From the Executive Director's Desk

As we look back on 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for the remarkable achievements we’ve accomplished together and the challenges we’ve overcome. Kentucky’s Area Development Districts have continued to drive meaningful change across the Commonwealth, staying true to our mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Kentuckians.

This past year, we’ve witnessed significant strides in economic development, community planning, and delivering essential services—progress made possible by our ADD staff, local leaders, and collaborative partners such as Kentucky’s workforce directors, the Department of Aging and Independent Living, and the Cabinet For Economic Development.

November was a particularly productive month for the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts (KCADD). During the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) Conference, we hosted our quarterly KCADD meeting, which saw excellent attendance and meaningful engagement from our ADD staff and partners. The conference sessions were rich with insights and ideas that will undoubtedly help us continue to strengthen communities across the Commonwealth.

A special congratulations to Union County Judge/Executive Adam O’Nan, who represents the Green River Area Development District on the KCADD Board of Directors. Judge O’Nan will serve as the president-elect of KACo, and we are excited to see his leadership and vision make an even greater impact on our state.

December brought another important opportunity for collaboration as ADD staff participated in the Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT) Convening. This event provided a platform for workforce development professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas, explore innovative strategies, and tackle workforce challenges in Kentucky. These partnerships and conversations are critical as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

Looking ahead to 2025, the KCADD is committed to advancing initiatives that highlight the value of regionalism and the transformative work of Kentucky’s Area Development Districts. With the legislative session approaching, we’ll be working closely with legislators to educate them on the broad and meaningful impact of ADDs in addressing regional challenges and fostering growth.

Thank you to all the ADD staff across Kentucky, partners, and stakeholders for your dedication and collaboration this year. Together, we’re building stronger communities and paving the way for a brighter future in 2025.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a successful new year!

Casey Ellis

Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

BSADD receives $500K for small business development

The Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) is the recipient of $400,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $100,000 from Kentucky Power through the Kentucky Power Economic Growth Grant (KPEGG) to launch the FIRE (Fueling Innovation, Revitalization, and Entrepreneurship) program. This $500,000 initiative is the first step in a comprehensive strategy to promote small business growth and economic revitalization across Johnson, Floyd, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties.

The FIRE program will utilize advanced technology and artificial intelligence to revitalize vacant storefronts and strengthen existing small businesses, invigorating downtown areas. With real-time business location intelligence and data-driven matching services, FIRE aims to boost a region that currently has a 4.4% small business-to-population ratio, compared to the national average of 10%.

5 ADDs receive NADO Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Awards

The Purchase, Pennyrile, Green River, Lincoln Trail, and Lake Cumberland Area Development Districts received Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Awards at this year’s National Association of Development Organization’s 2024 Annual Training Conference, held Oct. 21-24, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gateway ADD front and center at 2024 NADO Annual Training Conference

Gateway Area Development District (GADD) Director of Operations Emily Jordan recently presented at the National Association of Development Organization's (NADO) 2024 Annual Training Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. There, over 620 rural and regional development practitioners from regional development organizations across the country gathered to share knowledge, discuss experiences, and learn from one another.

ADDs in the News

Nursing home residents speak up at BRADD forum

From WBKO News

The Barren River Area Development District partnered with the Barren River Long Term Care Ombudsman to bring their first-ever nursing home resident forum on Wednesday.

Along with a panel of residents sharing their experiences and insight, Representative Michael Meredith read a statewide proclamation declaring October Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month.

Hardin County develops plans to create own transit system

From WDRB

As transit systems nationwide, including Louisville, continue to cut or reduce services, a nearby county is trying to build its own public transit system.

The Lincoln Trail Area Development District, along with Radcliff/Elizabethtown Metropolitan Planning Organization (REMPO) gauged interest from stakeholders.

Volunteers bring holiday cheer to seniors in Northern Kentucky

From Local 12

Volunteers and staff from several organizations gathered in Northern Kentucky for a wrapping party, preparing hundreds of gifts as part of the "Be a Santa to a Senior" program.

This initiative, organized by the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD) in collaboration with Home Instead Senior Care, aims to spread holiday cheer to older adults in the community.

Letcher County receives grant to build waste digester system

From WYMT

The Letcher County Fiscal Court was awarded a $3.3 million grant from the Kentucky River Area Development District. This is through the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization Program (AMLER). The grant is going toward the building of a waste digester system in Letcher County.

What's Happening in Your Area Development District?

Bluegrass ADD's annual meeting reenvisioned

The Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD) hosted its annual meeting at the DoubleTree in Lexington Nov. 12. The event marked several milestones in the organization’s history, including the introduction of a keynote speaker, a shift in the meeting schedule, and initiatives aimed at improving governance and community impact.

FIVCO looks back at 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, the FIVCO Area Development District reflects on a year of progress, new beginnings, and impactful initiatives that have strengthened its region and set the stage for a brighter future. This year has been a transformative one for FIVCO, marked by growth, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to serving its communities.

KIPDA employee to lead state communication group in 2025

KIPDA's Community Outreach Specialist Greg Burress has been elected to serve as president of the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators (KAGC) in 2025. Founded in 1985, the KAGC is a professional development organization representing communicators and agencies across state and local governments in Kentucky.

Buffalo Trace ADD celebrates Fleming Senior Center ribbon-cutting and Hayswood Cleanup Kickoff

The Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD) recently celebrated the ribbon-cutting at the Fleming Senior Center and the kickoff of the Hayswood Cleanup.

“BTADD is proud to be a part of these two great projects, having served with application processes and project administration. Congratulations to Frontier Housing, City of Flemingsburg, Fleming County Fiscal Court, and Licking Valley Community Action with these endeavors. Thanks to all who attended and participated!"

For video footage from the Hayswood Cleanup kickoff, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXOSA6jiTJs

Cumberland Valley ADD hosts Meet the Funders event in Corbin

The Cumberland Valley Area Development District’s Second Annual Meet the Funders event took place Nov. 6 at the Corbin Event Center. In attendance were 17 federal and state departments, all with staff ready to speak with public officials about projects and potential for funding.

Safe Streets 4 All in Northern Kentucky

Safer roadways benefit everyone, which is why the Northern Kentucky Area Development District's (NKADD) Local Government Services division is collaborating with seven counties on the Safe Streets 4 All grant. Jeff Thelen, the Transportation Services Manager, is currently coordinating the data collection process with each county. Equipment has been distributed to designated county public works employees for gathering data on unsafe roadways. This data will inform future grants aimed at addressing the traffic safety issues identified in the action plan for the NKADD community.

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts | Website