Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

The County Voice



KACo has a strong voice representing Kentucky counties at the state and federal levels. We work to promote counties first, preserve county decision making and protect counties from cost shifting and preemption of authority.



KACo Advocacy Team


Jim Henderson
Executive Director/CEO

Shellie Hampton
Director of Government Affairs

Kayla Carter Smith
Policy Analyst

2026 Legislative Priority: Reshaping the Shared Responsibility of County Jails

Kentucky county jails are at a crisis point, with fiscal court subsidies rising more than 76% in six years and counties forced to raise taxes or cut essential services just to keep their facilities operating.

KACo has published a one-page document with key points of our comprehensive jails proposal.


Know Your Legislator

Find listings for Kentucky's legislators by chamber including a short biography, committee assignments and contact information for both their Capitol office and home district.

We encourage members to meet with legislators in their district prior to the start of the legislative session to update them on issues important to counties and how those issues will affect their district in particular. During the session, stay engaged and visit legislators in Frankfort as bills make their way through the legislative process.


Legislative News

November 19, 2024
Changes to overtime rules struck down in District Court ruling
A recent court decision has stopped new federal rules about employee salaries from taking effect
November 08, 2024
County Priority Projects Program requests submitted to legislature
Project funding will be finalized during the 2025 legislative session
October 09, 2024
County Infrastructure 101: The Fifths Formula
The Fifths Formula is a statutory mechanism used for County Road Aid and Rural Secondary funding apportionment.
October 03, 2024
County-owned bridges in Kentucky
2024 data on county infrastructure
September 23, 2024
Watch: Ready to finance your next capital project? Make sure you're fully prepared!
Materials and recording for the KACo Leadership Institute course held on Sept. 19, 2024.
September 20, 2024
Getting back to our grass roots: KACo Listening Tour provides opportunities to hear from members
Feedback informs policy goals, strengthens partnership
September 20, 2024
Transportation cabinet reviewing applications for new county road programs
Legislators briefed on new funding programs
September 19, 2024
County road funding struggles to keep pace with inflation
Sustainable funding sources needed to maintain infrastructure