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Lexington's Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Committee reviewed research findings showing that Town Branch Commons reduced stormwater runoff by 29 percent while delivering social and environmental benefits to downtown residents.
The Planning Commission Subdivision Committee approved two major mixed-use development projects Thursday, including a multifamily building near UK and a commercial site on Nicholasville Road, while postponing a third project pending zoning compliance clarification.
The Lexington Planning Commission's Zoning Committee postponed decisions on multiple development projects including a proposed 10-story student housing complex downtown and an expansion of The Commons development on the city's west side.
The Public Arts Commission approved $20,000 in funding for a stained-glass quilt garden featuring 11 sculptures at the Lexington Senior Center, with the project expected to take about three months to complete following artist procurement of specialty glass.
Lexington has no retainer with seven of its eight backup snow contractors — nothing obligates them to plow city streets before commercial lots — and the acting public works commissioner says the budget likely can't fix it before this winter. The admission came during an Aug. 27 progress report on the city's from-scratch snow plan rewrite, due in October.
Lexington city officials presented a revised snow and ice control plan to the Urban County Council addressing problems identified in January's ice storm response. The plan includes new communication protocols, tablet-based route tracking, and a formal incident command structure.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council held its Thursday meeting and advanced a major solar zoning amendment on second reading that would allow large-scale solar projects on agricultural land under strict conditions, while addressing budget amendments and personnel matters.
The Lexington-Fayette Planning Commission postponed development decisions on the Two Keys restaurant project and a Mt. Laurel Lands Company warehouse proposal, citing unmet requirements and application deficiencies.
Lexington's Transportation Policy Committee approved a resolution Wednesday to fund Lextran's first-ever long-range transit plan, a 25-year strategic study to guide future public transportation expansion and improvements in the region.
The Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness debated the merits of a mobile intake center versus a permanent facility on August 26, with members divided over whether an itinerant model would adequately serve homeless residents seeking services.
The Rural Land Management Board is urging the Urban County Council to reconsider its 8-7 vote allowing large-scale solar farms on agricultural land, preparing a detailed white paper for council members before the final vote on September 10.
The city's Technical Review Committee approved three phases of a major Clark Property subdivision project on Polo Club Boulevard, paving the way for 38 single-family residential lots while addressing ongoing questions about lot numbering requirements in multi-phase developments.
Lexington's Urban County Council reviewed a comprehensive ADA transition plan addressing accessibility barriers at city facilities and parks, with potential costs exceeding $74 million over 20 years, while also approving nearly $3.8 million in water infrastructure grant funding.
Lexington's Budget Committee reviewed July 2026 financial data, finding revenues slightly below budget due to timing issues and year-end closing adjustments, including an $8 million accrual from a taxpayer payment delay.
The Planning Commission reviewed the Winchester Road Corridor Study, which found serious safety concerns and strong community support for reinvestment along the 5.8-mile corridor stretching from downtown to Bahama Road. The commission also discussed industrial and downtown zoning ordinance amendments.
Betty Kerr, director of historic preservation for Lexington for 35 years, held her final Board of Architectural Review meeting on Wednesday before retiring at the end of August.
The Lexington Urban County Council voted to amend a solar ordinance on Tuesday, allowing large-scale solar projects in certain agricultural zones under conditions including maintained agricultural production and environmental protections, after the Planning Commission had recommended against such projects.
Lexington traffic officials are considering improvements to the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, which addresses resident concerns about speeding on residential streets, including online request portals and streamlined voting methods.
The Urban County Planning Commission will consider a 594-unit White Farm residential development and a Two Keys tavern expansion plan on August 13, with the Subdivision Committee recommending approval of White Farm subject to conditions and postponement of Two Keys due to concerns about dumpster access.
Lexington's Urban County Council considered 16 ordinances on first reading Thursday, focusing on fiscal year 2027 budget appropriations, staffing adjustments, zoning changes, and new municipal programs including a sick leave bank.
The Police and Fire Pension Fund Board reviewed strong second-quarter investment returns that brought the fund's assets to nearly $1.1 billion, with domestic and international equities each gaining about 13 percent during the period.
Lexington's Social Services and Public Safety Committee held a proposed drag racing ordinance for revisions, with the measure aiming to impose fines and vehicle impoundments on those engaged in street racing and reckless driving exhibitions.
Lexington's Urban County Council heard public testimony on concerns about neighborhood redevelopment and displacement in the East End while approving new employee benefit programs including a sick leave bank initiative.
Lexington's homelessness task force held a public input meeting to present draft recommendations for restructuring the city's emergency shelter system and services, proposing to shift focus toward underserved populations like families and seniors while adding hundreds of new beds.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Board of Adjustment heard multiple zoning variance requests and conditional use appeals on August 10, including fence height modifications, driveway adjustments, and short-term rental permits across the city.
Lexington's Planning Commission Zoning Committee reviewed multiple zoning amendment requests on August 6, including a downtown condominium project and large mixed-use developments on the city's edges.
The Urban County Planning Commission's Subdivision Committee recommended approval of a 594-unit White Farm residential development on Richmond Road, though developers must address 15 requirements and obtain waivers before the project can proceed.
Lexington's Public Arts Commission approved the site for a major gateway sign in the Distillery District, a 75-foot steel structure that will mark the entrance to the increasingly popular downtown entertainment venue.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission voted 7-2 to recommend approval of new zoning regulations that would ban major data centers over 50,000 square feet and restrict smaller facilities to industrial zones with strict distance requirements from residential areas.
Lexington's homelessness task force debated shelter expansion plans on July 29, with disagreement over whether to consolidate services at Versailles Road or maintain separate facilities. The task force will present recommendations at an August 11 town hall.
The LFUCG Technical Review Committee approved nine development and subdivision projects on July 29 while postponing seven others, including Griffen Gate Center's hotel expansion.
The Urban County Planning Commission on July 23 approved zone changes for a trade school and residential subdivision while rejecting a 100-unit apartment project that tied in voting. The commission also adopted the Downtown Area Master Plan after hearing community concerns about displacement.
The Water Quality Fees Board approved a $60,000 change order to continue a Kentucky American Water project aimed at preventing trash from contaminating Jacobson Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to east Lexington residents.
The Lexington Board of Architectural Review approved eight Certificate of Appropriateness applications on July 22 for construction and renovation projects in historic districts, while community members expressed opposition to a proposed fence design on Old Todds Road.
The Rural Land Management Board approved construction of a swimming pool on a rural property and authorized offers on multiple farms as part of its farmland preservation efforts.
Lexington planners examined placemaking strategies emphasizing community ownership, reviewed the Downtown Area Master Plan calling for 2,500 new housing units and addressed proposed restrictions on large data centers at a July 16 work session.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend against allowing large-scale solar energy systems in agricultural zones, rejecting a Council proposal that would have permitted such projects with conditions. The recommendation will return to the full Council in August.
The Lexington Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Board addressed housing system improvements, provider challenges, and new federal policy changes during its July 8 meeting, with focus on serving seniors and families experiencing homelessness.
The Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness continued its work in July to develop comprehensive solutions for the city's growing homelessness crisis, building on earlier plans that include a potential 500-bed shelter expansion and millions in allocated funding.
Lexington's Police and Fire Pension subcommittee approved four cost-of-living adjustment scenarios for actuarial study, balancing retiree financial security against mounting city pension obligations and unfunded liabilities.
The Lexington Police and Fire Pension Fund surpassed $1.1 billion in assets, and the board honored Treasurer Chad Hancock for 25 years of service while approving retirements, disability benefits, and an accelerated financial study.
Lexington's Public Arts Commission met July 7 to discuss a mural project for the MLK underpass and tabled a proposal to expand its scope to include additional surface area, pending further research and state coordination.
The Lexington Urban County Council honored veteran music critic Walter Tunis for his 46-year career at the Lexington Herald-Leader, while addressing public concerns about extreme heat affecting homeless residents in the community.
The Planning Commission Subdivision Committee approved four development projects on July 2 while postponing the Lane Allen Park subdivision over stormwater and roadway concerns.
The Planning Commission's Zoning Committee approved a zone change allowing Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 452 to operate a trade school at its former headquarters on Harrodsburg Road, and modified solar energy regulations to restrict large and intermediate-scale solar development in agricultural zones.
The General Government and Planning Committee heard enforcement updates on the city's short-term rental program, which currently manages 787 active listings and has collected $118,600 in licensing fees, and received presentations on plans to redevelop an industrial area near Interstate 75.
The Lexington Urban County Council approved $1.9 million in equipment purchases for the city's Materials Recovery Facility, authorized 2 percent pay increases for municipal employees, and created new recreation department positions during its July 1 meeting.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved zoning changes for mixed-use development near Chair and Heyman avenues and authorized budget amendments and tax incentive modifications during a July 1 work session.
Lexington's Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Committee met June 5 to discuss the Complete Streets Manual, stormwater management techniques and the impacts of climate change on local precipitation and flooding risks.
The Rural Land Management Board discussed proposed large-scale solar ordinance amendments and moved forward with opening applications for its Small Farm Conservation Easement Program, while improving lending documents to facilitate farm preservation.
Lexington's Technical Review Committee approved four development projects on June 24 while addressing nine postponed proposals, including the Coldstream Research Campus expansion and several other significant commercial and residential plans.
Lexington's fiscal 2026 revenue is tracking just 1 percent away from budget as the June 30 year-end approaches, with underlying economic growth of 4.8 percent despite tight overall projections.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved a tech internship pilot program and several other contracts during a June 23 work session, aiming to boost local technology employment while supporting services in corrections, environmental education, and crisis response.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council held confirmation hearings on June 18 for three Board of Adjustment reappointments and one Ethics Commission appointment, with retired UK music director Harry Clark emphasizing his administrative experience and support for the city's updated short-term rental ordinance.
The Lexington Urban County Council advanced three charter amendments to the November ballot, including proposals to cap council member salaries at $59,987, establish regular charter reviews, and create public attendance standards.
The Planning Commission reviewed the first draft of Lexington's Downtown Area Master Plan, developed with input from over 2,200 community members. The plan proposes growth strategies including 450-900 new housing units, improved retail and hospitality options, expanded green space, and better transportation connections.
Lexington's Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness approved draft recommendations to establish a centralized shelter campus serving families, seniors and people with disabilities, with a public forum scheduled for August 11 and final recommendations targeted for September.
The Courthouse Area Design Review Board denied a proposal to modify window openings and install bifold doors at the historic Northern Bank Building downtown, citing conflict with preservation guidelines for the National Register-listed structure.
Lexington's Board of Architectural Review approved 35 historic preservation projects across nine districts on June 17, including renovations to fire-damaged structures in Seven Parks and other maintenance work, while celebrating the retirements of long-serving chair Jim Dickinson and vice chair Susan Hill.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved workforce development contracts, federal grant proposals for fire services, property purchases for water quality infrastructure and salary increases for city employees during a Tuesday work session.
Lexington's Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee advanced a new Complete Streets Design Manual to standardize how streets accommodate all transportation modes, while also hearing about the expansion of the Solarize Lexington solar installation program to five surrounding counties.
The Urban County Planning Commission will consider a 288-unit multifamily development on Winchester Road and other subdivision plans at a June 11 hearing, with several projects requiring additional review before approval.
The Urban County Council authorized funding for the expanded Solarize Lexington solar panel program and approved $1.94 million in recycling equipment upgrades during a Tuesday work session.
Global Lex presented a progress update to the Social Services & Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, highlighting its expanded multilingual services for Lexington's rapidly growing international population. The office, led by newly appointed Executive Director Dr. Basel Touchan, served residents from at least 15 countries and offered services in nine languages during its first four months of the year.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council unanimously imposed a temporary moratorium on data center development through October 31 and initiated a zoning ordinance review to regulate the facilities.
A Lexington Solar Work Group presented proposed amendments to the city's solar energy zoning ordinance on June 9, recommending stronger farmland protections, agricultural production requirements, and new pathways for solar development on brownfield properties as the city pursues net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Board of Adjustment heard zoning appeals on June 8, recommending disapproval for two residential variance requests while approving several conditional use permits for short-term rentals and commercial expansions.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council will vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget's first reading and hold a public hearing on a Red Mile Tax Increment Financing expansion during its June 4 meeting.
Lexington's Planning Commission Subdivision Committee reviewed plans for a 288-unit residential development at Patchen Wilkes on Winchester Road, recommending approval subject to 22 outstanding requirements. The project is part of a larger mixed-use development that includes a proposed Kroger Marketplace.
The Lexington-Fayette Planning Commission Zoning Committee unanimously recommended approval Wednesday for variances needed to open a coffee shop and record store at 500 Southland Drive, after the developer made safety improvements to address city concerns.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved recommendations from Lexington's first Civic Assembly to increase council pay to nearly $60,000 annually, mandate charter reviews every eight years, and establish public accountability expectations.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government held a committee meeting to review its artificial intelligence policy, with council members expressing concerns about data privacy and the need for oversight as the city balances innovation with transparency.
Lexington's Public Arts Commission approved a $100,000 sculpture project for the Breeders' Cup, the Shropshire Asphalt Art Project Phase Two, and heard plans for integrating public art into The Railyard, a mixed-use development on Delaware Avenue.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved legislation to abolish the Opioid Abatement Commission and expand the Red Mile Development Area tax increment financing district, while advancing multiple zoning changes and approving budget priorities.
Lexington's Planning Commission postponed Mt. Laurel Lands Company's request to rezone Old Paris Road property for specialty trade shops after finding the applicant failed to meet notice requirements and the development plan did not meet dozens of code standards.
The Lexington Rural Land Management Board approved construction of two primary residences on protected farmland and updated regulations for small farm operations at its May 27 meeting.
Lexington's Technical Review Committee approved seven development projects and postponed three others Tuesday, including major proposals for Coldstream Research Campus and Masterson Station Center, as various projects advance through the local planning review process.
The Lexington Urban County Council unanimously approved six fiscal year 2027 budget amendments on Tuesday, allocating funds for building security, digital accessibility initiatives, and other services.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved a $725,000 Lextran microtransit pilot for northwest Lexington on May 26 while facing community criticism over security spending and downtown planning engagement.
Lexington's Planning Commission reviewed drafts of three major planning initiatives May 21: the Blue Sky industrial area plan, downtown revitalization strategy, and solar energy regulations, with particular debate over industrial solar farms on agricultural land.
The Board of Architectural Review approved a side porte cochere for a South Ashland Avenue home with conditions requiring simplified design details and rearward positioning to protect the historic structure's appearance.
The Courthouse Area Design Review Board postponed a decision Wednesday on modifications to the historic Northern Bank Building at 249 West Short Street, requesting detailed architectural plans before considering the proposal to enlarge windows and install bifold doors.
Lexington's Planning Commission work group met to review a proposed solar ordinance that would allow large-scale solar farms on agricultural land, marking a reversal from last year's prohibition. The group must recommend approval or denial by July 9.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved zoning changes and a $424,000 wastewater treatment plant contract, recognized Lexington Catholic's track and field dominance, and heard public concerns about CASA Lexington funding during Thursday's meeting.
The Urban County Planning Commission approved revised development plans for the Bryant Property apartment complex and a mixed-use building at the Montmullin Street location, each with multiple conditions.
The Lexington Police and Fire Pension Board approved two service retirements and several disability benefit applications on May 13, while honoring firefighters Billy Ray Morgan and Robert Somers who recently passed away.
The Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness outlined a comprehensive plan to address rising homelessness in Lexington, proposing $3.9 million in funding and a restructured shelter system centered on expanding services at the Versailles Road campus.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved a $1.3 million fire apparatus purchase and voted to schedule a public hearing for a Red Mile TIF project expansion during a Tuesday work session. The council also approved the abolishment of the Opioid Abatement Commission, sparking discussion over future handling of opioid settlement funds.
Lexington's Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee reviewed the city's data-driven pavement management plan, a draft Complete Streets Design Manual aimed at making streets safer for all users, and updates on environmental compliance efforts.
Public Arts Commissioner Garry Bibbs pushed staff at the May 5 meeting to give the commission visibility into who sits on selection committees for major public art projects and what their qualifications are, citing the $900,000 'A Common Thread' sculpture downtown as a project the body had no insight into. Another commissioner called the courthouse-plaza piece 'a bit of a one-off' tied to the 250th-anniversary committee and said the commission would be 'looped into everything' going forward.
Lexington's Planning Commission Zoning Committee approved four zoning amendments Thursday, including an industrial-to-mixed-use conversion and revisions to the Economic Development Zone, while postponing three others pending further review.
Lexington's Planning Commission Subdivision Committee approved three subdivision projects May 7 while postponing five others, with neighbors strongly opposing the Two Keys property development over concerns about a planned patio's noise and privacy impacts.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved $375,000 for the Rides United transportation pilot and authorized broadband infrastructure installation at Legacy Business Park.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's Social Services and Public Safety Committee reviewed progress on affordable housing, family services, and food access initiatives at its May 5 meeting.
The Lexington Urban County Council approved zoning changes and budget amendments while residents voiced privacy concerns about the city's network of Flock license plate reader cameras during a contentious public comment period.
Lexington's Planning Commission held a work session to review the Blue Sky Small Area Plan, nearing completion of a comprehensive blueprint for the industrial area home to 150 businesses and over 1,000 jobs. The plan proposes phased infrastructure improvements including sidewalks, traffic safety features, and utility upgrades.
The Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Transportation Policy Committee adopted a $1.5 million Fiscal Year 2027 Unified Planning Work Program in Nicholasville, establishing regional transportation planning priorities including major corridor studies and performance target updates.
The LFUCG Technical Review Committee approved 10 development and subdivision plans while postponing four others, including the Turner Commons project at Meadowthorpe Community Business Center.
Lexington's Urban County Council voted 10-5 to approve a $19.6 million overhaul of the existing Mint Lane sewer pump station, rejecting a costlier proposal to relocate it to Mill Ridge Farm that had sparked debate over farmland preservation.
Lexington's General Government and Planning Committee approved three charter amendment recommendations from the city's first Civic Assembly, including proposals to raise council pay to $59,987, establish regular charter reviews every eight years, and enhance council accountability measures.
The Urban County Planning Commission approved zoning changes for multiple Lexington properties including Bread and Roses LLC and a solar facility at Haley Pike Landfill, while postponing a South Broadway development petition.
The Rural Land Management Board approved appraisals for six farms and new small farm easements while wrestling with proposed solar energy zoning changes that would allow large-scale installations on prime farmland.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved $5.2 million in opioid settlement funding Tuesday, directing $3 million toward community grants for nonprofits and $2.2 million for homelessness task force recommendations.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council advanced Mayor Gorton's proposed $546.9 million FY2027 budget while reviewing strong Q3 financial results that showed a $429,000 surplus through March 2026.
Lexington homeowners and contractors showcased a permeable driveway retrofit project at the Stormwater Stakeholders Advisory Committee meeting, presenting grass pavers as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional driveways that reduces stormwater runoff while maintaining parking functionality.