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Richmond named No. 2 fastest-growing Kentucky city; officials highlight parks, industrial sites and 2026 sports complex
Summary
City of Richmond public information officer Kelly said WKYT reported the U.S. Census Bureau listed Richmond No. 2 among fastest-growing Kentucky cities and used a city update to outline downtown revitalization, three build-ready industrial sites, an airport airline partnership and a regional sports complex planned for 2026.
Kelly, public information officer for the City of Richmond, said during a city update that WKYT reported the U.S. Census Bureau listed Richmond No. 2 among the fastest-growing cities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and outlined several city development projects and community events.
The ranking, Kelly said, reflects several years of growth and city efforts to support businesses, housing and quality-of-life improvements. "We were second on that list," she said.
City officials highlighted downtown revitalization projects anchored by Millstone Park and an entertainment district, ongoing activity at Armory Park and an unveiling of historical markers at Ormond Park planned for June 10. Kelly said the city has built the Millstone Festival around Millstone Park and that parks and recreation leaders expect the events and parks to draw residents and visitors.
Kelly described measures to attract and support businesses, saying the city’s small-business and economic development coordinator, Carrie Hensley, is available to help entrepreneurs with site selection and business planning. She said an industrial-development effort led by David Stipes and the Richmond Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) has produced three build-ready sites along I‑75, which the city presented as a competitive advantage for prospective employers. "We're build ready," Kelly said.
Kelly also mentioned higher education and workforce-aligned programs, naming Ignite Academies (north and south), Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College as local education partners that provide technical training and other degrees.
On transportation and regional connectivity, Kelly said the Central Kentucky Regional Airport has a recent partnership with an airline; she did not provide the airline's name in the update. She said the airport partnership will be important for local economic development and for the city and Madison County.
Parks and tourism officials also promoted the Richmond Regional Sports Complex, saying it is expected to come online in 2026 and to attract regional tournaments, hotel guests and related economic activity. Kelly encouraged residents and visitors to view the project overlay map and videos online.
The update closed with a reminder that city information and event updates are posted on the City of Richmond community information Facebook page and a contact phone number for City Hall: (859) 623-1000. The broadcast included no formal votes or official actions; it was presented as an informational update.
