Simona Balazs is the Research Director for Blueprint Kentucky and an instructor in the Department of Agricultural Economics. She is also affiliated with the Housing Engagement and Research Initiative (HERI) and serves as the research coordinator for the national Center for Economic Analysis of Rural Health (CEARH).
With a background in applied economics and policy evaluation, Simona Balazs has more than 15 years of experience working in economic development. Her expertise includes economic impact analysis, feasibility studies, program evaluation, exploratory economic research, and community needs assessments. In addition to her applied research, Balazs is teaching Rural Spatial Economics at the University of Kentucky, has experience in coordinating teams and managing research projects, and regularly provides economic training to community stakeholders.
Scholars@UK
Providing Resources and Opportunities through Partnerships Locally (PROPEL) Initiative
Davis, A. (PI), Balazs, S. (CoI), Burton, R. (CoI) & Nall, M. (CoI)
3/1/25 → 6/30/26
Project: Research project
National Recycling, Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal
Davis, A. (PI), Balazs, S. (CoI), Bowker, S. (CoI), Kahl, D. (CoI), McDaniel, M. (CoI) & Quillian, B. (CoI)
KY Energy and Environment Cabinet
7/1/25 → 9/30/26
Project: Research project
Economic Impact of Circular Economy
Davis, A. (PI) & Balazs, S. (CoI)
KY Energy and Environment Cabinet
2/1/25 → 9/30/26
Project: Research project
FY24 UP-Economic Impact of CHFS C4383
Davis, A. (PI) & Balazs, S. (CoI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/23 → 6/30/24
Project: Research project
To Support Integration of Creative Placemaking into Cooperative Extension Programming
Koo, J. (PI), Balazs, S. (CoI), Barton, J. (CoI), Bond, M. (CoI), Fraser, M. (CoI) & Sandwick, R. (CoI)
National Endowment for the Arts
8/1/19 → 4/30/22
Project: Research project