CRD Program Highlights
Disaster Education
Success Stories
Deploying the "Disaster Recovery Unit" In Response to Historic Regional Flooding (April 2025; Frankfort, KY)
Beginning on April 2, 2025, a series of severe weather events caused historic rainfall, flash floods, and tornadoes (DR-4864-KY) that affected 64 counties, including Frankfort, KY — the capital city of Kentucky and home to Kentucky State University (KYSU). The Community Resource Development Disaster Education team coordinated a multi-day flood recovery effort from April 7–12, 2025.
Resources
- News Article – “Preparing Kentucky for the Unexpected”
- Presentation at the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Annual Conference (October 2025)
- KYSU Drone Footage – Historic Flooding in Frankfort, KY #1
- KYSU Drone Footage – Historic Flooding in Frankfort, KY #2
- KYSU Drone Footage – Historic Flooding in Frankfort, KY #3
Publications
- Seasonal CRD Disaster Preparedness Tips
- NIDB Impact Statement: "Deploying the "Disaster Recovery Unit" In Response to Historic Regional Flooding"
Programs
- Text
Local Food Systems
Success Stories
Celebrating the Inaugural “Urban Growers Program” Cohort at Kentucky State University’s Annual Small Farmers Conference (May 2025 – October 2025; West Louisville, KY)
In May 2025, Kentucky State University (KYSU) Cooperative Extension launched the Urban Growers Program (UGP) in Louisville, Kentucky’s West End, providing a critical response to the social, environmental, and physical challenges encountered in this urban community. The program concluded in October 2025, with 27 graduating participants.
Funded by the USDA NRCS “Equity in Conservation Outreach” Cooperative Agreement.
Resources
Publications
- NIDB Impact Statement: "Celebrating the Inaugural “Urban Growers Program” Cohort at Kentucky State University’s Annual Small Farmers Conference"
- 2025 KYSU Urban Growers Program Impact Report
Programs
- Louisville Urban Growers Alliance
- Urban Growers Program (UGP)
Community Leadership Development
Success Stories
Strengthening Community Leadership Development Programs Through a Statewide Network and Regional Summits (May 2025 – June 2025; Statewide)
Kentucky communities identified a critical need for stronger, more qualified local leaders. Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension/Blueprint Kentucky, and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce collaboratively launched the Kentucky Community Leadership Programs Network (KCLPN). The initiative began with a statewide leadership summit and expanded into regional leadership workshops.
Resources
Publications
Programs
- Kentucky Community Leadership Programs Network (KCLPN)
Entrepreneurship in Agriculture
Success Stories
Establishing a Home-Based Baking Business (March 2025; Lexington, KY)
In urban communities, many individuals with strong talents and entrepreneurial dreams lack the knowledge and support to turn their hobbies into sustainable businesses. Cooperative Extension can respond with practical, client-centered support. KYSU Cooperative Extension’s State Specialist in Entrepreneurship helped transform a local baker’s dream into a thriving, legally established business.
Publications
Programs
- Kentucky Agribusiness Library
- “Urban Ag Discovery Center” at Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana’s BizTown
- Louisville Urban Growers Alliance
- Urban Growers Program (UGP)