small business growth and economic revitalization across BSADD’s five-county region of Johnson, Floyd, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. However, in response to this month’s devastating floods, BSADD quickly shifted the program’s focus toward disaster recovery.

Before the floods, FIRE had been equipping entrepreneurs with advanced data tools to assess foot traffic, demographics, and consumer behavior, helping them navigate uncertain markets. The program also allowed for the hiring of a business development specialist to offer personalized guidance through meetings, workshops, and networking opportunities. Now, with many small businesses struggling in the wake of widespread flooding, FIRE has expanded its mission to provide immediate relief and stabilization support.

“Right now, businesses don’t just need financial assistance,” said Blake Moss, FIRE Project Lead and BSADD Public Administration Specialist. “They need someone to guide them through this uncertainty. We’re that shoulder to lean on—a direct link to resources, answers, and, most importantly, in-person support.”

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In the wake of recent flooding that impacted eastern Kentucky, the Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) has mobilized critical resources to aid affected communities. From meal distribution to flood assessment and recovery coordination, KRADD—which serves the counties of Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe—has provided multi-faceted support across the region.

KRADD’s food truck, instituted in 2023, traveled to Perry, Leslie, Knott, Lee, and Owsley counties to provide meals to those in need. In total, 483 meals were served to residents affected by the flooding. Unlike its day-to-day efforts that primarily focus on seniors, this initiative ensured that all members of the community could access food assistance.

Beyond meal distribution, KRADD has actively engaged in flood-related assessments and recovery initiatives, including:

• Perry County (City of Hazard): KRADD deployed its drone services to assess flood levels, assisting FEMA with GIS mapping of roads and tributaries.
• Lee County: KRADD supported the Senior Citizens Center with post-flood cleanup efforts.
• Knott County: KRADD assisted in data collection for a future buyout program, recording damages to personal and public property. Additionally, KRADD coordinated with the county’s road department to assess damage to both public infrastructure and private properties.
• Emergency Coordination: In collaboration with Knott County Emergency Management, KRADD assessed power outages affecting households and worked alongside Kentucky Emergency Management to provide critical updates.

Cumberland Valley ADD collecting supplies for flood victims

The team at Cumberland Valley Area Development District is lending a helping hand by collecting cleaning supplies for flood victims in Clay County. This effort is ongoing.

Pennyrile region receives funding for road, recreational projects

From 1230 AM | 99.3 FM WHOP

The Pennyrile Area Development District (PeADD) Board of Directors received a positive report regarding recent grant applications for road and recreational projects at its Feb. 10 meeting.

Alex Caudill from Governor Andy Beshear’s Office says Beshear recently announced 23 grants for bridge repair and replacement projects. Lyon County received around $250,000 to replace a bridge on Friendship Road.

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Lincoln Trail launches new program to help youth find jobs

From The News-Enterprise

The Lincoln Trail Area Development District has launched a new program that will help youth find jobs in the area.

“This is a special program that was funded by the Kentucky General Assembly,” said Anthony Hellmueller, workforce program specialist with the ADD.

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Fighting fires for her city

From KentuckyCity

The mayor of a city can often find themselves putting out fires. In the City of Whitesville, that may be truer than any in any other city in the commonwealth.

Patsy Mayfield has been Whitesville mayor since 2019, but she has been a member of the city’s volunteer fire department for more than 27 years. It might sound like she has a lot on her plate, but for Mayfield, it’s all part of serving the city that has become her home over the past six decades. 

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Webster, Floyd counties receive national praise for work in coal communities

From The Kentucky Association of Counties

Webster County Judge/Executive Steve Henry was a featured speaker at the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) Forum during the 2025 NACo Legislative Conference this week. He led a conversation with Dr. Brian Anderson, Executive Director of the Interagency Working Group for Coal and Power Plant Communities within the U.S. Department of Energy, in a discussion on the critical role coal communities play in economic revitalization.

Anderson provided county leaders with a candid look at federal support for energy communities, emphasizing the Trump administration's...



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The Purchase Area Development District (PuADD) recently welcomed Alex Berg to its Food Bank Department as the Food Bank Market Coordinator.

Alex earned his bachelor's degree in English Literature and Professional Writing from Murray State University in 2023 and has worked in the Fortune-500 retail arena for nearly a decade. Whether as a vendor representative, sales associate, or department manager, Alex has worked with several major big-box stores throughout Illinois and Kentucky. 

His extensive experience has provided him with the skills and proficiency necessary to coordinate with PuADD's communities and its Feeding America program retail partners. Alex's first goal with the PuADD and Food Bank will be to form strong, professional relationships with its retailers and pantries. He will also strive to increase the weight of PuADD's current retail donations and expand the breadth of its donations by tapping into local farming communities.