Issue or Situation
A recent Blueprint Kentucky assessment revealed that Burkesville & Cumberland County face three interrelated challenges: gaps in workforce training and business retention; deteriorating downtown and industrial-park infrastructure; and limited year-round recreation and life-skills programming. Local leaders recognized that without a community-wide conversation, efforts to address these issues would remain piecemeal.

Outreach/Educational Program Response (and Partners)
On June 3, 2025, the Explore Cumberland County Alliance (Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Authority, and Tourism Commission), in partnership with Blueprint Kentucky and the UK Cooperative Extension Service, hosted a 90-minute Data-Driven Community Forum at the Veterans Community Center. The session blended a concise presentation of local economic and infrastructure data with live Mentimeter polling, small-group discussions, and a “dot-ocracy” sticky-note exercise—ensuring every voice could shape next steps.

Participants/Target Audience
Forty-three stakeholders attended, including the Mayor, County Judge Executive, local business owners, school and non-profit leaders, workforce trainers, and residents of all ages. Extension volunteers and members of the newly formed youth Civics Club served a small group facilitators  Together they contributed over 120 unique ideas on sticky notes and cast 60 votes to prioritize which opportunities should move forward most urgently.

Statement of Outcomes/Program Impact
Evaluation data from the dot-voting exercise immediately revealed clear community priorities:

• Building Conditions (12 votes)
• Recreation Programs for All Ages (12 votes)
• Workforce & Business Training (9 votes)

These top-voted initiatives now form the backbone of the County’s strategic work plan. Follow-up Mentimeter feedback showed a strong majority of participants reporting increased understanding of local data and confidence in contributing solutions, and nearly every attendee rated the facilitation as “excellent.” Attendee comments like “Great facilitation and setup of the event” and “I loved the interaction” speak to its success in breaking down barriers to civic engagement. "It was great to see the Mayor and Judge at the event and seemingly engaged in discussions"

Because of these outcomes:

• The UK Cooperative Extension Service has included workforce-training program and development as a major focus in the County Plan of Work that went to effect in July 2025. 
• The Industrial Development Authority is shifting proposed phases of the work done at the Cumberland River Industrial Park to focus more on curb appeal and will be pursuing the KPDI grant in August of 2025. 
• The Explore Cumberland County Alliance will integrate the dot-voted action items into a 2025–30 strategic roadmap—ensuring that community-driven priorities guide county investments and partnerships.

This forum didn’t just share data—it galvanized community members into measurable action, marking a clear shift toward collaborative, data-driven economic and social development in Cumberland County.