Lexington will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the merged Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government at 6 p.m., March 21, Mayor Linda Gorton announced today.
“In the early 1970s, leaders of the City Commission and Fayette County Fiscal Court chose to take the innovative path forward to merge,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “The work of these leaders has helped prevent duplication of services, and promoted efficient local government. I am excited to celebrate, 50 years later, the continued progress of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.”
In Kentucky, most residents live in areas where there is a local county government and one or more separate city governments.
“Fifty years ago, our city took a big step forward in making sure we had an efficient local government,” 8th District Councilmember Fred Brown said. “It is one of the most important events that has taken place in Lexington, as it changed the way government serves its residents.”
In 1972, voters approved the Charter of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and the merger of the city and county governments. On Jan. 1, 1974, the merged government became Kentucky’s first urban county government. Fifty years later, it remains one of a handful of merged local governments nationwide.
The Merger 50th Anniversary Committee is planning a 50th anniversary ceremony. It is planned for the March 21 Council meeting. Committee members include:
- 8th District Councilmember Fred Brown – Facilitator
- Mayor Linda Gorton
- Councilmember-At-Large Chuck Ellinger
- 9th District Councilmember Whitney Baxter
- Mayor’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs Heather Lyons
- Mayor’s Communications Director Susan Straub
