City of Bowling Green named 2024 Kentucky League of Cities City Government of the Year
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The City of Bowling Green is being recognized as the 2024 Kentucky League of Cities City Government of the Year.
According to a release by the city on Friday, this award honors the city’s efforts to fulfill its mission of being “Community Led, Service Driven, and Powered by Growth.”
The release included some examples of these three pillars.
The city says Site Selection Magazine recognized it as No. 1 nationally for economic development for cities under 200,000 for Fiscal Year 2024.
In addition, the city says it has created a “comprehensive training hub for emergency responders” and launched a new mental health and resiliency program to support those protecting the community.
“BeautifI-65,” a beautification project, has also worked to enhance interstate gateways to make an impression on visitors and travelers.
The City of Bowling Green says it has also used American Rescue Plan Act funds to redevelop a facility into a new Life Navigation Center, which aims to support the city’s unhoused population.
Following the devastating tornadoes of 2021, the city says it invested millions of dollars into revitalizing the riverfront.
Warren County judge executive Doug Gorman described the project as “a catalyst for even more economic development as well as talent attraction and workforce retention.”
KLC executive director/CEO J.D. Chaney commended Bowling Green for its accomplishments.
“The City of Bowling Green exemplifies what it means to be community-led and service-driven,” he said. “Their innovative projects and unwavering commitment to growth and resiliency set a standard for cities across the commonwealth. The City Government of the Year award recognizes a community that has done something transformational. Bowling Green fits the bill. Congratulations to mayor Todd Alcott, city manager Jeff Meisel, members of the Board of Commissioners and all its dedicated employees and citizens on this well-deserved recognition.”
Alcott said they are honored to receive the recognition, noting it highlights the dedication of the city’s employees to Bowling Green citizens.
He said, “I want to express my pride in our city manager, Jeff Meisel, and his exceptional team. Together with our Board of Commissioners, we remain committed to being community-led, service-driven, and powered by growth. Ultimately, the real winners here are our citizens; Bowling Green’s future is shining bright!”
KLC and award sponsor Collins & Company, Inc. will recognize Bowling Green during an awards ceremony at the 2024 KLC Conference & Expo in Lexington on Sept. 27. Collins & Company will also donate $1,000 to support a city program or project, according to the release.
