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On Tuesday, the Winchester City Commission honored some local citizens who have made a difference.

Terry Davidson, the long-time Clark County Homeless Coalition executive director, who will be retiring after 14 years, was celebrated by those in attendance.

“For over 14 years, Terri Davidson has faithfully and conscientiously served the residents of Clark County and surrounding counties as the Executive Director of Clark County Homeless Coalition,” said Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed. “Terri provided outstanding leadership to establish a team that [has] enabled CCHC to accomplish and continue accomplishing its mission.”

The Clark County Homeless Coalition has a mission to empower individuals experiencing homelessness to take control of their path.

They provide shelter, housing assistance programs, case management, and other basic needs with the vision to end homelessness and offer avenues to self-sufficiency.

Values include treating all with dignity and offering support and opportunity.

In addition to being honored for her work, Davidson received a key to the city.

“We want you to know how special you are, how much you mean to each of us, and we’re glad you passed our way,” Reed added.

The honor came as a complete surprise to Davidson.

“It was really overwhelming. I don’t know if I can express it in words…It was very very unexpected,” Davidson said.

The former executive director will still be a familiar face around Winchester.

Davidson said that she plans to still be active in the community advocating for affordable housing and volunteering to help those in need.

In addition, administrative assistant and deputy city clerk Dianna Layne was honored.

Specifically, the International Institutes of Municipal Clerks designated Layne as a Master Municipal Clerk.

An honorary plaque was presented to Layne, and City Clerk Joy Curtis delivered a pin.

Also, Tad Long – Community and Economic Development Manager for the Kentucky League of Cities – was present to speak with the city about a work plan.

“The work plan was designed specifically for city councils and city commissioners to gather together in a series of two, three, or four workshops, and talk with one another about priorities that you see for the city over the next three to five years,” Long said.

Among other benefits, prioritizing essential parts of the work plan can help with the budgeting process.

A work plan is expected to take a few months to complete, particularly true given the anticipated population of Winchester.

Plans include engaging leadership from within the community, residents and more.

“I’m going to go ahead and say I think we definitely want to do this,” Reed said. “I think we’ve already got some ideas and things we want to work on and see done…we’re ready to hit the ground.”

While taking steps forward, Mayor Reed emphasized desiring to be open with the public.

“That’s what this commission wants is to be transparent, to be accountable, be open, and let people be part of this process,” she said.

Tentatively, a contract will be drafted, and Long will be present at the next city commission meeting on March 21 at 4:00 p.m. for another session on the subject while also explaining how other communities have benefited from a work plan.