The Lexington Times

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Council to receive report, recommendations from Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness

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The Task Force has 5 priority and 15 long-term recommendations to address homelessness in Lexington.

Council will get a look at city's overhauled plan for snow and ice. See the biggest changes.

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After multiple challenging winter storms, Mayor Linda Gorton said she was "tearing up" the city's snow plan and starting over. Council will get a look at what's new Tuesday.

Council moves to extend Lexington's pause on data center development, restart zoning process

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In a lengthy public hearing, Council heard from dozens of residents who pressed for more time to get Lexington data center regulations right.

Data centers are back before Council this week. 5 things worth watching

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Council is holding a special meeting October 6th to hear from the public about draft zoning updates related to data centers. It could take action on the issue as well.

Kentucky’s voting registration deadline is approaching. Here’s what to know

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There's a few ways to register to vote before the October 5th deadline.

Council candidate guide: Who's on your ballot this fall?

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The Urban County Council helps craft the city's budget and has taken several consequential votes this year, from safer streets to data centers. Your vote shapes those decisions.

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Lexington's Nov. 3rd Election Guide: Everything local voters need to know

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Lexington voters will find races for Mayor, city council, school board, three charter questions, and many other offices on their ballots this fall. Here's how to make a plan to vote.

Mayor vetoes large-scale solar in Lexington's agricultural zones. Will Council override?

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It is only the second veto Gorton has issued during her eight years in office.

Enforcement will soon begin for new 'no parking in bike lanes' ordinance

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The City will soon issue $50 citations for stopping or parking vehicles in designated bike lanes.

Lexington's Complete Streets project moves to new phase. Here's how to get involved.

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Complete Streets has moved through its initial design phase. Now it is shifting focus to educating and engaging the community.

Council OK's large-scale solar in agricultural zones. What's next?

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Under Lexington's Charter, the Mayor has 10 days to veto ordinances and resolutions passed by Council.

As Lexington rewrites its data center rules, here's what Councilmembers are asking

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At a meeting this week, Councilmembers had several questions for city Planning staff about proposed changes to Lexington's zoning rules for data centers. What's next?

Council, public to get updates on Winchester Road Corridor Study this week

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A council committee will get a status report on the study, then the public is invited to an open house to offer feedback.

Where does Council's review of data centers stand? Here's the latest

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Councilmembers will get a data center overview during September 8th's General Government and Planning Committee. They'll also take a look at what the Planning Commission proposes for zoning updates.

Lexington's rules for drive-through businesses need a new direction. Council will review proposed updates

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The city's existing regulations for drive-through businesses haven't changed much since 1983. A Council committee will consider some proposed changes.

Lexington Mayor will appoint panel to review city's Flock camera use

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The review comes amid heightened scrutiny of Flock Safety and after a group of residents spoke out at a Council meeting on the city's partnership with the company.

Federal grant priorities are uncertain. How is Lexington coping?

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Lexington has not lost any federal grant funding to date, but the city has experienced a "close call".

Council weighs options to address $74 million accessibility backlog

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A consultant's report found Lexington needs to address roughly 19,430 accessibility issues at local parks and facilities. Now, the city needs to come up with a plan to pay for them.

Lexington parks, facilities need thousands of accessibility fixes. How should city address the backlog?

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An assessment found roughly 19,430 accessibility barriers across 188 city sites, but for practical reasons, the city can't address them all at once. It's considering a phased approach to retrofits.

Council wants to hear from Lexington residents on data centers. Here's how to engage

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An upcoming public meeting in October will give Lexington residents another avenue to reach their councilmembers about draft data center zoning rules.

Council moves to allow large-scale solar on Lexington's rural land. What would the proposed rules change?

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In a close vote this week, Council moved to create a pathway for large-scale solar projects in agricultural zones. Here's what that means.

Should Lexington allow large-scale solar on rural land? Council could make a key decision this week

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In July, Lexington's Planning Commission advised against allowing large-scale solar projects on agriculturally-zoned land. But Council has the final say, and it will discuss the issue during its Tuesday Work Session.

Street design manual heads to initial Council vote. What would it mean for Lexington travelers?

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The design manual sets out standards that put Lexington's Complete Streets policy into action.

Council committee holds drag racing ordinance for further review

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Councilmembers raised concerns about the proposed ordinance's penalties, including whether a 30-day vehicle impoundment goes too far. It will return to the committee in October.

Council will weigh Lexington property tax rates this week. Here's what to know

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On Tuesday, Council will consider options for local "ad valorem" property tax rates. How could they affect your bill?

Proposed ordinance would outlaw drag racing on Lexington streets. See what would be banned.

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The draft ordinance allows law enforcement to impound vehicles and fine owners up to $4,500 in some cases.

Lexington needs thousands of housing units. A local church is helping to fill the gap for seniors

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For years, Woodland Christian Church faced mounting maintenance costs and declining membership. Now, it's home to 38 units of affordable housing through a project its lead pastor called "a true resurrection story."

Planning Commission advises against large-scale solar on Lexington farmland. What's next?

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Lexington's Planning Commission recommended against proposed rule changes that would allow large-scale solar projects in agricultural zones. Council will have the final say.

Unlicensed Lexington short-term rentals owe thousands in fines. What is the city doing to collect?

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Four individual properties account for as much as $52,400 in unpaid fines.

Short-term rental listings have declined in Lexington. What rules has the city added in recent years?

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This week, Councilmembers will get an update on what local enforcement efforts look like.

Council advances proposed developer fees to pay for Lexington's growth. How do they work?

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A proposed 'privilege fee' system for new development could eventually help recoup hundreds of millions in infrastructure costs tied to Lexington's recent expansion.

Who should pay for Lexington's growth? Committee to consider new developer 'privilege fees'

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As Lexington's Urban Service Area expands, how should it pay for new roads, sewers and other expensive infrastructure? A new "privilege fee" paid by the developers who benefit could help answer that question.

Where does Lexington's new Government Center stand? Council gets an update this week

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Councilmembers will get an update this week on plans for a new downtown Government Center on Vine Street, including the public-private partnership it relies on.

Council approves Mayor's proposed budget. What's next?

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The newly approved budget ups spending for the city's winter storm response, and directs nearly $300 million for Public Safety, including fire, police and other divisions.

Council temporarily halts data center development in Fayette County

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Council voted unanimously to halt data center approvals until at least October 31, 2026, while it reviews how they are regulated in Fayette County.

Civic Assembly's charter proposals clear key Council hurdle

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Council advanced the citizen-led group's recommendations during a June 2nd Work Session. Pending a final vote by Council this month, they could be headed to the ballot for voters this fall.

Participatory budgeting promises residents direct control over public money. Could it work in Lexington?

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Advocates say participatory budgeting gives residents direct control over public dollars, but it has its challenges and limitations.

How is LFUCG using artificial intelligence? Council will review city's AI policy this week

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An existing LFUCG policy broadly outlines acceptable and prohibited uses for artificial intelligence for local government business. Here's what's in it.

Council moves ahead with spending priorities for security, ADA upgrades

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Lexington's Urban County Council approved several spending requests for the next city budget, including $135,098 for additional building security in city hall.

Council's city budget priorities take shape this week

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Among Councilmembers' budget requests: More than $141,000 for building security upgrades, $1 million for city vehicle fleet maintenance, and $1.5 million for ADA compliance.

Primary election results: It's Gorton vs Carter. Plus, other local race outcomes

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Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton will fight for a third term against challenger Raquel Carter in November 3rd's general election.

Fayette County voters prepare for May 19 primary election

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Fayette County voters will participate in a primary election Tuesday, May 19, to narrow the field for November's general election races for mayor, city council and judge. Polls open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lextran Proposes Microtransit Pilot for Northwest Lexington

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Lextran's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, which includes $737,964 for a microtransit pilot program in northwest Lexington, advanced toward full council approval during a May 12 work session, with potential launch this fall.

Lexington Council to Review Complete Streets Design Manual

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Lexington's Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee will review a draft Complete Streets Design Manual on Tuesday, part of the city's ongoing effort to redesign streets for safer, more accessible transportation for all users.

Lexington Code Enforcement to use AI to target problem housing areas

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Lexington Code Enforcement plans to use artificial intelligence to identify problem neighborhoods and improve housing enforcement, moving from complaint-based to proactive, data-driven oversight in collaboration with local nonprofits and the University of Kentucky.

Lexington eviction diversion program seeks stable funding source

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Lexington's eviction diversion program, which helps tenants avoid homelessness, is seeking increased funding as current money runs out. Mayor Linda Gorton has proposed $400,000 for the initiative in the coming fiscal year.

Lexington Council votes to upgrade troubled Mint Lane pump station

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Lexington City Council voted to upgrade the leaking Mint Lane pump station at its current location behind Paul Laurence Dunbar High School rather than relocate it, choosing the less expensive option to comply with EPA requirements by 2030.

Civic Assembly to present charter, pay recommendations to Council

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Lexington's first Civic Assembly will present three recommendations to council on Tuesday regarding council compensation, charter review processes, and member accountability, with potential voter approval later this year if council agrees to place them on the ballot.

Lexington Council allocates $5.2M of opioid settlement funds

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Lexington's Urban County Council allocated $5.2 million of the city's $9 million in opioid settlement funds for a community grant program and supportive housing, while leaving $3.8 million for future consideration.

LexPark seeks approval for downtown garage rate increases

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LexPark is requesting City Council approval to increase downtown garage parking rates from $1 per 18 minutes to $3 for the first 30 minutes and $4 per hour, citing $11 million in deferred maintenance and rising operational costs.

Council delays Mint Lane pump station decision pending further review

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Lexington's Urban County Council delayed a decision on relocating a leaking pump station behind Dunbar High School, requesting more information before reconvening April 28. The three proposed solutions range from $19.6 million to $48.4 million, with a controversial plan to move it to Mill Ridge Farm drawing opposition from residents concerned about circumventing development boundaries.

Lexington invests in new transit options for disabled residents

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Lexington is launching two new microtransit pilot programs to supplement its troubled Wheels paratransit service for disabled residents, with the city council committing $1.2 million to a northwest Lexington pilot launching in 2027.

Lexington Mayor Proposes $546M Budget With Focus on Winter Response

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Mayor Linda Gorton proposed a $546 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27 with no tax increases, nearly doubling snow and ice response funding following winter weather criticism while prioritizing public safety and park improvements.

Lexington mayor unveils winter storm response overhaul

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Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton announced significant changes to the city's winter storm response, including a $5.1 million budget increase and contracts with eight additional snow removal contractors, following an internal review that found operational strategy, coordination and communication failures during recent winter weather events.

Council to weigh pump station relocation options

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Lexington's Urban County Council will review options for relocating the leaking Mint Lane pump station, with costs ranging from $19 million to $48 million depending on the chosen location.

Lexington budget season underway; public input sought through April

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Lexington's budget season is underway with Mayor Linda Gorton presenting her priorities April 14th, followed by council review meetings in April and May. Residents can weigh in through a public survey, public comment sessions, and a May 14th budget hearing.

Council to review Lexington's affordable housing fund progress

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Lexington's Urban County Council will review progress on the Affordable Housing Fund, which has supported 3,826 units since 2014 despite facing obstacles including rising costs and land acquisition challenges. The city needs approximately 22,000 additional affordable housing units to meet demand.

Lexington launches civic assembly to reshape local governance

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Lexington concluded its first civic assembly, with 36 randomly selected residents recommending significant changes to city governance including higher council pay and stronger accountability measures.

Kentucky Primary on May 19 Offers Local Races, Voting Options

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Lexington voters will cast ballots on May 19 in Kentucky's primary election, with races for mayor, city council, and county offices. Kentucky has closed primaries requiring prior party affiliation changes, and voters can register until April 20.

Lexington's Civic Assembly proposes council pay raise, charter changes

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Lexington's first Civic Assembly concluded with proposals to increase council member compensation to $59,987 annually and establish a formal eight-year charter review process, pending council approval and voter ratification.

Council approves delayed solar project lease at landfill; airplane club to relocate

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Lexington's Urban County Council approved a solar energy project lease at the Haley Pike Landfill on March 26, clearing the way for construction to begin before federal tax credits expire, but the decision will displace the Lexington Model Airplane Club from its home of over 20 years.

Fayette County seeks 1,200 poll workers ahead of May primary election

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Fayette County officials are recruiting 1,200 poll workers for the May 19 primary election, which will help decide a competitive mayoral race and multiple other contests. The county is offering $250 compensation and emphasizes the need for registered voters to staff 122 voting locations.

Lexington Council Pushes for Details on Opioid Settlement Spending Plan

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Lexington Urban County Council members demanded more specific details about how the city plans to spend its $30 million in expected national opioid settlement funds, pressing officials on spending timelines and public involvement in the decision-making process.

Free legal clinics help flood victims untangle property titles for disaster aid

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Free legal clinics hosted by AppalReD Legal Aid are helping eastern Kentucky flood survivors resolve property title issues that block their access to FEMA disaster assistance, addressing a widespread problem in Appalachia where inherited land often lacks clear documentation.

Lexington officials review digital divide roadmap amid affordability crisis

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Lexington officials reviewed a digital accessibility plan showing that while high-speed internet is technically available throughout Fayette County, cost and digital skills gaps prevent 36 percent of residents from having reliable home access.

Lexington council hears opioid settlement spending plan

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Lexington city officials presented their plan to spend $30 million in national opioid settlement funds expected over 18 years, with priorities including supportive housing, treatment services, nonprofits grants and harm reduction efforts.

ONE Lexington eyes independence to sustain gun violence prevention work

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ONE Lexington presented its 2025 year-end report to the Urban County Council, detailing plans to establish itself as an independent government office while documenting continued success in reducing gun violence among youth and young adults.

Mayor overhauls leadership, scraps snow plan after winter storms

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Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton accepted the resignation of the city's top public works official and announced a complete overhaul of the city's snow removal plan Wednesday, citing repeated failures to clear streets during winter storms that have disrupted Lexington in recent months.