Lexington, Kentucky, January 30, 2026
In her recent address, Mayor Linda Gorton of Lexington, Kentucky, showcased the city’s achievements in public safety, revealing a 10.8% decrease in violent crime and record employment levels. Significant investments in industrial parks and community initiatives, including violence prevention and affordable housing projects, further underscore Lexington’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The address marks a pivotal moment for the city, reflecting ongoing efforts to drive economic growth and ensure safer communities.
Lexington, Kentucky
Mayor Linda Gorton delivered her annual State of the City-County address on January 29, 2026, highlighting significant progress in public safety and economic development. She announced a 10.8% decrease in violent crime and record employment levels in Fayette County.
Crime Reduction Achievements
In 2025, Lexington experienced a 10.8% reduction in violent crime, including a 13% decrease in homicides and a 26% drop in robberies. The Real Time Intelligence Center expanded its operations, contributing to the closure of a 27-year-old cold case. Property crimes also declined by 8.7%, with motor vehicle thefts down 15.7%. These improvements are attributed to technology-intensive, precision-based, and intelligence-led policing strategies.
Economic Growth and Employment
Fayette County reached a historic employment milestone in 2025, with 171,656 individuals employed. The city invested in two new industrial parks: Legacy Business Park, a 200-acre light industrial park on Georgetown Road, and the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority, a 300-acre regional industrial park in Berea. These developments are expected to create nearly 1,700 jobs and generate an annual payroll of $100 million.
Public Safety and Community Initiatives
The fire department implemented a $1 million alerting system integrated with E-911, reducing response times. Additionally, in partnership with the Kentucky Blood Center, Lexington ambulances now carry whole blood for on-scene transfusions, a capability available to only 1-2% of emergency medical services nationwide. Firefighters have administered blood over 20 times since the program’s launch in June 2025.
One Lexington’s violence prevention efforts led to a 60% reduction in youth violence since 2021. In 2025, the city invested nearly $200,000 in violence prevention initiatives through grants to nonprofits and the school system.
Investments in Parks and Housing
Utilizing federal American Rescue Plan funding and local resources, the city invested over $29 million in parks projects in 2025. Notable completions include Cardinal Run North, Kelley’s Landing, the reopened Douglass Aquatic Center, and the revitalized Phoenix Park downtown. The city also constructed 231 affordable housing units, primarily for seniors aged 55 and over, bringing the total to 3,826 units preserved or built, with plans to reach 4,000 units by year’s end.
Background
Mayor Gorton’s address reflects Lexington’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety, fostering economic growth, and improving quality of life for its residents. The city’s strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and community programs aim to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Lexington.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the percentage decrease in violent crime in Lexington in 2025?
In 2025, Lexington experienced a 10.8% reduction in violent crime.
How many people were employed in Fayette County in 2025?
In 2025, Fayette County reached a historic employment milestone with 171,656 individuals employed.
What is the Legacy Business Park?
The Legacy Business Park is a 200-acre light industrial park on Georgetown Road, expected to create nearly 1,700 jobs and generate an annual payroll of $100 million.
What is the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority?
The Central Kentucky Business Park Authority is a 300-acre regional industrial park in Berea, developed in partnership with Berea, Madison County, and Scott County, expected to attract larger employers and spread economic benefits across the region.
How many affordable housing units were constructed in Lexington in 2025?
In 2025, the city constructed 231 affordable housing units, primarily for seniors aged 55 and over, bringing the total to 3,826 units preserved or built, with plans to reach 4,000 units by year’s end.
Key Features of Lexington’s Recent Developments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Crime Reduction | 10.8% decrease in violent crime, including a 13% decrease in homicides and a 26% drop in robberies in 2025. |
| Employment | Historic employment milestone with 171,656 individuals employed in Fayette County in 2025. |
| Industrial Parks | Development of Legacy Business Park (200 acres) and Central Kentucky Business Park Authority (300 acres) to create nearly 1,700 jobs and generate an annual payroll of $100 million. |
| Public Safety Innovations | Implementation of a $1 million alerting system and whole-blood transfusion program in ambulances, with over 20 administrations since June 2025. |
| Affordable Housing | Construction of 231 affordable housing units, primarily for seniors aged 55 and over, bringing the total to 3,826 units preserved or built, with plans to reach 4,000 units by year’s end. |
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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.
