Local Government Assistance

GRADD offers public administration services to communities within our region.  We are an extension of the staffs of local city and county governments and are available for a wide variety of technical assistance. GRADD can assist your community with questions on state statute compliance, administrative issues, available funding sources, and legislative tracking.  We assist with the Area Development Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Recreational Trails grant programs; as well as numerous other grants for public protection, historic preservation, and resource conservation and development.  GRADD also works with the Renaissance Kentucky program, an initiative to revitalize the downtown areas of the Commonwealth.

Area Development Fund Grants
Area Development Fund (ADF) can be used for virtually any capital projects (including equipment purchases, infrastructure improvements, and real estate purchase, construction, and renovation projects). The annual allocation is divided evenly among the GRADD counties. Project applications are generated from communities and recommended by GRADD's board of directors, with funding approval by the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Local Government.

Budget Prep Assistance
GRADD offers assistance to communities in preparing its annual operating budget. GRADD hosts an annual budget workshop to assist treasurers and financial officers at the county level, and will be happy to review a city’s annual budget and offer advice and technical assistance.

KRS Statute Compliance
GRADD strives to keep cities and counties informed of new laws and changes to the Kentucky Revised Statutes that impact local governments. We are also available to answer any questions that may arise regarding the organization, daily administration, and policies of your community, and will gladly assist you in developing applicable ordinances or resolutions to present to your court, council, or commission.

Legislative Research
During legislative sessions GRADD tracks the activities of the Kentucky General Assembly closely to monitor the effect of new laws upon local communities. GRADD holds an annual Legislative Breakfast to afford local legislators a forum to discuss important issues and allow citizens an opportunity to express their concerns and desires to their Senators and Representatives. Please contact us if there is a particular bill or issue that you would like for us to monitor on behalf of your community.

Parks and Recreation Grants
The annual Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF) grant and Recreational Trails Program grant assist communities in improving recreational opportunities for citizens. The LCWF grant assists cities and counties in acquiring, developing or renovating outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The minimum grant request is $5,000, with the maximum being $75,000.
The Recreational Trails grant assists communities in developing new trails and maintaining current trails for recreational use. The minimum grant request is $25,000, with the maximum being 100,000. Project sponsors for both grants must also contribute 50-percent of the total project cost through cash, force accounts, and/or donations.

Personnel Policies for Local Government
GRADD is available to assist cities and counties in developing and revising their personnel policies. With rapidly changing technologies, the proliferation of litigation, etc, in our society, it is important for local governments to routinely examine existing policies and procedure manuals. GRADD aids local governments in revising or creating new policies.

RC&D Council Staff Assistance
GRADD offers staff assistance to the Green river Resource Conservation & Development Council / GRADD Natural Resources Committee. The purpose of the RC&D Council is to provide local leadership and overall direction in developing and carrying out a plan for the orderly conservation, improvement, development, and wise use of human and natural resources found in the GRADD region. The council strives to improve the economic opportunities and the health and general welfare of the citizens of the district. It is comprised of 45 members who meet quarterly, in February, May, August, and November each year.

Renaissance Kentucky
GRADD can assist cities in applying for the Kentucky Department for Local Government’s Renaissance Kentucky program. This program is an effort to bring together communities with the resources necessary to revitalize and restore the Commonwealth's downtown areas. DLG partners with the Kentucky Heritage Council, the Kentucky Housing Corporation, the Kentucky League of Cities, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in administering this program. Renaissance Kentucky cities are eligible to receive priority status when applying for funds through state government agencies.

Tax Rate Calculations
GRADD offers assistance to cities in preparing annual tax rate calculations. Once a city receives its annual tax roll from the county’s Property Valuation Administration, GRADD calculate a city’s potential real and personal property tax rates.


*For more details on any of these services, please contact Public Administration Specialist Brad Alley at (270) 926-4433.