Empower Lexington: A plan for a resilient community

• Preserve land with vegetative and tree cover, in both rural and urban areas.
• Preserve and develop additional greenspace within Fayette County.
• Increase equitable park and greenspace access, meeting the goal of 70% of the dwelling units having access to greenspace within 1/2-mile (800 meters) walking distance. 
• Complete a comprehensive ecosystem assessment that includes the following: topography, soils, vegetation & habitat, hydrology & aquatic ecosystems, tree mapping, endangered species, flood zones, and hydrology.
• Promote awareness and appreciation of the unique qualities of soils in Fayette County and the importance of agriculture at local, regional, and national levels.
• Continue to support the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program.
• Explore innovative land preservation and conservation concepts (in addition to PDR) with a focus on the protection of Lexington-Fayette County’s bluegrass soils.
• Implement information and engagement efforts to support existing programs that facilitate sustainable agricultural practices.
• Promote practices and policies that maintain vegetation, sequester carbon dioxide, preserve soil, and reduce surface water runoff for agricultural, residential and commercial lands.
• Provide funding for the development of a resilience plan that identifies vulnerabilities and risk capacity related to climate change and other natural and man-made hazards.
• Reduce light pollution and glare.

Natural systems and ecology section

• Reduce reliance on cars and trucks by enacting the Lexington Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Develop a plan to provide more sustainable transportation options and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
• Identify areas in need of infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, etc.) to encourage walking, scooting and biking.
• Leverage existing and future reports and plans to improve transportation options, safety and efficiency. 
• Integrate green infrastructure into high quality public streets, in line with the Complete Streets Action Plan and based on the Complete Streets Design Standards.
• Implement practices that will shorten travel times for commuters using the public transit system such a signal priority for busses and/or dedicated bus lanes.
• Develop a Long Range Transit plan for the future of high-quality transit service in Lexington, complete with a funding and implementation strategy.
• Add zoning ordinance requirements for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.
• Encourage the transition of large vehicle fleets to EV and alternative fuels.
• Assess electric vehicle (EV) and alternative fuel needs in Lexington. Develop an action plan to address any deficiencies.
• LFUCG support the creation of an organization to coordinate efforts for strategic planning and development in Lexington. The organization would pursue federal funding for equitable redevelopment in high-priority areas.
• Analyze the effects of the Urban Service Boundary on transportation and land use.

Transportation and land use section

• Continue infrastructure improvements to reduce sanitary sewer pipe leakage and overflows.
• Reduce drinking water use (gallons per person).
• Manage stormwater with functional green spaces in new and redeveloped areas.
• Protect and enhance stream buffer zones throughout Fayette County.
• Build infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and other impacts of climate change.
• Reduce pollutants entering Fayette County waterways.
• Increase tree canopy coverage to improve water quality and reduce rainwater runoff.
• Reduce or eliminate drinking water loss by updating aging infrastructure.
• Improve water efficiency in built new and redeveloped areas.

Water efficiency section

• Request utility companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035 and reach net-zero by 2050.
• Use LEED Certified Criteria (national sustainable building standards) to set LFUCG building standards.
• Set community-wide renewable energy goals as a percent of total energy used (5 years, 10 years).
• Conduct an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions every 2 years.
• Create additional, elevated sustainability positions within LFUCG including one focused on researching, applying for and implementing sustainability/resilience grants.
• Develop a list of local companies and individuals who are leaders in energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Utilize that list to coordinate a sustainability-focused business network group and establish a high-profile sustainability awards ceremony to unite the community and boost awareness.
• Fund and implement a Climate Change Vulnerability Report focused on both mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
• Allow large energy users to directly enter into long-term contracts with renewable energy developers.
• Establish a Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance for large and medium-size buildings.
• Develop a Green Bank to expedite funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
• Create and utilize renewable biogas through organic waste collection.

Energy and greenhouse gas emissions section

• Reduce the amount of textiles/clothing sent to the landfill.
• Reduce the amount of food waste and/or organics sent to the landfill.
• Divert 35% of Construction and Demolition Debris away from landfills.
• Increase education and engagement opportunities to increase residential recycling levels and decrease contamination in the recycling stream.
• Increase community programs that encourage reuse/reduction, such as tool libraries.
• Consider establishing Extended Producer Responsibilities (ERP) policies for some items, such as batteries. Under EPR policies, producers of materials (e.g., batteries) pay the cost to collect and recycle.  
• Explore opportunities to improve waste collection route optimization.
• Expand types of material that are accepted in the mixed comingled recycling stream.
• Establish programs that discourage the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bags.

Materials and resources section

• Plan for safe, affordable, accessible housing to meet the needs of all Lexington residents
• Enable all existing and new neighborhoods to flourish through thoughtful (re)development. This includes connectivity to other neighborhoods and key businesses/services, safe biking, scooting and walking options, natural features, green infrastructure, neighborhood-level services and businesses and other assets. Emphasis should be placed on keeping current residents in place.
• Ensure equitable development and rectify Lexington’s segregation by race and socioeconomic status.
• Strengthen efforts to develop a variety of job opportunities that support a living wage and lead to prosperity for all.
• Enhance job training and career connection opportunities for all residents seeking better economic options.
• Improve opportunities for small business development with focused support for minority businesses.
• Create opportunities for low, moderate and middle income residents to access affordable and equitable home financing options for those who desire to own a home.
• Enhance opportunities for robust public outreach and engagement, particularly for issues that affect quality of life.

Quality of life section