Breakout Sessions 5

Technology plays a critical role in every county’s daily operations. Union County Judge/Executive Adam O’Nan and McLean County Judge/Executive Curtis Dame share how their counties have built reliable, secure and efficient IT systems that support staff, protect data and improve public service delivery. Learn practical steps and lessons that can help any county strengthen its technology foundation.

Understanding Kentucky’s open records law is essential for every county official. KACo Staff Attorney Rich Ornstein will provide an overview of the law, share recent updates and outline best practices for handling records requests responsibly and efficiently while maintaining transparency and compliance.

The Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) has launched a regional initiative to evaluate and document county road conditions using a consistent, data-driven approach.

Through ESRI’s Field Maps and ArcGIS tools, LTADD’s engineer and GIS specialist collect field data on pavement issues such as cracking, rutting, and potholes to assign standardized condition scores. This process promotes transparency, supports cost analysis, and helps counties prioritize repairs and plan long-term infrastructure investments. GIS-based dashboards allow officials to visualize progress, identify high-need areas, and make informed decisions about resurfacing and bridge projects.

The same quantitative approach ties into the City County Bridge Improvement program which has allowed tremendous support for counties in search of funding for their projects.

This session will provide an in-depth overview of the reentry landscape in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with a particular focus on a reentry simulation from the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the simulation, including its purpose, impact, and guidance on how to host one in their own communities. The presentation will highlight key reentry statistics, emerging strategies, and innovative practices currently being implemented across the state. Attendees will also learn how Kentucky has become a national leader in reentry reform, achieving a historic low recidivism rate under the Beshear administration.

This session will offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders committed to improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals.