2026 Kentucky General Election

As of September 15, 2026, Bill Wells did not have a website or any information online.

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Public Safety

Education

Economy

Bill Wells

As of September 15, 2026, Bill Wells’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Please briefly describe your reasons for seeking this office.
I am running for Covington City Commission because the city can benefit from my personal and professional background and expertise. I have experience as a provost at Thomas More University, supervising tough budget expenditures and working with different kinds of people. I bring varied language and cultural knowledge to commission, to diversify and contribute new ideas. Covington has been a progressive city that now needs to take the next step to an inclusive future and vote for the first Hispanic woman commissioner, who, incidentally, is highly qualified for the position. I have an even and calm temperament, play nicely in the sandbox, and excel at creating and nurturing relationships. I was born in Puerto Rico but now live in Covington; this is my home, and I am dedicated to its well-being.

Covington City Commission: Meet candidate Cari McMurtry Garriga

Cari Mcmurtry Garriga was born in Puerto Rico.

Please briefly describe your reasons for seeking this office.
I am running for Covington City Commission because the city can benefit from my personal and professional background and expertise. I have experience as a provost at Thomas More University, supervising tough budget expenditures and working with different kinds of people. I bring varied language and cultural knowledge to commission, to diversify and contribute new ideas.

Cari Mcmurtry Garriga has experience as a provost at Thomas More University.

Cari has experience as a provost at Thomas More University.

CITY COMMISSIONERS City of Covington
Vote For 4
TOTAL Election
Day
Absentee
(Mail)
Early
Excused
(6Day)
Early No
Excuse
(3Day)
Provision
al
Tim ACRI 341 233 24 2 82 0
Aaron WOLPERT 416 294 23 1 98 0
Shannon C. SMITH 642 432 32 6 172 0
Bradie BOWEN 441 302 17 3 119 0
James TOEBBE 673 452 28 7 186 0
Bill WELLS 701 467 29 5 200 0
Tim DOWNING 738 473 35 6 224 0
Cari McMurtry GARRIGA 371 244 25 4 98 0
Write-In Totals 15 12 0 0 3 0
Not Assigned 15 12 0 0 3 0
Total Votes Cast 4,338 2,909 213 34 1,182 0

Kenton.pdf

Cari previously ran for Covington City Commission in 2024, but did not win.

The Central Business District is on fire (as pictured on the payroll tax and net profit tax revenue heat map) and Latonia is home to many new ventures. Anyone who reads the weekly city newsletter knows there is SO much going on in our city! As the city invests in infrastructure, it also needs to invest in human capital: workforce development programs to fill local job demands, offering entrepreneurship support, and work on attracting skilled workers at all levels.

Simultaneously, Covington can take steps towards cost reduction and efficiency by adopting appropriate technology, conducting performance audits and energy audits of city buildings; and implementing smart technologies to increase the efficacy of services.

Advocates for technology adoption, performance and energy audits, and smart technologies to reduce costs and improve city services.

- Advocates for technology adoption, performance and energy audits, and smart technologies to reduce costs and improve city services.

Northern Kentucky has significant need for more housing. What can commission do to help the housing situation in Covington?
Affordable housing needs to include conditions that defend the dignity of the dweller and protect the city’s infrastructure. Affordable housing should be a priority in all of northern Kentucky; that is, Covington should not bear the burden for the bulk of the affordable housing. Workers deserve the option of living in the communities in which they work, and regional collaboration has many additional benefits.

To ensure a robust inventory of affordable housing, a multi-faceted approach is best. The city can investigate infill housing opportunities; not all has to be brand new development. The city can also weaponize the enforcement of code violations into foreclosures so that sleepy landlords are fined until the properties are brought online for residential use or taken and sold to those willing to refurbish them.

As the city develops land, it can leverage affordable housing as part of deals made with developers. In addition, there are developers who specialize in affordable housing options — consider using them. A creative way to utilize former commercial or industrial properties is also a way to increase the number of units of affordable housing, perhaps with micro-condos through adaptive re-use initiatives. Covington should also continue to cooperate with social agencies and continue to use grants and tax credit incentives for home redevelopment.

Supports regional collaboration so affordable housing is available across northern Kentucky rather than concentrated in Covington.

Proposes pursuing infill housing and enforcing codes to return vacant properties to residential use.

Proposes leveraging development agreements, specialized developers, and adaptive reuse of commercial or industrial sites to expand affordable housing.

Supports continued cooperation with social agencies and use of grants and tax-credit incentives for home redevelopment.

- Supports regional collaboration so affordable housing is available across northern Kentucky rather than concentrated in Covington.
- Proposes pursuing infill housing and enforcing codes to return vacant properties to residential use.
- Proposes leveraging development agreements, specialized developers, and adaptive reuse of commercial or industrial sites to expand affordable housing.
- Supports continued cooperation with social agencies and use of grants and tax-credit incentives for home redevelopment.

On the negative side, there is the fact that we will have to undergo the project and suffer through all the construction. And we will have to make sure that this process does not significantly affect our quality of life. Noise pollution, environmental pollution from increased traffic, and the increased traffic itself may be detrimental for our city, if the project is not handled properly with the interest of the residents of Covington at heart.

Advocates have been vocal about the need for better pedestrian and bicycle safety infrastructure in Covington. What is your stance on this issue?

I support creating a master plan for safer transportation initiatives. The experience with the Texas turnaround proves that traffic flow changes can improve safety. I am for shared-use paths, especially considering the opportunities presented by upcoming development. Covington needs to invest in bike and pedestrian infrastructure, because it is the right thing to do, but also to honor those who have lost their lives while biking or walking on our streets.

Recreation is important for health and well-being. But facilitating safe use of bikes as transportation is an equity issue. Data from 2020 say up to 29% of Covington and 48% of Newport residents do not have access to a car. For them, biking is their most accessible mode of transportation. Bikes are a viable alternative that help reduce noise and air pollution and are healthy for the one pedaling. We need to make sure it is safely done.

Calls for managing Brent Spence Bridge Corridor construction to limit noise, pollution, traffic, and other effects on residents’ quality of life.

Supports a transportation-safety master plan, shared-use paths, and investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

- Calls for managing Brent Spence Bridge Corridor construction to limit noise, pollution, traffic, and other effects on residents’ quality of life.
- Supports a transportation-safety master plan, shared-use paths, and investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

As of September 15, 2026, Cari Mcmurtry Garriga did not have a website or any information online.

The city has undertaken an ambitious development project on the site of the former IRS processing center. What role will commission play in maximizing this effort and helping finish the job?

We need to expedite construction of the medical school and the law school. These projects are already approved and will bring a lot of revenue for the city. As the rest of the development falls into place, the commission needs to be mindful and intentional in its decision making. The commission should work to make sure all of Covington’s residents benefits from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Covington’s neighborhoods and small businesses need to be showcased as part of the pitch for the development of the former IRS site.

Calls for expediting construction of the approved medical school and law school projects.

- Calls for expediting construction of the approved medical school and law school projects.

Covington faced a budget shortfall this year. What can the next city commission do to assure a balanced budget and reliable basic public services in the coming years?
My campaign stands for fiscal responsibility. Just like any family needs to stay within budget, so does the city. It should be Covington’s priority to work through the shortfall. Unfortunately, the choices are few: to trim, and to diversify sources of revenue. Covington may be able to look to grants or foundations to balance some of the shortfall, but hard decisions may need to be made.

As a former higher education administrator, I have experience surgically and carefully examining budgets to realize cost savings. The present time brings interesting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for north Covington: The Central Riverfront Development, the 4th Street bridge, the Brent Spence project, among others. These will support small businesses throughout the entire city. My point is that we must make decisions that safeguard Covington’s economic future. Any future tax abatements and incentives to economic development should be carefully vetted to guard the city’s financial interests. It is imperative to balance economic development with contextual decisions for a high quality of life for all residents.

The Central Business District is on fire (as pictured on the payroll tax and net profit tax revenue heat map) and Latonia is home to many new ventures. Anyone who reads the weekly city newsletter knows there is SO much going on in our city! As the city invests in infrastructure, it also needs to invest in human capital: workforce development programs to fill local job demands, offering entrepreneurship support, and work on attracting skilled workers at all levels.

Advocates for balancing the city budget through spending reductions and diversified revenue sources.

Calls for carefully vetting tax breaks and economic-development incentives to protect the city’s financial interests.

Advocates for workforce-development programs, entrepreneurship support, and attracting skilled workers to meet local job demand.

- Advocates for balancing the city budget through spending reductions and diversified revenue sources.
- Calls for carefully vetting tax breaks and economic-development incentives to protect the city’s financial interests.
- Advocates for workforce-development programs, entrepreneurship support, and attracting skilled workers to meet local job demand.

LinkedIn

Cari Mcmurtry Garriga

As of September 15, 2026, Cari Mcmurtry Garriga’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Members of the Inaugural Covington Mayor’s Academy Class:
...
Dan Francis, West Latonia – Retired Minister, Latonia Baptist Church
Cari Maria Garriga, Licking Riverside – Professor, Thomas More University

City of Covington celebrates graduation of inaugural Mayor’s Academy class

Among the honorees at the event will be the Holmes High School Hall of Distinction inductees, which includes esteemed individuals such as Dan Francis, (Holmes High School class of 1970) a retired pastor of Latonia Baptist Church; Clinton Jackson, a retired business owner from William Grant High School class of 1963; and Randy Marsh, (Holmes High School class of 1967), a former Major League Baseball umpire with an illustrious career spanning from 1981 to 2009.

Covington Education Foundation’s Hall of Honors: Dan Francis, Clinton Jackson, Randy Marsh - NKyTribune

COVINGTON, KY – The City of Covington celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of the Covington Mayor’s Academy on April 28, 2026, marking the successful completion of an eight-month immersive program designed to connect residents and stakeholders with the inner workings of City government.

Name  | Position
--- | ---
Dan Francis  | President
Joyce Murphy  | Vice President
Pamela Conner  | Treasurer
Chuck Eilerman  | Member
Alvin Garrison  | Member
Myrna Lane  | Member
Judge (ret) Charles Moore  | Member
Julie Geisen Scheper  | Member
Greg Paeth  | Member
Tom Haggard  | Member
Stephen Gastright  | Member

Covington Education Foundation | Covington Independent Public Schools

Dan Francis is from West Latonia. He was a member of the Holmes High School class of 1970. He is president of the Covington Education Foundation and completed the inaugural Covington Mayor’s Academy.

City of Covington Celebrates Graduation of Inaugural Mayor's ...

Covington Education Foundation's Hall of Honors - NKyTribune

Dan Francis is a retired pastor of Latonia Baptist Church.

Dan is a retired pastor of Latonia Baptist Church.

As of September 15, 2026, Dan Francis’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Housing stood out as a specific policy focus. The incumbents brought up housing programs that have been implemented since they entered office, such as the city’s current effort to inventory blighted properties for affordable housing development. Francis brought up last year’s Home for All report, which recommends several strategies for addressing the housing problem.

“If you want a massive approach to housing, look at that report,” said Francis. “It’s incredibly impressive.”

Covington candidates talk housing, city’s future at forum

Endorses the Home for All report's broad approach to addressing housing.

- Endorses the Home for All report's broad approach to addressing housing.

Francis also discussed the need to invest in “education and workforce development.”

Supports investment in education and workforce development.

- Supports investment in education and workforce development.

Francis encouraged the city to “continue to incentivize” businesses to set up shops in the city.

Calls for continued city incentives for businesses to locate in Covington.

- Calls for continued city incentives for businesses to locate in Covington.

Facebook

Dan Francis

Covington native Jay Fossett is a former City Manager and City Solicitor for the City of Covington who is currently serving as the City Administrator for the City of Dayton, Kentucky, a position from which he will retire in 2026.

About Jay

Fossett attended the University of Kentucky, where he studied journalism and political science. After graduating from UK in 1981, he worked as a newspaper reporter for five years before leaving journalism to attend law school.

Fossett is a 1987 graduate of Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Northern Kentucky Law Review, and a 2010 graduate of the Haile/U.S. Bank College of Business at NKU, where he obtained a master’s degree in Executive Leadership and Organizational Change.

In 2023, Fossett and his wife, Barbara, returned to Covington as empty-nesters after rehabbing a 150-year-old house in the Historic Licking Riverside neighborhood. They have three children — Meredith, Alyson, and Jack — and two grandsons, Archie and James.

Jay Fossett is a Covington native. He attended the University of Kentucky, where he studied journalism and political science, and earned a law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University and a master's degree in executive leadership and organizational change from Northern Kentucky University. He and his wife, Barbara, returned in 2023 to live in the Historic Licking Riverside neighborhood and have three children and two grandsons.

As of September 15, 2026, Jay Fossett’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Similarly, clean, safe, and connected neighborhoods help bring new residents to and keep existing residents in our City, encourage investment and reinvestment in our housing stock, and support our local businesses.

A key component to ensure our neighborhoods are safe and attractive is maintaining a strong Code Enforcement Department, which requires property owners to maintain their properties in safe and sanitary conditions and eliminates blighted conditions in these neighborhoods.

My platform for Covington City Council; 9 candidates to vie for 6 seats

Supports maintaining strong code enforcement requiring safe, sanitary property maintenance and eliminating blighted neighborhood conditions.

- Supports maintaining strong code enforcement requiring safe, sanitary property maintenance and eliminating blighted neighborhood conditions.

My campaign platform primarily stands on four pillars:

Public safety
Covington neighborhoods
City finances and economic development
Improvement in Covington’s public schools

Public safety is my biggest priority, but all four of these areas are interconnected. For example, the City must have a strong business environment that creates and maintains jobs in the City to fund City services, particularly public safety, i.e., the City’s police and fire/EMT departments.

Neglected properties can – and do — attract criminal activity and reduce property values. Visible signs of urban disorder – such as broken windows, graffiti, or litter – often encourage further, more serious crime. Community-focused policing strategies focusing on our neighborhoods, such as the Covington Police Department’s Community Liaison Unit (“CLU”), can help address these issues.

Rather than responding to neighborhood issues only after they escalate into problems, CLU officers work with citizens in our neighborhoods to address the root causes of these issues before they happen, connect struggling families to needed resources, address neighborhood nuisance properties, and mentor youngsters who may need positive role models.

The City needs to continue — better yet, expand — our existing Code Enforcement and Community Policing programs to continue to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Jay’s Vision

Prioritizes public safety, including police, fire, and emergency medical services.

Supports expanding city code enforcement and community-policing programs to improve neighborhood quality of life.

- Prioritizes public safety, including police, fire, and emergency medical services.
- Supports expanding city code enforcement and community-policing programs to improve neighborhood quality of life.

As Covington schools’ new superintendent, Flucas must now develop and execute a bold strategic plan for the school district and exhibit the fortitude needed to make the tough decisions that previous superintendents and administrations may have avoided.

That means holding people accountable for their actions — or inaction — in achieving the goals outlined in this plan. A key to achieving these expectations is to have high expectations of faculty and staff as well as students and making them all accountable for achieving these expectations.

New School Superintendent Brings Opportunity to Improve Covington Public Schools and the City Itself

While the Covington Independent Public School District is a separate taxing district and autonomously operating entity from the City of Covington, school district and City officials must build a strong relationship to work closely together as partners to achieve improvements in our public schools.

As a City Council member, I will continue to work closely with the school district and Ms. Flucas to improve our public schools, its relationship with the greater community, including local businesses, and student outcomes.

Improving Covington’s public schools is a key component to helping the City of Covington reach its full potential. A high-achieving, thriving public school district will attract more families to the City and keep existing ones living in our community.

While CIPS is a separate taxing district that operates autonomously from the City of Covington, it’s important that school district and city officials work together with business leaders and other community leaders to build strong relationships and partnerships with CIPS to achieve improvements in our public schools and student outcomes.

Calls for holding faculty, staff, and students accountable for meeting the expectations of the school-district plan.

Plans to work with Covington Independent Public Schools, local businesses, and community leaders to improve public schools and student outcomes.

- Calls for holding faculty, staff, and students accountable for meeting the expectations of the school-district plan.
- Plans to work with Covington Independent Public Schools, local businesses, and community leaders to improve public schools and student outcomes.

That also means that the City’s remaining revenue sources must be used for all other City services — from Public Works and Code Enforcement to Housing and Economic Development efforts.

That’s why the City must focus on its internal finances while promoting economic development and job growth externally in the City. The cost of services that the City of Covington provides to its citizens rarely goes down. Annual operating costs almost always increase because of inflation and other increases in costs, negotiated contracts with the city’s three public unions, and the need to offer competitive pay to attract and keep qualified employees.

Public safety is my biggest priority, but all four of these areas are interconnected. For example, the City must have a strong business environment that creates and maintains jobs in the City to fund City services, particularly public safety, i.e., the City’s police and fire/EMT departments.

Supports focusing on city finances while promoting economic development, job growth, and a strong business environment.

- Supports focusing on city finances while promoting economic development, job growth, and a strong business environment.

Instagram

Jay Fossett

- Plans to work with Covington Independent Public Schools, local businesses, and community leaders to improve public schools and student outcomes.

Starting Sept. 5, he’ll be one of the five officials doing the discussing and voting.

Hayden, a resident of the Historic Licking-Riverside neighborhood, was chosen by Mayor Joe Meyer and City Commissioners in a meeting Thursday evening to fill a vacancy on the Commission. Commissioner Tim Downing was unable to attend the meeting.

Hayden to fill vacancy on Commission

Professionally, Hayden spent 49 years in IT systems analysis and project management “spread over many industries and corporate forms.” He has a degree in economics from the University of Kentucky.

Since retiring to Covington in 2012, he has served on his neighborhood association’s governing board and has served on many boards and commissions, including the Covington Neighborhood Collaborative and the Devou Park Advisory Committee. He helped establish pollinator gardens around Covington as part of the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, served on the 2019 “Bespoke” citizen task force that established the vision for a new future city hall, and was involved in the laborious creation of the Neighborhood Development Code (specifically as it relates to historic preservation) that refashioned the City’s approach to zoning and land use.

Steve Hayden has a degree in economics from the University of Kentucky. He lives in the Historic Licking-Riverside neighborhood. Since retiring to Covington in 2012, he has served on his neighborhood association’s governing board and on boards and commissions, including the Covington Neighborhood Collaborative and the Devou Park Advisory Committee.

Hayden to fill vacancy on Commission - Covington, KY

Steve Hayden worked for 49 years in information technology systems analysis and project management across various industries and types of companies.

Steve worked for 49 years in information technology systems analysis and project management across various industries and types of companies.

With his wife of 34 years, Catherine, at his side, Hayden was promptly sworn into office after the vote. He will serve until the end of 2024 in the seat vacated by Nolan Nicaise, who abruptly resigned Aug. 8, saying he could be a better advocate for residents in a non-elected position.

Hayden, who lives in the Historic Licking Riverside neighborhood, was appointed in August 2023 to fill the remainder of the term of Nolan Nicaise, who had stepped down early.

City salutes outgoing Mayor Meyer, Commissioner Hayden

Steve was appointed in August 2023 to fill the remainder of a Covington commission term and served until the end of 2024.

“Covington is on the right track,” Hayden said. “We need to keep our economic momentum going, continue supporting our neighborhoods and make sure city services are efficient and responsive. That’s what residents expect, and that’s what I’m committed to delivering.”

Steve Hayden announces run for Covington City Council

He also helped establish pollinator gardens around Covington, served on the 2019 citizen task force that established the vision for a new future city hall, and helped in the laborious creation of the Neighborhood Development Code that re-fashioned the City’s approach to zoning and land use.

Committed to supporting neighborhoods and providing efficient, responsive city services.

Helped establish pollinator gardens around Covington.

- Committed to supporting neighborhoods and providing efficient, responsive city services.
- Helped establish pollinator gardens around Covington.

Hayden painted a picture of the stakes.

“The current market rates for housing barely allows someone to be able to find an accommodation inside of their own city,” Hayden said. “There’s lots of things you can prioritize, but we are actually here to serve the citizens. Covington and those citizens need help on accommodation that’s suitable to their income.”

Covington candidates talk housing, city's future at forum

Helped create the Neighborhood Development Code, which reshaped the city’s approach to zoning and land use.

Calls for housing accommodations that are suitable for Covington residents’ incomes.

- Helped create the Neighborhood Development Code, which reshaped the city’s approach to zoning and land use.
- Calls for housing accommodations that are suitable for Covington residents’ incomes.

As of September 15, 2026, Steve Hayden did not have a website or any information online.

Steve Hayden

As of September 15, 2026, Steve Hayden’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tim first moved to Northern Kentucky in 1994 after serving in the U.S. Navy and completing college.

Tim Acri > City of Covington, KY

In 1997, he purchased a “fixer upper” home in Covington, where he still lives today with his wife and three amazing dogs. His passion for local government runs through his veins as his father was a City Commissioner and Mayor of Steelton, Pa., which is where Tim was raised.

In the role he treasures most of all, Tim is a loving husband and a very proud Dad to his three children Marisol (24), Trajan (22), and Ryley (21).

Tim Acri was raised in Steelton, Pennsylvania. He completed college. He is married and has three children.

Our parks, green spaces and open spaces are the real gems of our City and we need to restore, protect and preserve our these important areas while also creating more opportunities for recreation and public enjoyment of these public spaces. I previously served on the Devou Parks Advisory Council (DPAC) and the plan for Devou Park is amazing. I will continue to ensure this park and all of its amenities carry over to other parks within the City.

Acri's Agenda

I am also a huge fan of youth sporting programs and I truly believe that each and every child should be given the opportunity to play any sport they desire, no matter where they live within our community, what their annual household income may be, or what ethnic background they come from. That's why I worked with our Parks and Rec Department and other community business owners and leaders to create the Covington Recreation Commission in September 2025 to offer more youth leagues and sporting programs for our youngest residents of Covington. We started with Youth Soccer in Spring 2026, the first-ever free soccer league offered to our youth in Covington. And we have more recreational opportunities ahead!

Advocates restoring and preserving parks, green spaces, and open spaces while expanding recreational opportunities.

Worked with city staff and community leaders to create the Covington Recreation Commission and expand youth sports programs.

- Advocates restoring and preserving parks, green spaces, and open spaces while expanding recreational opportunities.
- Worked with city staff and community leaders to create the Covington Recreation Commission and expand youth sports programs.

There are several ways to accomplish this goal. In the most general terms, the government defines affordable housing as any home, rented or owned, in which costs comprise less than 30% of the household monthly income. The city can offer developers a tax credit (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) if they designate a certain number of their residential units as affordable housing units.

Covington City Commission: Meet candidate Tim Acri

The former City Heights property is a perfect example of how we can offer tax incentives to developers to ensure we can provide options for all residents. School teachers, police, firefighters, service industry workers, etc. that work in our amazing city should have the ability to live in the city they work.

The city can offer developers a tax credit (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) if they designate a certain number of their residential units as affordable housing units. I would like to get local developers and landlords together in a room and discuss this and other options so our lower-income residents have more options as it relates to housing.

Responsible development and growth in our urban core is key to the future of Covington. We have an incredible opportunity to reshape the former IRS property into something that truly benefits all our residents and our business community. We have watched the City of Cincinnati grow the Ohio River Corridor for the past 15 years from the southern banks of the river and it is time that Covington does the same thing.

Supports tax incentives for developers who designate residential units as affordable housing.

Plans to convene local developers and landlords to discuss options to expand housing for lower-income residents.

Supports responsible redevelopment of Covington's urban core, including redevelopment of the former Internal Revenue Service property.

- Supports tax incentives for developers who designate residential units as affordable housing.
- Plans to convene local developers and landlords to discuss options to expand housing for lower-income residents.
- Supports responsible redevelopment of Covington's urban core, including redevelopment of the former Internal Revenue Service property.

One of my top priorities for the city of Covington is to ensure that we have the ability to walk/run, bike, one-wheel, skateboard, etc., around our community (in the city as well as on the trails). I use all of these modes of transportation often and do not always feel safe while doing it. I will do all that I can to ensure that we have designated routes, signage, lighting and other types of infrastructure to get this in place as quickly as possible.

I use all of these modes of transportation often and do not always feel safe while doing it. I will do all that I can to ensure that we have designated routes, signage, lighting and other types of infrastructure to get this in place as quickly as possible.

The Tri-State Trails plan that has been put in front of commission needs to be funded and constructed. This plan not only provides Covington with safe routes, but also connects our city to other cities along the river… which opens all kinds of opportunities for us in the near future.

Vacant and abandoned buildings that present health and safety hazards to our residents and children need to be addressed quickly. Older infrastructure in need of improvement all have an impact on the overall viability of Covington and it needs to be dealt with now. There are a number of State and Federal funding sources/programs that could benefit our City and I will continue to work with our residents and local leaders to bring more and a much larger share of these resources, incentives and programs to our City.

Older infrastructure in need of improvement all have an impact on the overall viability of Covington and it needs to be dealt with now. There are a number of State and Federal funding sources/programs that could benefit our City and I will continue to work with our residents and local leaders to bring more and a much larger share of these resources, incentives and programs to our City.

Plans to expand designated routes, signage, lighting, and related infrastructure for walking, bicycling, and other travel without motor vehicles.

Supports funding and constructing the Tri-State Trails plan.

Calls for improving aging infrastructure and seeking additional state and federal resources for Covington.

- Plans to expand designated routes, signage, lighting, and related infrastructure for walking, bicycling, and other travel without motor vehicles.
- Supports funding and constructing the Tri-State Trails plan.
- Calls for improving aging infrastructure and seeking additional state and federal resources for Covington.

Community safety goes a lot deeper than the crime, violence and public health issues our local police, firefighters and EMTs respond to and address on a daily basis. Although this is very import, there are other elements that I want to continue to address in office. Street lighting, stop signs, sidewalks, basic traffic control on side streets and other items are all key to public safety.

Although this is very import, there are other elements that I want to continue to address in office. Street lighting, stop signs, sidewalks, basic traffic control on side streets and other items are all key to public safety. Vacant and abandoned buildings that present health and safety hazards to our residents and children need to be addressed quickly. Older infrastructure in need of improvement all have an impact on the overall viability of Covington and it needs to be dealt with now.

Prioritizes street lighting, stop signs, sidewalks, and traffic control on side streets as public-safety measures.

Calls for quickly addressing vacant and abandoned buildings that pose health and safety hazards.

- Prioritizes street lighting, stop signs, sidewalks, and traffic control on side streets as public-safety measures.
- Calls for quickly addressing vacant and abandoned buildings that pose health and safety hazards.

As of September 15, 2026, Tim Acri’s website did not contain information on this issue.

The shortfalls the city is facing currently come from many different angles. I would first look at our spending. Looking at renegotiating or rebidding contracts, auditing routine purchases, or eliminating non-essential contracts would be the first step.

We could also look at freezing vacant positions, better managing overtime, and addressing health care costs for all city employees. The city also owns a substantial volume of property, and we should review which properties could be sold quickly to generate revenue.

We could also look at freezing vacant positions, better managing overtime, and addressing health care costs for all city employees. The city also owns a substantial volume of property, and we should review which properties could be sold quickly to generate revenue. The city has made a number of smart, long-term investments over the years; I’d like to review those investments in closer detail and take advantage of any opportunities we might have to "cash those in."

We should also look closely at sharing assets (labor and equipment) between departments instead of purchasing or hiring by department. We could look at partnering with other local governments or nonprofits on specific tasks, which will benefit not only the city of Covington but other cities within the county or the region.

We should also more aggressively seek to collect income tax from "work from home" employees. If their company is paying them to work from their home in Covington, they should be paying Covington income tax.

Small businesses are the backbone of Covington and we are truly fortunate to have such an amazing and eclectic variety of local business owners and entrepreneurs right here in Covington. I am keenly interested in supporting, promoting and keeping our small businesses in Covington by looking for creative ways to help incentivize and retain them to continue to do business in our community while promoting their growth and expansion. I will also do all that I can to attract and locate other small businesses to Covington so our community has everything we need to thrive.

Proposes reviewing city spending by renegotiating contracts, auditing purchases, and eliminating nonessential contracts.

Proposes freezing vacant city positions, better managing overtime, and addressing employee health care costs.

Proposes reviewing city-owned properties for potential sales to generate revenue.

Calls for sharing labor and equipment across departments and partnering with local governments or nonprofits on specific tasks.

Supports more aggressively collecting Covington income tax from employees working from home in the city.

Supports incentives to retain, grow, and attract small businesses in Covington.

- Proposes reviewing city spending by renegotiating contracts, auditing purchases, and eliminating nonessential contracts.
- Proposes freezing vacant city positions, better managing overtime, and addressing employee health care costs.
- Proposes reviewing city-owned properties for potential sales to generate revenue.
- Calls for sharing labor and equipment across departments and partnering with local governments or nonprofits on specific tasks.
- Supports more aggressively collecting Covington income tax from employees working from home in the city.
- Supports incentives to retain, grow, and attract small businesses in Covington.

Tim Acri

- Supports responsible redevelopment of Covington's urban core, including redevelopment of the former Internal Revenue Service property.

- Calls for improving aging infrastructure and seeking additional state and federal resources for Covington.

- Supports incentives to retain, grow, and attract small businesses in Covington.

A longtime Covington resident, Downing lives in South Covington and received degrees in mathematics and physics from Centre College and acquired his MBA from Xavier University. Downing is a full-time analyst at Kao Brands. He has long held a passion for helping those around him, dedicating time to adult GED programs, local tutoring, and organizing a variety of drives during his time in the corporate sector.

Tim Downing — Commissioner

Tim Downing lives in South Covington. He received degrees in mathematics and physics from Centre College and a Master of Business Administration from Xavier University.

Tim currently works as a full-time analyst at Kao Brands.

Tim Downing
Commissioner

Tim Downing was elected to the Covington City Commission in 2016 and re-elected in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024.

Tim was elected to the Covington City Commission in 2016 and re-elected in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024.

Francis encouraged the city to “continue to incentivize” businesses to set up shops in the city. Downing said it was important to keep “Latonia on the forefront, even if north of 12th Street ends up being in the newspapers more often … it’s not just the actions we’re taking, it’s what’s immediately visible to the community.”

Prioritizes keeping Latonia at the forefront of city initiatives and visible improvements.

- Prioritizes keeping Latonia at the forefront of city initiatives and visible improvements.

As of September 15, 2026, Tim Downing’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tim Downing

- City council members make up the legislative body of the city's government and are responsible for the public's health, safety, and welfare. Its legislative duties include enacting ordinances, levying taxes, and adopting a budget. 
- The city council has the authority to investigate all activities of the city government and its employees. 
- City councils in Kentucky typically have between 6 and 12 council members. They serve two-year terms except in Louisville and Lexington where some members serve four-year terms. 
- Council members can be elected to represent a single district or the city at-large. Elections take place in even-numbered years. 

Passes laws and regulations for your city.

Covington City Council Member

Candidates (7)