Support Us Button Widget

Lexington to move $6 million in COVID relief elsewhere

Here’s where the money is going.

A bird's eye view of Downtown Lexington

ARPA funding will be put towards several new projects across town. // Photo courtesy of @thedronerangerky

Table of Contents

This week, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted to reallocate $6 million of its COVID relief funding, aka American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The changes

In 2021, Lexington outlined where its $121+ million in ARPA funds would be spent, announcing major projects such as $7.5 million going towards Town Branch Park.

Previously, $2 million of the funding was intended to go towards moving the Salvation Army of Lexington to a bigger location. Instead, the organization plans to expand its current location on West Main Street.

The remaining $4 million would have gone to the Lexington Farmers’ Market for relocation, which had plans for a permanent space near Oliver Lewis Way. For now, the farmers’ market will stay in its current home at Tandy Park, as well as support its seasonal locations across town.

Fast fact: ARPA funds must be spent by the end of 2026. The organizations above noted they were unable to meet the deadline for spending and completed projects.

What’s next?

The council has voted to now use the $6 million for affordable housing, renovations, new construction, and re-imagining Phoenix Park.

Despite the money being shifted around, the council has voted to use it in a way that still supports the community

    💸 $2 million towards Lexington’s affordable housing fund
    💸 $2 million towards building a new community building in Davis Park
    💸 $1 million towards renovating Black + Williams Community Center
    💸 $1 million to revamp and re-imagine downtown’s Phoenix Park

    More from LEXtoday
    Fall at Keeneland calls for style that’s both chic and practical. Our guide highlights Lexington boutiques and must-have pieces to help you nail the perfect race-day look.
    These walkable Lexington homes for sale put cafe, restaurants, and local hotspots just steps from your door. Enjoy the ultimate urban lifestyle while living, working, and playing in vibrant neighborhoods.
    Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
    There’s nothing like a cool autumn day picking produce and hitting the hay (literally).
    Wild horses couldn’t drag us away from eating, shopping, and more during the ideal trip to the Keeneland Fall Meet.
    This story is part of our September series on Lexington’s local distilleries and their stories.
    No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Lexington, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
    It’s the most wonderful time for beer.
    If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
    This story is part of our September series on Lexington’s local distilleries and their stories.