Kentucky researchers and policymakers discuss key issues impacting quality of life in the Commonwealth

What is quality of life like in Kentucky and how is it changing? This was the central question of a webinar hosted by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Martin School of Public Policy at the University of Kentucky. With some parts of the state seeing historic new business investments, while other parts are experiencing depopulation, assessing quality of life in communities across Kentucky is of significant importance. 

Panelists included Kentucky State Senator David Givens and Kentucky State Representative Samara Heavrin. Senator Givens’ district includes part of Warren County, which is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Representative Heavrin’s district includes part of Hardin County and the city of Glendale, home to the incoming Ford battery plant. Senator Givens and Representative Heavrin both spoke to the unique challenges and opportunities that accompany rapid economic growth in local communities. 

Dr. Alison Davis and Dr. Mike Clark from the University of Kentucky provided insights into how economic development has transformed communities throughout the Commonwealth’s history and what leaders in Warren and Hardin counties might expect. Dr. Davis and Dr. Clark also discussed sources of information and data for assessing quality of life as well as various surveys and economic metrics to be considered.   

The webinar was moderated by Dr. Charles Aull, Executive Director of the Kentucky Chamber Center for Policy and Research.

Today’s conversation continued discussions started by the Kentucky Chamber and Martin School last year. In 2021, the Chamber and Martin School partnered together to produce three webinars focused on Kentucky’s urban-rural divide. Like today’s conversation on quality of life in Kentucky, those conversations brought researchers and policymakers together to examine critical issues facing the Commonwealth. 

The full recording of today’s webinar can be viewed below.