On Tues., Jan. 18, Mayor Linda Gorton gave her annual “State of the City-County Address” virtually; the topic — “Moving Lexington Forward.”

Today we’re breaking down her key talking points from Tuesday’s speech — giving you the rundown, without getting lost in the weeds.
The pandemic
The mayor acknowledged the hardships of the pandemic while highlighting key community success in fighting Covid-19.

National recognition for the LEX DO THIS campaign

The city’s partnership with Commerce Lexington to establish small business stimulus grants
Partnerships between Lexington, UK, and the Health Department

Public safety
After discussing the pandemic Mayor Gorton began discussing public safety — calling it the most fundamental building block for any city.

Violent crime is down 16% from the last five years

The addition of six neighborhood resource officers in various communities

Implementing mental health professionals + social workers to support police response
Establishing ONE Lexington to prevent youth violence

Economics
Mayor Gorton was pleased to discuss the strength and resilience of Lexington’s economy.

Unemployment has fully recovered from 2020 — our current unemployment rate is 2.4%

She highlighted the successes of Amazon, Rubicon + Baptist Health in Hamburg
Completion of a masterplan for the 200-acre Coldstream site for business development

Parks & Recreation
Mayor Gorton promised to keep downtown lively and fun while working to improve the quality of life for all Lexingtonians.

The renovations of the new Central Bank Center

Continued progress on Town Branch Park + Town Branch Commons Trail

Renovations to Charles Young Park

The new Manchester Hotel

Racial justice and equality
The mayor spoke proudly about the city’s effort to combat systemic racism.

The establishment of civilian-led Disciplinary Review Board
Appointing Tiffany Bowman as the Equity and Implementation Officer
Created a Department of Housing

Environment
The mayor closed her speech by discussing the environment and the importance of protecting the beauty of the Bluegrass.