Strategic Planning » Gateway Area Development District

Why is regional strategic planning important?

Cost and resource sharing between participating communities to maximize efficiency and successful outcomes.

A shared vision that makes communities eligible and more competitive for grant funding and investment opportunities.

Perform assessments and identify priorities that will prepare communities and the region for the future.

Track progress and impacts of projects implemented in communities and the region.

Build regional resiliency and provide resources that enable leadership to make effective and timely decisions when necessary.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The Gateway Area Development District Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) serves as the region’s roadmap for long-term economic growth and resilience across Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties. The CEDS identifies priority infrastructure investments, workforce development initiatives, industrial site readiness efforts, and quality-of-life improvements needed to strengthen the regional economy. Developed in partnership with local governments, utilities, businesses, and community stakeholders, the strategy aligns regional projects with state and federal funding opportunities while promoting sustainable, coordinated development throughout the Gateway region.

Gateway CEDS Plan

Economic Development

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development process and document that creates space for the Gateway region to identify strengths and weaknesses while bringing together a diverse set of partners to generate good jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth.

RED Committee

The Regional Economic Development (RED) Committee is comprised of two members appointed from each county and the Treasurer of the Gateway ADD Board of Directors (11 total). The RED Committee provides oversight for the region's CEDS and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program. The RED Committee makes recommendations to the Gateway Board of Directors regarding the approval of CEDS updates and RLF applications. The RED Committee meets virtually on an as-need basis to review loan applications and CEDS related activities.

Disaster Recovery & Hazard Mitigation

Hazard Mitigation Committee

Hazard Mitigation Planning enables informed preparation for natural and other hazards across the Gateway region. Organized preparedness provides a means to minimize risk to persons and property and essentially improve resiliency. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction. The Homeland Security Council is a forum of elected officials and first responders with members selected by County Judge-Executive and County Seat Mayors. The council has a minimum of 10 members as well as local, regional, and state interest groups. The Council works to encourage cooperation among various groups, assist local agencies in prevention and response activities, seek funding for homeland security related projects, aid local jurisdictions in protecting local economies from terrorists and other emergencies, and direct the periodic update of the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Water & Wastewater Management

Water and Wastewater Management Planning identifies the infrastructure improvements needed in communities across the region to support growth and economic development. Local officials and utility managers work together to identify strategies and projects to improve services to underserved customers and expand systems to unserved households.

Water Management Council

The Gateway Area Water Management Council (WMC) monitors water and wastewater planning within the region and operates in accordance with KRS 151 and 224A. Members consist of the County Judge-Executives, representatives from each water and wastewater system in the region, and a representative from each local health department. The WMC meets quarterly to review and approve proposed projects and to complete annual rankings of water and wastewater projects across the region. The WMC recommends updates to the Water and Wastewater Management Plans to the Gateway ADD Board of Directors.

Transportation Planning

Transportation Planning encourages local leaders to think regionally and envision the future of the State’s transportation network. The planning processes provide the state and local governments with information needed for the state's six-year highway plan as well as information that is used to access additional federal grant programs.

Regional Transportation Committee

The Gateway Regional Transportation Committee (RTC) consults, solicits input, develops regional goals and direction, identifies and reviews regional transportation needs, provides transportation information and updates, and addresses any other transportation issue within the region. Members of the RTC include County Judge-Executives and Mayors. The RTC meets quarterly.

Community Planning

Local community planning initiatives are a valuable component of regional strategic planning and provide insight into individual community needs and goals. Local and other supplemental plans are reviewed and incorporated into the region's strategic vision.

Online Library

You can find more information, like community & supplemental plans, within our online library.