FAQs

Community and Economic Development

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on answering these questions, contact CED Personnel

Where do I find data about my county?

There are many places on the web to find data on your county.  A good place to start is the Extension program called "Kentucky: By The Numbers." Here you can access the data series by the same name, links to other websites and resources, and helpful hints and tips on using the data you find.

How can my county get more jobs?

This is a difficult issue for most counties now.  Working with local Chambers of Commerce and local business organizations to help existing businesses is perhaps the most beneficial place to start.

What's the best way to do a survey?

First, decide if a survey is the best way to collect information for your particular purpose.  If you need help in survey design and methods, contact the state CED staff.

How can I get my county to consider zoning regulations?

Zoning can be a controversial topic in many counties.  However, land use planning can be very beneficial to make sure the impacts of growth are positive.  The state CED staff can provide information regarding land use and can help facilitate a discussion about the topic.

How can I get groups that don't like each other to work together?

Meeting in a neutral location with discussion ground rules and determining broad interests that the groups have in common can be a place to start.  The state CED staff can help design and facilitate such a meeting.

How do I measure the impacts of community development programs?

Community development impacts are often slow to occur.  Determining goals at the beginning of a project, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals can be helpful.  The state CED staff can help design indicators and methods of assessment.

Why are collaborations so difficult?

Different groups and people often have much different expectations and abilities to participate in collaborations.  These differences often lead to frustration in working together.  Making sure all of these differences are discussed at the beginning of a collaborative effort can help reduce these frustrations.

How can we get new leaders in our county?

Identifying people with potential and delegating authority can help people gain leadership experience and confidence.  Many counties conduct a leadership program to  help emerging leadership gain skills and information about the county.

Why is Extension involved in community and economic development programs?

Community and Economic Development is one of the four program areas of Kentucky Cooperative Extension.  Many traditional clientele are surprised when Extension personnel are involved in broader community groups and projects.  However, our educational  role and access to university resources can be of great assistance in such situations.

What help can we give someone who wants to start her/his own business?

There are Extension programs about home based business.  The state CED staff can direct you to these.  The Kentucky Small Business Development Centers are another excellent resource.

How do I moderate or facilitate a meeting about a controversial subject?

Extension's role in controversial issues is neutral and educational.  There are also many techniques for facilitating such a meeting that the state CED staff can assist you with.