David Yates Sworn in as Jefferson County Clerk
Published on October 09, 2025
David Yates officially took the oath of office as the new Jefferson County Clerk on October 8, 2025. The ceremony was held at the rotunda in Metro Hall, with a large gathering of family, friends, and local dignitaries in attendance to witness the momentous occasion. Yates, known for his dedication to public service and community involvement, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to serve the residents of Jefferson County.
In his inaugural speech, he said, “My approach is rooted in transparency and communication, and I'm thrilled to bring modern technology to not only improve security but to streamline services, making it more accessible and efficient for everyone," Yates said.
As he begins his tenure, Yates plans to focus on several key initiatives, including expanding digital access to records, streamlining voter registration processes, and improving customer service. His vision aims to make the clerk's office more accessible and user-friendly for all residents.
Yates previously held positions as a Metro Councilmember, served as the Metro Council President, and was a State Senator.
His extensive experience in public office has equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Jefferson County. Yates is particularly passionate about fostering community engagement and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Throughout his career, Yates has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to advocating for policies that benefit the community. He is well-respected by colleagues and constituents alike for his forward-thinking approach and his ability to bring people together to find common solutions.
Looking forward, Yates is eager to collaborate with local organizations and residents to address pressing issues such as voter education, accessibility, and transparency in government operations. He is committed to building a clerk's office that not only meets the needs of today but is also prepared to adapt to future challenges.
The Jefferson County Clerk's Office is proud to announce that it has received the Best IT Collaboration Among Organizations award from Government Technology. This honor recognizes the successful launch of the Sixty-Year Project, a transformative initiative aimed at digitizing and streamlining access to decades of land records.
The Sixty Year Project was developed in response to House Bill 1, which mandates that all counties digitize land records dating back to 1966. To meet this requirement and better serve the public, the Clerk's Office partnered with ArcaSearch, a trusted name in digital archiving, to develop a robust, user-friendly tool that allows individuals to search for land records quickly and efficiently.
“This award from Government Technology recognizes not only technical innovation but also the power of collaboration between government entities and private partners to deliver meaningful public service improvements,” said Bobbie Holsclaw, Jefferson County Clerk.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of September 2025. At this point, residents and researchers alike will benefit from a comprehensive, searchable database of over six decades of land records. The Jefferson County Clerk's Office team accepted this award at the KY Digital Government Summit on June 10.
Jefferson County Clerk's Office wins the Best IT Collaboration Among Organizations Award for “Sixty-Year Project.