This week in NKY government meetings, Erlanger is holding a meeting to discuss the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, District 6, proposal for a major road reconfiguration of Dixie Highway.
Keep reading to find out what happened in local government over the past week and what you need to know for this week.
What happened last week in NKY government?
Bellevue City Council condemns legislation on short-term rentals
Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves strongly criticized a proposed Kentucky Senate bill that would allow short-term rental owners, such as Airbnb hosts, to bypass local zoning laws and regulations, claiming that every mayor in the state opposes the measure. Cleves argued the legislation would prevent cities like Bellevue from regulating short-term rentals while benefiting out-of-state interests, though reports note that the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Craig Richardson, has not received donations from Airbnb or its CEO, aside from a contribution from the Kentucky Realtors PAC. The city’s resolution also opposed House Bill 518, which would require local occupational license taxes to be standardized and routed through the Secretary of State’s office before reaching local tax districts. Bellevue City Attorney David Fessler said both bills would undermine local control and negatively impact municipal governance, and the city council ultimately approved the resolution unanimously.
Read more about the short-term rental legislation here.
ICE critics get pushback in Kenton County
At this week’s Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting, residents who support continued cooperation with ICE spoke out in response to earlier calls from others to reconsider that relationship. With fewer attendees than past meetings, two residents, including Randy Evans and veteran Aaron Anderson, urged county officials to uphold the law and the Constitution, arguing that enforcing immigration laws is part of public safety and that opponents represent only a “vocal minority.” The fiscal court did not respond directly to public comments, but the discussion highlighted Kenton County Detention Center’s existing agreements with ICE under the federal 287(g) program, which allow local corrections officers to issue immigration-related warrants, transfer inmates to federal custody, and question detainees about immigration status. Michael Staverman was the only resident to speak against ICE cooperation, praising Jailer Marc Fields for opening dialogue but expressing concern that the court has not clarified its stance or provided oversight of the agreements, calling for more transparency and attention moving forward.
Read more about the pushback here.
State bills draw push back in NKY
At Tuesday night’s Dayton City Council meeting, officials pushed back against three proposed Kentucky state bills—HB 518, SB 112, and SB 52—arguing they would undermine local authority over taxes, zoning, and licensing. City Administrator Jay Fossett said the measures would “usurp” powers currently held by cities, prompting the council to pass a resolution opposing them. HB 518 would reroute local occupational license tax filings through the Secretary of State, threatening a revenue source that makes up nearly 30% of Dayton’s budget and supports essential services like police and fire. SB 112 would limit cities’ ability to regulate short-term rentals such as Airbnbs through zoning laws, despite Dayton’s concerns about neighborhood impacts like noise and litter. SB 52 would impose stricter state rules on local licensing decisions, including automatic approval if agencies fail to act within 30 days and expanded appeal rights for applicants. The council’s resolution warned all three bills could harm Dayton’s governance, finances, and future development, and it passed 5–0 with one abstention.
Read more about the push back here.
Elsmere hosts 2026 student council meeting
Elsmere elementary, middle and high school students took part in the city’s annual student council meeting on Feb. 10, a longstanding tradition that allows students to sit alongside council members and city officials to conduct a mock council session, complete with motions, reports, votes and ordinances. This year, students unanimously voted to amend the city’s zoning code to add a definition for qualified manufactured homes in compliance with Kentucky House Bill 160 and approved raising the payroll tax rate from 1.25% to 1.75% effective July 1, reflecting a topic recently discussed by the real council. The event also included an informal dinner and certificates for participants, with Councilmember Gloria Grubbs praising the evening as a celebration of students’ potential and a highlight for the city.
Read more about the student council meeting here.
Ben Baker delivers delivers state of the city address in Dayton
Dayton Mayor Ben Baker delivered his State of the City report at Tuesday night’s council meeting, celebrating a year of major investments and progress while outlining the city’s vision for 2026. He highlighted more than $600,000 in upgrades at Gil Lynn Park, including new playground equipment, courts and a GaGa ball pit, along with trail restoration projects, a coming three-mile Ohio River loop, and a $1 million creek preservation effort through NKU. Baker also praised school improvements like the new Green Devil Stadium, collaborative planning with the district, and the Read Ready Dayton literacy program. On infrastructure, he noted Route 8 was rerouted to improve pedestrian safety and announced roughly $1 million in upcoming street repaving, plus continued sidewalk connections toward Fort Thomas. Financially, Dayton’s property tax rate has dropped for two straight years, which Baker attributed to strong fiscal management and new development, while he also spotlighted local businesses and teased upcoming openings. Finally, he emphasized the importance of community events in building connection and making Dayton feel like home.
Read more about the address here.
Boone County approves construction for Camp Ernst-Longbranch roundabout
Boone County is moving ahead with plans to build a roundabout at the busy intersection of Camp Ernst Road and Longbranch Road after the Fiscal Court approved an agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on Feb. 10. The intersection has raised safety concerns due to heavy traffic from nearby Cooper High School and the Hawks Landing Preserve subdivision, as well as its proximity to electrical substations. Judge/Executive Gary Moore said the project was originally designed as a T-intersection in 2015 but was later changed to a roundabout because of improved safety benefits, though the redesign caused delays. County Engineer Rob Franxman noted the revised agreement will reimburse $531,080 in construction costs, with $1.5 million budgeted for the project in FY 2025–2026. Construction will be scheduled mainly during summer break to reduce disruption, with major work expected to take about two months and completion anticipated by late fall. The roundabout also ties into broader corridor improvement plans along Camp Ernst Road being designed by consulting firm Gresham Smith.
Read more about the roundabout here.
Cincy Red Bikes to keep operating in Kenton County
The Kenton County Fiscal Court has approved a three-year funding agreement to support Cincy Bike Share, commonly known as Red Bike, as part of a broader regional effort to keep the nonprofit operating after it faced potential closure in March 2024 due to the loss of a major sponsor. Under the deal, Kenton County will contribute $5,000 annually, joining other Northern Kentucky cities, Campbell County and regional partners in subsidizing the program, which has secured about $75,000 per year locally and has roughly 15% of its stations in Northern Kentucky. Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann praised the collaborative approach, while Red Bike CEO Doug McClintock emphasized that bike share functions as public transit and requires stable government support to ensure long-term sustainability.
Read more about Cincy Red Bikes here.
Campbell County advances plan for new public safety complex
Campbell County is moving forward with plans to consolidate its police, emergency management, dispatch and coroner operations into a new 58,000-square-foot public safety facility on Racetrack Road. The project was presented to the Campbell County Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 10 for an advisory recommendation, though government entities are exempt from zoning rules, and final decisions will rest with the fiscal court. The new building at 1114 Racetrack Road will replace several outdated and scattered locations, including the current police and emergency management offices in Alexandria, rented coroner space in Erlanger, and the dispatch center in Newport’s city building. County officials emphasized the facility will function mainly as an office complex with about 30 employees on site, situated on more than 17 acres with an additional garage structure. The fiscal court has already approved purchasing the land for $1.33 million, and Conger Construction Group has been selected as construction manager-at-risk. The project is about halfway through the design phase, with construction expected to begin in September and take 18–24 months to complete.
Read more about the new safety complex here.
$8.5M Festival Park project to bring green space, splash pad to Newport
Newport’s long-planned overhaul of Festival Park moved forward this week as the City Commission approved a design-build agreement with Prus Construction for an $8.5 million project, scaled down from earlier proposals to make it more achievable. The renovation will happen in two phases, beginning with finalizing engineering and construction plans within budget, followed by building key features such as a central plaza for events, a retaining wall to create up to 40,000 square feet of new green space, a splash pad and water features, landscaping, a modern playground, an outdoor fitness area and a wide multi-use walking and biking path. City leaders said the upgrades will transform the park from a largely asphalt festival space into a greener, cooler, more inviting destination that connects attractions like The Levee and the aquarium, with continued fundraising planned for additional amenities.
Read more about the park project here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Monday is Presidents’ Day, and government offices are closed.
Campbell County Board of Education: Tuesday, Feb. 17
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 51 Orchard Lane in Alexandria.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Thomas City Council: Tuesday, Feb. 17
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 130 North Fort Thomas Ave.
What you need to know: The council will continue discussions on the forensic audit request, and an HR consultant discussion/approval.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 17
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike Street.
The agenda can be found here.
Erlanger City Caucus meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 17
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
What you need to know: Erlanger is holding a meeting to discuss the proposed Dixie Highway reconfiguration plan. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, District 6, is proposing a major road reconstruction and reconfiguration for Dixie Highway from Commonwealth Avenue to Turfway Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 17
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Planning Commission: Wednesday, Feb. 18
The meeting starts at 5 p.m. at 2950 Washington St.
What you need to know: The commission will discuss a zone change and concept plan for Dutch Brothers Coffee at 7606 – 7654 Mall Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, Feb. 18
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1098 Monmouth St.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Wright City Council meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 18
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here.
Southgate City Council: Wednesday, Feb. 18
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
Villa Hills Special City Council Meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 18
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 2500 Amsterdam Road.
Alexandria City Council Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 19
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8236 West Main St.
The agenda can be found here.
