During last week’s State of the City Address, Bowling Green (BG) Mayor Mike Aspacher addressed a variety of topics, including the country’s 250th anniversary, public safety and schools.

At the start of the speech on Feb. 19, Aspacher mentioned that it was the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Local organizations and community partners are planning multiple events, like BG Boom Fireworks and Celebration on July 3. 

The Utilities and Public Works Department

• They will keep repairing streets and sidewalks by utility work, improving drainage, expanding ADA access and more.

Electric System

• Utilities and engineering will focus on projects that connect people and protect infrastructure, like construction of the Brim Road shared-use path linking schools to the neighborhood, residential paving projects and design work for future intersection improvements.
• The Information Technology (IT) department is working on infrastructure projects that help prepare BG for growth, and the Planning Department helps with guiding it. 

Planning Department

• Modernize city processes by updating subdivision and access regulations, expanding digital permitting and introducing new tools.
• The city has also invested significant time and effort in business retention, recognizing that the majority of economic growth in communities is.
• The focus is on reinvestment, responsiveness and downtown vitality, making sure that BG is prepared for opportunities that arise.

Fire Divison 

• Voters recently approved funding for equipment upgrades and the construction of two new fire stations. 
• There will be one on Newton Road near the Community Center and the other one on Campbell Hill Road at Carter Park, near the water tower.
• The city plans to begin construction later this spring and complete it by mid to late 2027

Police Division

• After crews complete the fire stations, the city will renovate the police station.
• The police division will temporarily move to the former Court Street fire station while crews renovate the building from 2027 to 2028.
• The BG police have renewed their emphasis on community policing, encouraging officers to spend more time out of their vehicles and engage directly with residents and businesses.

Bowling Green High School

• Voters approved the levy in May, allowing construction of the new Bowling Green High School to continue.

Parks and Recreation Department

• The Parks and Recreation Department updated the five-year master plan with community input playing a role.
• Later this fall, residents will have an opportunity to consider a Parks and Recreation funding question.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• With SNAP reductions creating increased pressure on local families, the city allocated emergency funding to support community partners working to maintain food access, ensuring that community partners delivered assistance effectively.
• The city is partnering with regional agencies and local organizations to distribute resources responsibly.

In his closing remarks, Aspacher recognized the focus the community has on tradition.

“We recognize the responsibility that comes with that tradition. I am proud of where Bowling Green stands today,” Aspacher said.