LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council reviewed dozens of items on its agenda during a work session Tuesday, advancing workforce development initiatives, approving infrastructure agreements and setting the stage for new fire and police incentive awards totaling nearly $8 million.

Among the most significant actions, the council approved funding agreements to strengthen the city's economic development efforts. The body authorized a Purchase of Services Agreement with economic development partner agency Commerce Lexington for $209,061.41, contingent on approval from the Lexington Economic Development Investment Board on May 5. Additionally, the council approved eight training and workforce development service contracts totaling $400,000 to be distributed among organizations including the Kable Academy, the Child Care Council of Kentucky, Building Institute of Central Kentucky, Liminal Consulting, Stable Recovery, Jubilee Jobs, Lexington Rescue Mission and IEC of the Bluegrass.

The council also moved forward with federal grant applications aimed at enhancing public safety and emergency response. A proposal to seek up to $12 million in grant funding for a new fire station was authorized, which would improve emergency response coverage and service to Bluegrass Station. Separately, the council accepted nearly $3.9 million in Fire Training Incentive Grant funding and $4 million in Police Training Incentive Grant funding, which provide supplemental pay for eligible firefighters and police officers participating in training programs.

On infrastructure, the council authorized the purchase of property at 130 West New Circle Road for $400,000, which is adjacent to a tract being redeveloped to serve as the Division of Water Quality headquarters. The body also approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Kentucky's Department of Military Affairs establishing an urban search and rescue program under House Bill 157.

Additional actions included authorization to amend the civil service structure in the Parks and Recreation Division by creating one Recreation Manager position and one Recreation Specialist Senior position, effective July 1, 2026. The council also approved a 2 percent salary increase for eligible employees included in the unified pay plan, along with specific raises for Police and Fire Chiefs and certain other positions, all effective June 29, 2026.

The work session highlighted the council's focus on supporting the city's government center development project, with presentations on the building's progress scheduled. The new downtown facility, part of a public-private partnership with the Lexington Opportunity Fund, is expected to open in 2028.