As Covington, Kentucky embarks on a transition from a City Manager form of government to a Mayor-Council structure, the Committee on Form of Government Transition has commenced its work. The committee, formed following voter approval last November, aims to provide recommendations for this significant change over the next two years.
The committee met for the first time recently and adopted a timeline that suggests Covington residents will have a clearer picture of their future governing body by mid-October. This includes understanding the number of Council members and how they will be elected.
Mayor Ron Washington, who chairs the committee, stated that while state law offers limited guidance to the transition committee, there will be ample opportunities for public input. "State law really does not give much guidance to the transition committee," he noted. He emphasized that residents and those connected to Covington will have numerous chances to express their views.
The committee consists of eight citizen voting members, seven ex-officio members, and a staff administrator. It plans to deliver an initial progress report by June 30 and a comprehensive final report by May 1, 2026. These recommendations must be approved by the current five-member Board of Commissioners.
Meetings are scheduled monthly at City Hall and are open to public attendance. Preliminary plans include hosting community forums in March and conducting an online survey regarding council structure and representation.
Sebastian Torres, Covington’s Director of External Affairs and Senior Counsel, along with City Solicitor Frank Schulz outlined practical aspects of the mission at Wednesday's meeting. They discussed various elements such as the size of the new City Council, election methods for candidates, term limits, council meeting frequency, salaries and benefits for council members and mayoral roles.
Changes in city departments' organizational structures were also considered alongside potential updates to existing boards and commissions sizes and scopes. The Legal Department is tasked with updating the City's Code of Ordinances which involves shifting executive authority towards the Mayor’s office.
Torres highlighted their commitment: “We are beginning a two-year process that will take considerable research, thought, and analysis but residents and businesses can be certain that we will engage them throughout the transition.”
The next meeting is scheduled for February 27 at City Hall.