Lexington mayor outlines growth, safety gains and future investments in state of the city address
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton used her annual State of the City and County address Thursday to reflect on what she says is a year of progress — and to lay out where the city is headed next, focusing on economic growth, public safety, housing and long-term infrastructure.
Speaking downtown, Gorton told community leaders and residents that after celebrating Lexington’s 250th anniversary in 2025, the city is now “redoubling its focus on the future,” highlighting strong employment numbers, major development projects and new investments aimed at keeping Lexington moving forward.
City officials say Fayette County hit a record high for employment last year, with more than 171,000 people working locally. Gorton pointed to two new industrial parks — including the Legacy Business Park on Georgetown Road — expected to bring nearly 1,700 jobs and $100 million in annual payroll once fully developed, according to the mayor’s office.
Gorton state of city county
Regional partnerships are also playing a bigger role, with Lexington joining Madison and Scott counties in creating Central Kentucky’s first public regional industrial park in Berea — a move Gorton said will help attract larger employers and spread economic benefits across the region.
Public safety was another major theme.
Gorton said investments in technology and staffing are paying off, with violent crime down more than 10% last year and gun violence involving young people dropping sharply for the fourth straight year. The city’s Real Time Intelligence Center, expanded DNA testing and upgraded emergency response systems were credited with helping solve crimes faster — including closing a 27-year-old cold case.
Lexington’s fire department has also taken major steps forward, including new dispatch technology and a whole-blood transfusion program that allows firefighters to give lifesaving blood at emergency scenes — something only a small percentage of EMS agencies nationwide currently do.
Housing and homelessness efforts remain a priority as well.
The city currently has more than 230 affordable housing units under construction, many geared toward seniors, with nearly $60 million in public funds leveraged into hundreds of millions in private development since 2014. At the same time, Gorton acknowledged homelessness has increased, leading to the creation of a Mayor’s Task Force focused on new strategies and long-term solutions.
Parks, infrastructure and neighborhood improvements also saw heavy investment last year — including the opening of Cardinal Run North, Lexington’s first large regional park in 25 years, downtown’s redesigned Phoenix Park, and millions spent on roads, sidewalks, snow equipment and sewer upgrades.
Gorton closed by praising Lexington residents for their community spirit, highlighting a food drive that collected more than 105,000 pounds of donations for God’s Pantry Food Bank in just one month.
“Lexington’s people have always been our secret strength,” the mayor said, emphasizing collaboration as the city plans for continued growth.
