Kentucky League of Cities Presents Senator Phillip Wheeler a 2026 ‘Friend of Kentucky Cities’ Award
FRANKFORT, KY – The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) presented Senator Phillip Wheeler (R- Pikeville) with a 2026 Friend of Kentucky Cities Award in recognition of his leadership and support for Kentucky’s cities during the 2026 Regular Session of the General Assembly. KLC Director of Government Affairs Gracie Kelly and KLC Government Affairs Associate Emma Wilson presented the award.
“Senator Wheeler understands that good public policy often starts with understanding the challenges communities encounter at the local level,” said KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney. “He has been responsive to the needs of Kentucky cities and has helped bring attention and support to the issues that matter to the people who live and work in them.”
Senator Wheeler helped build support in the Senate for House Bill 780, a KLC initiative addressing delays in recording deeds following master commissioner sales. These provisions were ultimately incorporated into House Bill 566 and signed into law.
“Senator Wheeler’s support helped build momentum for a solution to an issue that can create significant challenges for cities,” said KLC Director of Government Affairs Gracie Kelly. “Givingcities a process to address unrecorded commissioner deeds helps ensure property records accurately reflect ownership and provides local officials with another tool to manage properties in their communities effectively.”
KLC bestows the “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award on legislators who perform outstanding work in the legislature, advocating for issues that impact cities across the state.
