7:30-8:30 a.m.
Exhibit Hall Area |
Grab & Go Breakfast |
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8:30-9:15 a.m.
Combs/Chandler Room |
Avoiding Common Mistakes: A Counties Branch Perspective |
| | Roger Smith, Local Government Advisor, DLG |
| | Tanya Kearney, Local Government Advisor, DLG |
| | Jefferson Abney, Local Government Advisor, DLG |
| | Mandy Otis, Local Government Advisor, DLG |
| | In this interactive session, participants will race against the clock to find mistakes in a mock budget and earn achievement tokens based on their eye for detail. The session is intended for county treasurers, finance officers, and other officials responsible for budget preparation and management.
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8:30-9:15 a.m.
Clements Room |
SPGE Program and Website Overview |
| | Rebecca Morton, Local Government Advisor, DLG |
| | An overview of Kentucky's Special Purpose Government Entity (SPGE) Program, including reporting requirements under KRS Chapter 65A, compliance deadlines, audit obligations, and common reporting issues. Participants will also receive a guided walkthrough of the SPGE Portal and Public Portal, along with practical navigation tips.
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8:30-9:15 a.m.
Nunn Room |
Kentucky e-Clearinghouse Has a New Look-Out with the Old and in with the New! |
| | Cindy Seip, Kentucky e-Clearinghouse Program Coordinator, DLG |
| | Don Schierer, IT Business Analyst, KIA |
| | An overview of the new e-Clearinghouse portal, including how submitters register accounts and enter projects for review. The process helps submitters comply with Presidential Executive Order 12372 and KRS 45.31. The session also explains how the WRIS portal and KIA work with e-Clearinghouse and, in recognition of GLIC's 50th anniversary, provides a brief history of the system.
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8:30-9:15 a.m.
Carroll/Ford Room |
County Animal Shelters and Animal Euthanasia: State Regulations and Oversight |
| | Michelle Shane, Executive Director, Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners (KBVE) |
| | Learn about county animal shelter requirements, animal control agency certification, DEA registrations, and rules for animal euthanasia.
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8:30-9:15 a.m.
Breathitt Room |
Attract, Partner, Build: A Community Guide to New Housing Development |
| | Heather Hairgrove, Housing Supply Accelerator |
| | This presentation provides a practical roadmap for local leaders who want to unlock new residential development and strengthen long-term economic vitality. Participants will leave with a concise checklist, an understanding of how developers assess risk, and proven strategies already sparking productive discussions across the state.
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9:30-10:15 a.m.
Carroll/Ford Room |
Ask the Attorneys |
| | Whitney Mendiondo, General Counsel, DLG |
| | Matt Stephens, Staff Attorney, KIA |
| | Rich Ornstein, Staff Attorney, KACo |
| | This panel will discuss legal topics of interest to local governments and take questions from the audience.
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9:30-10:15 a.m.
Nunn Room |
Securing the Commonwealth: KOHS' Role in Statewide Preparedness |
| | Amy Hess, Executive Director, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security |
| | Adair Ravencraft, Deputy Director, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security |
| | Discover how the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security strengthens safety and community resilience by coordinating intelligence sharing, tracking threats, identifying vulnerabilities, managing grants, and ensuring access to 9-1-1 services. Attendees will gain a clearer picture of how statewide collaboration translates into real-world protection.
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9:30-10:15 a.m.
Clements Room |
Kentucky National Guard Update |
| | LTC Dayna Sanders, KY ARNG Cyber Program Manager |
| | The Kentucky National Guard will provide an overview of current and future strategic lines of effort and a year-in-review highlighting key state and federal accomplishments in cyber.
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9:30-10:15 a.m.
Breathitt Room |
Area Development Districts |
| | Josh Farrow, Executive Director, Gateway ADD |
| | Kevin Cornette, Executive Director, Buffalo Trace ADD |
| | This workshop highlights how Kentucky's 15 Area Development Districts bring together local governments, agencies, organizations, and private partners to solve regional challenges and create lasting economic opportunities. Through an overview of the Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky Award, participants will explore successful collaborative projects and how strategic partnerships, innovative leadership, and shared vision can transform communities.
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9:30-10:15 a.m.
Combs/Chandler Room |
CDBG Handbook Changes and Updates |
| | Mark Williams, Executive Director, DLG |
| | Jennifer Peters, Branch Manager, DLG |
| | The CDBG Handbook has received a complete overhaul, from chapter flow to use of forms. This session will cover the major changes.
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10:30-11:15 a.m.
Breathitt Room |
The Nuts and Bolts of KPPA (Kentucky Public Pensions Authority) |
| | James Isaacs, KPPA |
| | KPPA will discuss attaining retirement eligibility, how payments are calculated, and how insurance works at retirement. The presentation covers Tiers 1, 2, and 3.
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10:30-11:15 a.m.
Clements Room |
State Grant Program Guidelines, Line-Item Appropriation Updates & Vendor Account Overview |
| | Morgain M. Patterson, Director of Municipal Law, KLC |
| | Local governments and SPGEs have struggled to retain auditors willing to conduct full GASB audits in compliance with state requirements. SB 192 from the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly provides alternative options for SPGEs while ensuring accountability for spending. This session will cover the new financial reporting and compliance options.
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10:30-11:15 a.m.
Nunn Room |
PRICE Kentucky Manufactured Housing Empowerment and Improvement Program: Creating Resident-Owned Manufactured Housing Communities and Replacing Pre-1976 Mobile Homes |
| | Curtis Stauffer, Managing Director-Housing Contract Administration, Kentucky Housing Corporation |
| | The Commonwealth received a $28 million HUD Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) grant to support the Kentucky Manufactured Housing Empowerment and Improvement Program (KMHEIP). Administered by DLG with Kentucky Housing Corporation, it includes Kentucky ROCs (Resident-Owned Communities) and the Kentucky Targeted Owner-Occupied Emergency Manufactured Housing Unit Replacement Program. KHC will provide an overview of both.
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10:30-11:15 a.m.
Combs/Chandler Room | Fiscal Years 2026-2028 (FY26-28) Line-Item Appropriations Overview |
| | Aaron Jones, Local Government Branch Manager, DLG |
| | Overview of the Kentucky General Assembly's 2026 Regular Session line-item appropriations allocated through DLG's FY26-28 Biennium Budget. Recipients of House Bill 900 and Senate Bill 197 appropriations should attend for an overview of the grant administration process needed for timely receipt of funds and administrative compliance.
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10:30-11:15 a.m.
Carroll/Ford Room |
Cabinet for Economic Development Program Updates: Focus on GRANT, KPDI and Legislative Updates to Programs |
| | Joseph Gearon, Director, Program Administration |
| | Kylee Palmer, Deputy Commissioner |
| | A current overview of the Government Resources Acceleration Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program, Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI), updates to Kentucky Business Investment, the Kentucky Jobs Retention Act, Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, and the introduction of Heritage Counties.
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11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Breathitt Room |
Alcohol Beverage Control: Enforcement & Compliance |
| | Shannon Blevins, Assistant Director of Enforcement, ABC |
| | Kevin Duane, Enforcement Investigator, ABC |
| | Joe Martz, Office of Legal Services, ABC |
| | KY ABC Enforcement and Legal staff will hold a Q&A with local elected officials about enforcement trends, common violations, compliance challenges, and coordination between KY ABC and local enforcement.
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11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Clements Room |
An Overview of Appalachian Regional Commission Opportunities |
| | Lexi Oliva, Program Analyst, ARC |
| | Laura Snell, Program Manager, ARC |
| | An overview of ARC's purpose and priorities, primary funding opportunities and programs, and resources and best practices for preparing an application. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about program guidelines and application processes.
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11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Combs/Chandler Room |
Laying the Groundwork for Disaster Recovery |
| | Shellie Hampton, Government Affairs Director, KACo |
| | Kayla Carter Smith, Public Policy Manager, KACo |
| | KACo advocacy staff will present an overview of new laws that took effect last month and look ahead to the 2027 General Assembly session in an interactive Q&A format with county officials.
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11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Carroll/Ford Room |
Federal Funding Roundtable: How to Co-mingle Funds for the Greater Benefit |
| | Jennifer Peters, Infrastructure Branch Manager, DLG |
| | Debbie Landrum, Regional Compliance Coordinator, KIA |
| | Brennan Tucker, ARC Program Manager, DLG |
| | Lesli Gill, Lead Water & Environmental Programs Specialist, USDA Rural Development |
| | A summary of four federal funding agencies and how they can work together to co-sponsor projects for greater public benefit.
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11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Nunn Room |
Kentucky Workforce System and Reentry Programs-Promoting Strategic Partnerships for Untapped Talent Pipelines and Dynamic Local Workforce Systems across the Commonwealth |
| | Aaron Poynter, Reentry and Employment Services Director, Kentucky Office of Adult Education, Education and Labor Cabinet |
| | Learn how Kentucky communities are building workforce pipelines through partnerships that support justice-involved individuals and other focus populations. The session highlights county-based strategies that reduce recidivism, strengthen workforce participation, and advance economic development while providing practical tools attendees can implement.
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12:30-1:45 p.m.
Main Ballroom |
Governor's Luncheon |
| | Conference badges must be worn for admittance. |
| | Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky Award Presentation |
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Keynote Speaker: Governor Andy Beshear
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2:00-2:45 p.m.
Breathitt Room |
Stop Leaving Money on the Table: A Funding Playbook for Local Leaders |
| | Brian Hutchinson, Chief Development Officer, Community Ventures |
| | Elizabeth Whitehouse, Founder, Whitehouse Strategies |
| | Two experienced Kentucky funding strategists walk through federal grants, philanthropic dollars, and community development capital, covering what funders want, mistakes that sink applications, and how to position a community to win. Attendees will leave with a roadmap and real-world examples.
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2:00-2:45 p.m.
Combs/Chandler Room |
Ask the Attorneys (Repeated Session) |
| | Whitney Mendiondo, General Counsel, DLG |
| | Matt Stephens, Staff Attorney, KIA |
| | Rich Ornstein, Staff Attorney, KACo |
| | This panel will discuss legal topics of interest to local governments and take questions from the audience.
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2:00-2:45 p.m.
Clements Room |
An All-Hands-on-Deck Approach to Community and Economic Development: How Eastern Kentucky Is Helping Build a Stronger Kentucky |
| | Dr. Reed Adkins, Executive Director, SOAR |
| | Dr. Joshua Ball, Chief Operating Officer, SOAR |
| | Kimberly Albright, Chief Program Officer, SOAR |
| | Discover how Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) is strengthening Eastern Kentucky through workforce development, entrepreneurship, business growth, talent attraction, and regional collaboration. The session highlights successful initiatives and practical strategies for building partnerships, leveraging local assets, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
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2:00-2:45 p.m.
Carroll/Ford Room |
Department of Rural and Municipal Aid Funding |
| | Craig Caudill, Transportation Engineering Branch Manager, KYTC |
| | This session will discuss the different types of funding available to the state, counties, and cities through the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid.
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2:00-2:45 p.m.
Nunn Room |
Advancing Rural Prosperity | USDA Rural Development |
| | Travis T. Burton, Kentucky State Director, USDA Rural Development |
| | Lesli Gill, Lead Water & Environmental Programs Specialist, USDA Rural Development |
| | Jerrod Childers, Lead Community Facilities Specialist, USDA Rural Development |
| | An overview of USDA Rural Development programs and examples of how they can advance prosperity in rural Kentucky, with emphasis on Community Facilities and Water & Environmental Programs.
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3:00-3:45 p.m.
Breathitt Room |
Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control, Alcohol & Tobacco Licensing |
| | Jamar Carter, Director of Tobacco, ABC |
| | Joe Martz, Office of Legal Services, ABC |
| | Maggie Woods, Distilled Spirits Administrator, ABC |
| | An update on recent legislative changes, regulatory updates, and emerging issues affecting KY ABC.
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3:00-3:45 p.m.
Clements Room |
The Delta Regional Authority: Investing in Health, Leadership, and Workforce Development |
| | Sea Talantis, Director of Human Infrastructure, DRA |
| | Daniel Musgrave, Workforce Program Manager, DRA |
| | Cheyton Pendley, Workforce Program Analyst, DRA |
| | This interactive session provides an overview of DRA's Human Infrastructure portfolio, highlights program outcomes, and offers practical lessons for organizations seeking to build stronger, more resilient communities through people-centered strategies.
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3:00-3:45 p.m.
Nunn Room |
Planning for Water and Sewer Infrastructure |
| | Russell Neal, Staff Assistant, KIA |
| | This presentation will help local decision-makers understand planning for water and wastewater projects. Planning can lead to more informed decisions when seeking project funding.
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3:00-3:45 p.m.
Carroll/Ford Room |
BEAD & Beyond: Broadband Updates |
| | Meghan Sandfoss, Executive Director, OBD |
| | Beth Sanner, Broadband Program Manager, ARC |
| | Speakers will discuss the status of statewide broadband deployment programs, changes to federal programs, and what communities can do to close the digital divide as major programs near completion and BEAD policy changes continue.
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3:00-3:45 p.m.
Combs/Chandler Room |
Data Centers: What You Need to Know |
| | Angie Hatton, Chair, PSC |
| | Mary Pat Regan, Vice Chair, PSC |
| | Andrew Wood, Commissioner, PSC |
| | Barry Mayfield, Commissioner, PSC |
| | Justin McNeil, Executive Director, PSC |
| | Data centers present both opportunities and challenges for host communities. This workshop equips local government officials, urban planners, and policymakers with foundational knowledge for navigating the fiscal, environmental, and infrastructure impacts of data center development.
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4:00-4:45 p.m.
Nunn Room |
From Risk to Readiness: Empowering Kentucky Communities Through Funding and Cyber Confidence |
| | Gary Burke, Partner, Ernst & Young, LLP |
| | David Scott, Managing Director, Ernst & Young, LLP |
| | This session examines disruptive cyber threats, including ransomware, data breaches, and threats to critical infrastructure, and explains how leaders can align limited budgets with evolving risks. Attendees will gain actionable insights to prioritize investments, strengthen preparedness and response, prevent fraud, safeguard public funds, and protect essential services.
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4:00-4:45 p.m.
Clements Room |
Kentucky Division of Waste Management Update on Grants and the Statewide Solid Waste Management Plan Draft |
| | Lisa G. Evans, Environmental Scientist Consultant, Kentucky Division of Waste Management |
| | Updates and changes concerning grants available through the Kentucky Division of Waste Management and an update on the Draft Statewide Solid Waste Management Plan through the SWIFR Grant.
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4:00-4:45 p.m.
Carroll/Ford Room |
BEAD & Beyond: Broadband Updates (Continued) |
| | Meghan Sandfoss, Executive Director, OBD |
| | Beth Sanner, Broadband Program Manager, ARC |
| | Continued discussion of statewide broadband deployment programs, federal program changes, and steps communities can take to close the digital divide.
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4:00-4:45 p.m.
Combs/Chandler Room |
Unlocking Federal Investment: How EDA Supports Local Economic Priorities |
| | Emily Hathcock, Economic Development Representative, Kentucky, U.S. Economic Development Administration |
| | This session introduces city and county leaders to EDA and tools that can strengthen their economic future. Attendees will learn how EDA's mission aligns with job creation, infrastructure, workforce readiness, and long-term resilience; what projects local governments commonly pursue; and key eligibility, match, and strategic considerations. The session also covers how to build competitive proposals through regional collaboration, documentation of need and economic impact, alignment with plans, and project readiness.
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5:30 p.m.
Galt House East Lobby |
Shuttle to the Kentucky Derby Museum |
| | Conference badges are required for admittance. |
| | Conference transportation to the Commissioner's Reception is provided. Shuttles run from the lobby every 15 minutes.
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6:00-8:30 p.m.
Kentucky Derby Museum |
Commissioner's Reception |
| | Conference badges are required for admittance. |
| | Live music and Derby Museum activities. Sponsored by Codell Construction, Compass Municipal Advisors, Deco Architects, and BFW Engineers. Join Commissioner Sawyers and DLG staff to celebrate the 50th Annual Governor's Local Issues Conference. A hosted bar and appetizers will be provided. Drink tickets are in attendees' badge holders.
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8:00 p.m.
Room 1446 |
Hospitality Suite |
| | Hosted by Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. |