2019 Awards and Recognition
2019 Preservation Kentucky Award
Paducah's City Hall has been recognized by Preservation Kentucky with the David L. Morgan Excellence Award. This honors us for using Kentucky's State Historic Preservation Tax Credits in the recent rehabilitation of City Hall.
Preservation Kentucky Executive Director Betsy Hatfield says, "There is a direct link between historic preservation and healthy communities. Historic buildings are how we identify with our communities, and our attachment to our communities is an important indicator of how economically successful our communities will be. Historic preservation is good for business, our economy and our quality of life."
2018 Boaters' Choice Award for Transient Boat Dock
Marinas.com has notified the City of Paducah that Paducah's Transient Boat Dock is a recipient of the 2018 Boaters' Choice Award. This is the second consecutive year for Paducah to receive the award which honors marinas and docks that consistently provide an excellent home for the boating community.
According to Marinas.com, 217 marinas/docking facilities are being honored for going the extra mile in 2018 for boaters. The Boaters' Choice Award is based on reviews by boaters. To be recognized, each facility had to receive at least three reviews averaging a rating of four or more stars out of five stars.
Below are a couple of the reviews posted by boaters who enjoyed Paducah's amenities in 2018.
Coming through in 2015, I couldn't understand why Paducah had no facilities for cruisers. This has now been wonderfully resolved with the new docks. I hope the town reaps the benefits from all the cruisers that stop by. I grocery shopped and had dinner in town so hope I helped the economy in some small way. The docks are a superb piece of engineering and built at considerable cost. We appreciate the town's foresight.
Fantastic Dock that we will visit again and again. Within walking distance of the downtown with plenty to see and do! Restaurants and downtown merchants are many and the River Wall art and The Quilt Museum with the Ohio River are fun things to see. Thanks Paducah!!
In 2018, 360 boats docked at Paducah's Transient Boat Dock spending a total of 522 nights.
City of Paducah Receives 27th Consecutive Award for Financial Reporting
For the 27th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the City of Paducah the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR is a voluntary document compiled by the City for review and grading that includes the city's audit and various financial and statistical reports.
According to the GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management and is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Paducah's award is for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2017.
This internationally recognized award is one element necessary for the City to maintain a strong S & P bond rating of AA-.
A section of the letter from GFOA Technical Services Director Michele Mark Levine to the City of Paducah announcing our 27th award reads, "Congratulations for having satisfied the high standards of the program. We hope that your example will encourage others in their efforts to achieve and maintain an appropriate standard of excellence in financial reporting."
26th Consecutive Year as Tree City USA
The Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters has named Paducah a 2017 Tree City USA. This is the 26th consecutive year Paducah has achieved this honor recognizing the efforts by the community to make the planting and care of trees a priority.
Mayor Brandi Harless says, "Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use. Paducah is stepping up to do its part by making an ongoing commitment to the management of our urban forest."
Paducah achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Paducah is one of more than 3,400 Tree City USAs.
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. Some of the benefits include improving the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increasing property values, reducing home cooling costs, removing air pollutants, and providing wildlife habitat.
In December 2017, Marinas.com notified the City of Paducah that Paducah's Transient Boat Dock is a recipient of the 2017 Boaters' Choice Award. Paducah and Green Turtle Bay Resort in Grand Rivers, Kentucky received the honor in the Inland category.
The annual Boaters' Choice awards, organized by Marinas.com, is a long-standing tradition within the boating community. According to Marinas.com, 152 marinas/docking facilities are being honored this year for going the extra mile to make boaters feel at home. The Boaters' Choice Award is based on reviews by boaters. Each facility had to receive at least three reviews averaging a rating of four or more stars out of five stars to receive the honor.
Parks & Recreation Department Director Mark Thompson says, "This recognition by Marinas.com makes me proud since it is determined solely by boater reviews. We value the input by the boating community in providing suggestions, comments, and praise for the Paducah Transient Boat Dock."
Following is one of the reviews posted by a boater who enjoyed Paducah's amenities. Great facility in which we could tie up to either side of the dock. Beautiful downtown area within a couple of blocks from the dock with many great restaurants (some with live music), and cute shops. The town has cab and Lift services to stock up supplies from Wal-Mart or a local grocery store. We also enjoyed the 4 mile bike path just a couple blocks from the city dock. Could have stayed another day to take in the many museums. What a GREAT stop!!!
KLC Enterprise Cities Award Presentation for Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park
Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) Community Development Advisor Bobbie Bryant presented the City of Paducah with an Enterprise Cities Award for the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park at the November 14, 2017, City Commission Meeting. This award recognizes city projects or programs making a true impact in their communities. This is the second year in a row that Paducah has won for a project in the historic Fountain Avenue Neighborhood. This year's award recognizes the work by the City of Paducah, various partner agencies, and volunteers in creating the Health Park located at 421 North 13th Street. In 2016, the Rotary Club of Paducah in addition to hundreds of volunteers constructed the Paducah Rotary Playground. In November 2016, the City contracted to construct Phase I which includes a 1/3 mile walking trail, the playground's safety surface, a fitness area, the grading and resurfacing of the grassy lawn, lighting, landscaping, water fountains, and an expansion of the Community Garden. A ribbon cutting was held in August 2017. At the ribbon cutting celebration, it was announced that Mrs. Pat Brockenborough is donating $500,000 toward the construction of a restroom facility and splash pad for Phase II.
The Enterprise Cities Award program is sponsored by Collins & Company, Inc. The sponsor is providing $1000 for each winning program to help continue its success. Paducah received the award in addition to Bowling Green and Morgantown.
City of Paducah Receives Voice of the People Award
The National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) presented the City of Paducah the 2017 Voice of the People Award for Transformation in Recreation and Wellness at the ICMA annual conference on October 23, 2017. The award is due to Paducah's increases in the Citizen Survey results in the Recreation & Wellness category from 2013 to 2016. Out of all the communities that conducted the survey in 2016, Paducah had the highest ratings increases for questions related to walking trails, natural environment, and recreational opportunities. Voice of the People News Release >>
For the 26th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the City of Paducah the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This award is for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2016. The CAFR is a voluntary document compiled by the City for review and grading that includes the city's audit and various financial and statistical reports.
According to the GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management and is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. A portion of the GFOA news release regarding Paducah's Certificate reads, "The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program which includes demonstrating a constructive 'spirit of full disclosure' to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR."
Officer A.J. Parrish Honored at Governor's Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards Ceremony
Paducah police Officer A.J. Parrish was honored December 13, 2016, at the Governor's Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards ceremony in Lexington. Parrish was among law enforcement officers from throughout the state who were recognized for their efforts to keep impaired drivers off of Kentucky's roadways. Parrish arrested 45 people on charges of driving under the influence during the program's counting period – Oct. 1, 2015, through Sept. 30, 2016. The Paducah Police Department's total number of DUI arrests during the counting period was 215. Parrish, 24, has been with the department since May 2014.
Kentucky Recreation & Parks Society Honors Parks Services Department and Rotary Club of Paducah
On November 18, 2016, at the Kentucky Recreation & Parks Society's (KRPS) annual conference, Paducah Parks Services Department was honored with two awards: the Outstanding Department for 2016 and the Outstanding Program for 2016 for the Farmers' Market. KRPS also recognized the Rotary Club of Paducah with a Special Citation for the sponsorship and coordination of the community-built Paducah Rotary Playground located at the Health Park. The Rotary Club organized the volunteers who spent a week this summer constructing the playground that features a rock wall, castles, swings, slides, and monkey bars. KRPS News Release >>
Paducah Receives Enterprise Cities Award for Fountain Avenue Neighborhood Revitalization Project
The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) honored the City of Paducah with an Enterprise Cities award for the Fountain Avenue Neighborhood Revitalization project at the Tuesday, November 1, 2016 City Commission Meeting. Sadieville, Kentucky Mayor-KLC President Claude Christensen presented the award along with KLC Community Development Manager Tad Long. The Enterprise Cities Award recognizes city projects or programs making a true impact on their communities. Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler says, "Healthy, vibrant neighborhoods are the foundation of a healthy community. The revitalization of the Fountain Avenue Neighborhood came about through collaboration and the strategic use of programs and partners. Paducah is proud to be recognized by the Kentucky League of Cities for our efforts in Fountain Avenue, a neighborhood that is now reborn." Enterprise Cities Award News Release >>
Chief Brandon Barnhill Named 2016 Chief of the Year
Chief of Police Brandon L. Barnhill was named 2016 Chief of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP) on August 3, 2016 during the organization's annual conference in Bowling Green. Barnhill, 42, has been with the Paducah Police Department since October 1998. He was appointed Chief of Police on Sept. 19, 2013. Barnhill was nominated by Assistant Chief Brian Krueger. In his nomination letter, Krueger cited a number of Barnhill's priorities since becoming chief. Among them were organizational and personnel development, relationship-building with the community and minority recruitment. Chief of the Year News Release >>
Paducah Featured in July-August 2016 edition of Where to Retire Magazine
Paducah has been selected as a top retirement destination by Where to Retire, the only magazine in America geared toward helping people with retirement relocation decisions. The city is profiled in a feature titled "8 Rejuvenating River Cities" in the July/August 2016 issue, available nationwide on June 14. Where to Retire Editor Annette Fuller said many retirees migrate to water, and these eight cities, with stunning rivers close by, are good ones to consider. "River cities, including Paducah, situated near the Ohio, Cumberland, Mississippi and Tennessee rivers, appeal to retirees who seek the outdoors. Bird watching or fishing along the banks, hiking nearby trails, boating and camping are just a few of the available activities. Not everything revolves around water though; quaint downtowns, continuing education opportunities and a variety of shopping and dining options contribute to a well-rounded retirement," Fuller said. 8 Rejuvenating River Cities: Asheville, NC (French Broad River); Augusta, GA/Aiken, SC (Savannah River); Bend, OR (Deschutes River); Covington, LA (Abita River); Grand Junction, CO (Gunnison and Colorado Rivers); Paducah, KY (Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers); Victoria, TX (Guadalupe River); Wenatchee, WA (Columbia River).
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the City of Paducah the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2015. This is the 25th consecutive year Paducah has received the award.
The CAFR is a voluntary document compiled by the City for review and grading. This internationally recognized award is one element necessary for the City to maintain a strong S & P bond rating of AA-. The CAFR is divided into several sections: Introductory, Financial, Statistical, and Single Audit.
According to the GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management and is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. A portion of a news release issued by the GFOA regarding Paducah's Certificate reads, "The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive 'spirit of full disclosure' to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR."
Testimonial about Paducah from National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
When I was asked by the NEA Chairman's office if I would consider traveling to Paducah to give a grants workshop, I jumped at the opportunity for several reasons. First, because of my grants portfolio, I'm acutely aware that we're not seeing many grant applications from the area. But what really got me excited me was the prospect of experiencing first-hand what Paducah has to offer. In my world, the Artist Relocation Program and the UNESCO Creative Cities designation are outstanding exemplars of a community that is embracing artists and culture to define itself, and put the city on the map.
What I found far exceeded my expectations. Jane Jacobs famously said that new ideas must use old buildings. I saw ample evidence of that throughout my brief, yet intense tour of this architecturally rich city. I had a chance to tour the Paducah School of Art & Design, which has to be one of the most inspiring state-of-the art facilities for artists and art students to be found anywhere. It's a beautiful and thoughtfully re-purposed light-filled crown jewel that will surely be a beacon for creative visual artists in all disciplines. And I can't help but imagine what kind of wonderful and powerful impact that creative engine is going to have on the community!
Although I was only in Paducah for a short visit, I was impressed by the people I met. Nearly 50 people from all walks of life in surrounding counties gave me a warm welcome and generously offered insight into what I think must be the "secret sauce" of the cultural community: collaboration - coupled with a deep and abiding respect for the sense of place that makes Paducah unique. Instead of six degrees of separation, I jokingly suggested that there are really only two degrees in this tight-knit and civic minded community. But as an outsider, I felt welcomed. Clearly, this community is doing a lot of things right, and is willing to be open to new people and new ideas, and to share that secret sauce.
Michael Killoren
Local Arts Agencies & Challenge America Director | Partnership
In response to the testimonial from Michael Killoren, Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler said, "The community will continue to grow our arts IQ because the Genie has been released from the bottle. There is no stopping the growth of Paducah's Creative Culture."
Paducah Main Street Small Business Saturday Commercial Receives Gold Medallion Award
West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) is the recipient of six awards from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR). One of the awards is for the Paducah Main Street 2014 Small Business Saturday commercial. The 30-second commercial, which promoted the shopping and activities held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in downtown Paducah, received a Gold Medallion Award from NCMPR, the highest award in the College Video Program category. The Medallion Awards is an annual awards celebration honoring the marketing and communication efforts of community college marketing and public relations professionals. Gold Medallion Award News Release >>
Paducah Listed as One of Best Small Town Main Streets in America by Top Value Reviews
In October 2015, Top Value Reviews, a data-driven, customer-centric, value-conscious website featuring product reviews and rankings, released a list of the 50 Best Small Town Main Streets in America. Paducah received the ranking of #33. Whether a place for the locals to hang out or the go-to destination of visitors to town, Main Street is oftentimes the heart and soul of a city or town. Each town on the list has fewer than 60,000 residents (according to the 2010 census) and at least one notable attraction. The towns were chosen and ranked based upon the following:
Inclusion on a major register, such as the National Register of Historic Places, National Parks, National Historic Landmarks, etc. (1 point per list)
Category of downtown attractions (restaurants, wineries, antique stores, art galleries, etc.). (1 point per notable category)
Notable and historic places (1 point each)
A national ranking of some kind (1 point each)
Paducah received 8 points with the following information posted on the website. In 2000, Paducah, Kentucky made the risky move of offering incentives to artists willing to relocate to downtown Paducah. Today, the small Kentucky town is a thriving community built around the arts. Besides the many Victorian houses and art galleries lining the town's main street, art-loving wanderers will find the series of Floodwall Murals depicting events in local history and the rotating exhibits of the National Quilt Museum. Thanks to Paducah's Arts a la Carte program, many artists set up workstations directly on the sidewalk for the enjoyment of passersby. A number of festivals — both art themed and otherwise — also occur in Paducah throughout the year.
Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau Receives Government Award
Governor Steve Beshear presented Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) with the 2015 Governor's Awards in the Arts – Government Award at the Kentucky State Capitol on October 22. The Governor's Awards in the Arts are the Commonwealth's highest honors in the arts, recognizing individuals, organizations and businesses that have made extraordinary and significant contributions to the arts in Kentucky. View the 4 minute Video >>
Paducah Receives 24th Annual Award for Financial Reporting
Paducah has been awarded the 24th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. This 24th award recognizes the CAFR for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2014.
Paducah Named as One of Best Cities for an Inexpensive Date
In March 2015, Dating Advice named Paducah #13 in the "20 Best Cities for an Inexpensive Date." The Dating Advice Article reads, "Nestled in the far left corner of Kentucky lies Paducah, an adorable town filled with just as many adorable date ideas for couples of any age, particularly the artsy types." The cost of living is low in Paducah, and we have great restaurants, shops, and cultural venues!!
Paducah Named by Smart Asset as One of Best Places to Retire
The financial technology company, Smart Asset, listed Paducah as the sixth best place to retire in Kentucky. Paducah ranked number 707 of more than 4000 cities it evaluated nationally. The study ranked cities based on factors such as income and sales tax rates, number of seniors in the community, the number of doctors' offices, and the number of recreation centers.
Kentucky Recreation & Parks Society Honors Parks Services Department with Outstanding Department Award
At the Kentucky Recreation & Park Society's annual conference held November 12-14, 2014 in Owensboro, the Paducah Parks Services Department was honored with the Outstanding Department Award. This is the third year in a row the department has received the award for the Outstanding Class 1 Department in Kentucky. News Release >>
Officer Melissa Dillon Receives KY Women's Law Enforcement Network 2014 Officer of the Year
The Paducah Police Department is home to the Kentucky Women's Law Enforcement Network's 2014 Officer of the Year. Officer Melissa Dillon was recognized November 14, 2014 at the KWLEN annual conference in Louisville. She has been with the Paducah Police Department since 2003. Dillon was nominated for the honor by fellow officer Gretchen Morgan in recognition of her work with the police department's successful Traffic Enforcement Unit. News Release >>
Your City at Work Receives Silver Medallion Award
West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) is the recipient of ten awards from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR). One of the awards is for the City of Paducah television program Your City at Work. The episode Your City at Work: Active Shooter Training received a Silver Medallion Award from NCMPR, the second highest award in the College Video Program category. Silver Medallion Award News Release >>
Paducah Police Department Receives Enterprise Cities Award
The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) has named the City of Paducah as the recipient of the 2014 Enterprise Cities Award in the public safety category. The Paducah Police Department submitted an award application for its Don't Be In-text-icated program. Enterprise Cities Award News Release >>
Paducah Named #5 in National Geographic Traveler Magazine World's Smartest Cities
The October 2014 issue of National Geographic Traveler provided an article, The 2014 Traveler 50: World's Smartest Cities, that lists Paducah as #5 between Rome and Melbourne. Paducah is recognized for being named a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art. Link to National Geographic article >>
Paducah Receives 23rd Annual Award for Financial Reporting
Paducah has been awarded the 23rd consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. This 23rd award recognizes the CAFR for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2013. News Release >>
Paducah's Floodwall Murals Recognized by Trip Advisor
In May 2014, TripAdvisor created a graphic showing the most popular tourist attractions in America. The attractions were the most popular travel attractions in each of the 50 states based on the Trip Advisor Popularity Index which takes into account "quality, quantity, and recency" of reviews written by the site's users. For Kentucky, Paducah's Floodwall Mural were listed as the most popular attraction. Most Popular Tourist Attractions in America >>
Paducah in Top 100 Most Affordable Cities
Using data from the Council for Community and Economic Research's 2013 Annual Report, NerdWallet ranked the most affordable cities in America. The index scores can be compared to the national average of 100. A lower cost of living index signifies greater affordability relative to the average city. States from central and southern U.S. dominate the list. Paducah ranks #61 with a cost of living index of 90.2.
Paducah Named as one of America's Best Main Streets
On January 11, 2014, the Huffington Post posted an article from Fodor's Travel about America's Best Main Streets. Paducah is listed as one of the 15 best main streets due to its rich history and variety of cultural attractions.
Fountain Avenue Neighborhood Alliance Wins NeighborWorks Innovative Ideas Contest
The City of Paducah was honored December 11, 2013 for winning the NeighborWorks' Innovative Ideas Video Contest through NeighborWorks America. This video featuring the City of Paducah's Fountain Avenue Neighborhood Program was recognized at the NeighborWorks conference in Kansas City for being a great example of neighborhood collaboration. For more information about the Fountain Avenue Neighborhood, visit Fountain Avenue Website.
Fountain Avenue Neighborhood Alliance Video (3 minutes) >>
Paducah Receives Designation as UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art
On November 21, 2013, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Paducah, Kentucky, the world's seventh City of Crafts and Folk Art, making the city a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Additional UNESCO Designation Information >>
Paducah Police Officer Ryan Burrow Receives Governor's Impaired Driving Enforcement Award
Paducah Police Officer Ryan Burrow was among those honored December 3, 2013 at the annual Governor's Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards ceremony in Louisville at the Marriott Louisville East. Burrow was the PPD's top officer in arrests for driving under the influence offenses between Oct. 1, 2012, and Sept. 30, 2013. Of the department's total 342 DUI arrests, 44 were Burrow's.The Paducah Police Department is a part of Division 4, which is for agencies with 51-150 officers.
Parks Services Department Receives Awards through Kentucky Recreation & Park Society
The Paducah Parks Services Department took home two awards at the Kentucky Recreation & Park Society annual conference held November 12-14, 2013 in Hebron. The department was honored with the Outstanding Department Award and the Outstanding Program Award for Touch a Truck. Parks Department News Release>>
Police Department Receives Heart of Collaboration Award
The Paducah Police Department was honored October 18, 2013 with a "Heart of Collaboration" award at the 5th annual Collaborative Women's Conference held at Broadway United Methodist Church of Paducah. It is a fund-raiser for the United Way and a networking opportunity for women from throughout the area. In presenting the award to Police Chief Brandon Barnhill, Dr. Bernice Belt cited the department's continuing accomplishments in community policing, youth programs and initiatives, non-profit partnership and in encouraging minorities and women to pursue careers in law enforcement. This has been done while the department continues to raise standards in community outreach, recruitment and training, both locally and beyond.
Paducah View Program Wins Bronze Medallion Award
In October 2013, the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) awarded "Paducah View" with its Bronze Medallion Award. West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) is the recipient of five awards from the NCMPR with "Paducah View" earning the award in College Video Program category. The NCMPR District 2 Medallion Awards is an annual award celebration recognizing outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges. Bronze Medallion News Release >> Paducah View Episodes >>
Paducah Receives 22nd Annual Award for Financial Reporting
Paducah has been awarded the 22nd consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. This 22nd award recognizes the CAFR for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2012. For more information about the award and about the Paducah Finance Department, watch this episode of Paducah View - Comprehensive Annual Financial Report featuring Finance Director Jonathan Perkins.
Paducah Listed as One of America's Best Small Town Comebacks
In March 2013, CNN Travel showcased eight small historic cities that have been rebounding. Paducah was listed as a "small town with big art". The article featured the artist relocation program through the Main Street Department (Paducah Renaissance Alliance) and the LowerTown Arts and Music Festival. Other towns listed in the article are Coronado, CA; New Iberia, LA; Frederick, MD; Ely, NV; DeLand, FL; Libertyville, IL; and El Dorado, AR. CNN America's Best Small Town Comebacks Article >>
2013 Paducah Sun Reader's Choice Awards
For the second year in a row, the Paducah Sun asked readers to nominate people, places, etc. for specific categories. Paducah won two awards: Best Golf Course for Paxton Park and Best Playground Indoor-Outdoor for Noble Park. Noble Park was a finalist for Best Family Value and for Best Place to Hike. Downtown Paducah was a finalist for Best Family Attraction. Paducah Power System's Christmas in the Park at Noble Park was Best Local Holiday Tradition with the Christmas Parade coming in second place.
Paducah Parks Services Department Receives Two Awards through KY Recreation & Park Society
The Paducah Parks Services Department took home two awards at the Kentucky Recreation & Park Society annual conference held November 12-14, 2012 in Frankfort. The department was honored with the Outstanding Department Award and the Outstanding Program Award for Bikes on Broadway. Paducah News Release & Photo >> KRPS Outstanding Program News Release >> KRPS Outstanding Department News Release >>
Paducah Community-Police Partnership Recognized with $20,000 National MetLife Award
During the Fountain Avenue Festival held October 20, 2012, representatives of MetLife Financial Services presented the City of Paducah with a $20,000 MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Award for the partnership between the City of Paducah Planning Department, the MidTown Alliance of Neighbors, and the Paducah Police Department for their innovation in promoting community safety through strategic economic development and creative partnerships. MetLife Foundation Award News Release >>
Kentucky League of Cities Recognizes Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program of Paducah-McCracken County
The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) honored the City of Paducah by naming the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program of Paducah-McCracken County as an Enterprise Cities Award runner-up in the more than 15,000 population category. The City was honored during the KLC Annual Conference and Expo in Lexington, Kentucky on October 12, 2012. The Enterprise Cities Awards go to municipalities in four population categories that have demonstrated entrepreneurship, innovation, and excellence in local governance. As a runner-up, Paducah will receive $250 to be used toward the intervention program. Paducah News Release >> KLC News Release >>
Paducah Selected as Top Retirement Destination
The September/October 2012 issue of Where to Retire magazine profiles Paducah in its feature story, "15 Low-Cost Towns". Where to Retire editor Mary Lu Abbott said Paducah possesses qualities important to today's retirees. "With below-average living costs, affordable homes, and low taxes, these 15 towns let your retirement dollars go further." Paducah is considered as a four-season locale that has rich history and plenty of outdoor opportunities.
Harvard University Recognizes City of Paducah Tree Voucher Program as Bright Idea in Government
In September 2012, the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University recognized the City of Paducah's Tree Voucher Program as one of its Bright Ideas in Government. The Tree Voucher Program is one of 111 innovative government initiatives evaluated and selected by a team of policy experts from academic and public sectors. The Tree Voucher Program was launched in March 2009 following the devastating January 2009 ice storm. Paducah News Release >> Harvard News Release >>
Governor's Occupant Protection Enforcement Award for Officer Melissa Dillon
Paducah Police Officer Melissa Dillon was honored July 26, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky during the annual Governor's Occupant Protection Enforcement Awards Ceremony. Dillon issued the second-highest number of seat belt violation citations in her division. Divisions are determined by department size. Dillon issued 858 seat belt/child restraint/booster seat citations during the counting period, June 16, 2011 – June 15, 2012. In all, Paducah Police Department officers issued 3,327 citations for those offenses during the counting period.
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Paducah has been awarded the 21st consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The award recognizes the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This 21st award recognizes the CAFR for the fiscal year that eneded June 30, 2011. Certificate of Achievement News Release >>
Fire Chief Steve Kyle Receives Fire Chief of the Year Award
During the opening ceremony at the 83rd Annual Kentucky Homeland Security Conference and State Fire School held Friday, June 8, 2012, Paducah Fire Chief Steve Kyle received the Fire Chief of the Year Award through the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs (KAFC). Selection criteria for the award emphasize leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public, and contributions to the fire service as a whole. The City of Paducah hired Steve Kyle as battalion chief/fire marshal in 1998. With the retirement of Chief Redell Benton in 2008, Kyle was appointed to acting chief. In January 2009, Kyle was officially promoted to fire chief. News Release >>
Paducah Receives Several 2012 Reader's Choice Awards
In February 2012 the Paducah Sun newspaper asked people to nominate people, places, etc. for specific categories. Paducah won several awards including Best Bike Path for Noble Park (finalist was Greenway Trail); Best Place to Jog for Noble Park (runner-up was Greenway Trail with Downtown as finalist); Best Local Holiday Tradition for Lights in the Park at Noble Park (Christmas Parade was runner-up); Runner-up for Best Playground at Noble Park; Paxton Park runner-up for best golf course and finalist for best driving range; Stuart Nelson Park runner-up for Best Place to Hike with Noble Park as a finalist; Best Annual Festival for BBQ on the River (Dogwood Festival was a finalist); Best Entertainment Value for Noble Park; and of course, Paducah was the winner for Best Town to Live.
Paducah Receives Kentucky Cultural District Certification
In a presentation in Frankfort on February 9, 2012, Paducah received the Kentucky Cultural District Certification award presented by First Lady Jane Beshear and Madeline Abramson, wife of Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson on behalf of the Kentucky Arts Council. The certification of Paducah and four other communities in Kentucky were selected by an independent panel of reviewers from a pool of 26 applicants. The Cultural District Certification program, administered by the Kentucky Arts Council, is designed to encourage community engagement and partnerships that facilitate the stimulation and promotion of local cultural, economic, community, tourism and social assets. Paducah Renaissance Alliance spear-headed the application process. PRA News Release >> KY Arts Council News Release >>
Commonwealth's Top 10 Festivals & Events for Spring 2012
The Kentucky Tourism Industry Association (KTIA) selected the 28th Annual Quilt Show and the LowerTown Art and Music Festival as two of the Commonwealth's Top 10 Festivals & Events for Spring 2012. The Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) nominates the City's festivals through a quarterly submission process. In addition to bragging rights, winners enjoy the added publicity and media exposure provided by KTIA, which includes an article in Kentucky Monthly magazine announcing all of the season winners. CVB News Release >>
Celebrating Excellence Campaign
To celebrate the numerous awards earned by the City, West Kentucky Community & Technical College, and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, the City launched the Award Winning Paducah website and Celebrating Excellence Campaign.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) is the recipient of several awards from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR). One of the awards is for the City of Paducah television program Your City at Work. The episode Your City at Work: Barkley Regional Airport received a Silver Medallion Award from NCMPR, the second highest award in the College Video Program category. News Release >>
Paducah has been awarded the 20th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The award recognizes the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This 20th award recognizes the CAFR for the fiscal year that eneded June 30, 2010.
Paducah Named One of Best Communities for Young People
On October 12, 2011, Paducah officially achieved national recognition as one of America's Promise Alliance's 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING. The competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth.
WKCTC Named One of Top 5 Community Colleges
In April 2011, West Kentucky Community and Technical College was selected by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program as one of the nation's 120 best community colleges, the top 10 percent in the country. News Release >> But it gets better. In September 2011, WKCTC was named one of the ten finalist community colleges by the Aspen Institute. News Release >> Don't stop reading, there's more. In December, WKCTC was named as one of the top 5 colleges. News Release >>
Governor's Awards in the Arts for National Quilt Museum and Steven Curtis Chapman
In August 2011 the National Quilt Museum of the United States received the Community Arts Award through the Kentucky Arts Council's Governor's Awards in the Arts. The award recognizes a Kentucky individual or organization that has made a positive impact on the community through the Arts.
Paducah native and contemporary gospel musician Steven Curtis Chapman received the National Award. News Release from KY Arts Council >>
Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber of the Year Award
In August 2011, the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce received 2011 Chamber of the Year award. News Release >>
Paducah Selected as One of Top Retirement Cities
In August 2011, Paducah was selected by "Where to Retire" magazine as one of eight top retirement towns. The article "8 Enticing Money-Saver Towns" is in the September/October issue of the magazine.
Paducah Named a Time Warp Town
Paducah is one of nine "Time Warp Towns" in America. The announcement was made Friday, March 18 on Yahoo! Travel and provided by CNBC. Time Warp Towns are those out-of-time discoveries that make for road trip gold such as downtowns with antiques booth malls, town squares, monuments, cobblestones, and/or apple pie! The focus is to pick spots where the buildings where the local history was made are still standing and the town has enough points of interest to merit a visit. News Release >>
2011 Distinctive Destination and Fan Favorite
On February 15, 2011, Paducah, Kentucky was named a 2011 Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation®. Paducah was nominated by the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau for its rich heritage, vibrant historic districts and its commitment to celebrating its past and culture. News Release >>
From February 15 to March 15, votes were accepted at the National Trust for Historic Preservation® website to select Paducah as the Fan Favorite. Paducah won thanks to a wonderful turnout of online voters. News Release >>
One of Five Most Romantic Main Streets
On February 10, 2011, Paducah was named one of the five Most Romantic Main Streets as the result of an online photo submission contest conducted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. News Release >>
Enterprise City Award
On September 17, 2010, the Kentucky League of Cities honored Paducah with an Enterprise Cities Award for its Tree Voucher Program. The program, implemented after the January 2009 ice storm, allowed city residents to obtain a voucher for $25 off a tree from participating nurseries. --News Release--
Pictured from left to right: KLC President Elaine Walker, Planner Ben Peterson, City Commissioner Gerald Watkins, Planning Director Steve Ervin, and KLC Acting Executive Director Neil Hackworth.
On September 17, 2010, the Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services division presented Paducah with the Golden Eagle award for receiving a perfect loss control law enforcement scorecard of 100%. --News Release--
Pictured from left to right: KLC Acting Executive Director Neil Hackworth, City Commissioner Gerald Watkins, KLC President Elaine Walker, Police Chief James Berry, Captain Brian Krueger, and KLC Law Enforcement Specialist Mark Filburn.
Risk Management Award
On September 17, 2010, the Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services division presented Paducah with an award for receiving a 100% score on its risk management scorecard. This score can lead to a lower insurance premium cost. --News Release--
Pictured from left to right: KLC Acting Executive Director Neil Hackworth, City Commissioner Gerald Watkins, and KLC President Elaine Walker.
Kentucky Health Hero Award
On September 14, 2010, Commissioner Gayle Kaler accepted the Kentucky Health Hero award for the City of Paducah. The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky recognizes Paducah for its efforts to help people stay fit and active through programs and projects such as the sidewalk and bike plan, Bikes on Broadway, employee wellness plan, and the Farmers' Market. --News Release--
Photo is from Bikes on Broadway.
Great American Main Street Award
A public reception was held May 7, 2010 at the downtown Paducah gazebo to honor ten prominent community leaders who made it possible for the Paducah Renaissance Alliance to be awarded a 2010 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). The National Trust for Historic Preservation presented the national award to Paducah on May 4 at the National Main Streets Conference. The award was based on the accomplishments made in revitalizing the historic downtown and the LowerTown Arts District since Paducah's Main Street program was established in 1989. News Release >> Downtown-LowerTown Video >>