Calvert City named Kentucky League of Cities 2025 City Government of the Year

Calvert City has been named the Kentucky League of Cities 2025 City Government of the Year, city speakers said, citing recent investments in trails, parks, recreation and basic municipal services as evidence the small river town has built a model of local governance.

"Calvert City is small in size, but big in community," the presenter said, opening a remarks thread that traced the city's progress from a population of about 2,500 to a regional destination for recreation and events.

The recognition follows a series of improvements and programming that speakers said have reshaped the public realm: a multiuse trail network linking the heart of the city to Kentucky Lake and Kentucky Dam Village State Park with more than 20 miles of trails; expanded park acreage that one resident described as having "tripled"; and a slate of amenities including basketball and pickleball courts, splash pads and soccer fields. "When I come around and I see the golf carts and families having a good time," a resident said, "it makes me proud that we've really managed our resources very well."

City officials and residents also highlighted the municipality's role as an events host. "Calvert City hosts more than 30 public events each year, drawing over 30,000 visitors," the presenter said, noting the city's calendar ranges from food trucks to folk music festivals.

Officials emphasized that attention to routine services is central to the city's approach. The presenter noted twice-weekly trash pickup, monthly bulk services and modernized sanitation as key examples of affordable, consistent service delivery.

Speakers framed 2025 as a milestone year for the city. "2025 is the year where everything we've been working towards comes together," one resident said, pointing to safer roads, more trails, new businesses and increased engagement. The presenter added that the city has expanded its limits and taken on additional responsibilities, including management of a state park and the local airport.

Calvert City also touted recreational competition and expansion: the presenter said the Calvert City Summer Slam draws more than 200 participants and that four additional pickleball courts are expected to be completed in fall 2025.

The announcement concluded with the presenter describing the Kentucky League of Cities recognition as affirmation of the city's strategy of frugal management, long-serving staff and community-centered planning. City speakers framed the award as confirmation that small size need not limit municipal ambition.