Manchester Tourism Commission Freezes New Applications to Prioritize Long-Term Projects

MANCHESTER, Ky. — During a meeting held Tuesday, May 6, the Manchester Tourism Commission (MTC) voted to temporarily freeze acceptance of new funding applications, effective immediately. The pause will remain in effect through the end of 2025, as the commission shifts its focus to long-term, sustainable projects aimed at making a lasting impact on the community.

Chairman Jamey Mills proposed the freeze, encouraging fellow commissioners to consider reallocating resources toward larger initiatives with broader and longer-term benefits.

“We’ve done a great job supporting a variety of local events, but we need to start thinking about bigger projects that will leave a lasting mark on Manchester,” Mills said during the meeting. “Freezing applications now gives us the opportunity to build funding toward those goals.”

Commissioner Carmen Reid echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach moving forward. “I think this is a good move,” Reid said. “It allows us to shift our focus to projects that will really help Manchester and Clay County grow for years to come.”

Despite the temporary freeze, MTC will continue to support several cornerstone community events, including the Manchester Music Festival, Shaping Clay, the Renaissance Faire, Shoot-out at Ponderosa Pines, and The Market.

In addition to the application freeze, the commission announced they are in the final phase of acquiring the historic Rice Asher General Store property, located on U.S. 421 at the entrance to downtown Manchester. Though no specific plans for the site have been finalized, Mills noted the acquisition represents a significant opportunity for future tourism development.

“We’re excited about the possibilities this property offers,” Mills added. “It’s a valuable piece of Manchester’s history, and we want to be thoughtful about how we use it to benefit the community.”

The next MTC meeting is expected to include continued discussions on strategic planning and potential uses for the newly acquired property.