The City of Frankfort Podcast

Ep 14: April Frankfort 15

City Communications Manager, Blair Hecker presents the monthly Frankfort 15—your essential guide to the upcoming month in Kentucky's capital. This segment covers:
Notable events happening around Frankfort
Important dates and deadlines to know
Upcoming Derby celebrations and other events 
Civic participation opportunities for residents for April
Ways to get youth involved in Frankfort youth sports
Stay informed and connected with everything happening in Frankfort this month! Downtown Frankfort Inc - downtownfrankfort.com City of Frankfort - frankfort.ky.gov Notify Me - frankfort.ky.gov/list.aspx

EP 13: Round Table with Ray, an interview with the Emergency Management Director

Spring is on the way, and you know what that means in Kentucky—severe weather season is right around the corner. This week, host Scott sits down with Ray Kinney, Frankfort's Emergency Management Director, to talk about how our community prepares for tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, and other weather emergencies, especially as we come up on the one year Frankfort Flood anniversary. More importantly, Ray shares how YOU can prepare your family and home before the storms hit. Let's get prepared, Frankfort! IN THIS EPISODE: What does Frankfort's Emergency Management Department actually do?How the city prepares for severe weather events Kentucky's spring severe weather risks: tornadoes, flooding, and storms Warning systems: sirens, alerts, and how to stay informed Common preparedness mistakes people make Resources available to Frankfort residents ABOUT RAY KINNEY: Ray Kinney serves as Emergency Management Director for the City of Frankfort, coordinating emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for our community. From severe weather to public health emergencies, Ray and his team work behind the scenes to keep Frankfort safe and ready for whatever comes our way.

Ep 12: Call City Hall: An interview with the Planning Director

Host Kenton Bottoms sits down with Planning Director Eric Cockley to break down the ins and outs of reaching the right city departments, understanding the permitting process, and navigating the ordinances that govern how things work in Frankfort.
Whether you're planning a home renovation, starting a business, or just trying to figure out who to call about that thing you need—this episode is your roadmap to getting answers and getting things done.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Understanding the permitting process from start to finish
What the Planning Department actually does
Resources available to help residents through the process
ABOUT ERIC COCKLEY:
Eric Cockley serves as Planning Director for the City of Frankfort, overseeing planning and zoning, code enforcement, historic preservation, and development review. With years of experience in municipal planning, Eric helps residents and business owners navigate everything from building permits to zoning questions.
KEY TOPICS COVERED:
Building Permits
Zoning & Planning
Code Enforcement
Business Licenses
Conditional Use Applications
Historic District Requirements
Who to Call for What
QUICK REFERENCE - WHO TO CALL:
Planning & Zoning Questions → Planning Department
Building Permits → Building Inspector
Code Violations → Code Enforcement
Business Licenses → Finance Department
General Questions → City Hall Main Line

Ep 11: International Women's Day with Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman

This week, we're celebrating International Women's Day with a very special guest—Kentucky's Lt. Governor AND fellow Frankfortian, Jacqueline Coleman! Hosts Sara Anderson and Alex Cunningham sit down with Lt. Governor Coleman for an inspiring conversation about women in leadership, the importance of representation, and what it takes to create a more equal future for women and girls in Kentucky and beyond. This is a powerful episode about breaking barriers, lifting each other up, and why it matters when women have a seat at the table—especially right here in Frankfort. IN THIS EPISODE: - Lt. Governor Coleman's journey into public service and leadership - The realities of being a woman leader—challenges and unexpected joys - Why representation matters for young girls across Kentucky - The power of mentorship and building support systems for women - Women leading locally in Frankfort's city government, schools, and nonprofits - Small steps communities can take to create opportunities for women and girls - Lt. Governor Coleman's advice to the next generation of women leaders - And as always, a little FRANKFORT RAPID FIRE! Lt. Governor Coleman's favorite Frankfort spots, events, and Saturday morning routine! Jacqueline Coleman is Kentucky's 58th Lieutenant Governor and a proud Frankfortian. Before serving in statewide office, she was an educator and coach, dedicating her career to empowering young people. As Lt. Governor, she continues to champion education, equity, and opportunities for all Kentuckians—especially women and girls.INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's also a call to action for accelerating gender equality and creating a more inclusive world for women and girls everywhere.

Ep 10: March Frankfort 15

City Communications Manager, Blair Hecker presents the monthly Frankfort 15—your essential guide to the upcoming month in Kentucky's capital. This segment covers: - Notable events happening around Frankfort - Important dates and deadlines to know - Upcoming Frankfort Burger Week - Civic participation opportunities for residents for March - Ways to get youth involved in Frankfort youth sports Stay informed and connected with everything happening in Frankfort this month! Downtown Frankfort Inc - downtownfrankfort.com City of Frankfort - frankfort.ky.gov Notify Me - frankfort.ky.gov/list.aspx

Ep 9: Celebrating Black History Month

Host Sara Anderson sits down with Alexis Jones, a City of Frankfort employee and proud Kentucky State University alumna, to discuss what it means to have a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) right here in our community, and how that experience shaped her path to public service. This is a powerful conversation about education, representation, legacy, and the unique role Frankfort plays as home to Kentucky State University. IN THIS EPISODE: - Why Black history is Frankfort history—and why that matters - Alexis's journey: Choosing Kentucky State University - The HBCU experience: What makes it unique and transformative - From student to public servant: How Alexis's education led her to city government - The importance of representation - How Frankfort residents can support and celebrate KSU BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: This February, we're celebrating the rich Black history woven throughout Frankfort's story—from Kentucky State University's founding in 1886 to the countless Black leaders, educators, business owners, and community members who have shaped our Capital City. Black history is a foundational part of who we are. ABOUT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY: Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and land-grant institution located right here in Frankfort. KSU has been educating leaders, innovators, and changemakers for over 135 years and continues to be a vital part of our community's identity and future. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Ep 8: The Rest of the Story- Snow Removal

Host Alex sits down with Frankfort's snow removal crew to get the inside scoop on what really happens when those flakes start falling. Ever wondered why some streets get plowed before others? Curious about what goes into preparing for a winter storm? Want to know what YOU can do to help make snow removal more efficient? This episode has all the answers and more! IN THIS EPISODE: - Behind the scenes: How Frankfort's snow crew prepares for winter weather - The priority system: Why certain streets get cleared first - A day (or night) in the life during a snow event - Insider tips: What residents can do to help (and what NOT to do!) SNOW REMOVAL TIPS FOR RESIDENTS: Keep cars off the street during snow events Don't push snow from your driveway into the street Be patient - crews work around the clock! Report issues through the proper channels For Winter weather updates check out frankfort.ky.gov and be sure to follow City of Frankfort on social media for real-time snow updates!

Ep 7: You Would Not Believe What They Found

This week, we're kicking off a brand new segment called "You Would Not Believe What They Found" where we talk to City of Frankfort staff about the strangest things they've encountered on the job.In this episode, host Kenton Bottoms sits down with Sharon Murphy, Frankfort's Neighborhood Inspector, to pull back the curtain on what it's really like to patrol our city's neighborhoods. From overgrown yards to wildlife encounters, abandoned structures to community problem-solving, Sharon shares the day-to-day realities of keeping Frankfort's neighborhoods safe, clean, and thriving.IN THIS EPISODE: - What does a Neighborhood Inspector actually do? - A day in the life: Sharon walks us through a typical workday - The most common issues facing Frankfort neighborhoods - How Neighborhood Inspectors work WITH residents, not against them - Community impact: What residents should know about this vital city service - The STRANGEST thing Sharon has ever found on inspection Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CityofFrankfortPodcast and subscribe on PodBean or wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Send us a message!

Ep 6: February Frankfort 15

City Communications Manager, Blair Hecker presents the monthly Frankfort 15—your essential guide to the upcoming month in Kentucky's capital. This segment covers: - Notable events happening around Frankfort - Important dates and deadlines to know - Civic participation opportunities for residents - Community engagement challenges - Ways to get involved in your city Stay informed and connected with everything happening in Frankfort this month! Downtown Frankfort Inc - downtownfrankfort.com City of Frankfort - frankfort.ky.gov Notify Me - frankfort.ky.gov/list.aspx

Ep 5: Frankfort After 5 with Suzy Hosley

Just in time for Valentine's Day! Join host Sara Anderson for a conversation with Suzy Hosley, Executive Director of Downtown Frankfort, Inc., as they discuss the upcoming Chocolate Stroll and the best date night spots in Kentucky's capital city. Suzy shares insider details about this weekend's Chocolate Stroll event, talks about her work supporting downtown businesses, and reveals her favorite Frankfort haunts in a rapid-fire Q&A. What You'll Learn: - What Downtown Frankfort, Inc. does for the community - Everything you need to know about the Chocolate Stroll event - How local businesses get creative with chocolate - Best date night and Galentine's night spots in downtown Frankfort - Why downtown Frankfort is the perfect setting for community events - Suzy's Frankfort favorites in a fun rapid-fire round Featured Event Information: The Chocolate Stroll, February 7th in Downtown Frankfort Participating shops and restaurants throughout downtown will offer chocolate-themed treats and experiences. Visit downtownfrankfort.com for details and participating locations. Guest Bio: Suzy Hosley is the Executive Director of Downtown Frankfort, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting downtown Frankfort's business community. A native Frankfortian, Suzy brings her passion for the city to her work organizing events, supporting local businesses, and celebrating what makes Kentucky's capital special.