Community Renewal

Community Development Initiative
The Hindman/Knott County Community Development Initiative (CDI) began in 1997 when a volunteer group of Hindman and Knott County leaders and citizens began meeting at the Hindman Settlement School to develop a strategic plan to diversify Knott County’s economy by building on the cultural strengths of the area. With this theme in mind, the group put together a competitive proposal entitled, “Using Our Heritage to Build Tomorrow’s Community.”

Once designated as a CDI Community, the CDI Steering Committee spent several months developing a Master Plan based on their proposal.

Over $20 million in projects received funding as part of this national, award-winning initiative. These projects include: construction of a new city hall and welcome center; renovation of a downtown building into the Kentucky Appalachian Artisan Center; building of the Knott County Opportunity Center which houses a branch of Hazard Community and Technical College, the Knott County Public Library, the Knott County Adult Learning Center, a day care center, distance learning classrooms and county offices; creation of the Kentucky School of Craft (part of Hazard Community and Technical College) and implementation of over $10 million in infrastructure improvements.

Infrastructure Improvements
Infrastructure projects include: construction of several new bridges and parking areas; renovation of downtown properties into business incubators; building a pedestrian walkway from the Knott County Opportunity Center through the Hindman Settlement School campus to the new bridge between the Knott County Human Services Center and the Settlement’s May Stone Building; and improvements to downtown Hindman as part of the Mainstreet Association.

Serving our Community
Mike Mullins, Executive Director of the Settlement School, chaired the Hindman/Knott County Community Development Initiative Steering Committee. He has been part of the CDI from the very beginning and the Hindman Settlement School has provided significant support as well as donated land for this initiative. 

The Hindman/Knott County Community Development Initiative (CDI) received the 2004 Government Award of the Governor’s Awards in the Arts. This award is given to a government entity located in Kentucky that has shown significant support for the arts through government action.