City of Bowling Green Named 2024 Kentucky League of Cities City Government of the Year

Published:

September 20, 2024

Category:

General

Contact:

Deborah West - 270-393-3642

Location:

Bowling Green, KY

This prestigious award recognizes the city's exceptional efforts in fulfilling its mission. KLC will recognize Bowling Green during an awards ceremony at the 2024 KLC Conference & Expo in Lexington on Sept. 27.

Bowling Green, Ky. – The City of Bowling Green has been honored as the 2024 Kentucky League of Cities City Government of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes the city's exceptional efforts in fulfilling its mission of being "Community Led, Service Driven, and Powered by Growth."

Bowling Green's nomination highlighted its commitment to all three pillars of its mission statement. Site Selection Magazine recognized the city as #1 in the nation for economic development for cities under 200,000 for Fiscal Year 2024. This accolade reflects the city’s focus on growth and economic prosperity.

In addition to its economic achievements, Bowling Green has made significant strides in community service and resiliency. The city established a comprehensive training hub for emergency responders and launched a new mental health and resiliency program to support those who protect and serve the community. These initiatives demonstrate the city’s dedication to being service-driven and addressing the mental health needs of its emergency personnel.

The city has embraced a transformative beautification project, "BeautifI-65," aimed at enhancing the appearance of interstate gateways, making a positive impression on visitors and residents alike. Bowling Green utilized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to redevelop a disused facility into a new Life Navigation Center, supporting the city’s housing-challenged population.

In the wake of the devastating tornadoes of 2021 that destroyed neighborhoods, Bowling Green invested millions into revitalizing its riverfront, a project that Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman described 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."

“We are truly honored to receive this incredible recognition from the Kentucky League of Cities,” Mayor Alcott responded. “It highlights the outstanding service and dedication our team of over 600 employees provides to our citizens of Bowling Green on a daily basis. 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.

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