Area Development Districts in Kentucky have been in existence
over thirty-five years. Conceptually, they grew out of the efforts of local elected officials and citizens in the Commonwealth
to try and find collaborative means with which to deal with problems that beset their communities. The combination of
federal programs and state enabling legislation provided a national strategy and funding mechanism that allowed the concepts
to become reality in the late 1960's and early 1970's.
The Area Development Districts, as they now exist, serve as forums, clearinghouses,
technical centers and as conveners for the region. Unlike many other organizations structured along multi-jurisdictional
lines, the ADDs have both federal and state statutory authority.
The ADDs share some common characteristics with other regional councils
throughout the United States:
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Extensive program and service delivery experience
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Fiscal Accountability
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Technical and Professional Staff
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Non-partisan approach
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Flexibility
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Broad-based partnership development
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Established capacity
While they do share the traits listed above, the regional approach in Kentucky
has also been tailored to the needs of the Commonwealth. The Area Development District network is best characterized
by the following distinctions, unique among regional organizations:
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The fifteen ADDs provide a system of
complete coverage to all 120 counties.
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ADDs provide systematic linkage between
local leadership, the Governor's office, state and federal agencies, and private organizations.
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The ADDs deal with all program areas
within the Commonwealth.
