North Kentucky News

Covington, Kentucky is seeking input from its residents and business community on the structure of its future elected body. The city will transition to a new form of government in early 2027, moving from a Board of Commissioners led by a mayor to a separate legislative body known as a "Council."

To gather opinions, Covington has launched an online survey and scheduled two community forums. Key questions include the number of council seats, whether councilmembers should be elected at large or by district, and if elections should be partisan or non-partisan.

The survey offers both multiple choice and open-ended questions and can be accessed at Council Survey. The forums are set for March 13 at City Hall and March 26 at American Legion Post 203 in Latonia, both starting at 6 p.m.

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 chairs the Committee on Form of Government Transition, which is tasked with recommending how Covington will shift from a City Manager form to a Mayor-Council form over the next two years. This change was approved by voters last November.

The committee plans to deliver an initial progress report by June 30, 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's elections are non-partisan; candidates do not need to declare political affiliations. The existing Board consists of five members: one mayor serving four-year terms and four commissioners serving two-year terms. Commissioners run citywide in field races where voters select up to four candidates.

The Transition committee meets monthly on the fourth Thursday at City Hall. Additional information about meetings and committee members can be found on the City's Transition webpage.