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Covington, Kentucky is seeking input from its residents and business community on key questions regarding the structure of its future elected body. The city will use an online survey and two community forums to gather opinions on the new Council that will take office in early 2027.
The current Board of Commissioners, led by a mayor, will transition into a separate legislative body called a "Council." Residents are being asked how many seats the Council should have, whether councilmembers should be elected at large or by district, and if elections should be partisan or non-partisan.
Mayor Ron Washington emphasized the importance of public input: “I encourage all Covington residents and those who own businesses here or work here to speak up. Public input is an important component as we determine the structure of the new Council and how it will be elected. After all, these will be your representatives carrying out your wishes.”
Washington chairs the nine-person Committee on Form of Government Transition. This committee is tasked with making recommendations for Covington's shift from a City Manager form of government to a Mayor-Council form over the next two years, following voter approval last November.
The committee plans to release an initial progress report by June 30, followed by recommendations related to the new City Council by October 17. A comprehensive final report is expected by May 1, 2026. These recommendations require approval from the current five-member Board of Commissioners.
Currently, Covington operates under a non-partisan election system where candidates do not need to declare political affiliations. The Board consists of a mayor serving four-year terms and four commissioners serving two-year terms. Elections are conducted citywide without separate primaries for political parties.
The first forum is scheduled for March 13 at City Hall, followed by another on March 26 at American Legion Post 203 in Latonia. Both forums start at 6 p.m.
The Transition committee meets monthly at City Hall for ongoing discussions about this significant governmental change.
