Downtown Development Division

*Photo care of Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Downtown BGKY is the heart of the city and a cultural destination as Corvette’s historic hometown and hub of Kentucky’s Cave Country. This thriving Downtown’s foundations are its vibrant food and drink scene, big small town charm, arts and entertainment community, growing residential opportunities, and international influence.
The Downtown Development Division’s goal is to be an economic development driver by building the best Downtown BGKY destination experience for locals and visitors. Growing connections with more opportunities internally, assistant coordinating events, and growing communication between Downtown and all of Bowling Green will elevate the Downtown BGKY brand and destination presence. Opportunities can be found from scenic Mitch McConnell Park to Western Kentucky University’s campus.
Goals include building a Downtown database for development opportunities and improved communications, an event calendar to share any happenings within Downtown or citywide event that may impact Downtown (and provide marketing strategy planning for Downtown businesses), establishing the digital and social Downtown BGKY destination brand, launching an Entertainment Destination Center with iconic BG branding, and ultimately growing existing Downtown assets appealing to young professionals, growing families, and anyone seeking a vibrant Downtown experience.
Fountain Row: Entertainment Destination Center
Downtown BGKY - Destination Site
News & Announcements
City Commission approves $21,500 in Downtown Improvement Grants matching funds for seven projects
Oct 21, 2026
This new matching funds program supports local businesses, historic preservation, beautification, and continued investment in Downtown Bowling Green.
City of BG announces 2nd Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy cohort
Sep 22, 2026
This free program connects WKU students with leadership initiatives, community service, and professional development opportunities in Downtown.
Stormwater Sewer Maintenance coming to Fountain Square later this month
Sep 17, 2026
Fountain Square is getting much needed stormwater sewer maintenance upgrades along Park Row and East Main. The job will be completed in two weekday phases, and Downtown businesses remain open and accessible.
Downtown Food Truck/Mobile Push Cart Policies
Downtown BGKY is open for Food Truck and Mobile Push Cart business! We welcome these entrepreneurs with open arms! A permit is needed to sell on Fountain Square and on the adjacent Downtown side streets (as defined in the ordinance). Specific rules for operating these businesses in these public rights-of-way also apply.
Click the button below for a full PDF containing the permit application, ordinance, and code compliance guidelines.
Telia Butler
Downtown Development Coordinator
telia.butler@bgky.org
270-393-3617
Email:
downtown@bgky.org
- September 2026 Meet Up
- August 2026 Meet Up
- July 2026 Meet Up
- May 2026 Meet Up
- April 2026 Meet Up
- March 2026 Meet Up
- February 2026 Meet Up
- January 2026 Meet Up
- November 2025 Meet Up
- October 2025 Meet Up
- September 2025 Meet Up
- August 2025 Meet Up
- May 2025 Meet Up
- April 2025 Downtown Meet Up
- February 2025 Meet Up
- October/November Meet Up
- September Meet Up
- August 2024 Meet Up
- July 2024 Meet Up
- Traffic Cabinet Art Contest Call for Art
- April 2024 Meet Up
- February 2024 Meet Up
Additional Documents
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