The Urban Service Boundary and Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program are preserving the rural character of the Bluegrass Region and putting emphasis on infill projects that re-purpose or restore existing structures.
A municipal corridors commission monitors and improves major arteries.
ND-1 and H1 overlay zones allow restrictions to maintain the character of existing neighborhoods.
A city ordinance requires street-view landscaping for both new and remodeled development.
LexCall 311, a centralized municipal call center, makes it easy to report issues with city streets, graffiti, improper signs, or property code violations.
The Downtown Lexington Partnership encourages business development, curb appeal, urban living and markets downtown Lexington as a great place to live, work and have fun. DLP contracted with Block-By-Block, a national firm that provides roving ambassadors in bright purple shirts who answer visitors’ questions, power wash sidewalks, pick up litter, remove graffiti and are extra eyes and ears on the street for security.
“Blue Horse” wayfinding signs, installed in 2010 for the World Equestrian Games, are eye-catching and make it easy for visitors to find their way around town.
Walk Your City – 42 pedestrian-focused signs to encourage walking in and around downtown Lexington. The signs show the distance in minutes rather than miles to selected destinations.
LexArch, a free walking tour app, features maps of Lexington city blocks with selected historic buildings described in text, narrative, and photograph.
Landscaping of downtown streets with hanging baskets, large pots of flowers and shrubs, holiday lighting of street trees, and the lighted façade of the city’s parking garage.
Lamppost banners are used downtown to promote upcoming events and add graphic interest to streetscapes.
Landscape enhancement of major corridor intersections by the Division of Environmental Services such as the one at Main St. and Newtown Pike.
Three roundabouts, one double-diamond, and blinking left turn signals reduce traffic congestion.
The South Limestone streetscape project with striped bike lanes, trees, and rain gardens created a visual and pedestrian-friendly avenue between UK and downtown.
A locally owned and tax-funded bus system operates 6am –midnight.
“Retrofitting the Retro” project along Southland Drive made streetscape improvements to an aging but thriving suburban commercial district. The project included installation of bike lanes, signs, sidewalks, rain gardens and tree planting.
Downtown parks and businesses feature sculptures, fountains and water features.
Murals abound throughout the community installed by individual muralists and by national and international muralists sponsored by a non-profit group called PRHBT. Twenty-nine are featured on LexLover.
A litter index is performed annually by Keep Lexington Beautiful and the city provides regular litter cleanup services. Cigarette urns have been placed at businesses downtown to deter cigarette littering by Keep Lexington Beautiful.
The Sheriff’s Office supervises inmates from the Division Corrections of who are tasked with graffiti removal throughout Lexington.
Storm drain stenciling program to raise awareness of importance of keeping litter out of sewer system
Several grants are available through LFUCG for cleanup, beautification, and environmental improvements including Storm Water Incentive Grants, Community Development grants, and Council grants for neighborhoods.
Recent energy-efficiency upgrades have been made to several government facilities.
Vacant Properties Commission oversees uninhabited properties
Lexington volunteers help clean up litter during several annual community events including Great American Cleanup, Main Street Clean Sweep. More than 1,000 volunteers helped to clean up 7,804 pounds of litter on Earth Day.
Lexington has an active Adopt-A-Spot program with 20 locations in urban Lexington maintained by volunteer groups.
Kentucky River Sweep – In June of each year LFUCG provides boats to assist volunteers as they clean up tons of trash in conjunction with the Ohio River Group (ORSANCO).
Hundreds of volunteers help to plan and implement community events each year. Some examples include:
Thursday Night Live
Roots and Heritage Festival
The Rolex Three Day Event at the Horse Park
The Highhope Steeplechase in May at the Horse Park
Junior League Charity Horse Show at Red Mile
Friday night movie screenings at Jacobson Park and Triangle Park
Picnic with the Pops at Keeneland
Pumpkinmania at Transylvania University
Festival Latino de Lexington
The Woodland Arts Fair
Fourth of July Festival and parade
Annual Bluegrass 10,000 Race on July 4th.
Annual Midsummer Night’s Run Race
Bike Lexington Family Ride and Program
SummerFest outdoor theatre
Ballet Under the Stars at Woodland Park
Music and drama at Beaumont Center’s Moon Dance amphitheater
Southern Lights display at the Horse Park during the winter holidays
Downtown Thriller Parade and Event
Lexus Smooth Jazz Festival and Jazz at Ecton Park
A number of recognition programs are in place to celebrate the contributions Lexingtonians make to improve and beautify our city. Some examples are:
o Lexington in Bloom Curb Appeal Contest
o Bluegrass Trust Restoration Awards
o LFUCG Environmental Commission Awards
o Live Green Lexington School Partner Awards
o Live Green Partners which recognizes businesses that make environmental improvements
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