Community Economic Growth Plan of Work
Anderson County CES
County Emphasis:
Community Economic Growth
Concentration 1:
Connected & Resilient Communities
Concentration 2:
Building Leadership Capacity
Concentration 3:
Small Farm Development
Concentration 4:
Financial Security and Economic Well-Being
Situation:
- From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support.
- Kentucky’s communities face unique challenges that require enhancing connectivity and resilience through digital access, social cohesion, and well-designed public spaces. Broadband access remains critical, particularly in rural areas where digital connectivity gaps hinder economic and educational opportunities. The 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified improved broadband and digital literacy as top priorities for enhancing community resilience.
- In today’s rapidly evolving world, youth are and can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected and resilient communities. Young people are leveraging technology and social networks to foster strong, supportive relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. They are actively engaged in community-building activities, promoting access to opportunity, and driving change. By participating in local and global initiatives, they are not only enhancing their own resilience but also contributing to the overall strength and adaptability of their communities. Their innovative approaches to problem-solving and their commitment to sustainability are essential in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. As they continue to collaborate and share knowledge, youth are laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient world. 4-H is committed to providing the resources necessary to promote youth connection in their communities. Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). Communities that promote the indicators of youth thriving will have more connected, capable, and committed citizens that can critically think through addressing the needs and priorities of their community.
- The development and sustainability of small farms is important in providing a nursery for new enterprises and marketing systems, which is crucial for innovation and diversification in agriculture. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship.
- Respondents participating in the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment identified the need to build leadership capacity to enhance individual and family development and community and economic development. Kentucky has a statewide need to “prepare community members for formal/informal leadership and/or volunteer roles” and to build “capacity of local nonprofits and community leaders,” according to the survey. UK Extension aims to work on strengthening critical leadership skills and confidence for new and emerging leaders so that the pool of willing and capable leaders can rise to match local needs.
County Situation:
In a community where the average time spent traveling to work is nearly 30 minutes, it is often going to be the case that the people here are traveling to another city for work. That being the case, it is particularly important to capture and circulate as much of the local dollar as possible, within the county economy. By focusing programing efforts on individual financial knowledge, privately owned agricultural business development, individual and group leadership development, and cultivating and reinforcing community connections, we aim to support and encourage economic growth and development within Anderson County.
Long-Term Outcomes:
- Increased financial literacy skills
- Improved financial security and stability
- Improved financial and economic well-being.
- Youth will have increased economic security.
- Youth will make sound financial decisions.
- Youth will have an increased rate of savings.
- Sustained investment in public spaces strengthens local economies
- Cultural heritage is preserved and integrated into communities
- Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing
- Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement
- Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.?
- Youth participation in community involvement increases.???
- Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.??
- Increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs.
- More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups.
- New partnerships and networks address community challenges
- Strive to have all participating small farms fully implement sustainable practices that protect and enhance natural resources.
- Equip small farms to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of changing climate patterns, ensuring their sustainability and resilience.
- Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected.
- Strive to have all participating small farms fully implement sustainable practices that protect and enhance natural resources.
- Equip small farms to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of changing climate patterns, ensuring their sustainability and resilience.
- Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected.
- Strong leadership pool for community boards and organizations
- Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community
- Increased community pride or investment
- Improved local economy
- Improved quality of life for citizens
- Youth participation in community involvement increases.
- Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.
- Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.
Intermediate Outcomes:
- Increased sound financial decision making
- Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills
- Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.
- Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being.
- Increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs.
- More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups.
- New partnerships and networks address community challenges
- Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.??
- Youth will plan and implement a service project.???
- Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects.
- Support the establishment of new farm enterprises that can offer innovative products and practices, enhancing the economic resilience of the small farm sector.
- Provide robust support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of small farms across generations.
- Develop and disseminate advanced risk management tools and insurance products tailored for the unique needs of small farms.
- Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies.
- Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.
- Youth will plan and implement a service project.
- Participants gain confidence to lead
- Leaders are inspired to get more involved
- Leaders address community issues and needs
- Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects
- Leaders mentor others
- Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions
Initial Outcomes:
- Improved financial literacy knowledge
- Improved employability and interpersonal skills
- Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
- Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance
- Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management.
- Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions.
- Increased understanding of cultural development and community identity.
- Improved awareness of civic engagement opportunities.
- Greater knowledge of community partnerships and collaboration strategies
- Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).??
- Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.??
- Youth realize how their actions impact others.
- Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners.
- Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners.
- Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability.
- Implement trial programs for specialty crops that could be suitable for small farms, providing a new avenue for diversification and innovation in crop production.
- Organize community events and workshops that foster networking among small farm owners and promote the sharing of best practices and innovations.
- Improved leadership skills
- Enhanced knowledge of concepts and practices
- Knowledge gained through training programs
- Taking on leadership roles for the first time
- Assuming new leadership roles
- Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles
- Youth will explore their spark in leadership.
- Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).
- Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.
- Youth realize how their actions impact others
Evaluation:
Outcome: Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement
Indicator: Number of participants who reported experiencing stronger ties to their community as a result of participating in Extension arts programming with others.
Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation
Timeline: after program participation
Outcome: increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs
Indicator: Number of participants in Extension arts or design-based community programs (e.g., story circles, murals, design charettes, creative placemaking) who reported increased connection or belonging.
Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation,
Timeline: after program participation
Outcome: More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups (int)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased involvement in local governance, community groups, or public forums as a result of program participation.
Method: Participant self-reporting and organizational membership tracking.
Timeline: Follow-up at 6 and 12 months.
Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)
Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).
Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)
Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation
Outcome: Increased applied leadership knowledge for individuals serving in formal leadership roles. (initial)
Indicator: Number of people reporting improved applied leadership knowledge (e.g., governance, financial oversight, strategic planning) from participation in board, officer, or leadership training programs.
Method: Post-training surveys measuring knowledge gained in governance-related skills
Timeline: Survey collected immediately after training; follow-up conducted at three and six months to assess knowledge application
Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of people actively recruiting and engaging others to participate in community projects.
Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in community-led projects.
Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.
Outcome: Increased mentorship opportunities within leadership programs. (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of people serving as mentors to emerging leaders..
Method: Post-program survey (self-reported mentorship engagement); follow-up with mentees and community partners.
Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at six months.
Outcome: Engage leaders in local coalitions and organizations. (long-term)
Indicator: Number of individuals actively engaged in coalitions or organizations to address significant community issues.
Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in coalitions and organizations.
Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.
Outcome: Implementation of strategies that improve community conditions. (long-term)
Indicator: Number of strategies reported as adopted and implemented to improve community conditions.
Method: Program reports, community partner documentation, and case studies tracking the implementation of strategies.
Timeline: Data collected through quarterly or annual reporting from program participants and community stakeholders.
Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops
Indicators:
- Number of producers who reported increased yield.
- Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers.
- Number of producers who reported improved produce quality.
- Number of trained volunteers.
- Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
- Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
- Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops.
- Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
- Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
- Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.
Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback
Timeline: ongoing
Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production
Indicators:
- Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship.
- Number of people that reduced pesticide applications.
- Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites.
- Number of trained volunteers.
- Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites.
- Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.
Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback
Timeline: ongoing
Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).
Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews
Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.
Outcome: Increased savings (intermediate)
Indicator: Dollars reported saved as a result of participating in a financial education or family resource management program.
Method: Documentation (direct report, repeated survey) or interviews
Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress
Outcome: Improved business development and operation skills (e.g. marketing, branding, customer outreach)
Indicator: Number of small businesses who report developing skills related to business marketing, expansion, or retention through participating in Extension programming.
Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, direct report
Timeline: Post-program survey administration; follow-up evaluation
Outcome: Improved knowledge of small business management and financial literacy concepts (initial)
Indicator: Number of small businesses who report increased knowledge of business financial management concepts (e.g. budgeting, pricing, taxes, financial planning)
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program survey administration; follow-up evaluation
Outcome: Increased access to community financial resources through Extension support (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of grants or tangible financial resources accessed by communities, nonprofits, or small businesses as a result of Extension-supported initiatives
Method: Tracked through self-reported surveys from community partners, nonprofits and small businesses, documentation from grant reports where Extension provided support
Timeline: Ongoing
Learning Opportunities:
Audience: Individuals
Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Content or Curriculum: EDEN materials, KHERN publications, trainings, continuing education
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Communities
Project or Activity: Building Connection in Communities
Content or Curriculum: SPARK! toolkit, Placemaking Toolkit, Community Design publications, Community Arts publications, CLD publications, Building Community Pop-Up Toolkit, Creative Community Projects toolkit, Community Mural toolkit, Story Circles, curriculum, trainings, continuing education, Civic Engagement publications, Coalition and Network building publications
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Individuals
Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA)
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Leadership Academy, Homemakers Leader Lessons, Publications, Newsletters/News & Notes, Officer/Chairman training materials, KEHA State Meeting, various other resources and materials
Inputs: Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profits, etc.
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Individuals
Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD)
Content or Curriculum: KELD curriculum (e.g., Learning styles, communication essentials, teamwork, dealing with conflict, generational differences, SWOT analysis, etc.), Publications, other materials and expertise
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, etc.
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Communities
Project or Activity: Supporting Citizen Engagement
Content or Curriculum: Creating Welcoming Communities, Becoming an Informed Citizen, Robert’s Rules Refresh, Youth & Adult Listening Sessions, KY Voter Education Resources, Engaging City Councils, Civic Engagement Through Voting, How To: Community Forums
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, etc.
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Specialty Crop Growers
Project or Activity: Programming for commercial or pre-commercial (training to be commercial growers) specialty crop production and management
Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls
Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, governmental agencies (NRCS, FSA, etc.)
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Non-commercial urban and community gardeners
Project or Activity: Programming for specialty crop production and management that is non-commercial
Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls
Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, community advocacy and faith-based groups, schools
Dates: Ongoing
Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees
Project or Activity: Development of Family Resource Management Skills
Content or Curriculum: Use Less. Spend Less. Stress Less. curriculum; publications; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Leader Lessons; etc.
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees
Project or Activity: Estate Planning
Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning publication series; Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts;OneOp; Leader Lessons; farm succession and legacy building programs; etc.
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Communities
Project or Activity: Local & Small Business Support
Content or Curriculum: Small Business Roadmap, SBDC publications, Growing Our Own, Economic Development Collaborative resources, Economic Subject Matter resources CEDIK Vibrant Economies toolkit, Creative Economy Program, KFMN, Market Ready Producer Training
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, small businesses, volunteers, community partners, non-project organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing
Evaluation:
Outcome: Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement
Indicator: Number of participants who reported experiencing stronger ties to their community as a result of participating in Extension arts programming with others.
Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation
Timeline: after program participation
Outcome: increased participation in cultural and arts-based programs
Indicator: Number of participants in Extension arts or design-based community programs (e.g., story circles, murals, design charettes, creative placemaking) who reported increased connection or belonging.
Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation,
Timeline: after program participation
Outcome: More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups (int)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased involvement in local governance, community groups, or public forums as a result of program participation.
Method: Participant self-reporting and organizational membership tracking.
Timeline: Follow-up at 6 and 12 months.
Outcome: Improved leadership skills. (initial)
Indicator: Number of people reporting improved leadership skills (e.g., facilitation, conflict management, communication).
Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)
Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation
Outcome: Increased applied leadership knowledge for individuals serving in formal leadership roles. (initial)
Indicator: Number of people reporting improved applied leadership knowledge (e.g., governance, financial oversight, strategic planning) from participation in board, officer, or leadership training programs.
Method: Post-training surveys measuring knowledge gained in governance-related skills
Timeline: Survey collected immediately after training; follow-up conducted at three and six months to assess knowledge application
Outcome: Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in projects. (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of people actively recruiting and engaging others to participate in community projects.
Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in community-led projects.
Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.
Outcome: Increased mentorship opportunities within leadership programs. (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of people serving as mentors to emerging leaders..
Method: Post-program survey (self-reported mentorship engagement); follow-up with mentees and community partners.
Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at six months.
Outcome: Engage leaders in local coalitions and organizations. (long-term)
Indicator: Number of individuals actively engaged in coalitions or organizations to address significant community issues.
Method: Post-program survey (self-reported recruitment efforts); tracking participation in coalitions and organizations.
Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conducted at three and six months.
Outcome: Implementation of strategies that improve community conditions. (long-term)
Indicator: Number of strategies reported as adopted and implemented to improve community conditions.
Method: Program reports, community partner documentation, and case studies tracking the implementation of strategies.
Timeline: Data collected through quarterly or annual reporting from program participants and community stakeholders.
Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops
Indicators:
- Number of producers who reported increased yield.
- Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers.
- Number of producers who reported improved produce quality.
- Number of trained volunteers.
- Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
- Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
- Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops.
- Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
- Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
- Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.
Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback
Timeline: ongoing
Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production
Indicators:
- Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship.
- Number of people that reduced pesticide applications.
- Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites.
- Number of trained volunteers.
- Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites.
- Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.
Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback
Timeline: ongoing
Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).
Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews
Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.
Outcome: Increased savings (intermediate)
Indicator: Dollars reported saved as a result of participating in a financial education or family resource management program.
Method: Documentation (direct report, repeated survey) or interviews
Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress
Outcome: Improved business development and operation skills (e.g. marketing, branding, customer outreach)
Indicator: Number of small businesses who report developing skills related to business marketing, expansion, or retention through participating in Extension programming.
Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, direct report
Timeline: Post-program survey administration; follow-up evaluation
Outcome: Improved knowledge of small business management and financial literacy concepts (initial)
Indicator: Number of small businesses who report increased knowledge of business financial management concepts (e.g. budgeting, pricing, taxes, financial planning)
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program survey administration; follow-up evaluation
Outcome: Increased access to community financial resources through Extension support (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of grants or tangible financial resources accessed by communities, nonprofits, or small businesses as a result of Extension-supported initiatives
Method: Tracked through self-reported surveys from community partners, nonprofits and small businesses, documentation from grant reports where Extension provided support
Timeline: Ongoing
- Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
- S107 Ag. Science Center North
- Lexington, KY 40546-0091
- +1 (859) 257-4302
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