Develop Frankfort

09/24/2026

Please see the attached agenda for the Franklin Anderson Industrial Development Authority REGULAR board meeting. The board meeting will be held at 205 E Woodford Street, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 in the Lawrenceburg Police Department at 1:00 pm, September 30, 2026.

09/23/2026

Franklin County's manufacturing sector helps power industries around the world.

Cummins Inc produces reliable drivetrain and braking technologies that commercial and industrial customers depend on every day.

09/18/2026

Sarah Booe is carrying forward a Frankfort tradition more than a century in the making.

Her great-grandmother, Ruth Hanly Booe, and Rebecca Gooch founded Rebecca Ruth Chocolates in Frankfort in 1919, beginning a family legacy that would become an enduring part of Kentucky’s capital city. Today, Sarah represents the fourth generation of her family to be part of the business, continuing a story deeply rooted in Frankfort.

For Sarah, Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory@ is more than a family business. It is a connection between generations and a uniquely Frankfort story of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and tradition. From its beginnings at the Frankfort Hotel to becoming a Kentucky institution known for its bourbon chocolates, Rebecca Ruth has remained closely tied to the community where it all began.

As Sarah helps carry that legacy into a new generation, she embodies so much of what makes Frankfort special: pride of place, family tradition, local entrepreneurship, and a commitment to preserving something distinctly Kentucky.

Rooted in Frankfort. Built on generations of tradition. And undeniably Kentucky.

She, Too, is Kentucky Distilled.

09/17/2026

This is fantastic news for Frankfort and Franklin County!

Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties is expanding its service area to include Franklin County, bringing new opportunities for affordable homeownership, home repairs, and neighborhood investment right here in our community.

With one of the largest housing gaps in Kentucky, affordable housing continues to be one of the most important challenges we face. Partnerships like this can make a real difference for working families and help strengthen our community for generations to come.

I encourage everyone to learn more and join the conversation on October 28 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Paul Sawyier Public Library.

Welcome to Franklin County, Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties! 🏠❤️

Exciting news, Franklin County!

Lexington Habitat for Humanity is expanding its service area and becoming Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties. With a shortage of 4,457 housing units and 37% of renters cost-burdened in Franklin County, this expansion brings new pathways to affordable homeownership right here at home.

Read the full press release below!

09/15/2026

Nitto’s decision to expand in Frankfort is a testament to what makes Franklin County a great place to do business.

The addition of 220 new jobs represents continued investment, innovation and confidence in our community’s future.

09/02/2026

Please see the attached agenda for Develop Frankfort's REGULAR Board Meeting scheduled for September 10, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The primary location of this board meeting is 315 W Main Street, Suite 303, Frankfort, KY 40601. If you will be attending, please enter the Fiscal Court Annex and take the elevator to the third floor, the conference room will be the second door to your right.

08/26/2026

Innovation is taking root in Franklin County. Meridian Biotech’s planned $40 million facility will transform distillery byproducts into alternative proteins, creating up to 35 high-tech jobs and strengthening our local economy.

08/19/2026

Housing is more than a community issue. It is an economic development strategy.

Thank you to DIG Frankfort, KY for bringing together local leaders and partners to discuss innovative approaches to housing development with Develop Growth Partners. During the meeting, Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive highlighted the work Franklin County is undertaking to expand housing opportunities and prepare for future growth.

Addressing housing needs requires collaboration, and we appreciate the commitment of the Franklin County Fiscal Court magistrates, Mayor Layne Wilkerson, and the Frankfort, KY City Government City Commissioners who continue working toward solutions that support residents, employers, and a growing workforce.

Thank you to Steve Terrell for assisting in the organization of this event. Housing is a vital part of economic & community development.

Watch the discussion here:
https://youtu.be/PDwsOWCWgyo?si=YazC4-3ru8W9Ga5k

08/19/2026

We are excited to share that Matthew Grzynkowicz, Workforce & Business Retention Project Manager for Develop Frankfort, recently completed the KIED Accredited Basic Economic Development Course, hosted by the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) at the Bluegrass Community & Technical College Newtown Campus in Lexington, Kentucky.

This comprehensive course provides economic development professionals with foundational knowledge in business retention and expansion, workforce development, business attraction, site selection, and community development. Completion of this training marks an important milestone in Matthew's professional development and serves as the first step toward earning the prestigious Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

By investing in professional development, we strengthen our ability to support local businesses, cultivate workforce opportunities, and advance economic growth throughout Frankfort and Franklin County.

Thank you to KAED and the course instructors for providing this valuable educational opportunity and helping build the next generation of economic development leaders.

Congratulations to Matthew and the entire 2026 class of economic development professionals

08/19/2026

Franklin County is proud to be home to Topy America, a major employer and leading manufacturer of steel wheels for passenger cars and light trucks.

Their commitment to quality manufacturing and local jobs helps keep Frankfort moving forward.