Remarks from Mayor George Bray – Creation of Department of Community Development
Mayor George Bray announced an upcoming departmental reorganization that will create a new, comprehensive department focused on development-related functions. The reorganization is intended to improve coordination and communication by bringing most development-related services under one department. Mayor Bray said that with the recent increase in local development and expected future growth, this is a great time to work to streamline services.
The new Department of Community Development will combine the current Planning Department with code enforcement and building and electrical inspection services, which are currently provided through the Fire Prevention Division. The Development Liaison position which is currently a member of the Customer Experience Department also will be moved to this new department. The City’s fire marshal office, also called Fire Prevention, will remain a division of the Paducah Fire Department. Mayor Bray added that continued departmental collaboration especially between the Fire Department and the new Department of Community Development is a key factor in providing successful services.
No employees will be added or eliminated as part of the reorganization. Current Planning Director Carol Gault will serve as the director of this new department.
The change will bring most development-related services together in one department, which will eventually be located on the first floor of City Hall, making it easier for residents and businesses to access these services.
The new department will be rolled out over the next few weeks. The transition will require updates to the City’s Code of Ordinances and website, reconfiguration of office space, and the development of new department branding.
Joint Sewer Agency Easement for Combined Sewer Outfall in Noble Park
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a municipal order for a 1.09-acre easement from the City of Paducah for the Paducah-McCracken County Joint Sewer Agency (JSA). The easement will support a project at the combined sewer outfall in Noble Park. Once all phases are complete, the mitigation project will pump, screen, and disinfect approximately 40 to 60 million gallons per day of flow. JSA Executive Director John Hodges attended the meeting and said the project will also assist the City’s pumping capabilities when the Ohio River is high by pumping combined sewer flow at the outfall.
Contract for Services with Greater Paducah Economic Development (GPED)
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a municipal order for a contract for services between the City and Greater Paducah Economic Development Council, Inc. with the City providing $250,000 for this budget year for economic development services. GPED President & CEO Bruce Wilcox attended the meeting and provided a summary of the organization’s achievements from the past fiscal year. For Fiscal Year 2026, which ended June 30, GPED announced four projects: General Matter, AES Energy, expansion of Hines Furlong, and Global Laser Enrichment. Together, the projects represent $3.4 billion in local investment and are expected to add 432 direct jobs and 503 indirect/induced jobs. For the current fiscal year, GPED recently announced the Paducah Energy Hub.
Contract for Services with Barkley Regional Airport Authority
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a municipal order for a contract for services between the City and Barkley Regional Airport Authority with the City providing $120,000 for this budget year. Executive Director Dennis Rouleau and Airport Authority Board Chair Jason Crockett attended the meeting. Rouleau shared that the airport’s new partnership with SkyWest, which provides 14 weekly round-trips from Barkley, is going well particularly in terms of performance. SkyWest provides flights to two destinations: Chicago and Houston. Rouleau also said Barkley has already surpassed 10,000 passengers this year.
Coleman Road Sidewalk Design Project
In January, the City of Paducah approved submitting an application through the Paducah-McCracken County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Fiscal Year 2026 Carbon Reduction Program funding. These funds were established through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support projects that help reduce transportation-related emissions.
At this meeting, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved an agreement between the City and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for $151,324.20 in federal funding for the design, engineering, and permitting of a sidewalk and pedestrian bridge along the west side of Coleman Road from the railroad tracks to Hinkleville Road (U.S 60). This approximately 0.5-mile sidewalk project would improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in the area. Several hotels are located along Coleman Road.
Application for Health Homes Production Grant
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a municipal order authorizing the City to apply for a competitive $1.5 million Healthy Homes Production Grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If the grant is awarded, the funding would be used to address health and safety hazards in up to 65 homes in Paducah’s Southside. This grant would support the goals of the Southside Revitalization Plan by improving housing conditions and creating greater opportunities for residents to access much-needed health and safety improvements.
The grant is designed to improve housing conditions and reduce hazards that can negatively affect residents’ health and safety. The program will prioritize low-income households and vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Eligible homes would first be assessed to identify potential health and safety hazards. Once hazards are identified, repairs and remediation would be completed to make the homes safer and healthier. The project would benefit both owner-occupied homes and eligible rental properties.
Contract with Lifeline Recovery Center
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance for a contract for services with Lifeline Recovery Center. Under the contract, the City of Paducah will provide Lifeline with $200,000 in opioid settlement funds to purchase four passenger vans that will provide reliable transportation in support of client recovery. Lifeline will be responsible for any costs exceeding the City’s contribution and must return any funds not used to purchase the four vans.
Lifeline Recovery Center provides long-term residential recovery services to individuals affected by addiction. The organization uses passenger vans to transport clients to treatment and recovery services, healthcare appointments, employment, court obligations, job training, volunteer opportunities, recovery meetings, and other activities that support recovery and successful reentry.
Additional Meeting Information
- Municipal Order approved authorizing a contract with Building Conservation Associates for a historic structure report for the Hotel Metropolitan to determine long-term structural needs. This report is to be completed as part of the Mellon Foundation award accepted by the City in 2024.
- Municipal Order approved for a contract for services with the city providing $215,000 to Paducah Transit Authority.
- Municipal Order approved for a contract with Insight Public Sector for Microsoft licensing.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the application for a Kentucky Division of Waste Management Litter Abatement Grant.
- Municipal Order approved for the purchase of five pursuit-rated SUVs for use by the Paducah Police Department.
- Ordinance approved closing the alley between S. 9th Street and Walter Jetton Blvd. parallel to 916 Kentucky Avenue as requested by the adjacent property owners.
- Ordinance approved amending the FY2026 budget. This budget amendment is to provide updated information regarding operational needs and project timing.
- Ordinance approved amending Chapter 78 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances to remove the retiree life insurance benefit. The current 31 participants and employees who retire before September 1, 2026, will continue to receive the benefit.
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