Our Mission:
The mission of Oldham Ahead is to promote the wise use of land and resources in Oldham County, Kentucky. Oldham Ahead supports land-use planning, economic development and advocacy efforts that enhance the county's natural and cultural resources while sustaining and diversifying the county's economy. Oldham Ahead is dedicated to perpetuating the agricultural and equine industries, preserving the environment and expanding recreational opportunities throughout the county.
Who we are
Oldham Ahead is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization consisting of over 500 members dedicated to preserving the rural nature and quality of life in Oldham County, Kentucky. We promote the utilization of strategic growth management techniques to accommodate growth and encourage economic development and vitality of the county.
Oldham Ahead, formed in May 2000, grew out of the concerns that the county was changing too rapidly and citizens had little input in critical development decisions. In November 1999, hundreds of citizens participated in the Countryside Exchange, a weeklong exploration of the county’s strengths and weaknesses in the areas of business, environment, agriculture, government and recreation. A team of international experts visited the county and made dozens of recommendations for improving the county’s land-use planning and preserving the county’s quality of life.
Oldham Ahead supports the following general concepts that we believe will result in a county future generations of Oldham County residents will be proud:
- Comprehensive Land Use Planning and promotion of wise land use
- Greenways, agriculture and open space preservation policies
- The protection and enhancement of our natural and cultural resources
- The sustaining , expansion, and diversification of our economy to include our agricultural and equine sectors
- Policies to ensure that development is linked to programmed and adequate infrastructure
- Policies that ensure those who propose new developments bear or reasonably share in the costs of the public facilities and services made necessary by development
- Identification of county landscapes with the goal of revising zoning to reflect densities appropriate for the identified landscapes
- Improved recreational opportunities for all Oldham County citizens
Organization
Oldham Ahead was originally organized as Oldham County Countryside Exchange in early 1999. The primary purpose of the organization was to arrange and coordinate the Glynwood Center sponsored Countryside Exchange visit to the county in November 1999.
Over 400 county citizens participated in the highly successful visit and study by a team of international planner and economic development experts during the November 1999 visit. The team's report was released to the public in February 2000 and contained a number of recommendations that merited follow-up action.
It's mission accomplished in sponsoring the Countryside Exchange, we decided to reorganize in order to focus on implementing many of the recommendations contained in the report.
We changed our name to Oldham Ahead to reflect both the county-wide focus of our efforts, as well to highlight our positive and forward-looking focus with respect to the future of the county. The reorganization was completed in February 2001 with the filing of Articles of Incorporation with the Commonwealth.
Click here to view the Oldham Ahead Board Members and Officers.
Priorities
Oldham Ahead is currently addressing organizational and policy priorities.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with an active and experienced board. Since our formation, we have been active in a number of Oldham County government and private initiatives to improve the overall quality of life within the county.
Additionally, we are working to expand our outreach efforts to increase membership throughout Oldham County.
Oldham Ahead intends to act as a resource for citizens regarding how to create conservation easements, how to effect Transfer and Purchase of Development Rights, and other land conservation matters.
Oldham Ahead hopes to act as a positive force in county to promote the values and visions of the county's citizens and to work with local government entities to realize several important programs to enhance the future of the county.
Why We Need Your Support
There is strength in numbers. We believe that growth-related issues are a top priority for most Oldham County residents. We would like to hear from residents from every quarter of the county and from every walk of life. The larger our organization, the more we will have the ear of the county’s top officials and developers.
By joining Oldham Ahead, you
will be contributing to the betterment of the county. You will receive periodic
newsletters and notices of important public issues. You may receive support if
your community is involved in a difficult development issue. You can help shape
the future of the county.
