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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Wednesday, August 13, 2025

8:30 a.m. Public Administration Specialists / CEDs
​ Collins Room​
​ ​ 
8:30 a.m.Kentucky Association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers
 ​Combs/Chandler Room
 ​ ​
9:00 a.m.​​ Registration Desk Opens
 ​ ​
10:00 a.m. Kentucky Sheriff's Association
​ 
Nunn Room
 ​
​ 
​10:00 a.m.
​​Kentucky Property Valuation Administrator Association

​Wilkinson Room

​10:30 a.m.

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts​
​ ​Breathitt Room
​​​

Main Ballroom

​1:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremony 
​ ​ 
 
Invocation
  
  Presentation of Colors
 Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard
  
  National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance
 Billie Renee' Johnson, Chief of Staff, DLG​
  
  Welcome
 Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
  
  Keynote Speaker
 Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
  
  What Pre-K For All Means for Our Future
 Sam Flynn, Executive Director, Kentucky's Pre-K For All Initiative​
  
  Disaster Response & Recovery: What You Need to Know When Disaster Strikes
 Matt Sawyers, Commissioner, DLG
 Eric Gibson, Director, KY Emergency Management
 Kelly Baker, Chief District Engineer, District 7, KYTC

** BREAK ** ​Please join us outside the ballroom for refreshments.

Breathitt Room

3:15​ p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Keeping Main Street Local: Fighting the Silver Tsunami Takeover
​ Dave Oetken, MBA CPM EDFP CEPA CM&AA Center​​
​​ 
​Director & Business Coach, Kentucky Small Business Development Center - Louisville​

​​Did you know that 70% of small business owners plan to exit within the next 10 years, but 83% have NO succession plan? Every month, another beloved local business gets swallowed by private equity firms that strip assets, eliminate jobs and move operations out of state. But there's hope. Join us to discover proven strategies that keep businesses local, protect jobs, and ensure retiring owners get fair value while preserving the heart of our community. Learn how employee ownership, local acquisition programs, and patient capital can transform business succession from a community threat into a wealth-building opportunity for everyone. Your main street's future depends on what we do today.​

Clements Room

3:15 p.m.​-4:00 p.m.
Accelerate Your Housing Supply to Attract More Businesses​
​ Heather Hairgrove, Housing Supply Accelerator, Kentucky ​Housing Corporation
​​ 
​​​Kentucky has a housing supply shortage across every county in the state. The shortage is not a low-income problem. It impacts households across every income level-both homeowner and renter. For Kentucky to continue to attract new businesses and for existing businesses to be successful, Kentucky needs more income-aligned housing. Come to this session to learn more about innovative housing ideas being implemented in Kentucky and across the country to address the housing shortage.​

Nunn Room​

3:15​ p.m.-4:00 p.m.
AI for Impact: Generative Solutions for KY Local Government
​ Jeremy Dautenhahn, Head of South-Central Region, Google Public Sector
​​ 
​​​This session will cut through the hype to provide Kentucky local government executives with a clear, actionable understanding of Generative AI's practical applications through live demonstrations. We'll focus on identifying tangible use cases that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, service delivery, and community well-being. This session aims to empower Kentucky local government executives to strategically embrace Generative AI as a powerful tool for building more efficient, responsive, and impactful communities.​​

Carroll/Ford Room

3:15​ p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Building Bridges to Strengthen Kentucky's Workforce
​ Aaron Poynter, Director, Reentry and Employment Services​ Branch
​​ 
​Office of Adult Education, Education and Labor Cabinet​

​​​​This session will cut through the hype to provide Kentucky local government executives with a clear, actionable understanding of Generative AI's practical applications through live demonstrations. We'll focus on identifying tangible use cases that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, service delivery, and community well-being. This session aims to empower Kentucky local government executives to strategically embrace Generative AI as a powerful tool for building more efficient, responsive, and impactful communities.​​

Combs/Chandler Room

3:15​ p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Funding your Vision: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
​​  Applications that Deliver​​
​​ Jennifer Peters, Branch Manager, DLG​
​​ 
Gabe Nickell, Branch Manager, DLG
​​ 
Cathy Figlestahler, Local Government Advisor, DLG

​​​​Hear tips and suggestions on how to successfully write a CDBG application. Staff will discuss the pitfalls seen during the application review and offer resolutions to strengthen your funding opportunities.​

Breathitt Room

4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.​
Kentucky National Guard - Cyber Resiliency and Local ​Government
​ MG Haldane B. Lamberton, The Adjutant General
​​ 
​LTC Dayna Sanders, Cyber Program Manager​

​​​​The Kentucky National Guard Cyber Program will provide an overview of the Kentucky National Guard Cyber Resilience Initiative focused on supporting federal missions, assisting with domestic operations, reaching out to communities, and building strong partnerships. Strategies for combating governmental cyber threats and attacks will be addressed. The Cyber Program offers cyber training, assessments, and incident response support to local communities, government organizations, and critical infrastructure to providers who may not have cyber resources.​

Nunn Room

4:15​ p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sun, Site, and Succeed: Navigating the Solar Siting Process
​​​  for Local Governments
​​​ Angie Hatton, Chair, Public Service Commission (PSC)
​​ 
Andrew Wood, Commissioner, PSC
​​ 
Mary Pat Regan, Commissioner, PSC
​​ 
Linda Bridwell, Executive Director, PSC

This workshop is designed to equip local government officials with the knowledge and tools necessary to establish clear, efficient, and community-conscious solar siting processes. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key factors involved in siting largescale solar projects, including what to consider in deciding whether to enact local ordinances to reflect local needs and sensibilities.​​

Carroll/Ford Room

4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.​
Navigating the Land and Water Conservation Fund
​  Updates and ​Strategies for Grant Success
​ Travis Weber, Branch Manager, DLG
​​ 
​Pamela Jordan, Federal Program Specialist, DLG

​​​​Staff will provide an update on Kentucky s Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, including recent changes. ​The session will also cover documentation for the National Park Service, key timelines, and tips for successful submissions.​

Combs/Chandler Room

4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.​
So, What Is Section 106 ... Really? And Why Does It Matter?​
​ Nicole Konkol, Site Protection Program Administrator / Archaeologist
​​ 
​Kentucky Heritage Council / State Historic ​Preservation Office

A brief description of programs under the Kentuckyh Heritage Council's ​umbrella will be presented. Guidance on how to completely and accurately accumulate and submit documentation for Section 106 review will be provided for all applicants interested in seeking federal funding. This presentation focuses on the logistics of the Section 106 review and consultation process, why it matters, and how you can play a role. We will also touch upon the Kentucky Antiquities Act under which city and county governments are bound.​

Clements Room​​

4:15​ p.m.-5:00 p.m.
MMY: Creating Affordable Energy-Efficient Housing Fast Utilizing
​ ​​Modular Construction
​ Robin Bartram-Brown, CEO, MMY US
​​ 
MMY pioneered the modular construction industry in the UK and has created a modular construction plant in Louisville, KY. MMY produces LEED Platinum certified single-family homes for rural and infill lots that will result in lower utility costs for the homeowner. Having streamlined the building permitting the process, building energy-efficient homes that take months to build on-site can now be built in a matter of weeks in a temperature-controlled assembly line environment and delivered fully constructed to the lot expediting the construction process. Join MMY as they discuss their projects in Louisville and Eastern Kentucky.

Sampson Room​​

5:00​ p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Judge/Executives, Magistrates & Commissioners Social
​​ ​​Hosted by KY County Judge/Executives Association and KY ​Magistrates & Commissioners Association
​​

Hospitality Suite​​

5:00​ p.m.-6:00 p.m.
​​H​osted by Commonwealth Engineering, Inc.
​ ​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thursday, August 14, 2025

Exhibit Hall Area

7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Grab & Go Breakfast​
​​​

Breathitt Room

8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
On the Right Trail to Economic Enhancement & Large Landscape ​Collaboration
​​​  Along the Ohio River: Recreation-based Economies & ​Environmental R​estoration
​​​ Lara Pack, KMRRA Board Secretary, DBA First Frontier Appalachian Trails
​​​ Forest Clevenger, Executive Director, Ohio River Way
​​​ Owen McNeil, Mason County Judge/Executive​

Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority (KMRRRA)
We will look at the trail building journey across twenty counties and evaluate the successes and the struggles. The focus will be on community engagement.
​​​ ​
Kentucky Ohio River Regional Recreation Authority KORRRA)
​​​Communities along the Ohio River are working together to grow trails and recreation-based economies that leverage the beauty, history, and culture of the Ohio River. In 2024, the General Assembly created the KORRRA. And, in June 2025, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior designated the Ohio River Way as a National Water Trail. Throughout this, a broad coalition of stakeholders is advocating for Congress to enact a comprehensive restoration initiative for the Ohio River Basin, with legislation first introduced in December 2024. Join this session to learn more about these initiatives and to discuss opportunities for river communities to collaborate.​

Clements Room

8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m.​
From Disaster to Recovery: CDBG-DR Funding in Motion​
​ Travis Weber, Branch Manager, DLG
​​ 
​Mark Williams, Executive Director, DLG

DLG staff will share updates on recovery from the devastating impacts of the 2021 tornadoes and the 2022 flooding, highlighting the latest advancements in rebuilding and revitalizing the affected communities.​

Nunn Room

8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m.​
City Officials Briefing: Key Deadlines and the New City Website
​ Keeaira Lail, Local Government Advisor, DLG

This session is tailored for City Officials and will provide an overview of the annual City Calendar, key fiscal year deadlines, such as audit submissions and other financial reporting requirements. Participants will also receive a preview of the new City Website, featuring enhanced tools for compliance tracking, document submission, and improved access to city-specific resources. Stay informed and organized for the year ahead.​​

Carroll/Ford Room

8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m.​
Recreational Trail Program (RTP)
​ Pamela Jordan, Federal Program Specialist, DLG
​ Clay Cottongim, Shelby County Parks Foundation

RTP staff will discuss the current updates to the RTP program, including troubleshooting tactics for grantees and those looking to apply for an RTP project.​

Combs/Chandler Room

8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m.​
Kentucky Infrastructure Authority Loan Programs
​ Sandy Williams, Executive Director, KIA
​ John Brady, Loan Analyst, KIA
​ Sandy Rankin, Federal Program Specialist, KIA
​ Jeremy Skinner, Loan Analyst, KIA

KIA staff will lead a discussion on the application processes for the different types of state and federal low interest loan funding available for water and wastewater infrastructure construction projects.​​

Breathitt Room

9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.​
Recovery Housing and Local Government: Certification, Standards,​
​  and Community Impact
​ Dane Prieston, JD, Executive Director, Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences
​ Greg Smith, JD, Director of Government Affairs and Development, Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences

​​This session will equip municipal leaders with the knowledge they need to understand recovery housing in their communities. KYARR, certifying body, will explain the social model of recovery, certification process, and what differentiates certified homes from addiction treatment providers. We will explore how local governments can regulate recovery residences and uncertified homes in compliance with the federal Fair Housing Act and ADA protections. The presentation will also address common concerns raised by neighborhoods and highlight data on recovery housing capacity, impact, and outcomes across Kentucky.​​

Clements Room

9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.​
From the County to Command:​
​  Navigating Emergency Management and SEOC Activation
​ Dustin Heiser, Assistant Director of Operations, Division of Emergency Management (KYEM)​

This workshop is designed for local officials to provide a foundational understanding of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) during a disaster. This session will include an overview of the SEOC's structure, functions and activation levels, highlighting how it serves as the centralized hub for managing statewide emergencies and supporting Kentucky's local governments and communities. Officials will gain insight into how and when the SEOC is activated, what resources become available during activation, and how local jurisdictions interact and request support from the SEOC during incident response. KYEM's use of Incident Management Teams and KYEM's Area Managers to support local leaders during recent disasters will be highlighted.​​​

Nunn Room

9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.​
Tourism Commissions: A legal Toolkit for Local Officials
​ Megan Griffith, Municipal Law Attorney, Kentucky League of Cities

This workshop will guide local officials through the statutory structure of tourism commissions under Kentucky law, including KRS Chapter 91A and related statutes. Participants will learn about the creation, composition, and powers of tourism commissions, their funding mechanisms, and common governance challenges.​

Carroll/Ford Room

9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.​
Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program
​ Joseph Gearon, Program Management Supervisor, Cabinet for Economic Development
​ Brennan Tucker, Program Specialist, Cabinet for Economic Development

Overview and information about the GRANT program that is available to help leverage federal dollars with state funds.​​

Combs Chandler Room

9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.​
County Impact of the Cost of Conducting Elections
​ Karen Sellers, Executive Director, SBE
​ Richard House, Assistant Director, SBE
​ Taylor Brown, General Counsel, SBE
​ Rachel Poynter, Director of Finance and Administration, SBE

State Board of Elections (SBE) is an independent agency whose mission is to administer election law. The cost of elections is borne primarily by counties and local jurisdictions even though state and federal races are on the ballot as well as local races. SBE will provide an overview of the costs to conduct elections in the Commonwealth.​

Breathitt Room

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.​
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Programs, Projects, and Opportunities
​ Lexi Oliva, Program Coordinator, ARC
​ Laura Snell, Program Analyst, ARC

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership entity that covers all of WV and portions of 12 other states, including a significant portion of KY. This session will provide attendees with an overview of ARC including information on its various programs and funding opportunities, project suitability and best practices in preparing applications, as well as where to find and how to access useful resources. A portion of this session will also be devoted to Q&A to allow for topic expansion and clarification as needed.​​

Clements Room

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.​
State Grant Program Guidelines, Line-Item Appropriation Updates & Vendor​
​  Account Overview
​ Aaron Jones, Branch Manager, DLG​

Overview of the State Grant programs and updates to the administrative guidelines. Programs include Coal & Mineral Severance, Regional Development Agency Assistance Program (RDAAP), Flood Control - Local Match Participation Program (LMPP), and line-item appropriations.​

Nunn Room

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.​
HB 555 How we see it.
​ Jaarad Taylor, Branch Manager DLG​

Discuss the changes that HB 555 has brought to the county via EPayments and inclusion of a new category of appropriation on the Standing Order.​

Combs/Chandler Room

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.​
Ask the Attorneys (Repeated session)
​ Matt Stephens, General Counsel, DLG
​ Brandon Gibson, Staff Attorney, DLG
​ Natalie Lile, Assistant General Counsel, KIA
​ Rich Ornstein, Staff Attorney, KACO
​ Morgain Patterson, Director of Municipal Law, KLC

This panel of legal representatives will discuss a variety of legal topics of interest to local governments and take questions from the audience.​

Carroll/Ford Room

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.​
Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI)
​ Kylee Palmer, Deputy Commissioner, CED
​ Michelle Elder, Program Management Supervisor, CED

The KPDI Program is a statewide effort to support upgrades at the industrial sites throughout the Commonwealth and position Kentucky for continued economic growth.​​

Breathitt Room

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.​
Advancing Rural Prosperity | USDA Rural Development
​ Travis T. Burton, Kentucky State Director
​ Lesli Gill, Lead Water & Environmental Programs Specialist
​ Jerrod Childers, Lead Community Facilities specialist

We will give an overview of USDA Rural Development's programs and provide examples of how they can be used to advance prosperity in rural Kentucky. Special emphasis will be placed on Community Facilities and Water & Environmental Programs.​

Clements Room

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.​
Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative Information
​ Michael Hamilton, Program Analyst POWER and ARISE, ARC

This session will cover foundational information about the Appalachian Regional Commission's Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and ​ Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. Please join us for an overview of the 2025 application timeline, notable updates to the 2025 cycle, and an open Q&A.

Nunn Room

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.​
Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative Information
​ Pam Johnson, Sr. VP of Partnerships and Programs, Fahe
​ Jacob Wolfe, VP of Disaster Resilience, Fahe
​ Alex Phares, Director of Disaster Resilience, Fahe

In this breakout session, Fahe will work with participants to consider what they can do today, in their specific role and community, to prepare for future disaster recovery. This session will discuss best practices for preparing all levels of the community for long term recovery- from individual households to local governments to non-profit partners. Participants will use this session to think about proactive steps they can take to build a framework for long-term recovery when a disaster hits.​

Carroll/Ford Room

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.​
Rural & Municipal Aid Funding Opportunities
​ Bobbi Jo Lewis, Commissioner, Department of Rural & Municipal Aid, KYTC

Current Updates on County Priority Projects/Local Assistance Road funding. County/City Bridge Improvement Funding and rural secondary funding for emergency funds. 80/20 Bridge funds, FLEX funds and Cooperative Funds. Governmental Field Service Representatives will be available for questions and assistance as well.​

Combs/Chandler Room

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.​
Parks & Your Community
​ Russ Meyer, Commissioner, KY Department of Parks

The importance of community relations between state parks and other government entities.​

Main Ballroom

12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.​
Governor's Luncheon
​ ​ 
​ Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky Award Presentation
​ ​ 
​  ​​Rocky Adkins, Senior Advisor to the Governor
​ ​​ 
​ Keynote Speaker
​ Governor Andy Beshear

Breathitt Room

2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.​
SPGE Public Portal: A Tool for Local Officials to Navigate Special Purpose

Governmental Entities​
​ Rebecca Morton, Local Government Advisor, DLG

Learn how the SPGE Public Portal can be a resource for local officials seeking information regarding Special Purpose Governmental Entities (SPGEs). We will discuss navigating the portal, access financial reports, identify oversight agencies, and find answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you're verifying compliance, following up on funding, or supporting local transparency, the portal is your go-to tool.​

Combs/Chandler Room

2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.​
Investing with a Purpose: A Roadmap for Using Opioid Settlement Funds to​

Become a Recovery Ready Community/Opioid
​ Lauren Carr, Opioid Settlement Advisor/ Sr. Director of Policy and Advocacy, KACO
​ Dallas Hurley, Recovery Ready Communities, Volunteers of ​America Mid States

Opioid settlement funds offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build sustainable systems that support recovery in Kentucky communities. But without a clear strategy, these funds risk being underutilized or misaligned with long-term goals. This session provides a practical roadmap for counties looking to invest with purpose.

Opioid settlement funds offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build sustainable systems that support recovery in Kentucky communities. But without a clear strategy, these funds risk being underutilized or misaligned with long-term goals. This session provides a practical roadmap for counties looking to invest with purpose. Grounded in the Kentucky Recovery Ready Communities (RRC) framework, this session will guide attendees through a step-by-step approach to assessing community needs, aligning funding with evidencebased strategies, and building infrastructure that supports every stage of the recovery continuum from prevention to long-term recovery support. Attendees will leave with replicable tools, funding strategies, and a clearer understanding of how to activate partnerships and drive sustainable change using opioid settlement dollars.​

Clements Room

2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.​
Critical Infrastructure Theft and its Impact
​ Hollie Spade, AT&T
​ Stephanie Bell, Kinetic
​ Joe White, Clay County Attorney
​ Brandon Storm, Senator

Across the state, communities are suffering the effects of copper theft. Phone lines, fiber lines, electric equipment, street lighting and other items are being ruined by thieves who steal the copper and damage the surrounding equipment. This has led to residential outages and even outages at hospitals and government agencies. This workshop will inform local officials of what is happening and how it can be stopped with their assistance.​

Carroll/Ford Room

2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.​
Ask the Attorneys (Repeated session)
​ Matt Stephens, General Counsel, DLG
​ Brandon Gibson, Staff Attorney, DLG
​ Natalie Lile, Assistant General Counsel, KIA
​ Morgain Patterson, Director of Municipal Law, KLC
​ Rich Ornstein, Staff Attorney, KACO

This panel of legal representatives will discuss a variety of legal topics of interest to local governments and take questions from the audience.​

Nunn Room

2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.​
Kentucky CDBG- Disaster Recovery: Considering Housing Options​
 ​and Opportunities​
​ Pam Johnson, Sr. VP of Partnerships and Programs, Fahe
​ Jacob Wolfe, VP of Disaster Resilience, Fahe
​ Alex Phares, Director of Disaster Resilience, Fahe

In this breakout session, Fahe will discuss the different housing grant options and opportunities available through Kentucky's Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery Program. Participants will consider what housing projects their communities need and how that fits within the CDBG-DR framework. Fahe will outline key steps in the CDBG-DR process- including project identification, application, acquisition and development, and grant implementation.​

Breathitt Room

3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m.​
Counties Branch: Test Your Knowledge
​ Jefferson Abney, Local Government Advisor, DLG
​ Roger Smith, Local Government Advisor, DLG
​ Tanya Kearney, Local Government Advisor, DLG

This interactive workshop will allow participants the opportunity to test their knowledge relative to the operations of county government. The participant who answers the most questions correctly will receive a prize!​

Clements Room

3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m.​
Bridging the Gap: Youth in Public Service
​ Luke King, Cumberland County Judge/Executive​
​ Interns: Sadie Arterburn, Evan Stotts, Erica Branham, Emmalee Fulton, Abby Elmore
​ & Raelin Castillo​

The fiscal court has taken a unique approach to combat "brain drain" and encourage young people to get involved with and stay in their community. The county's civics club, formed in January 2024, serves as a feeder program for a county internship program. Students can now interact and work with officials at the local, state, and federal level. The club operates with the same roles as a county fiscal court (i.e. judge/executive, magistrates, county attorney, etc.). The club meets twice per month and invites fiscal court members to attend and hear directly from the youth. Club members attend fiscal court meetings and give monthly reports to the public on their initiatives. The county's civics club and intership program allow local youth to engage in community organizations, serve on boards, visit the state capital, and even travel to DC & NYC to see our democracy operate at the highest level.​

Nunn Room

3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m.​
Kentucky Public Pensions Authority - Tier 1 Presentation
​ Jody L. Carson, Retirement Program Manager, Training and ​Outreach Branch, KPPA

Join a KPPA representative for an information session covering retirement information for those members with a participation date PRIOR to September 1, 2008. We will discuss everything from sick leave at retirement, retirement eligibility, and how to calculate your retirement.​

Carroll/Ford Room

3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m.​
Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Update
​ Josh Keats, Executive Director, KY Office of Homeland Security
​ Chris Allen, Director, KY Intelligence Fusion Center

The KY Office of Homeland Security will provide an update and contact info for activities across its three main areas: KY Intelligence Fusion Center, 911 Services Board, and Grants. Additionally, a Personal Security briefing will be included to enhance safety/security measures for state government leaders and key staff.​

Combs/Chandler Room

3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m.​
KIA Grant Programs Update
​ Milward Dedman, Deputy Executive Director, KIA
​ Debbie Landrum, Regional Compliance Specialist, KIA
​ Rick Harris, Federal Program Specialist, KIA

Staff from KIA will discuss the process to complete the documentation to receive Cleaner Water Program grants funding and how to apply for Kentucky WWATERS funding.​

Nunn Room

4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.​
Kentucky Division of Waste Management Grants and EPA SWIFR Grant Updates​
​ Lisa G. Evans, Environmental Scientist Consultant

Updates and changes on grants available through the Kentucky Division of Waste Management. Update on the EPA SWIFR Grant including the upcoming community engagement meetings across the state and the preparation of the Statewide Solid Waste Plan.​

Breathitt Room

4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.​
e-Clearinghouse: An Overview of the Essential Steps for Submitting​​
​  a Successful Project
​ Cindy Seip, State e-Clearinghouse Coordinator, DLG
​ Don Schierer, IT Business Analysist, KIA

An overview of the entire process involved with e-Clearinghouse. From account registration to a new project submission, the necessary steps for completing a water project, all the way through to possible funding. Highlighting the essentials from start to finish, and EVERYTHING in between. Also, sharing potential and very common pitfalls that slow down the process.​

Clements Room

4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.​
Survey Says: Getting LMI Right for CDBG Success​
​ Travis Weber, Branch Manager, DLG
​ Mark Williams, Executive Director, DLG

DLG staff will discuss meeting a Community Development Block Grant National Objective. Primarily focusing on the challenging process of completing Low-Moderate Income surveys.​

Carroll/Ford Room

4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.​
Bourbon Builds Kentucky
​ Eric Gregory, President, KY Distillers' Association

The presentation will walk through the economic, agricultural, and tourism engine that Bourbon is to Kentucky's economy. This talk will cover key aspects of tax issues and legislative initiatives that will continue to move the Commonwealth's signature industry forward.​

Combs/Chandler Room

4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.​
Office of Broadband Development Update
​ Meghan Sandfoss, Executive Director

This session will highlight the progress made in closing Kentucky's digital divide through investment of federal funds in broadband infrastructure and provide an overview of the progress in implementing the BEAD program after NTIA's June 2025 Policy Notice.​

Patrick O'Shea's on Whiskey Row (staff will direct/assist you)

5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.​
Commissioner's Reception

Please join Commissioner Matt Sawyers and the DLG staff to celebrate the 49th Annual Governor's Local Issues Conference. A hosted bar and appetizers will be provided and drink tickets for the event are in your badge holder.​

Hospitality Suite

7:30 p.m.​
H​osted by HMB and S&ME - Rm. 1146​

Friday, August 15, 2025

Main Ballroom​

7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.Breakfast Buffet​
​ ​​ 
8:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.Kentucky Electric Co-op​
​ Joe Settles, Director of Member Services and Public Relations​

8:45 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Federal Updates, What Changes Can You Expect from the New Administration
​ ​
and Congress?​
​ ​​​Joe McKinney, National Association of Development Organizations
 ​Seamus Dowdall, National Association of Counties
​​
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Building a Prosperous Economic Future for Your Town
​ ​
​A roundtable discussion featuring Kentucky's Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development, Jeff Noel, and private sector workforce experts to help you identify priorities for promoting, attracting, and retaining jobs in your community.
​ ​
 ​
​ ​
Thank you to Kentucky's ADDs for providing door prizes!​
​​​

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