Lexington Mayor Touts Crime Drop, Record Employment in State of City-County Address

Mayor Gorton highlights public safety investments, economic growth, and efforts to address homelessness in annual speech.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:15pm

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In her annual State of the City-County Address, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton reported a 10.8% decrease in overall violent crime rates, including a 13% drop in homicides and 26% decrease in robberies. She also revealed the city saw record employment levels in 2025, with 171,656 people employed in Fayette County. Gorton credited new investments in public safety, community programs, and workforce development initiatives for the city's progress.

Why it matters

Lexington's crime reduction and economic growth demonstrate the impact of strategic investments in public safety and community programs. However, the mayor acknowledged the city's ongoing challenge with affordable housing and homelessness, which has seen an increase in recent years.

The details

Mayor Gorton highlighted new partnerships with surrounding counties to provide more parks, as well as continued growth in industrial and regional business parks that are expected to bring new jobs and long-term economic growth to Central Kentucky. She also noted the city's exploration of renewable energy options, such as solar power. Despite the positive news, Gorton said housing remains a challenge, with only 231 affordable housing units under construction in 2025.

  • In 2025, Lexington saw record employment levels.
  • Last year, Lexington recorded the fewest total homicides of young people in a decade.

The players

Linda Gorton

The mayor of Lexington, Kentucky, who delivered the annual State of the City-County Address.

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What they’re saying

“Our economy remains very strong. Over the past year, we set a record for the highest employment in our history. Currently there are 171,656 people employed in Fayette County.”

— Linda Gorton, Mayor

“Last year, Lexington recorded the fewest total homicides of young people in a decade.”

— Linda Gorton, Mayor

The takeaway

Lexington's progress in reducing crime and growing its economy demonstrates the impact of strategic investments in public safety, community programs, and workforce development. However, the city continues to grapple with the challenge of affordable housing and homelessness, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to address these complex issues.