City

A recap of Mayor Linda Gorton’s State of the City Address

This was Mayor Linda Gorton’s fifth State of the City speech. | Photo by Amy Wallot

Yesterday, the Lexington Forum hosted the 2023 State of the City Address with updates from Mayor Linda Gorton. It was the first in-person address in two years, and dozens of community leaders and government officials were in attendance. Here’s a recap of Mayor Gorton’s updates:

In 2022, the Lexington Fire Department received the Safer Grant, providing funds to hire 21 new firefighters. Additionally, the department had the opportunity to purchase new equipment using funds from federal grants.

Flock license plate readers that were installed in 2022 aided in the recovery of stolen license plates as well as $1.8 million in stolen vehicles. Mayor Gorton also reported that the Flock cameras aided in the recovery of $7,000 in stolen goods after several burglaries took place this past November. Additional license plate readers will be installed throughout 2023.

Between 2021-2022, the city saw a 50% decrease in gun-related homicides among youth and young adults. One Lexington‘s community partnerships helped foster this decrease.

The State of the City Address took place at the Central Bank Center. | Photo by Amy Wallot

When it comes to growing affordable housing in Lexington, Mayor Gorton is not taking her foot off the gas. In 2022, the city hired its first housing advocate Caitlyn Dixon. Throughout this year, Lexington will invest $11 million in federal funds and $4.8 million in local funds into affordable housing.

Mayor Gorton also announced that three local projects were honored by the Kentucky Chapter of the American Public Works Association — the Sanitary Sewer System Upgrade Project, High-Friction Asphalt Project, and Pavement Management System Project.

Finally, Mayor Gorton said the city will continue to prioritize investment in local parks. Already, $25 million has been designated for the expansion and improvement of parks in Lexington — like the development of Cardinal Run North and the purchase of property along the Kentucky River that will provide public water access to paddlers in Fayette County.

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Wednesday, Jan. 25

Action Figure & Comic Exhibition | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St., Lexington | Free | Bring the whole family to celebrate diversity through action figures and comics.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Jammin’ on the Porch | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7-9 p.m. | Russel Acton Folk Center, 212 W. Jefferson St., Berea | A true Berea experience — bring your instrument and join in the jam session with father-daughter duo, Lewis and Donna Lamb.

Friday, Jan. 27

After Hours Game Night | Friday, Jan. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Brevede Coffee, 1170 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | The coffee bar will be open late for guests to bring their own games or play some of the ones provided.

Saturday, Jan. 28

The 15 Club Fan Fest | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 4 p.m. | Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $15 | Meet players from the UK football and volleyball teams while enjoying entertainment for the whole family.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

50º | Showers | 66% chance of rain

Edu

Researchers at UK completed a study that focused on finding “ways to produce larger crop seeds, allowing farmers to increase their grain yields.” The topic of the study presents findings that could help fight food insecurity. Read it now. 🌱

Environment

Did you know that you can donate recyclable materials or old craft supplies to The Living Arts & Science Center? The LASC loves receiving yarn, boxes, paper towel rolls, and clean empty bottles that can be used for upcoming camps, and classes. Donations are accepted at the front desk. ♻️

Community

Nominations are open for UK’s 2023 Sullivan Award. The annual award aims to honor two students and one community member who exemplify humanitarian service and integrity. All nominations must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 24 and winners will be announced in April. (UK NOW)

Kids

Explorium of Lexington will host a Presidents’ Day Camp on Monday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for kids in kindergarten to fifth grade. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own money, learn about surface tension using coins, and write like the Founding Fathers.

Family

Registration for Lexington Parks & Recreation’s 2023 summer camps will open on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Some of this year’s camps include Artkids Camp, Tennis and Swim Camp, and Equestrian Camp at Masterson Station Park.

Plan Ahead

Save the date for Girls on the Run Central Kentucky’s inaugural fundraising gala, the Sneaker Soirée, on Friday, March 3. The event will be held at Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning from 6-9 p.m. and will include live and silent auctions, a wine pull, fashion show, and more. 👟

Wellness

New Year, new wellness routine? Renew Hydration is here to help keep you on track with your New Year’s resolution of living healthier. Their menu of treatments can help with everything from jet lag and hangovers to migraines and general illness recovery. Contact them to see which options would work best for you.*

Shop

If one of your 2023 goals is to create more time for self care and relaxation, an acupressure mat is a must. The mats are designed to stimulate pressure points to relieve tension, decrease stress levels, and increase circulation. This ProsourceFit full body mat includes neck support.*

Eat

Don’t just eat better — eat the best. Sunbasket’s meal kit service delivers delicious, healthy meals created by award-winning chefs straight to your front door. Bonus: LEXtoday readers can get $100 off their first four deliveries and more when they sign up. 🍽️ *

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Local page-turners 📚

Books written by authors with ties to Lexington

“Lark Ascending” was released in September 2022. | Photo by @mr_neuhaus_booked

What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor (or former neighbor). Here’s a handful of ones we love.

Fiction: “Lark Ascending” by Silas House | This book places readers in the shoes of a refugee — reminding them to hold on to hope even during dark times.
For the family: “Under the Ocelot Sun” by Jeremy Paden | A mother tells the story of her homeland while struggling to find her place in a new environment.
Part of a series: “Greater Than Rubies” by Hallee Bridgeman | A woman from a troubled past meets her match — a handsome billionaire. But is it all too good to be true?

If you ask us, where you read the book is almost as important as the book itself. Share your go-to reading spot.

13 MORE LOCAL BOOKS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Emily.

Editor’s pick: Pivot Brewing Company has a neat lineup of events happening this week like Brews, Babes & Brainstorms tonight from 6-9 p.m. and a Grown Up Book Fair on Sunday, Jan. 29 from 1-4 p.m.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about the TRF Second Chances Farm at Blackburn Correctional Facility, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Molly Thompson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Marin Fiske | Advertise with us.

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