Lexington, October 10, 2025
News Summary
In her State of the Community address, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton outlined her vision for the city, focusing on public safety, economic development, affordable housing, and quality-of-life improvements. Highlights included advancements in crime-solving through Flock safety cameras, record employment figures, and the addition of 577 affordable living spaces. Plans for new business parks aim to foster economic growth while enhancing park facilities for recreational use. The mayor continues her commitment to a safer, more thriving Lexington.
Lexington
In her annual State of the Community address, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton outlined her vision for the city’s future, focusing on important issues such as public safety, economic development, affordable housing, and quality-of-life initiatives. The address took place at Mane on Main, where it was attended by members of the Rotary Club of Lexington, guests, and media representatives. The event wrapped up at 1 p.m., providing a platform for the mayor to discuss key developments and goals for the city.
Mayor Gorton, who is currently in her second term and is the longest-serving council member in Lexington, noted several advancements in public safety. The city has employed more Flock safety cameras and has reinforced staffing at the real-time intelligence center, which has been pivotal in enhancing the efficacy of crime-solving measures. As a result, Gorton reported an increase in the success rates of homicide case investigations and faster recovery of stolen vehicles.
On the economic front, Fayette County hit a remarkable milestone in October 2024, reporting the highest employment figures in history with 174,328 individuals in the workforce. Following the pandemic, Lexington has experienced a 5.5% growth rate, the highest in the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank District. A newly established Davis Park Workforce Center is set to assist in connecting job seekers with local businesses while supporting economic growth.
Future plans include the development of two new business parks, with the Legacy Business Park anticipated to generate approximately 1,700 jobs. Additionally, a joint venture with Berea and several counties will see the creation of a 300-acre public regional business park that will share tax revenues, promoting a collaborative economic environment.
The urgent need for affordable housing was also a significant concern addressed by the mayor, who emphasized that Lexington has added 577 affordable living spaces over the past year. This initiative is part of the city’s broader commitment to ensuring that housing remains accessible for all residents.
In terms of recreational improvements, Gorton highlighted advancements in city parks, noting that Cardinal Run North and Kelley’s Landing are significant new developments. Furthermore, Douglass Park is expected to receive a new pool by 2025, in addition to upgrades across playgrounds, trails, and sports courts throughout the city.
Mayor Gorton was re-elected for her second term in 2022 and continues to focus on making Lexington a safer, more economically thriving, and community-focused city.
Key Highlights from Mayor Gorton’s Address
- Public Safety: Enhanced use of Flock safety cameras and increased intelligence staff has improved crime-solving.
- Economic Development: Highest employment rate in history; establishment of new business parks and workforce centers.
- Affordable Housing: Addition of 577 new affordable living spaces in the past year.
- Quality-of-Life Initiatives: Park upgrades and new facilities to enhance recreation options for residents.
FAQ
What are the main topics covered in the State of the Community address?
The address focused on public safety, economic development, affordable housing, and quality-of-life improvements.
What measures are being taken to improve public safety in Lexington?
The city has increased the use of Flock safety cameras and staff in the real-time intelligence center, contributing to higher success rates in homicide cases and quicker recovery of stolen vehicles.
What recent economic developments were highlighted by Mayor Gorton?
Fayette County achieved its highest employment figure with over 174,000 individuals employed, and there are plans for new business parks that could generate thousands of jobs.
How has Lexington addressed affordable housing?
Lexington has added 577 affordable living spaces in the past year, addressing the urgent need for accessible housing in the city.
What improvements are being made to city parks?
Improvements include new developments like Cardinal Run North and Kelley’s Landing, as well as upcoming enhancements in facilities such as a new pool in Douglass Park by 2025.
Summary Chart
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Safety | Increased use of Flock cameras, improved crime-solving rates. |
| Employment | Highest employment in history with 174,328 people. |
| Economic Growth | 5.5% growth rate since pandemic, new business parks to create jobs. |
| Affordable Housing | 577 new affordable living spaces added in the past year. |
| Parks and Recreation | Enhancements include new parks and upcoming pool in Douglass Park by 2025. |
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Additional Resources
- WTVQ: Mayor Shares Vision in State of Community Address
- Spectrum News 1: Lexington City & County Address
- WKYT: Mayor Gorton Declares State of Emergency
- LEX18: Lexington Mayor Honors Chef and Actor
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Mayor Looks Back on 2024
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky news
- Google Scholar: Lexington Kentucky community address
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington
- Google News: Lexington Kentucky updates
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
