Kentucky Association of Counties

National County Government Month is here! Counties support public safety, maintain roads and bridges, fuel economic growth and invest in quality of life. The work they do every single day matters. Learn more: kaco.org/county-informa…

The Kentucky State Capitol in spring.

This proposal is a promising step forward as budget negotiations between the House and Senate get underway, with KACo continuing to advocate for increased funding for county jails. Read more: kaco.org/.../senate-bud…

NEW: The Kentucky Senate has passed its version of the state budget, including increases for county jails: ✅ $3 million annually for state inmate medical costs ✅ $13 million annually for a $4 supplemental per diem for housing state inmates

A big thank you to the county officials and legislators who attended KACo’s Legislative Luncheon! We appreciate the opportunity to connect and discuss the issues impacting Kentucky’s counties.

NEW: House Joint Resolution 76 proposes $68.1 million in funding for local road projects through the Local Assistance Road Program for fiscal year 2027 — a significant increase from the current $21 million funding level. apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hj…

More than 40 co-sponsors and counting! Support for HB 557 is growing as counties send a united message to Frankfort: we need a fair, sustainable jail funding model. kaco.org/county-informa…

By rebalancing the financial responsibility for housing state inmates in county jails, every county in Kentucky would benefit from HB 557. WBKO News spoke with Judge/Executive Doug Gorman about why this legislation is important to @WarrenCountyGov.

At the core of HB 557 is a shift from the current state per diem payment model to a contract-based system that would pay counties and regional jail authorities the actual cost of housing state inmates. kaco.org/articles/hb-55…

"It's about fairness." @Kyrepmeredith, sponsor of HB 557, talks about the significance of our comprehensive jail proposal that rebalances the financial responsibility of housing state inmates in county jails.

For the past two years, KACo Opioid Settlement Advisor Lauren Carr has traveled the state helping counties turn opioid settlement dollars into real recovery solutions. Now, that work is growing into something even bigger. kaco.org/articles/kaco-…

With the close of the candidate filing period on Jan. 9, a clearer picture has emerged of the county-level electoral landscape heading into Kentucky’s 2026 primary election. kaco.org/articles/by-th…

Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy lives on. #MLKDay

One week into the 2026 legislative session and already more than 300 bills have been filed. kaco.org/articles/budge…

From key dates and committee schedules to KACo’s top legislative priority, our legislative preview highlights what to watch during the 2026 session and how county officials can stay engaged every step of the way. kaco.org/articles/new-s…

Thank you, KACo members! Many thanks to the county officials who took the time to attend one of KACo’s 2025 Listening Tour sessions across the state. Your candid feedback and thoughtful questions are invaluable as we work to strengthen counties and advocate on your behalf.