Regional Industry & News

Sen. Max Wise, Sen. Givens receive 2026 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” awards

What This Story Is About

- Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise (R-Campbellsville) was presented with the 2026 Friend of Kentucky Cities Award by the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) and the Bowling Green Board of Commissioners during a local commission meeting.

- Senate President Pro Tem David Givens also received recognition and was presented the 2026 Friend of Kentucky Cities Award by the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) and the Bowling Green Board of Commissioners during a local commission meeting.

Why It Matters

- As floor leader, Sen. Wise holds significant influence over advancing legislation in Frankfort. City leaders rely on accessible lawmakers to ensure local priorities—such as infrastructure funding, municipal powers, and public safety—are protected and funded rather than hindered by state mandates.

- Both Wise and Givens serve as members of Senate Majority Leadership.

For Context

- The Kentucky League of Cities presents the “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award to state legislators who perform outstanding work in the General Assembly and advocate for issues impacting communities across Kentucky.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) honored Senator Max Wise with a 2026 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award. Wise was recognized for his leadership and support for Kentucky’s cities during the 2026 Regular Session of the General Assembly.

The Campbellsville Republican received the award during a Bowling Green Board of Commissioners meeting. City commissioners joined KLC government affairs representatives Gracie Kelly and Emma Wilson to formally present the honor.

“Senator Wise has been a strong advocate for Kentucky’s cities and understands the important role they play in moving the Commonwealth forward,” said KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney. “His leadership in the Senate and willingness to listen to the needs of local officials have helped ensure that city priorities remain part of important policy discussions in Frankfort.”

According to the press release, as Senate Majority Floor Leader, Senator Wise plays a key role in guiding the work of the Senate and advancing legislation throughout the legislative process.

KLC officials highlighted Wise’s accessibility and collaboration with local leaders across the state throughout the legislative term.

“Senator Wise recognizes that decisions made in Frankfort have a direct impact on the ability of cities to serve their residents,” KLC Director of Government Affairs Gracie Kelly said. “We appreciate his accessibility, his willingness to hear from city officials, and his continued commitment to working with KLC on issues that matter to communities across the Commonwealth.”

The Kentucky League of Cities presents the annual award to legislators who demonstrate outstanding work supporting and advocating for policies that impact Kentucky communities.

Update:

The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) presented Senator David Givens (R-Greensburg) with a 2026 Friend of Kentucky Cities Award in recognition of his leadership and support for Kentucky’s cities during the 2026 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The award was presented during a Bowling Green City Commissioners meeting by KLC Director of Government Affairs Gracie Kelly, KLC Government Affairs Associate Emma Wilson, and Bowling Green’s Board of Commissioners.

“Senator Givens has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to Kentucky’s cities,” said KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney. “His leadership on Senate Bill 141 and in the Kentucky Senate reflects his dedication to advancing practical solutions that strengthen local governments and communities across the Commonwealth.”

During the 2026 session, Senator Givens sponsored Senate Bill 141, a KLC initiative developed through a collaborative effort between KLC, the Kentucky Association of Counties, and the Kentucky Press Association, that would modernize and reform newspaper publication.

“This proposal addresses real challenges cities face with publication timelines, newspaper availability, and advertising costs while ensuring the public continues to have reliable access to important local government information,” KLC Director of Government Affairs Gracie Kelly said. “We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Givens to advance this legislative priority.”

KLC bestows the “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award on legislators who perform outstanding work in the legislature, advocating for issues that impact cities across the state.