Economic development touches nearly every part of a growing community, from infrastructure and workforce development to education, public safety and quality of life.
In a recent City Notes conversation, Jessamine Economic Development Authority Executive Director Russ Meyer shared his perspective on what economic development means for Nicholasville and Jessamine County, the partnerships that make responsible growth possible and why he remains optimistic about the community’s future.
Meyer brings a long history of public service to the position. Before joining JEDA, he served as Nicholasville mayor and city commissioner, represented the area in the Kentucky General Assembly and spent five years as Kentucky State Parks Commissioner.
For Meyer, returning to work directly with the community was a natural next chapter.
I love this opportunity that I have to come back and work with the people in our community, our leaders, the people out there that make this community great.
Economic Development Is Bigger Than Business Recruitment
Meyer said economic development is sometimes viewed simply as recruiting industry or creating jobs, but the work is much broader.
Businesses considering a new community want to understand its infrastructure, workforce, educational resources, quality of life, transportation, tourism and public safety.
Economic development encompasses everything that makes a community great.
That broader perspective is reflected in JEDA’s mission. The organization brings together the City of Nicholasville, Jessamine County and the City of Wilmore around a shared approach to balanced residential, commercial and industrial development.
Meyer also emphasized the importance of public protection, pointing to recent investments in police, fire and other essential services as an important part of creating a community where businesses and families can succeed.
Growth Creates Opportunity
Nicholasville and Jessamine County have experienced significant growth, bringing both new opportunities and new responsibilities.
Meyer said increased growth has generated resources that can be reinvested into public safety, education, infrastructure, parks and community amenities. At the same time, issues such as traffic and transportation require continued attention.
Growth has always and always will provide opportunities and challenges.
His approach is to remain positive while continuing to plan ahead.
We’ve got to keep working. We’ve got to get up every day, keep working, and keep the excitement up.
Planning for Growth Together
Partnerships between JEDA and local Planning and Zoning departments are a major part of that planning process.
Meyer discussed the collaborative relationship between Nicholasville Planning and Zoning, Jessamine County and Wilmore Planning and Zoning. Through the joint comprehensive planning process, local leaders coordinate around zoning, infrastructure and the direction of future development.
He also praised the staff members, board members and elected officials responsible for managing that growth.
I feel like we all work together. Our mayor, both our mayors, our county judge, the members on their councils or commission or fiscal court, embrace our growth opportunities and ensure that we’re doing it the right way.
Preparing the Next Generation
Education is another central component of the community’s economic future.
Meyer highlighted the Jessamine Career and Technical Center and the work being done to prepare students for careers immediately after graduation.
They are putting young kids out there, our next generation, ready to go to work, and it’s phenomenal what they’ve done.
Jessamine County also benefits from nearby institutions including Asbury University, the University of Kentucky and numerous other colleges throughout Central Kentucky. Meyer said the concentration of educational opportunities throughout the region strengthens the community’s ability to attract employers seeking talented workers.
Building on Nicholasville’s Strengths
Meyer believes the community’s economic success has come in part from maintaining a healthy mix of industrial employers and small businesses.
Looking ahead, he sees opportunities to continue pursuing businesses that complement the community’s existing strengths, particularly projects creating approximately 50 to 200 jobs.
Don’t try to go out and be something that you’re not because you will fail.
Instead, Meyer believes Jessamine County should continue building on what already works: location, workforce, education, transportation, infrastructure and quality of life.
Looking Forward
Over the next several years, Meyer said the fundamentals will remain JEDA’s priority: a strong growth plan, continued infrastructure investment, transportation planning and educational partnerships.
He also views economic development through a regional lens.
If there’s a county, a community that’s in our region, we need to get behind them and help them succeed because we’re going to succeed if our neighbors are succeeding.
And perhaps most encouraging to Meyer is seeing younger generations choosing Jessamine County.
What I’m seeing here in Jessamine County is what is important to our success and vision for the future, and that is the next generation.
For residents, businesses and community partners alike, that next generation will play an important role in shaping the future of Nicholasville and Jessamine County.