Kentucky Association of Counties

KACo Logo

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

January 12, 2024
House and Senate races shaping up for the 2024 election
All 100 House districts and odd-numbered Senate districts are up for election this year.
January 05, 2024
Start of legislative session sees budget proposal, candidate filing deadline at the forefront
Lawmakers are back in Frankfort for “long” session.
November 07, 2023
Annexation, funding for essential county services top KACo’s legislative priorities
Officials outline key issues for counties
October 06, 2023
More counties eligible to apply for state’s HB 9 grant matching program
Kentucky Department for Local Government reviewing proposals
October 05, 2023
Developing a path forward on annexation
KACo presents ideas at task force meeting
October 03, 2023
Budget resolution passes, funding restored for FEMA disaster relief
On Saturday, Sept. 30 – just hours before the deadline – Congress passed a spending bill that averted a government shutdown.
September 01, 2023
Task force examines the financial impact of jails on county budgets
Six county judge/executives testify before lawmakers