For the last few years, PDS has been facilitating an effort to engage citizens of southern Kenton County and garner their thoughts and desires for the future. Sharmili Reddy, AICP, Planning Manager for PDS has been a key facilitator of the effort; working to promote communication and collaboration between various groups. She has been accepted to discuss this outstanding effort in public engagement at the upcoming statewide planning conference in Owensboro along with Kathleen Donohoue, a local community leader who has been instrumental in getting the community involved.
“We have really focused attention on the southern end of the county over the last few years,” explained Ms. Reddy. “Our goal was to work with the community and make their voices heard. Their hard work in the form of monthly focus group meetings, outreach to other groups around the county, an incredibly successful survey, and implementation efforts has produced tremendous input that is being used to help direct the future of their area.”
Reddy and Donohue will present about successes and trials at the Kentucky Spring Planning Conference in May. The two plan on discussing the challenges that had to be overcome in terms of communication and examine the political realities faced by a community that is focused on preserving its rural heritage.
“We hope to share some insight and lessons learned with others in the profession that work in rural communities. Our residents have put in an incredible amount of time and energy into their vision for the future and we hope to highlight their great work.” Reddy elaborated.