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

CERS considers separation from Kentucky Retirement Systems
Separating the County Employees Retirement System from Kentucky Retirement Systems was debated at a meeting Monday of the Kentucky Retirement Systems Administrative Subcommittee.
New License design
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet released Monday the new look for licenses that will be available to state residents next year.
Register to vote
If you would like to vote in the November elections, the deadline to register is rapidly approaching.
Kenny Imes resigns for judge-executive position
A long-time state representative has resigned his seat to become Calloway County judge-executive in a game of political musical chairs in that western Kentucky county.
ID law extension
Kenton Circuit Court Clerk John Middleton tweeted that Kentucky has received an extension to comply with the REAL ID Act.
Jenny Oldham brings awareness to Casey's Law
“We have only had 10 petitions in 14 years,” Oldham said. “That is surprising, especially with the level of drug addiction that we know we are seeing.”
Absentee voting opens Monday, Oct. 15
County clerks and voting officials will get the first valid preview of November's election.
Graves Carlisle Co bridge
A state official met Friday with local officials and residents to discuss the future repair and reopening of the Bethel Church Road bridge on the Graves/Carlisle county line.