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

August 23, 2024
State revenue remained strong in FY24
Trigger met for lawmakers to consider further decreasing the income tax rate
August 02, 2024
Registration now open for broadband grant portal
Application window opens Aug. 14
July 29, 2024
County officials discuss jail costs
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government hears from judge/executives, jailer and county attorney
July 19, 2024
Meet the new DLG Commissioner, Matt Sawyers
An exclusive Q&A with the new Commissioner
July 12, 2024
New laws take effect July 15
Measures include Safer Kentucky Act, annexation bill and other noteworthy legislation
June 14, 2024
Annual law enforcement training incentive set to increase
Full-time participants will see a boost over the next two fiscal years
June 14, 2024
New county road programs take effect July 1
What counties need to know about contingency funding, bridge improvements and priority projects
June 07, 2024
Interim legislative session underway in Frankfort
Committee meeting schedule released, lawmakers assigned to special task forces