Someone Needs to Make the First Step

The city offers a grant to attract a grocery store.

By PJ Martin

Editor, the Herald-News

 

The City of Edmonton has officially begun the process of establishing a $750,000 Fresh Market Grocery Development Grant aimed at attracting a grocery store to Edmonton.

The grant is included in the new fiscal year budget going into effect on July 1, 2026.

To launch the initiative, Mayor Doug Smith and Administrative Assistant Dawn Devore have been working with the Kentucky League of Cities, City Attorney Brian Pack, the city auditor, and representatives from the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD).

BRADD is currently creating the necessary guidelines for the project, which include business plans, job creation, and equipment and/or building guidelines. Once those guidelines are ready, they will be presented to the city council members for them to voice any concerns or edits prior to a vote.

The mayor hopes the incentive will help address Edmonton’s need for a grocery store and encourage investment, job creation, and economic growth.

Each step of the process is carefully regulated by the state and federal governments and must meet stringent requirements.

After the guidelines and application materials are approved, they will be publicly advertised for a designated period to allow interested businesses to apply.

BRADD will review and evaluate applications before recommending the proposal that best meets the community’s needs to the mayor and City Council.

It remains unclear whether Metcalfe County will pursue a similar incentive program. If county officials choose to participate, the city and county would need to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement to coordinate funding efforts.

“Someone needs to make the first step to get the process going, and that’s what we have done,” Smith said.