Bowling Green Honored as 2024 City Government of the Year

Bowling Green Honored as 2024 City Government of the Year

Bowling Green, Ky. – The City of Bowling Green has received significant recognition as the 2024 Kentucky League of Cities City Government of the Year. This accolade is a testament to the city’s ongoing efforts to fulfill its mission of being “Community Led, Service Driven, and Powered by Growth”.

In a release issued on Friday, city officials highlighted several key accomplishments that embody these three guiding principles. Notably, Bowling Green achieved the remarkable distinction of being recognized by Site Selection Magazine as the number one city in the nation for economic development among cities with populations under 200,000 for Fiscal Year 2024.

Key Initiatives and Projects

The city has also made strides in enhancing public safety and emotional well-being. It has established a comprehensive training hub for emergency responders, ensuring that those who serve the community receive the best training possible. Additionally, a newly launched mental health and resiliency program aims to support the mental health of those serving the community.

Another notable project is called BeautifI-65, which focuses on beautifying the interstate gateways. This initiative is designed to create a positive first impression for visitors and travelers arriving in Bowling Green.

In response to the challenges posed by the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the city has utilized funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to redevelop a facility into a Life Navigation Center. This center aims to provide critical support to the city’s unhoused population.

Bowling Green’s commitment to recovery was especially evident following the devastating tornadoes of 2021. The city invested millions of dollars to revitalize its riverfront area. This revamp is not just about aesthetics; 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.”

Community Acknowledgment

J.D. Chaney, the executive director and CEO of the Kentucky League of Cities, praised Bowling Green for its many accomplishments. He stated, “The City of Bowling Green exemplifies what it means to be community-led and service-driven.” According to Chaney, the city’s innovative projects and dedication to growth and resilience set a standard for other cities in Kentucky. He emphasized that the City Government of the Year award recognizes transformative efforts, stating, “Bowling Green fits the bill.”

Mayor Todd Alcott expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the city’s employees. He stated, “I want to express my pride in our city manager, Jeff Meisel, and his exceptional team.” Alcott further added, “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!”

Ceremony and Future Aspirations

The Kentucky League of Cities, in collaboration with award sponsor Collins & Company, Inc., will formally recognize Bowling Green during an awards ceremony at the 2024 KLC Conference & Expo in Lexington on September 27, 2024. In addition to the award, Collins & Company will contribute $1,000 to support a city program or project, further emphasizing their commitment to Bowling Green and its community initiatives.

This recognition serves as a strong reminder of Bowling Green’s ongoing efforts to grow and support its community, setting a positive outlook for the future.