Bowling Green Earns Title of City Government of the Year
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The City of Bowling Green is celebrating a significant achievement after being named the City Government of the Year by the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC). This recognition reflects the city’s commitment to its mission of being “Community Led, Service Driven, and Powered by Growth.”
Louisville’s Nonprofit Recognizes Local Efforts
The Kentucky League of Cities is a nonprofit organization representing over 370 cities and municipal agencies in the state. The award is judged by an independent panel of city officials, with the KLC serving as the sponsor. Michele Hill, the KLC Director of Communications & Marketing, noted that the award is a testament to the hard work and achievements of Bowling Green.
Mayor Celebrates Team Efforts
Mayor Todd Alcott expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating that the title recognizes not just the city employees but the entire Bowling Green community. “To me, this is the example of really recognizing our entire city, mainly our employees, but it goes beyond that. It’s our entire community, and when we all pull together, we can accomplish incredible things,” he said.
Key Projects Highlighting Community Collaboration
The award comes in light of various significant projects undertaken by the city. Some key initiatives include:
- Create a training hub for emergency responders
- BeautifI-65 project: aimed at improving the appearance of the interstate
- BRAAD Anchor Project: a multi-million dollar effort focusing on mental health and addiction recovery
- Life Navigation Center: specifically designed to assist the unhoused population
Economic Growth Plays a Major Role
The recognition also highlights Bowling Green’s impressive economic growth. According to the international business publication Site Selection Magazine, Bowling Green ranks as the number one metro area in the nation for economic development among cities with populations under 200,000. Mayor Alcott mentioned that the city averages eight ribbon cuttings each month, signifying a steady influx of new businesses and residents.
Community Support Vital for Success
Alcott emphasized that none of these accomplishments would be achievable without the hard work and dedication of the city workers and the community. “I want to recognize the amazing city management team with Jeff Meisel, our department heads, our police and fire, neighborhood and community services, and public works,” he stated.
Positive Impact on the Future
According to the mayor, the honor of being named City Government of the Year will have a long-term positive impact on Bowling Green. “This is going to bring more people to Bowling Green, it’s gonna bring more commerce, it’s gonna bring more tourism,” he added. Alcott believes that this recognition will foster an environment where local businesses thrive, and the community as a whole will benefit.
Award Ceremony on the Horizon
The awards ceremony is set to take place on Friday, September 27, during the KLC Conference & Expo in Lexington. This gathering is expected to bring together numerous city officials, allowing for further celebration of Bowling Green’s achievement within the state’s municipal framework.
Overall, Bowling Green’s recognition as the City Government of the Year stands as a testament to the city’s dedication, teamwork, and future aspirations, promising a bright path ahead for both residents and businesses alike.
