City of Paducah

What City of Paducah does

The City of Paducah is a municipal government entity headquartered at 300 South 5th Street, Paducah, Kentucky, in McCracken County. Founded in 1830 and led by Mayor George Bray and City Manager Daron Jordan, the City serves residents, local businesses, and visitors through traditional public services — police and fire protection, solid waste and recycling, parks and recreation, permitting and licensing, planning and zoning, code enforcement, public transit via the Paducah Area Transit System, and infrastructure maintenance including the riverfront and floodwall. The City operates with 101-250 employees and maintains more than 30 boards and commissions, alongside specialized community assets such as the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park, Noble Park, the Transient Boat Dock, and the $65 million Paducah Sports Park currently under construction in partnership with McCracken County.

The City's technology platform is a conventional municipal SaaS stack rather than a proprietary product suite: MyPaducah service-request app (SeeClickFix via CivicPlus), online permitting via Tyler Technologies Energov, asset and work-order management via AssetWorks, OpenCounter/Scope My Project for zoning and business licensing, ArcGIS for mapping, and a Financial Transparency Portal launched August 2024. Communications are distributed across paducahky.gov, six social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Nextdoor), Government Channel 11 (Comcast and RightFiber), email newsletters, and in-person Customer Experience Department (270-444-8800). The City is a UNESCO Creative City and holds an AA- Standard & Poor's bond rating, 32-33 consecutive years of GFOA financial reporting recognition, Certified City of Ethics status, and 31 years of Tree City USA recognition.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid tax-and-fee model: recurring business license, payroll, and property taxes; residential and commercial solid waste/recycling fees ($16.50/month stepping to $26.50/month by July 2025); telecommunications franchise fees under Chapter 108 of the Code of Ordinances; special event permits; building permits; and a substantial grant portfolio ($19.7 million managed across federal, state, and foundation sources, including EPA, Mellon, and Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky). New programmatic revenue lines include the Southside Homeowner/Developer Grants (up to $30,000 and $75,000 respectively) and the Tree Voucher Program ($150,000 reserve). FY2023 results showed General Fund revenue exceeding expenditures by nearly $4.5 million and Statement of Net Position growth of more than $13 million year-over-year.

Name

City of Paducah

Legal name

City of Paducah

Website

https://paducahky.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1830

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The City of Paducah is a Kentucky municipal government serving residents, businesses, and visitors of Paducah and McCracken County with public safety, sanitation, parks, permitting, planning, and transit services, funded via taxes, user fees, franchise fees, and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (925)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Urban & Regional Planning (Land Use, Zoning, Master Planning) (BPAIANAD)

Keywords

• Municipal government services
• Public safety services
• Parks and recreation
• Permitting and licensing
• Solid waste management

Headquarters

HQ city

Paducah

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Business License / Payroll Tax / Property Tax: Revenue collected by the Revenue Division of the Finance Department. Business License, Payroll Tax, and Property Tax billed to commercial and residential taxpayers within the city. Contact: 270-444-8513.
2. Telecommunications Franchise Fees: Quarterly franchise fees paid by telecommunications providers operating within City rights-of-way under non-exclusive 10-year franchises awarded via the Telecommunications Ordinance (Chapter 108 of Code of Ordinances). Franchise Fee Payment Form required.
3. Solid Waste and Recycling Fees: Monthly fees charged to residential and commercial customers for garbage, recycling, and bulk pickup. Residential one-container fee increasing from $16.50 to $21.00/month July 2024, then to $26.50/month July 2025 (recycling included). Subsequent increases tied to CPI.
4. Special Event Permit Fees: Fees collected for special events or gatherings of more than 25 people on City-owned property, public streets, sidewalks, and right-of-ways. Includes special temporary alcohol licenses and Entertainment Destination Center permits.
5. Tree Voucher Program Funds: City-funded financial incentive program: $150,000 allocated to issue $250 vouchers for residents to plant approved shade trees at participating nurseries. Vouchers valid through December 31, 2026.
6. Government Grants: City of Paducah manages $19.7 million in grant funding across multiple federal, state, and foundation sources (e.g., EPA Brownfields $500,000, Mellon Foundation $1.34 million, BUILD Grant for riverfront infrastructure).
7. Building Permits and Construction Fees: Fees for building permits, construction, code enforcement inspections, engineering, and licensing. Contact: 270-444-8527.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The City of Paducah is a municipal government that delivers a broad range of civic services to residents, businesses, and visitors of Paducah, Kentucky. Core offerings include public safety (police, fire, 911 dispatch), solid waste and recycling collection, parks and recreation programming and facilities, permitting and licensing (building permits, business licenses, occupational licenses), planning and zoning, code enforcement, transit services (PATS), telecommunications franchising, special event permitting, economic development programs, and community beautification and revitalization initiatives. Operations are funded through tax revenue, user fees, franchise fees, and federal/state/private grants.

Product overview

The City of Paducah operates a civic services platform — built on its paducahky.gov website and supporting portals — rather than a single commercial product. The platform consists of a core citizen self-service hub (Online Services Portal, MyPaducah Service Requests powered by SeeClickFix/CivicPlus, and the Permitting and Licensing Guide powered by Tyler Energov), complemented by specialized modules such as Scope My Project (OpenCounter), the Financial Transparency Portal, the Special Event Permits workflow, the Telecommunications Franchise Program, the Southside Revitalization Plan and Incentives, the Brownfields Program, and the Crossroads for Growth economic development initiative. Around this platform sit physical-asset products including the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park, Noble Park, the Paducah Sports Park by CFSB, the Paducah Transit System (PATS), the Transient Boat Dock, the Robert Cherry Civic Center, the Farmers' Market, the Curbside Recycling program, the Dogwood Trail event, and the Hotel Metropolitan initiative. Communications and engagement layers include Government Channel 11, Ponderings from Paducah blog, Considerate and Kind Paducah, Free Wireless Hotspots, and the social channels (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Nextdoor) used to publish news and live meeting coverage. The Tree Voucher Program ties the digital platform to in-person civic greening by issuing $250 vouchers redeemable at participating local nurseries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MyPaducah: Service request mobile app and online portal (powered by SeeClickFix via CivicPlus) that allows residents to report quality-of-life issues and request government services.
• Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park
• Paducah Sports Park by CFSB
• Paducah Main Street

Products and services

• MyPaducah Service Requests Citizen-facing mobile app and online portal (powered by SeeClickFix via CivicPlus) that allows residents to submit, track, and receive status updates on non-emergency service requests across solid waste, code violations, streets, parks, and engineering. Available on iOS App Store and Google Play.
• Online Services Portal Centralized online services hub on paducahky.gov providing access to permitting, business licensing, dock reservations, curbside recycling information, GIS maps, and citizen self-service functions.
• Permitting and Licensing Guide (Tyler Energov) Online permitting, licensing, planning application, and inspection platform powered by Tyler Technologies' Energov, used by the Planning Department for permit and plan applications plus incentive grant submissions.
• Financial Transparency Portal Public-facing financial transparency site launched in August 2024 providing summarized and detailed views of the City of Paducah's revenues, expenditures, debt, and operating fund performance.
• Special Event Permits Permitting service for events or gatherings of more than 25 people on City-owned property, public streets, sidewalks, or right-of-way, with tiered application timelines and a Special Event Permit Application form. Includes special temporary alcohol licenses and Entertainment Destination Center permits.
• Telecommunications Franchise Program Regulatory program under Chapter 108 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances that issues non-exclusive 10-year telecommunications franchises, accepts quarterly sealed proposals, and collects franchise fees from providers using City rights-of-way.
• Southside Revitalization Plan and Incentives Housing and economic development program adopted August 12, 2025 under KRS 99.37, offering a Homeowner Grant Incentive (30% reimbursement, up to $30,000) and a Developer Grant Incentive (up to $75,000 per home) within a defined Phase 1 program area of 1,061 Southside properties.
• Tree Voucher Program Financial incentive program providing $250 vouchers to single-family residential property owners in Paducah's city limits for planting approved shade trees at participating nurseries (James Sanders Nursery, Edwards Nursery); $150,000 in program funding.
• Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park Outdoor health-focused park at 421 North 13th Street in the Fountain Avenue/Frenchtown neighborhood featuring a sensor-activated splash pad, temperature-controlled restrooms, community-built Rotary Playground, 1/3-mile walking path, fitness/agility course, community garden, picnic area, and Little Free Library.
• Paducah Sports Park by CFSB $65 million outdoor sports complex under construction at the former Bluegrass Downs site and Stuart Nelson Park, partnered with McCracken County and the McCracken Sports Tourism Commission; architecture by Peck Flannery Gream Warren (PFGW).
• Paducah Transit System (PATS) Local mass transit system providing fixed bus routes, non-emergency medical transportation, ADA services, and airport service from Barkley Regional Airport to local hotels and motels; governed by the eight-member Paducah Transit Authority Board.
• Transient Boat Dock City-owned transient boat dock on the Ohio River accepting reservations via the Dockwa online platform; recipient of multiple Boaters' Choice Awards (most recently the 7th in December 2023).
• Brownfields Program EPA-funded redevelopment program that received a $500,000 EPA Assessment Grant in May 2022 to assess, remediate, and forward development of commercial real estate; includes virtual Lunch & Learn sessions and developer networking events.
• Curbside Recycling Residential curbside recycling program offered alongside solid waste collection, with phase-in rate changes tying garbage and recycling fees starting July 2024 ($21.00/month) and July 2025 ($26.50/month).
• Government Channel 11 Live and recorded government television broadcasting of City Commission, Planning Commission, and other public meetings on Comcast Cable channel 11 (also RightFiber), with replays and a YouTube playlist.
• Farmers' Market Seasonal city-run farmers' market operated by the Parks & Recreation Department, open to local vendors and visitors with an associated parking lot used for City events.
• Robert Cherry Civic Center City civic center at 2701 Park Avenue hosting the Parks & Recreation Department administrative offices, facility reservations, indoor recreation programming, and consecutive-day rental scheduling. Ribbon cutting held February 26, 2024.
• Scope My Project (OpenCounter) Zoning and business portal powered by OpenCounter that helps entrepreneurs and developers scope projects, identify required permits, and navigate City zoning and licensing requirements.
• Crossroads for Growth Program launched August 13, 2024 by the City of Paducah to support business retention, expansion, and attraction, including small-scale development workshops in partnership with the Incremental Development Alliance.

Quantifiable outcome

• FY2023 revenue exceeded city expenditures by nearly $4.5 million
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration17 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, minor and flagship.

• SeeClickFix (CivicPlus)coreTechnology or IntegrationPaducah has partnered with SeeClickFix through CivicPlus to power the MyPaducah app and online portal. The platform empowers residents to report quality-of-life issues and request government services, facilitates real-time communication, tracks response time, and evaluates repeating repairs. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play.
• Independence BankmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Independence Day Celebration. Co-brands the annual July 4 riverfront event featuring live music, food trucks, free Ferris wheel rides, and a fireworks show that draws an estimated 10,000 attendees.
• Global Laser EnrichmentmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of the Independence Day Celebration alongside Independence Bank. Contributes to expanded entertainment hours and event operations.
• Pyro ShowscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContracted vendor to provide the 20-minute choreographed fireworks display discharged from a barge during the Independence Day Celebration. The creative show is choreographed to music.
• Pine Bluff MaterialsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides the barge from which fireworks are discharged for the Independence Day Celebration on the Ohio River.
• Ingram Barge CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides the tug used during the Independence Day Celebration fireworks barge operation.
• CFSB (Community Financial Services Bank)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner on the Southside Revitalization Plan. Co-hosts the Financial Wellness Workshop on June 9 at the CFSB Community Room (2550 Irvin Cobb Drive). CFSB offers up to 100% financing for eligible home rehabilitation and construction projects within the Southside's Phase One Program Area. Also partner for the Paducah Sports Park by CFSB.
• Kendig Keast CollaborativecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPlanning consultant for the 20-year joint City/County Comprehensive Plan adopted in February 2023 by the City of Paducah and McCracken County. Led the Forum on the Future open house (June 2023) and 24-question online survey that received 1,154 responses. President Gary Mitchell serves as Project Manager.
• Kemper CPA Group, LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides audit services for the City. David Hampton presented the FY2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report overview alongside Finance Director Jonathan Perkins at the January 23, 2024 City Commission meeting.
• Peck Flannery Gream Warren (PFGW)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitect for the Paducah Sports Park. Jeff Canter serves as lead architect. PFGW prepared 95 percent construction documents approved by the Paducah Board of Commissioners in January 2024 and is authorized to advertise a Request for Bids once documents reach 100 percent.
• McCracken County Fiscal CourtflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterlocal agreement partner for the Paducah Sports Park. McCracken County Sports Tourism Commission and McCracken County Fiscal Court jointly fund, design, and operate the $65 million outdoor sports complex. McCracken County also funds a portion of the dog park relocation project based upon a 2022 interlocal agreement.
• United Way of Paducah-McCracken CountyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner in the development of the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park, contributing to the Healthy Living program and CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) implementation. Executive Director Monique Zuber presented to the City Commission in April 2015.
• Lourdes Hospital (Mercy Health)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner in the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park development. Donated $25,000 in cash match funds for the Investing in Kentucky's Future grant.
• Baptist Health PaducahcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner in the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park development. Donated $25,000 in cash match funds. Mike Muscarella, director of rehabilitation services, presented to City Commission in April 2015.
• Rotary Club of PaducahcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner in the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park. Sponsored and supported the community-built playground constructed June 20-26, 2016 with Rotary District 6710 Grants. Co-created the Challenge Course fitness area.
• Paducah Independent SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner in the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park Healthy Living initiative. Implements the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) program in the school system.
• Purchase District Health DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic health partner in the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park development and Healthy Paducah programming.
• Evrard Company, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for the relocation of the dog parks to Noble Park. Notice to Proceed issued December 7, 2023; new substantial completion date of March 6, 2024 and final completion April 5, 2024.
• Tyler, Inc. (Tyler Technologies)coreTechnology or IntegrationContract amendment approved for technology services; provides the EnerGov web platform powering online permit applications including Southside Homeowner and Developer Grant applications.
• AssetWorks, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationContracted for work order, inventory, and asset management software used across city operations including Fleet Maintenance Division.
• McCracken County GovernmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterlocal cooperation partner. Joint 20-year Comprehensive Plan (adopted February 2023) and joint Southside/Dog Park revitalization initiatives. Also referenced at https://mccrackencountyky.gov.
• Barkley Regional Airport AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard member appointment opportunity with focus on commercial development experience to guide strategic growth at and around the airport, including redevelopment of the former airport terminal site for air logistics and aviation-related businesses.
• Forest Hills Village (FHV) Board of DirectorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard member appointment opportunity. FHV is undertaking a comprehensive assessment of housing originally developed to accommodate the Department of Energy facility workforce, evaluating long-term housing strategy.
• Paducah Transit Authority (PATS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerEight-member board controls, manages, and conducts business activities of the local transit system. Jeremi Bumpus serves as executive director (appointed December 2023). PATS provides fixed bus routes, non-emergency medical transportation, airport service, and ADA services.
• Department of Energy (DOE)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for nuclear reindustrialization. Resolution adopted by the Paducah Board of Commissioners establishing the community as nuclear-ready. Paducah Area of Chamber of Commerce received a DOE grant for reindustrialization study. Commissioner Buz Smith abstained from vote due to DOE employment.
• Hdl CompaniesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContract approved March 2024 to research and identify businesses currently not paying business license fees and payroll taxes as part of the Revenue Equity continuous improvement initiative.
• James Sanders NurseryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized participating nursery for the Tree Voucher Program. Located at 4123 Schneidman Road, Paducah, KY 42003; phone 270-443-8851. Redeems $250 tree vouchers and invoices the City for approved tree purchases.
• Edwards NurseryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized participating nursery for the Tree Voucher Program. Located at 5600 Harris Road, Paducah, KY 42001; phone 270-444-6271. Redeems $250 tree vouchers and invoices the City for approved tree purchases.
• Operation HOPEminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner delivering Financial Credit Wellness Presentations. Angie Wilke led the January 15, 2026 session at the CFSB Community Room covering practical insights and strategies to strengthen financial wellness and improve credit scores.
• Incremental Development AllianceminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNonprofit partner providing small-scale developer education. Co-hosted a one-day Incremental Development workshop in Paducah on March 7, 2024. Scholarships available; early bird registration ended February 16.
• Paducah Small Business Development Center (SBDC)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner for the 'Preparing Clients for Success' spring seminar. Aaron Harned from SBDC led session geared toward empowering realtors to prepare clients to buy or sell businesses.
• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState transportation partner. Co-responded with the City and P&L Railway to a flooding issue on Bridge Street (February 5, 2020) and oversees Highway Department Encroachment Permits for state road closures during events. Also partnered with WKU on a roundabout safety survey.
• P&L RailwayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-responded with the City and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to flooding issue on Bridge Street (February 5, 2020).
• Canadian National RailwayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducting track improvements at two railroad overpasses in Paducah (announced May 15, 2026).
• Paducah Alliance of NeighborsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding a home on Oscar Cross Avenue through the Southside Walter Jetton housing program. The home will receive the maximum grant award of $27,000 from the City.
• Purchase Area Development DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the Regional Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023 Update adopted by the City Commission January 23, 2024.
• Blockware Mining, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergy Project Assessment District (EPAD) Program Financing Agreement — PACE financing partner for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation measures at the Blockware Mining property.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Regional players

• City of Ashland, KY: Northeastern Kentucky river-city peer with comparable scale, brownfield redevelopment needs (EPA alignment), and small-city budget profile — relevant peer for economic transition and capital project delivery.
• City of Murray, KY: Small Kentucky city with similar population and service-delivery footprint, useful for benchmarking parks/recreation operations, transit scale, and small-city permitting throughput.
• City of Frankfort, KY: Kentucky municipal government with overlapping service delivery, financial transparency, and grant-management practices; serves as a peer reference for GFOA reporting and AA-category credit metrics.
• City of Henderson, KY: Western Kentucky river-city municipal government of similar scale and economic profile (manufacturing heritage, riverfront, downtown reinvestment). Closest geographic and demographic comparable to Paducah.
• City of Hopkinsville, KY: Small-to-mid-size Kentucky city with comparable service portfolio, similar population base, and similar challenges managing aging infrastructure and economic transition.
• City of Elizabethtown, KY: Mid-size Kentucky city comparable in economic structure (military/medical employers), tax base, and capital project portfolio; useful peer for Sports Park-style tourism facility benchmarking.
• City of Bowling Green, KY: Larger Kentucky municipal government offering the same core service set (police, fire, parks, permitting, transit, economic development). Useful benchmark for staffing scale, GFOA reporting practices, and capital project execution.
• City of Owensboro, KY: Comparable mid-size Kentucky city on the Ohio River with a similar municipal service portfolio (public safety, parks, riverfront development) and overlapping tourism/revitalization strategy. Comparable population scale and tax-base dynamics make it a natural operating peer.

Direct peers

• City of Covington, KY: Northern Kentucky river city that has executed a similar urban revitalization strategy including neighborhood grants, developer incentives, riverfront investment, and digital permitting modernization — closely mirroring Paducah's Southside/Homeowner/Developer Grant approach.
• City of Newport, KY: Kentucky river-city peer with analogous revitalization trajectory, small-city budget discipline, and a comparable mix of tourism, arts/culture, and brownfield redevelopment activity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PaducahCity
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/paducahkygov
• Facebookfacebook.com/CityofPaducahKentuckyGovernment
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/city-of-paducah
• Instagraminstagram.com/cityofpaducahkygovernment

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City of Paducah