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

February 07, 2025
Q & A with House Speaker and Senate President
Transcript of remarks from Rep. David Osborne and Sen. Robert Stivers at KCJEA Conference
February 07, 2025
Frankfort in full swing: Lawmakers push key bills as session ramps up
Number of legislative proposals grows into the hundreds
February 07, 2025
County 101: Understanding closed jail counties
Around one-third of Kentucky counties do not operate a jail.
February 07, 2025
18 counties receive funding for bridge repairs
This year’s applications for Phase 2 are being taken now, with final Phase 3 to take place March through May.
January 30, 2025
County 101: State funding sources for county jails
Understanding the state's role in county jail funding
January 22, 2025
FEMA posts public notice for 34 Kentucky counties impacted by hurricane Helene
Heavy rainfall and high winds caused by the 2024 storm caused damage
January 10, 2025
State legislators back to work in Frankfort
Highlights from the first week of the 2025 regular legislative session