North Kentucky News

Covington, Kentucky – The Economic Development Department of Covington has unveiled its 2024 Impact Report, demonstrating significant successes and laying out future prospects for development. Susan Smith, Covington Business Attraction Manager, comments, “The 2024 Impact Report demonstrates that momentum builds on momentum. It’s an exciting time for The Cov.”

The report showcases the city's progress, highlighting Covington's 2024 accolades, including being named a ‘Best Place to Live’ by Money magazine, winning the Gold Award for Innovation in Economic Development, and receiving five awards for the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades. "Covington has earned accolades," says Smith, but adds that ultimately, it is "about sharing Covington’s story as an interesting place to live, work, and play beyond our region."

Smith shared a story of a person from Atlanta, inspired by a viral video, expressing a desire to move to Covington: "Ultimately, that’s the goal – creating a community where people genuinely want to call home."

According to the report, Covington saw the creation and retention of 514 jobs, leveraged $42.8 million in private investments, awarded $136,000 in incentives to small businesses, and organized 30 ribbon-cutting events. There were also 142 staff visits to 105 companies.

The Covington Central Riverfront project is making strides with developments such as a $7 million project for 16 townhomes, a $67.2 million project for apartments and retail space, and several others for housing, mixed-use buildings, and public infrastructure improvements. A major milestone was celebrated with a topping-out ceremony in October.

Covington’s workforce development initiatives included supporting the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades and the Covington Works Program, providing scholarships, grants, and partnerships to facilitate training and employment opportunities. The Esperanza Latino Center also received support to foster bilingual workforce development.

Smith concludes, praising the efforts of various community stakeholders: “A big ‘thank you’ to elected officials, leadership and staff, businesses, developers, partners, and residents who all work toward making Covington what it is and what it’s becoming.”