Covington, Kentucky is inviting input from residents and the business community regarding changes to its local government structure. An online survey and two community forums are planned as part of this initiative. The city aims to gather opinions on several key issues concerning the new Council set to take office in early 2027.
The transition involves changing the current Board of Commissioners into a legislative body called a "Council." Key questions include determining the number of seats for the Council, whether council members should be elected at large or by district, and if elections should be partisan or non-partisan.
Mayor Ron Washington emphasized the importance of public participation: “I encourage all Covington residents and those who own businesses here or work here to speak up,” he said. “Public input is an important component as we determine the structure of the new Council and how it will be elected."
Washington chairs the nine-person Committee on Form of Government Transition, tasked with making recommendations for Covington's shift from a City Manager form of government to a Mayor-Council form over two years. This change was approved by voters last November.
The committee plans to release an initial progress report by June 30, followed by recommendations related to the new City Council by October 17, and a comprehensive final report by May 1, 2026. These recommendations require approval from the current five-member Board of Commissioners.
Currently, Covington operates under a non-partisan election system with a five-member Board consisting of a mayor and four commissioners. The mayor serves four-year terms while commissioners serve two-year terms. The mayoral race requires a primary if three or more candidates run, narrowing it down to two for the general election.
The first forum will occur on March 13 at City Hall, followed by another on March 26 at American Legion Post 203 in Latonia. Meetings are generally held monthly at City Hall.
For further details about meetings and committee members, interested parties can visit Covington’s Transition webpage.