While Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam was absent from Tuesday’s Fiscal Court meeting, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t busy working for the county, as he and other local leaders are attending the National Association of Development Organizations conference.
Best known as NADO, this organization was created in 1967 to represent that interests of regional community needs and economic development. NADO works to advocate for federal policies that would encourage community development, quality of life and place, rural development and more.
During the conference, Judge Gilliam tells WHOP that they’ve heard from numerous speakers and presenters, and he’s been surprised by how similar all the different communities have been—no matter the size or location.
He says one of the main talking points so far has been about revitalizing downtowns, and he says the Fiscal Court is working to do their part in that endeavor. Magistrates approved a measure regarding the guidelines on what type of business or organizations can go in the historic Weber Building—if it is sold—and Judge Gilliam says now they’ll start the process of drawing up bid packages.
He says they’re working with architects and city designers to really spruce up the area from the Christian County Jail over to the Christian County Courthouse, as that area in Hopkinsville really represents county government.
Judge Gilliam says he’s eager to return to Christian County with what he’s learned and advocated for, and see about keeping the momentum going at home.