When Lori Garkovich, PhD, professor in the Community Leadership Development Department, joined the faculty in the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, she said she was astounded by the lack of involvement the university had with the local horse industry. Now, some 34 years later, she believes UK has improved in that area, particularly in extension.

Garkovich wears many hats at UK, one of which is extension specialist for the Community and Leadership Development Program. In this context she advises Kentucky counties and organizations on strategic planning, economic development, community planning, and other issues.

According to Garkovich, one of the biggest issues in modern Kentucky is land use and management. There are some communities in Kentucky that don’t have planning and zoning committees, and with urbanization spreading across the state, many of them are at a loss for how to address proposed changes to the use of land in their area.

The issue affects more people than just those who can purchase or build on certain areas of land. According to Garkovich, the landscape of a county has an effect on those living in it