Cynthiana, Kentucky – Harrison County

October 31, 2024

Cynthiana, Kentucky

A Strategic Civic Hub

Providing the ‘best of small town rural America’ with the all the ingredients needed for big city success

With an ideal location just 45 minutes from Lexington and an hour from Cincinnati, the charming city of Cynthiana offers a perfect blend of rural charm and progressive growth. In the words of Mayor James Smith, “Cynthiana combines the best of small town rural America with the forward thinking of a larger city.” Traditionally an agriculture community, Mayor Smith adds, “We have a great economic base here that provides a thriving economy of jobs, which in turn supports a great quality of life for our citizens.”

A Downtown Renaissance

Once dotted with vacant storefronts, Cynthiana’s Main Street is a true success story. “We have a beautiful downtown that frequently has events, and festivals. Almost every weekend there’s something going on in our downtown area,” says the mayor. “One of the keys to our turnaround has been the team that we have in place, and a change from the old mindset where these buildings were owned for generations in the same family, but no investment done.”

Over the past few years, Cynthiana has seen interest from young entrepreneurs who are bringing new life to the district. As part of the revitalization strategy, the city also has a plan in place for facade improvement grants, streetscape upgrades, and the addition of pocket parks and public restrooms.

Economic Growth Beyond Downtown

Harrison Memorial Hospital is the largest employer in Cynthiana, while the city’s 200-acre business park has just 50 acres remaining. To support future development, Cynthiana and Harrison County have recently acquired an additional 60 acres of land adjacent to the park.

When it comes to business attraction, Economic Development Director Garnett Furnish says there is a strong focus on manufacturing. Current initiatives include the arrival of an industrial hemp company and the expansion of EZ Pack, which is constructing a new 250,000-square-foot facility. “We’ve got a tremendous amount of activity happening in the community, and it’s thanks to a great team,” he boasts.

Tackling the Housing Shortage

Several years ago, Cynthiana commissioned a housing study that revealed a strong need for affordable housing, particularly one-bedroom units and starter homes. A recent housing forum gathered builders, realtors, and city and county leadership to discuss strategies for expanding the housing stock. “We laid out the study and what we needed to build to meet the demand. And those are being met,” says Mayor Smith. “We’re hitting it from all angles.”

“It’s been a big issue, but it’s not just Cynthiana and Harrison County, it’s all the surrounding communities,” acknowledges Furnish, adding that development is happening county wide, and homes that are being built are selling quickly. He details a recent project which added 34 single-family homes, with plans to build an additional 24. “Those are three bedroom and two bath homes [at the price point of] $250,000,” expands Furnish. “So, if we can concentrate on that niche market, we think we’ve got something.”

Mayor Smith notes, “We desperately need apartment buildings here for those starter families that don’t have kids, or the teacher right out of college who gets a job here and is not ready to buy a house. We still have a great need for that, but there are a few of those getting ready to start construction.”

Attractions and Quality of Life

One of Cynthiana’s most valuable assets is the picturesque Licking River, which runs through the heart of the town and out into the surrounding county. Tomi Jean Clifford, Executive Director of the Cynthiana Harrison County Chamber of Commerce, outlines an ongoing project which will see the adjustment of five dams, giving a boost to Cynthiana’s recreational appeal. She elaborates, “It is 50 miles of river throughout the county, which will now be completely navigable by Canoe or kayak. That will definitely impact tourism.”

On the subject of the river, County Judge Executive, Jason Marshall, says he is in the midst of a 319 watershed plan in partnership with the state. “Once we have that in place that will help us secure future grant money to clean up and develop the Licking River, and to have more flood control,” he conveys. “That’s a project I’m excited about and looking forward to completing, that will also help with the development of the river running through our community here.”

Cynthiana is committed to improving amenities, through investments like one of the largest standalone splash pads in Kentucky at its local park, and plans for a new recreation center. “It’s really important for us to do these things, especially as a small community,” depicts Clifford. “We are trying to pull in all of the aspects of quality of life and make this a place people want to visit and live.” She highlights the eclectic collection of businesses in the city, from boutiques to bakeries, and everything in between, all contributing to the small town vibe that is instrumental in drawing tourists to the community.

When it comes to tourism, Clifford says, “One of the things that’s different here than in a lot of communities, is that as a Chamber, a lot of the events don’t come from us. They come from volunteers that have decided that they want to be impactful and invest in the community.” The Cynthiana Rod Run, bringing in over 15,000 people annually is one notable example. “It’s a huge thing, and it is volunteer-run. All of our businesses buy in with it, and we help support it, and it’s just a really good event for the community,” she describes.

Cynthiana is also making a name for itself as a fall hotspot, garnering national attention, and making the city a go-to location for fall and Halloween enthusiasts. Mayor Smith is quick to point out Clifford’s role in these achievements. “As tourism director, she has made Cynthiana the number one fall destination in the state of Kentucky. But she’s also put Cynthiana on the list nationally as one of the top Halloween towns to visit. We are on a list with Salem, Massachusetts, Estes Park, Colorado and Savannah, Georgia.”

Infrastructure Investments

To accommodate future growth Cynthiana is focusing on essential water infrastructure. Thanks to a collaboration between the city and county, a $1 million investment in ARPA funds has resulted in a new 350,000-gallon water tower, set to be operational by mid-2025. “That will accommodate the needs and help give a better product, not just for our industrial park, but for 55% of the residents of Cynthiana and Harrison County,” Furnish details. The city is also looking to secure grant money to enhance its sewer systems over the next few years, in preparation for upcoming development.

Mayor Smith points out that the town has a water treatment plant capable of processing 6 million gallons a day, but currently only utilizes 4 million.

“We have the capacity to grow as a community and even attract some industries that may have water needs that they can’t get met in other places,” he suggests. “If someone was looking to invest and it’s an industry that needs water, our water rates are low, and we have plenty of it.”

A major initiative led by Marshall involves extending high-speed internet to rural Harrison County, improving connectivity in underserved areas. Additionally, a new community center is planned, which will serve as both a hub for events and a resource during weather emergencies. Over the next five years, Cynthiana will also undertake three significant road projects: two related to the construction of a new high school and campus, and an extension of the city bypass to ease traffic congestion from recent growth.

Education and Workforce Development

Looking ahead, Clifford says her focus will be on attracting a skilled workforce to meet industry demands. “We really want to help support our businesses, to make sure they have all the resources they need to develop and continue to grow in the community,” she asserts.

Furnish remarks on the town’s future educational landscape, and the construction of a new high school and technical center, scheduled to open in 2027. “This will bring us the ability to expand our educational resources, like they’ve never seen before,” he illustrates.

He further stresses the importance of having a well-educated workforce, noting the town’s proximity to Maysville Community College, which provides training in high-demand fields like nursing. One of his top priorities for 2025 is addressing the need for affordable daycare, a vital resource for working families.

“If our folks can’t find affordable daycare, they can’t work and be a part of the participation rate that we need them to be in Cynthiana and the surrounding area,” he maintains. In addition, he underscores the need to stay ahead of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, to ensure that Cynthiana remains competitive.

This balance of progressive thinking and small-town charm ensures that Cynthiana remains a community on the rise.

Clifford concludes, “We just want to continue to showcase how amazing Cynthiana is. We may be a small rural community, but we have a lot to offer.”