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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.
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.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton will fight for a third term against challenger Raquel Carter in November 3rd's general election.
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'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'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 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'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 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.
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'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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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'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.
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 concluded its first civic assembly, with 36 randomly selected residents recommending significant changes to city governance including higher council pay and stronger accountability measures.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.