From the Executive Director's Desk | June 2026


As summer officially begins, county and city leaders across Kentucky continue to demonstrate the dedication and commitment that keep our communities strong. The recent Kentucky League of Cities Summer Summit and the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association/Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association Joint Summer Conference provided valuable opportunities to share ideas, discuss challenges and strengthen partnerships that support local government. We appreciate the time and effort each county and city official invests in serving their citizens and advancing the priorities that matter most at home.


The first round of interim joint committee meetings has also begun in Frankfort, marking an important step in preparation for the 2027 General Assembly. These meetings provide legislators with the opportunity to gather information, hear from stakeholders and explore issues that will shape policy discussions in the months ahead. The Area Development Districts will continue working closely with state and local leaders to ensure regional perspectives remain part of those conversations.


At the same time, communities across the Commonwealth are preparing for the start of a new fiscal year. Budgets are being finalized, projects are moving into implementation and plans are taking shape for the year ahead. Whether the focus is infrastructure, workforce development, aging services, economic growth or community planning, the work underway today will help position Kentucky’s regions for future success.

Thank you for your continued leadership, your partnership and your commitment to the people and communities you serve.


Sincerely,

Casey Ellis, Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

BSADD leads Prestonsburg's Trail Town application effort

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The Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) played a central role in submitting the City of Prestonsburg's application for Kentucky Trail Town certification on June 12, capping more than two decades of community effort, according to the Floyd County Chronicle.


BSADD Business Development Specialist Mariana Hinojosa oversaw the application process and hosted a community meeting at the ADD office in Prestonsburg on the day the application was submitted.



"I know it's been a while in the making, and we're just glad that we've been able to put it into paperwork and submit it by the end of today," Hinojosa said, according to the Chronicle. "And hopefully next week we'll hear some good news and by the end of the year we'll be a Trail Town." Read more.


What's Happening in Your Area Development District?

PURCHASE AREA

ADD hosts first Medicare Bake-Off Bingo for seniors

Creative Medicaid education event draws seniors to learn, play and celebrate. Read more.

PENNYRILE

Cards across generations

High school students lift seniors with handmade cards through a suicide prevention initiative. Read more.

GREEN RIVER

Legislators bring Frankfort home to GRADD

Annual free event raises awareness about child abuse prevention in Owensboro. Read more.

BARREN RIVER

Grant to Expand Bowling Green's Buddy House

BRADD-secured funding launches first phase of new facility to serve Down syndrome families. Read more.

LINCOLN TRAIL

LTADD's Senior Celebration draws record crowd

Day of wellness marks Lincoln Trail's biggest Older Americans Month event yet. Read more.

KIPDA

Historic property cleared for revitalization

KIPDA-assisted grant funds lead remediation at former Shelby County Jailer's Residence. Read more.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

NKADD hosts statewide ADD leaders

Kentucky district directors gather for spring retreat in Covington. Read more.

BUFFALO TRACE

BTADD joins regional leaders at open house

Local chambers unite to highlight business growth in rural Kentucky. Read more.

GATEWAY AREA

GADD launches $500K EPA Brownfields program

Grant targets environmental assessment and redevelopment planning across region. Read more.

FIVCO

Service Learning Project supports local seniors

FIVCO staff volunteered to provide shelf-stable meals to seniors in the region. Read more.

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KENTUCKY RIVER

KRADD Senior Games draw athletes to Knott Co.

Annual event celebrates healthy aging with Olympic-style competition, wellness resources. Read more.

CUMBERLAND VALLEY

Derby Day brings seniors together in Laurel Co.

CVADD staff join celebration featuring games, mock races and hat competition. Read more.

LAKE CUMBERLAND

ADD secures grant for wastewater plant upgrades

Kentucky WWATERS Program funding secured with support from Lake Cumberland ADD. Read more.

BLUEGRASS

BGADD hosts 17th annual mindfulness conference

Free event in Winchester features expert sessions on fall prevention, fraud, brain health and tech. Read more.