Theme B
INTRO
A healthy environment is essential for human well-being, providing access to clean air, water, and soil, as well as thriving natural areas for recreation, relaxation, and environmental resiliency. This section of the Comprehensive Plan outlines the commitment to developing and implementing effective strategies, policies, and plans that promote environmental sustainability and resiliency in line with the vision for a thriving community. The following policies outline specific actions that will be taken to achieve these goals and maintain a healthy and sustainable environment for all. By taking action today, both present and future generations can continue to enjoy a high quality of life.
Following the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, concrete steps have been taken toward incorporating green infrastructure principles into planning activities, increasing transit and non-motorized transportation options, prioritizing greenspace conservation and access, and managing water quality through various programs and grants in Lexington. These efforts have resulted in the creation of tree protection areas, community gardens, multi-use trails, and naturalized riparian areas, all while accommodating new development within the Urban Service Area.
As climate change continues to have negative consequences and climate research suggests the approaching point of no return, it has become imperative to prioritize efforts to reduce Lexington’s regional carbon footprint. Lexington must also work toward a more just, equitable, and livable city, addressing historic patterns of investment and disinvestment in urban greenspaces that have left some neighborhoods more vulnerable to climate impacts and negative health consequences such as urban heat, air and water pollution. Discussions around environmental sustainability and resiliency must therefore center on the critical issue of Environmental Justice.
This section of Imagine Lexington presents an overview of the impacts of development on the environment and recommends policies and practices to minimize and mitigate negative environmental impacts of land use, transportation, and energy consumption. The policies focus on protecting valuable natural resources, taking a sustainable approach to development activities and land use patterns, building environmental equity, and restoring resiliency across Lexington’s urban and rural areas.
Summary of Changes:
• Updated to include information on climate change.
• Added reference to Environmental Justice.
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Lexington has the potential to create a mutually beneficial relationship between people, the built environment, and nature, but to do so, careful land planning and development policies are essential Policies for new development and redevelopment must prioritize a sustainable built environment that supports positive climate action. A holistic approach to natural resource conservation, agricultural heritage, and equitable urban development is necessary to support broad-scale environmental resiliency and climate action.
Lexington's rural areas feature limestone geology, rolling hills of bluegrass, and abundant headwater streams, which contribute to the city's identity and support signature industries such as thoroughbred breeding and bourbon distilling. Within the urban area, parks, greenspaces, and tree canopy contribute to the city's beauty and environmental resiliency. However, it is crucial to address the equitable distribution of these resources.
To create a thriving community that benefits both its residents and the environment, Lexington’s urban and rural lands must work together in a coordinated way. The following sections describe the current progress in environmental planning for natural systems and ecology, agriculture, the built environment, and climate planning.
NATURAL SYSTEMS AND ECOLOGY
Natural systems are composed of biotic (flora and fauna), and physical (land and water), systems. Landscapes in Fayette County range from natural to farmland, suburban to urban, and with varying amounts of greenspace and forest scattered throughout.
LAND AND SOILS
Lexington's fertile soil is a valuable natural asset that has supported diverse crops and farming for centuries. Preserving fertile soils is vital for local food security, ecosystem health, and balanced carbon cycles. However, ongoing development is threatening the city's land and soil resources. While the Urban Service Boundary protects rural land and significant soils, population growth in the Urban Service Area puts greenspace, floodplains, and forests at risk. Proper policies and controls are necessary to protect the urban environment during development.
According to the Rural Land Management Plan, approximately 30% of prime farmland and significant soils in Fayette County have been lost to development since pre-settlement times. To safeguard agricultural land, Lexington has implemented the Urban Service Boundary and Purchase of Development Rights program, which protects over 73,998 acres of prime farmland and 38,150 acres of soils of statewide significance. As of 2022, the PDR program has preserved over 30,000 acres of Fayette County's agricultural land, with a goal of 50,000 acres to be preserved in total.
WATER RESOURCES
Fayette County lies within the Inner Bluegrass region, known for its karst geology featuring springs, caves, underground streams, and sinkholes. Creeks flow away from the city center and into surrounding counties, while the Kentucky River forms the southeastern border and serves as the county's drinking water source. To protect water quality, the 20-Year Comprehensive Water Supply Plan recommends
3 Imagine Lexington 2045’s Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
safeguarding the river and its tributaries from pollution and undesirable development at least one mile upstream of the intake pools. Georgetown sources its drinking water from the Royal Spring Aquifer, of which 80% recharges in Fayette County.
Fayette County contains nine watersheds, with the Kentucky River and Boone Creek exclusively located in the rural area. Seven headwaters originate within the Urban Service Area, which experiences significant pollution from nutrients, pathogens, and sediment. Stream segments in all nine watersheds are assessed for designated uses, including recreation, fish consumption, drinking water, and aquatic habitat. Unfortunately, all streams do not fully support at least one use, although Town Branch has improved from non-support in 2008 to partial support in 2010.
Since 2011, the LFUCG Division of Water Quality has implemented the Capacity Assurance Program to monitor sewer capacity and integrated stormwater management into development technical discussions. The MS4 program monitors non-point source pollutants and identifies illegal point discharges, while Remedial Measures Projects provide sewer capacity and abate weather-related overflows.
URBAN FOREST
Urban trees provide numerous benefits, such as reducing electrical costs by providing cooling shade and decreasing the heat island effect, cleaning the air by removing pollutants and absorbing carbon dioxide, controlling soil erosion by slowing and absorbing stormwater runoff, and providing habitat for wildlife. They also enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods and increase residential property values.
LFUCG Environmental Services has made significant progress with the Urban Forestry Program, including tripling the budget, hiring a City Arborist and two new forestry crews led by certified arborists, and implementing street tree care and planting initiatives. Trees Lexington!, a grassroots non-profit organization, is also working on community planting projects with community support.
A 2022 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment revealed that tree canopy cover increased from 20% to 23% from 2012 to 2020 in the Urban Service Area, except for District 1, which experienced a decrease of eight acres. The assessment found that 33% of land within the Urban Service Area is suitable for planting. The 12,649 acres of tree canopy in Lexington generate over $6.5 million in economic, environmental, and social benefits annually, as well as $111 million in carbon storage.
Urban trees can also serve as a tool for equity in a community. A Tree Equity Score calculated by American Forests indicates that canopy cover gaps often coincide with income and race, highlighting the need for diverse and equitable urban tree management.
BIODIVERSITY & NATURAL HABITAT
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including different species, their genetic diversity, and the ecosystems in which they thrive. It has developed over billions of years through the intricate interactions between living organisms and their environment. Biodiversity is critical for providing essential ecosystem services that support human wellbeing, such as air and water purification, pollination, soil fertility, climate regulation, and food production. Additionally, biodiversity also contributes to the cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values that enhance the quality of life in cities.
The Kentucky River corridor and its tributaries remain the only significant forest cover in the area, providing habitat for a diverse array of plants and wildlife. Urban areas that support notable plant life or habitats include McConnell Springs Nature Park, the Arboretum on the University of Kentucky campus, Lexington Cemetery, Masterson Station Park, and Kearney Hill Golf Links.
Protecting and enhancing biodiversity is vital for promoting sustainable development and resilience in the face of environmental challenges like climate change. It can be achieved through practices like preserving, restoring, and connecting natural habitats, using green infrastructure, promoting sustainable land use practices, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts. However, a comprehensive study of biodiversity assets and restoration planning in Lexington has yet to be conducted.
AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Fayette County's rural land is primarily used for agriculture, with a variety of farms ranging from horse farms to crop and cattle production. The 2017 Rural Land Management Plan provides an update on various plans, regulations, studies, and reports since the 1999 Rural Service Area Land Management Plan. Protecting the rural area is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for the Agricultural Cluster, a major economic driver for Lexington, which generates about $2.3 billion in output and supports one out of every 12 jobs in Fayette County, according to a University of Kentucky study
As the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington has a rich cultural landscape of horse farms and racing that is protected under various policies, including the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program. Recent initiatives aim to connect the urban community with rural land, such as Horse Country Inc., which provides tours to horse farms, and programs like Blue Grass Farm to Table, Community Shared Agriculture (CSA), and farmers markets that bring local food and products to urban families, strengthening the rural-urban connection.
Climate change is affecting agriculture in central and eastern Kentucky by prolonging the frost-free growing seasons and increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, which tends to increase crop yields. However, more frequent and severe droughts, spring and summer storms, and hot days may decrease crop success and yields, and have negative impacts on livestock health.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The built environment has a significant impact on environmental sustainability. The construction of buildings and infrastructure can result in habitat loss, disruption of natural waterways, and increased energy consumption. Poorly designed buildings and neighborhoods can also contribute to urban heat islands, which can lead to increased energy demand for cooling and lower air quality. However, incorporating sustainable design practices into the built environment can help mitigate these negative impacts. Buildings and infrastructure that are designed to be energy-efficient, use sustainable materials, and incorporate greenspaces can reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainable living. Additionally, mixed-use neighborhoods with access to public transportation and walkable amenities can encourage alternative transportation methods and reduce reliance on cars, further reducing the impact on the environment.
ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Although LFUCG has an energy initiatives team that monitors the government's energy usage, there is currently no community-wide monitoring or transparency on energy usage. Creating energy awareness is the community's first step towards conserving energy. In 2012, a community-led voluntary plan called Empower Lexington was presented and supported by the council, which made valuable recommendations for action plans, and major updates to this plan are currently underway
Looking to local partners, the University of Kentucky supports a robust Sustainability Program, which not only supports academic research, but also provides services and management for campus operations Fayette County Public Schools is also a local leader in sustainability initiatives. By implementing multiple programs within the school system, young supporters are actively engaged in energy efficiency programs, with the hope that their effects will spread to their parents and families. Additionally, school building such as the net-zero energy Locust Trace AgriScience Center, are a showcase for energy and environment focused facility design.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Green infrastructure refers to the natural or semi-natural systems and features that provide a range of ecological, economic, and social benefits to people and the environment. It can include forests, wetlands, grasslands, parks, greenways, street trees, green roofs, green walls, permeable pavements, and other forms of vegetation or natural features that are integrated into the built environment. Green infrastructure is used to balance the built environment with natural systems, and to create more sustainable, resilient, and livable communities.
While green infrastructure provides significant ecological benefits, it also provides crucial social and physical wellness benefits to residents and visitors. To ensure effective planning and management of the green infrastructure network, the City has maintained various plans and resources, including the 1996 Greenspace Plan, 2002 Greenway Master Plan, 2018 Parks Masterplan, 2017 Urban Forestry Management Plan, 2017 Rural Land Management Plan, and the 2018 Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. Additionally, the 2020 Stormwater Manual includes site-based green infrastructure best management practices to address stormwater runoff.
LFUCG currently manages over 500 acres of greenways that serve as stormwater management, water quality, environmental conservation, and recreation areas. Additionally, the city maintains just over 5,300 acres in 104 parks and golf courses across the county, and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan calls for more parks and open spaces to be reserved or provided during the development of new neighborhoods.
AIR QUALITY
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 require all metropolitan areas to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for numerous criteria air pollutants, including ozone (O3), particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Metropolitan areas that meet these standards are considered to be in attainment and are not required to establish control measures to improve air quality. The purpose of the NAAQS is to regulate criteria air pollutants that have been deemed a risk to public health.
The Lexington Metropolitan Area has previously been designated as non-attainment by the EPA due to concentrations of ground level ozone exceeding those considered acceptable under the NAAQS. The good news is that regional ozone concentrations have significantly decreased during the past 20 years primarily due to advances in fuel efficiency and emission reductions for motor vehicles and other internal combustion engines. As such the Lexington Metropolitan Area is now considered in compliance with NAAQS standards for ozone.
However, recent research suggests that exposure to even modest levels of ground level ozone can have significant health consequences especially to the very young or old and to those with asthma or other lung diseases or those with cardiopulmonary diseases. Therefore, even though the region is in compliance with current EPA standards, the LFUCG has a public health interest in maintaining or further lowering regional ground level ozone concentrations.
The other pollutant of interest are two classifications of particulate matter which when inhaled in significant quantities can lead to negative health consequences such as decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, irregular heartbeats, nonfatal heart attacks and premature death for persons with heart or lung disease. Particulate matter is regulated by the EPA for sizes of 10 micrometers or less (PM10) as well as those less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). In addition to the health consequences, particulate matter also contributes to negative impacts such as the acidification of lakes and streams, depleting soil nutrients, damaging sensitive forests and farm crops and decreasing the biodiversity of ecosystems.
The Lexington Region has been classified as ‘attainment’ for both classifications of particulate matter and current region wide levels are well below EPA standards for concentrations under the NAAQS. Nevertheless, research suggests exposure to unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter can be possible in close proximity to features such as busy highways, railroad yards, certain industries, and certain types of surface mining as well as any open wood burning. Of particular concern for the Lexington Region are emissions from vehicles, especially from arterial roadways in close proximity to residential areas, which according to the U.S. Department of Transportation disproportionality impact low-income and minority communities. Diesel fuel, which is a primary fuel source for most large trucks, is a particularly significant source of particulate matter emissions.
CLIMATE CHANGE & RESILIENCY PLANNING
Kentucky’s climate is changing. Although the average temperature did not change much during the 20th century, most of the commonwealth has warmed in the last 20 years. Average annual rainfall is increasing, and a rising percentage of that rain is falling on the four wettest days of the year. In the coming decades, the changing climate is likely to reduce crop yields and threaten some aquatic ecosystems. Floods, such as those experienced in Eastern Kentucky in July of 2022, may be more frequent resulting in significant damage to property, disruption of travel and increasing threats to life. Ironically, droughts may also be longer and more severe, which would increase the difficulty of meeting the competing demands for water in the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers.
The climate is changing because the earth is warming. People have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the air by 40 percent since the late 1700s. Other heat-trapping greenhouse gases are also increasing. These gases have warmed the surface and lower atmosphere of the Earth about one degree
(F) during the last 50 years. Evaporation increases as the atmosphere warms, which increases humidity, average rainfall, and the frequency of heavy rainstorms in many places but contributes to drought in others. These changes are also influencing the magnitude and frequency of other extreme meteorological events, such as the wind storms of March 3, 2023, land falling hurricanes or winter weather events such as ice storms or extreme snowfall.
The warming climate is also accelerating the melting of polar ice-caps resulting in a significant rise of global sea level. This rise will not directly impact Lexington, being 1000 feet above sea level. However, many of the largest cities in the US, such as Miami, New Orleans and New York, are already being impacted with many others to follow. This is resulting in the potential population displacement of tens or hundreds of thousands during the next several decades to other locations not being impacted. Lexington is potentially one such place of refuge.
Natural cycles and sulfates in the air prevented much of Kentucky from warming during the last century. Sulfates are air pollutants that reflect sunlight back into space. Now sulfate emissions are declining, and the factors that once prevented Kentucky from warming are unlikely to persist. By the end of the century, Lexington could have temperatures similar to Houston or New Orleans, according to researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey. High air temperatures can cause heat stroke and dehydration and affect people’s cardiovascular and nervous systems. Certain people are especially vulnerable, including children, the aging population, those with health conditions, and economically disadvantaged individuals. Hot days can also increase the frequency of dangerous concentrations of ground level ozone (see discussion regarding air quality)
To address the impacts of climate change, Lexington needs to conduct a two pronged approach:
1. Reduce the regional carbon footprint by identifying and ultimately eliminating significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions as well as implementing any opportunities to capture and sequester atmospheric carbon.
2. Implement projects, policies and strategies which allow Lexington to adapt to a changing climate and become more resilient.
Fortunately, many of the city’s ongoing initiatives such as increasing urban tree canopy coverage, protecting rural greenspaces, and focusing on compact, walkable infill development are positive steps toward reducing urban heat island and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, through a grant from the US EPA, the LFUCG will be developing a Climate Pollution Reduction Plan in coordination with five surrounding counties for implementation in 2025 (Bourbon, Clark, Jessamine, Scott, and Woodford Counties). The intent of this plan is to identify and implement opportunities for the region to reduce its carbon footprint to accomplish the federal goals of net zero carbon emissions by 2050
“Environmental issues affect every part of our lives. And climate change will make it more important.” –Lexington Resident, 2022 OTT Response
2045 Comprehensive Plan Update
Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
Summary of Changes:
• Updated to provide more comprehensive overview, included new section on climate change
2018 Topics
Water Air Land
Energy and Buildings
Agriculture and Natural Resources
2045 Topics
Natural Systems and Ecology
Land and Soils
Water Resources
Urban Forest
Biodiversity and Natural Habitat
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Built Environment
Energy and Sustainability
Green Infrastructure
Air Quality
Climate Change
9 Imagine Lexington 2045’s Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
PILLAR I PROTECTION
Kentucky’s own Wendell Berry wisely remarked that “the Earth is what we all have in common.” Likewise, the natural environment of Lexington is something that all members of the community share in common. It is incumbent upon each of us to protect it, and it is crucial that the Comprehensive Plan lay out actionable strategies for safeguarding the environmental resiliency that is key to the health and welfare of the community. As the city continues to grow and develop, it becomes even more important to be cognizant of the immediate and long-range effects land use decisions will have on the environment.
One of the vital components of environmental protection and a nationally recognized growth management strategy is Lexington’s Urban Service Boundary, which delineates the areas where urban growth can occur within the city. The public input gathered in 2022 through the community wide On the Table event includes broad support for maintaining the Urban Service Boundary. There are numerous environmental benefits gained by retaining a compact urban form, and emphasizing the protection of Lexington’s unique bluegrass landscape continues to be a priority for environmental protections.
According to the 2017 Rural Land Management Plan (RLMP), the Rural Service Area (outside of the Urban Service Area, shown on the following map) is comprised of 88% prime farmland and soils of statewide significance. Additionally, the RLMP showed that just under 30% of the Rural Service Area are considered Environmentally Sensitive Areas (stream corridors, karst areas, steep slopes, wetlands, mature tree stands, etc.). These areas are important and are worth protecting.
Though there are numerous environmental protection considerations for the Rural Service Area, there are protections needed inside the Urban Service Boundary as well. In 2011, the City of Lexington entered a Consent Decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Kentucky to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act associated with the sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems by the year 2026. A Remedial Measures Program has been established to evaluate the sanitary sewer system to identify a cost-effective efficient improvement plan to address recurring sanitary sewer overflows. Additionally, a Capacity Assurance Program has been instituted as a way of managing access to the sanitary sewer system.
Growth and development are important to Lexington’s maturation as a city, but it must be done in a way that respects the natural environment. As urban development intensifies, the city must also intensify protections of the natural ecosystems within the Urban Service Boundary through conservation greenways. The 2002 Greenway Master Plan designates streams, floodplains, riparian vegetation, and associated environmentally sensitive or geologic hazard areas as conservation greenways to improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat, and control flooding. Combining existing with recorded and future greenways, there is potential for 1,400 acres of LFUCG greenways, of which 1,000 acres could function as both conservation and trail greenways. The protection and proper utilization of these greenways should be a priority, and the development that occurs around them should be complementary and use them as an amenity for the entire community to enjoy. The Greenway Master Plan should be consulted and followed for all development that affects these sensitive areas of the community.
Greenways and other green and open spaces are valuable for their ecological benefits, but also for their impacts on livability and tourism. It is apparent from the 2017 Greenspace Survey that Lexington residents overwhelmingly appreciate and visit greenspace. Open land areas with lawn and trees, such as parks, dog parks, the arboretum, and school and church yards ranked the highest, with 95% of respondents indicating that have utilized one of these facilities. Additionally, 65% of respondents stated they visit a public greenspace once a week or more, utilizing greenspace most often to relax, socialize, picnic, exercise the dog, fly a kite, etc. (86%) or to appreciate nature (85%). The types of greenspaces rated highest in importance are open land (84%), nature parks or sanctuaries (83%), neighborhood and park trails (83%) and farms and scenic rural roads (80%). Interest is highest for participation in the rural area in nature recreation (76%), events and festivals (74%), farm, winery and botanical garden tours (74%), homegrown restaurants (73%) and biking, hiking and equestrian trails (73%).
Overall, it is evident that Lexington residents highly value their greenspaces of all types, and more greenspace opportunities to meet these public desires should be encouraged. These valuable greenspaces within Lexington should be protected, but it is also critical to optimize their effectiveness and encourage new and innovative spaces throughout the Urban Service Area. Imagine Lexington makes it clear throughout the plan that safeguarding greenspace for health, social and environmental benefits is paramount to the success and sustainability of the city.
Summary of Changes:
• Minor updates to dates and data.
PROTECTION POLICY #1
CONTINUE THE SANITARY SEWER CAPACITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM (CAP) AND ENCOURAGE THE STORMWATER INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM TO REDUCE IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON WATER QUALITY.
LFUCG Division of Water Quality oversees the storm sewer system of over 800 miles of underground pipelines; 50,000 structures; and over 1,000 wet ponds and detention basins; the sanitary sewer system of over 1,400 miles of underground pipelines; and 36,000 manholes, with 75 pumping stations conveying sewage throughout the Urban Service Area. Since 2015, over 70 million gallons of wet weather storage facilities have been constructed to prevent the release of raw sewage into waterways during rain events. There are two treatment plants capable of treating over 60 million gallons of sewage each day.
Since entering the consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2011, the division continues to monitor impact of new development on sewer conveyance and treatment capacity and has been incorporated into the development plan review process with a required sign-off. The Government’s challenge is to provide sewer capacity when new development or redevelopment is proposed. All proposed new and redevelopment projects must submit an application to the Capacity Assurance Program (CAP), and the proposed connection to the sanitary sewer system before the development plan can be approved. The Consent Decree also required that a Remedial Measures Program be implemented to provide capacity to abate recurring sanitary sewer overflows while supporting the existing Urban Service Area full development projections published at that time. The Consent Decree required Capacity Assurance Plan (CAP) is now the mechanism for informing decision makers about available sanitary sewer capacity when a conditional use or change of use is proposed, as well as at the time of a preliminary zone change. The process should be documented in zoning compliance letters.
In addition to requirements for new development, grant funding is available for retrofits and improvements to existing development. Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program provides financial assistance to Neighborhood Associations, Homeowners Associations, Educational Institutions, and commercial entities for projects that improve water quality, reduce stormwater runoff and educate residents about stormwater quality issues in the community. Grants associated with development projects must be for water quality or runoff reduction in excess of regulatory requirements Since 2011, the Division of Water Quality has managed the grant awards totaling between $1.2 and $1.7 million each fiscal year. Since 2011, a total of 227 grants have been awarded. Application to the grant is encouraged and should be promoted through community outreach and the development process
Summary of Changes:
• Updated per review from Division of Water Quality.
PROTECTION POLICY #2
CONSERVE AND PROTECT ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS, INCLUDING SENSITIVE NATURAL HABITATS, GREENWAYS, WETLANDS AND WATER BODIES.
Conservation refers to the protection, preservation, and management of natural resources and ecosystems in order to maintain their ecological, social, and economic values. Conserving environmentally sensitive areas across Fayette County benefits local communities and the environment as a whole by promoting biodiversity, protecting critical habitats for endangered and threatened species, and providing essential ecosystem services. These services include air and water purification, flood and drought risk mitigation, and climate change impact reduction. Environmental conservation can also improve public physical and mental health by increasing access to greenspaces and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
In the Rural Service Area, Lexington has taken significant steps in protecting the land and soils of statewide significance through the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. This program is the first Agricultural Conservation Easement program facilitated by a local government in Kentucky, and its primary goal is to preserve farmland, soils, and environmentally sensitive land in the Rural Service Area. As of 2022, more than 30,000 acres of Fayette County's agricultural land are now protected through the PDR program.
The 2017 Rural Land Management Plan (RLMP) is dedicated to the planning and management of land uses in the Rural Service Area. The RLMP calls out a large “Natural Area” located in the extreme southeastern part of the county as well as “Special Natural Protection Areas” which are dispersed across the Rural Service Area. The plan maps areas of high priority and slightly lower priority for preservation.
Inside the Urban Service Area, the need to protect environmentally sensitive areas must be balanced with the need to develop land for Lexington’s growing population. As development occurs, care must be taken to ensure that environmentally sensitive areas are protected so that they may continue to provide the ecosystem benefits that are so valuable to communities. Policies and regulations that support a balance of land for buildings and infrastructure with areas of greenspace are needed to offset the negative environmental impacts of the built environment. The 2002 Greenway Master Plan identifies land for conservation within the Urban Service Area, and this plan should be updated to reflect current conditions and best practices.
For development applications inside the Urban Service Area, a process should be established to identify and quantify endangered species on a proposed development site. New developments are advised to avoid dividing floodplains into private ownership with flood insurance. Care should be taken during the development process to provide additional protection areas around floodplains and to incorporate them into accessible greenspace via greenways. When greenways are located in neighborhoods, single-loaded streets or highly visible pedestrian access points can provide more open accessibility for residents to access greenways and any associated trails.
Conservation easements can be used to establish greenways within floodplains or other environmentally sensitive areas. By working with developers and landowners, cities can use conservation easements to limit intrusive development and other activities, such as clear-cutting, that
could harm the environment By using conservation easements to protect floodplains as greenways, cities can create a network of interconnected natural areas that help support the health of the local ecosystem and provide valuable public amenities.
Summary of Changes:
• Updated per review from Division of Environmental Services
• Included reference to 2002 Greenway Master Plan, greenway conservation easements
• Previous policy title: Conserve environmentally sensitive areas, including significant natural habitats, wetlands and water bodies.
14 Imagine Lexington 2045’s Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
PROTECTION POLICY #3
CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT PDR PROGRAM TO SAFEGUARD LEXINGTON’S RURAL LAND.
As outlined in the 2017 Rural Land Management Plan, Lexington has had a long history of taking positive action to ensure the community’s rural landscapes are preserved from unmanaged growth. In 1958, the Urban Service Area Boundary was created to manage development and has become a pioneering landmark for planning across the nation. In 2000, continuing the tradition of long-term land use planning, the Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance was adopted.
Purchase of Development Rights, or PDR as it is more commonly known, is Kentucky's first Agricultural Conservation Easement program facilitated by a local government. The Rural Land Management Board governs the program and is the bridge between interested landowners and the federal, state, and local governments. The members of the Board are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Urban County Council. Through the PDR program, the Rural Land Management Board purchases farm owners’ development rights (their right to ever develop the farm for urban uses), thereby preserving it as farmland forever.
The conservation efforts of the City are significant on two separate levels. First, the program protects and preserves Lexington’s significant soils from urbanized development. The protection of these soils is essential to the sustainability and resiliency of the region. In periods of potential natural disaster or economic instability, these properties are poised to produce the greatest amount of food for the area. Secondly, the preservation of the land provides funds to agricultural landowners to enhance agricultural operations onsite. The funds garnered by the PDR can allow for farms to modernize equipment and remain solvent. Historically, farming operations which sought to upgrade equipment or needed to weather periods of economic uncertainty were often forced to leverage the land. However, through the PDR Program property owners may sell future development to ensure solvency today
Currently, there are 285 farms permanently protected by PDR, totaling nearly 31,066 acres, with 1,662 acres under contract. The goal of the PDR program is to conserve 50,000 acres of land (LFUCG PDR).
Summary of Changes:
• Updated to include most recent numbers.
• Included greater reference to importance of soil protection for sustainability and resiliency.
• Included reference to financial benefits to farms.
PROTECTION POLICY #4
CONSERVE ACTIVE AGRICULTURE LAND IN THE RURAL SERVICE AREA WHILE PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
In 2017, Fayette County had 622 farm operations on 114,624 acres, which represented approximately 63% of the total land within the county. This indicates a 13% decrease in active farm operations since 2012. However, the decrease in farm operations is misleading as the total acreage of farm operations only decreased by 233 acres, or less than .2%. This loss of operations is representative of a greater consolidation of land within farming operations, rather than a major reduction in active agricultural production The consolidation of farms into larger operations has been well documented throughout the United States since 1940s, and the expansion of mechanized agriculture (USDA Farming and Farm Income).
Despite the shifts in the lotting size of agricultural production, and Lexington’s focus on the equine industry, there is a growing focus within the region on agricultural and horticultural operations geared towards the development of more sustainable food systems. Sustainable food systems shift the predominant focus of production for economic gain to a system that is targeted at providing food security and nutrition for all through economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable practices Economically and environmentally sustainable practices have been the intent of the City’s Community Supportive Agriculture (CSA) Program. CSA programs are beneficial to both growers and consumers, as they make direct connections between sellers and buyers, which limits seasonal risk for growers and provides a more affordable and transparent purchasing process for consumers. By collaborating with local farms, Lexington is both supporting the local economy, while also providing healthy foods to employees, which can reduce health insurance costs across the board.
To establish sustainable food systems in the city, it's important to consider the diverse groups of people involved in horticulture and agriculture. Black Soil, a non-profit organization based in Lexington, seeks to reconnect Black Kentuckians with their legacy and heritage in agriculture in both the rural and urban contexts. Black Soil offers a variety of programming on agritourism, education and outreach, event management, seed-to-shelf commitment, and strategic partnerships. It is also important to support the history and prevalence of Lexington’s Latino population in the agricultural industry. While Lexington’s Latino population only comprises approximately 7.4% percent of the population in 2021, greater than 60% of the H-2A visa program workers in the state of Kentucky have been based in Lexington This suggests that a large amount of the agricultural labor in Lexington is being conducted by individuals of Latin American decent (USDA 2022: H-2A Employer Data Hub)
In addition to the inclusion of more sustainable agricultural/horticultural practices and a wider economic pool, a priority of sustainable food systems is the elimination of food insecurity and food waste. Within Kentucky one in eight people face hunger. What is more concerning is that one in seven children face hunger and approximately 41% of families in Kentucky are reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Feeding America). While Lexington’s percentage of food insecure population is less than the State, 11.4%, this still means that approximately 36,600 people, are food insecure, or lack access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life (Feeding America) Organizations like FoodChain and Glean Kentucky are focused on both providing produce and vegetables
to those in need, which often supplement organizations like Gods Pantry and the Lexington Pride Center’s Food Pantry.
Summary of Changes:
• Rewrote to focus on equitable sustainable food systems.
• Previous policy title: Conserve active agriculture land in the Rural Service Area while promoting a creative food chain network
PROTECTION POLICY #5
PROMOTE AND CONNECT LOCAL FARMS WITH THE COMMUNITY THROUGH INTEGRATED PARTNERSHIPS.
As part of a sustainable food system, Lexington must continue to promote and connect local farms with the community through integrated partnerships. One of the Lexington’s most prominent programs for City employees has been the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) voucher program. This program allows employees to access healthy, local foods from surrounding farms like Elmwood Stock Farm, High Five Farm, HomeGrown Direct, Lazy Eight Stock Farm, Rolling Fork Organic Farm, or Sustainable Harvest Farm.
In addition to CSA programs, Lexington has four formalized farmers markets that serve the community five days a week. With locations at Tandy Centennial Park, Southland Drive, Maxwell and Broadway, and Greater Gardenside, local growers, artisans, and small businesses can sell directly to Lexingtonians and visitors Currently, there are a total of 64 vendors who sell goods at the farmers markets, all of which are located within 50 miles of downtown Lexington.
There are significant benefits gained through the promotion of local farms within the community. By economically supporting locally owned and farms, the community not only supports the preservation of a viable industry in the region but also benefits from economic stimulus. When money is spent on goods that are produced within the community, those dollars are more readably re-spent within the local community. This raises the local economic activity and builds a greater local tax base.
Furthermore, when goods are produced and distributed locally there are dual benefits of reducing costs and the impact on the environment. Storing and shipping agricultural goods is a time sensitive and costly process. The average food item travels 1,500 miles, compared to the average locally-produced item, which travels only 56 miles. By promoting locally produced goods, growers can reduce spending on transportation and storage, and can pass savings along to consumers. Additionally, by reducing the distance food must travel from the farm to the consumer, there will be a reduction in the vehicular miles traveled, which will benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Lexington should also seek grants and incentives to expand CSA opportunities to contractors or other associated partners to increase participation in the program and support local farmers.
Summary of Changes:
• Rewrote to include a broader focus on integrated partnerships for a sustainable food system (previous text focused on Bluegrass Farm-To-Table which is no longer a program offered by LFUCG).
PROTECTION POLICY #6
PROMOTE CONTEXT-SENSITIVE AGRITOURISM IN THE RURAL SERVICE AREA.
The 2017 Rural Land Management Plan has a thorough summary of the recent tourism developments in the rural service area. Year after year, visitors surveyed by VisitLEX say that they come to the Bluegrass for the horses, landscape, and bourbon. The two major attractions, which draw more than a million visitors a year to the Rural Service Area, are the Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland. There are numerous for-profit tour companies and Horse Country, a non-profit coalition of farms that provide visitors from all over the world with access to these destinations. As of July 2017, Horse Country had 35 member farms, clinics and a feed mill participating, with 24 of them offering tours, and in the first two years, there have been over 80,000 visitors. The community now has the opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience with horses, which further allows them to promote Lexington as a regional attraction.
In 2016, a text amendment was approved to allow agritourism and ecotourism as a conditional use in the Rural Service Area. Agritourism activities allowed in the Agricultural Rural (A-R) and Agricultural Natural Areas (A-N) zones include corn mazes, farm gift shops, educational classes related to agricultural products or skills, horse shows involving more than 70 participants and seasonal activities. For the Agricultural Buffer (A-B) zone, children’s rides are also listed. Other agritourism and equine-related activities, such as wineries, hayrides, petting zoos, youth camps, and bed and breakfast establishments were already principal, accessory or conditional uses in the agricultural zones (KRS 100). Racetracks and historic house museums are allowed as conditional uses in the A-R zone. Ecotourism allowed in the A-R zone includes equine trails, botanical gardens and nature preserves. In the A-B and A-N zones, ecotourism includes commercial hiking and bicycling trails, equine trails, tree canopy tours, canoeing and kayaking launch sites, botanical gardens, nature preserves, and recreational outfitters limited to equipment rental only. The A-B zone adds zip-line trails and removes recreational outfitters from the list.
Over the course of the last seven years, since the adoption of the agritourism text amendment, numerous activities have developed, which promote local assets. While the tourism industry and the local economy have benefitted from the establishment of Horse County and wineries within the community, there still remains a connectivity barrier to access for some of these amenities. Connectivity to the rural community should be emphasized as roads and shared-use trails are being reviewed. The Kentucky Horse Park has benefited from the connectivity of the Legacy Trail and Keeneland has also seen the benefit of transit operations during racing season. Lexington should evaluate opportunities to partner with LexTran and local companies to establish a program for linking urban areas with rural amenities.
Summary of Changes:
• Included reference to connectivity barriers between urban areas and rural amities and opportunities to address.
PROTECTION POLICY #7
PROTECT THE URBAN FOREST AND SIGNIFICANT TREE CANOPIES.
Protecting and preserving urban tree canopy is critical to maintaining the ecological, economic, and social health of urban areas. By incorporating tree protection and preservation policies and regulations into planning and development processes, cities can create more sustainable and livable communities that preserve natural resources for future generations.
The City of Lexington has post-development tree canopy requirements for each zoning category in Article 26 of the Zoning Ordinance. However, the current post-development canopy requirements fall short of achieving the citywide goals for increasing tree canopy, and further, the current regulations can result in a net-loss of tree canopy coverage during development. Higher canopy cover targets must be achieved to reach long-term goals.
The 2022 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment analyzed urban tree canopy change by the City’s zoning categories, which offered insight as to how development patterns have changed Lexington’s canopy over time. While individual canopy losses and gains occurred in all zoning classes, the overall canopy losses occurred in two zoning types: Industrial and Mixed Use. Industrial areas had the greatest reduction in canopy (-8 acres), and Mixed Use experienced the largest percent reduction in the canopy (4% or -6 acres). Commercial (Downtown) and Commercial (Other) sustained a less than 1% gain.
Agricultural and Office/ Professional both increased their canopy by 2% in eight years. Canopy in Residential areas experienced the largest increase with a 4% gain (1,570 acres). This data should be used to inform updates to the City’s zoning requirements.
Additionally, Lexington currently has limited protections in place for existing trees on privately owned land. To protect the existing urban tree canopy on private property, Lexington should explore a tree protection ordinance and a process to ensure there is no net-loss of tree canopy during the development process. This could involve developing a fee-in-lieu process or another form of offsite mitigation.
Lexington should also continue to develop outreach programs and educational initiatives to inform and encourage private landowners and residents to preserve existing trees and plant new ones. Partnerships with local contractors can also be expanded to plant trees in low-canopy and underserved neighborhoods. Community-based organizations and individual champions can also be engaged to promote stewardship, and volunteer planting and maintenance events can increase awareness in the community. Even with these efforts in place, regulatory reform is needed to enhance and strengthen the current Planning processes and regulations to increase responsible development, protection and long term management of urban trees on private property.
Summary of Changes:
• Previous policy title: Protect sensitive streams, natural habitats and wildlife in the urban service area; protect the urban forest and significant tree canopies as crucial ecological networks.
• Reduced scope of previous policy to focus on protecting the urban forest
• Created two new policies to address streams and waterbodies (Restoration Policy 5) and biodiversity and habitat (Protection Policy 8)
21 Imagine Lexington 2045’s Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
PROTECTION POLICY #8
PROTECT AND ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY IN BOTH THE URBAN AND RURAL SERVICE AREAS.
Lexington should take proactive measures to protect and enhance biodiversity across both the urban and rural areas to ensure the wellbeing of people and the planet. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the number and abundance of different species, as well as the genetic diversity within each species and the diversity of ecosystems and their functions. It is the result of billions of years of evolution and the interactions between living organisms and their environment.
Preserving biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, providing ecological services, and improving quality of life. It promotes social and environmental justice and supports local economies through ecotourism and green jobs. In the face of climate change, biodiversity conservation is essential for ecosystem resilience and adaptation.
Fayette County has undergone significant modification for agricultural and urban development, leading to the fragmentation of natural areas and a decline in biodiversity. The Kentucky River corridor and tributaries are the only significant forest cover in Fayette County, supporting a diversity of plants and wildlife. Rural areas with significant plant life and habitat include Hisle Park, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, and Floracliff Nature Sanctuary. Urban areas of significant habitat include McConnell Springs Nature Park, the Arboretum on the University of Kentucky campus, Lexington Cemetery, Masterson Station Park, and Kearney Hill Golf Links. However, a comprehensive study of biodiversity assets and habitat in Lexington has yet to be completed.
The 2017 Rural Land Management Plan (RLMP) called out an area located in the southeastern part of Fayette County as a “Natural Area”. The Area, approximately 8,500 acres, included floodplains, riparian vegetation, steep slopes, and forest, and was home to a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. The RLMP also listed “Special Natural Protection Areas”, which were dispersed across the Rural Service Area. The lists described mapped areas of priority for preservation, and included sites with rare species of plants, large blue ash trees, rare bird sites, river slopes, and natural bodies of water.
In addition to protecting biodiversity throughout the rural area, it is crucial to identify and protect biodiversity within the Urban Service Area. The 2001 Greenway Master Plan identifies land for conservation within the Urban Service Area, and this plan should be updated to reflect current conditions and best practices. As Lexington grows, a priority should be placed on protecting environmentally sensitive urban areas through smart planning, updating policies, and educating the public. Additionally, new regulations should be explored to increase biodiversity through the use of native plantings and low impact landscaping (see Sustainability Policy 13).
Compiling a county-wide inventory of environmentally sensitive areas and areas of significant habitat will help build on the 2001 Greenway Master Plan and 2017 RLMP. With an updated biodiversity inventory, Lexington can make informed decisions on where and how new developments will directly or indirectly impact biodiversity and ultimately help increase biodiversity across the county.
Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
Summary of Changes:
• New policy text to address biodiversity and habitat; updated per review from Division of Environmental Services.
• Replaced previous policy on greenspace planning, which has been integrated into Restoration Policy 2
• Previous policy title: Integrate the greenspace plan into urban & rural area
Imagine Lexington 2045’s Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
PROTECTION POLICY #9
RESPECT THE GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT OF NATURAL LAND, ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT TO PROTECT STEEP SLOPES, AND LOCATE BUILDING STRUCTURES TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY EARTH DISRUPTION.
Lexington’s Land Subdivision Regulations require that developers evaluate a site’s geographic and topographic characteristics, including steep slopes and sinkholes, as part of the development planning process. This is to ensure that development is done in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and surrounding areas.
Prior to establishing a plan for a new development, a thorough analysis of the site's geographic context in terms of contours and watershed distributions should be conducted. This approach facilitates sustainable development that is sensitive to the area's natural topography, thereby reducing unnecessary disruption to the environment.
It has been demonstrated that extensive disturbance to the earth through man-made grading for building structures can lead to soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and damage to natural habitats. Furthermore, such practices may have a domino effect, resulting in adjacent areas being similarly intruded upon.
Sustainable planning practices stipulate that large developments should only be permitted on land areas with less than a 15% slope, in order to respect the natural topography and reduce any potential negative impacts on the environment. For modest development such as trails and pathways, slopes of up to 30% may be permissible in compliance with the Land Subdivision Regulations and the Zoning Ordinance
The consideration of a site's geographic and topographic characteristics is critical in the planning of new development in Lexington. This approach facilitates sustainable development that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, while preserving the natural beauty of the community for future generations.
Summary of Changes:
• Minor updates per review from Division of Environmental Services
PROTECTION POLICY #10
REDUCE LIGHT POLLUTION TO PROTECT DARK SKIES.
Light pollution is the overabundance or improper direction of outdoor lighting in urban areas and other built environments. It originates from various sources, including streetlights, advertising displays, and other forms of artificial illumination. It can disturb the natural light cycles in the environment and adversely affect both humans and wildlife.
Reducing light pollution is essential for several reasons. First, it can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle of people and animals by impeding the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Second, excessive lighting can negatively impact the behavior and reproduction of some species of plants and animals. Third, it can result in unnecessary energy consumption, which can contribute to increased carbon emissions.
The dark-sky movement is a global campaign that aims to reduce light pollution and preserve the natural night sky. The movement strives to promote increased visibility of stars at night, mitigate the environmental impacts of lighting, improve the safety, health, and well-being of both humans and wildlife, and study the effects of darkness on living organisms. The International Dark-Sky Association advocates for the use of fixtures that minimize upward light in public spaces and encourages communities to implement lighting regulations. Additionally, it recommends using fully shielded fixtures that minimize or eliminate upward light in public areas to reduce light pollution.
Lexington should minimize light pollution, promote energy efficiency, protect the well-being of the community and the environment, and develop a lighting ordinance to achieve these goals.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy
• Replaced policy on installing plank fences around greenways
• Previous policy title: Install iconic rural fencelines around major greenways to enhance their natural beauty.
PILLAR II SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in land use planning and development due to the negative impact that traditional development practices have had on the environment. Sustainable land use planning and development involve incorporating social, economic, and environmental considerations into decision-making processes, with the goal of creating communities that are resilient, equitable, and prosperous for both present and future generations. In order to ensure that future generations have access to clean water, air, and natural resources, it is crucial to incorporate sustainable practices in all aspects of land use planning and development.
Sustainable Transportation Options
Sustainable land use planning starts with walkable, transit focused urban design. Walkable cities are designed to be easily navigable on foot, bike or via transit, with sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian-friendly features that connect housing to jobs, schools, goods, and services. This style of development encourages physical activity and helps to create a sense of community. Importantly, by prioritizing non-vehicular modes of transportation, communities can reduce vehicle miles traveled, which in turn reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Low Impact Development, Sustainable Landscaping, and Green Infrastructure
Low impact development (LID) is an approach to land use planning and development that aims to minimize the impact of development on the environment. LID includes sustainable landscaping practices, such as using native plants and trees, reducing water use, and promoting biodiversity.
Green infrastructure refers to the natural or semi-natural systems and features that provide a range of ecological, economic, and social benefits to people and the environment. It can include forests, wetlands, grasslands, parks, greenways, street trees, green roofs, green walls, permeable pavements, and other forms of vegetation or natural features that are integrated into the built environment. Green infrastructure is used to balance the built environment with natural systems, and to create more sustainable, resilient, and livable communities.
Green infrastructure stormwater best management practices are another important aspect of sustainable land use planning. This involves designing stormwater management systems that mimic natural processes, such as infiltration and evapotranspiration. These systems can help to reduce the impact of development on water quality, reduce flooding, and promote biodiversity.
Green Building and Site Design
Green building and site design is another important aspect of sustainable land use planning. This involves designing buildings and sites that are energy efficient, use renewable energy sources, and incorporate sustainable materials. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards are widely used in green building and site design and provide a framework for achieving sustainable building practices.
Local Government Leadership
Local governments play a critical role in promoting sustainable land use planning and development. They can take an active leadership role by setting goals, adopting policies, and implementing programs
that promote sustainability. Collaboration across multiple divisions and departments, as well as with local agencies and organizations, is crucial to achieving sustainable land use planning.
Community Engagement and Education
Engaging and educating communities on sustainable planning, development, and at-home behaviors is important because it helps to build a culture of sustainability, addresses complex challenges such as climate change and resource depletion, encourages behavioral change, and empowers communities. By involving residents in sustainable initiatives, providing them with information and motivation to adopt more sustainable behaviors, and empowering them to participate in decision-making processes, Lexington can create a more resilient, equitable, and livable future for all.
Reaching Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Cities must play a role in reaching the global and federal commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, including transportation, buildings, industry, and waste management. Sustainable land use planning and development can play a crucial role in achieving this goal, by reducing vehicle miles traveled, promoting sustainable building practices, and encouraging renewable energy sources.
Summary of Changes:
• Rewrite to include an overview of all topics covered in this pillar including new references to climate change.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #1 ESTABLISH A PLAN TO REDUCE COMMUNITY-WIDE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS TO NET ZERO BY 2050.
Since the 1800s, human activity has been the main driver of climate change, which is simply defined as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gasses (GHGs), which increases temperatures and leads to more frequent and more severe natural disasters. To combat climate change, the United Nations Climate Change Conference established the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement calls for global GHG emissions to be halved by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 in order to avoid increasing Earth’s surface temperature by more than 1.5°C and to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
The impacts of climate change are already evident in Kentucky, with the increased intensity of floods in the eastern part of the state and tornados during the winter months in the west. These impacts are costly for cities as they hinder basic services, destroy infrastructure and housing, and pose a risk to human livelihoods and health. This concerns many Fayette County residents. The Division of Planning, in partnership with CivicLex, hosted the On the Table (OTT) event to gather input specifically for the Comprehensive Plan update. The OTT event resulted in nearly 2,500 Lexingtonians participating in a community-wide interactive survey, which established environmental resiliency and climate change as one of residents’ top priorities.
Some cities, such as Burlington, Vermont and Ann Arbor, Michigan are on track to achieve communitywide net zero GHG emissions as soon as 2030. Others, including Cincinnati, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky, have created goals and a comprehensive climate action plan to reach community-wide net zero by 2050 and 2040, respectively. The most current research suggests that over 400 cities across the United States have either committed to creating a climate action plan, are in the process of developing a climate action plan, or are currently implementing a plan. These efforts will be amplified by the upcoming historic investment created by recent federal legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act.
The first step to creating a climate action plan is establishing the community’s total GHG emissions by completing a community-wide GHG emissions inventory. This will allow LFUCG and community partners to direct resources towards the heaviest emitters, and to identify opportunities for GHG negative activities to help tip the balance toward net zero. Net zero can be achieved in a variety of ways including reducing emissions as much as possible through measures such as energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and transitioning to low-carbon technologies, and offsetting any remaining emissions by removing an equivalent amount of GHGs from the atmosphere through activities such as tree planting or carbon capture and storage.
A net-zero future is possible for Lexington largely due to a wide variety of federal funds. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law in 2022, providing $369 billion to address climate change. In Lexington, efforts are underway to effectively utilize the IRA funds by fostering collaboration among different departments and agencies, with a focus on planning strategies to reduce climate pollution. Efforts should also continue to actively explore opportunities to access IRA implementation funds, and tools like "Climate Action and the Inflation Reduction Act: A Guide for Local Government Leaders" can aid in this process.
A net zero city requires excellent planning, committed partners, and a continuous effort. In order to achieve net-zero, Lexington must adopt a climate action plan that addresses reducing emissions in all aspects of the community in a way that is equitable and inclusive.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy to support Council amendment to Theme B Goal 2: Identify and mitigate local impacts of climate change by tracking and reducing Lexington-Fayette Urban County’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and commit to community-wide net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #2
ESTABLISH A PLAN TO REDUCE ALL LFUCG FACILITIES, OPERATIONS, AND FLEETS TO NET ZERO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.
With the growing urgency to mitigate climate change, cities around the world are implementing plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As of October 2021, a bipartisan group of U.S. mayors representing more than 54 million Americans pledged to help the United States reach its goal to achieve net-zero by 2050 in alignment with the United Nations Paris Agreement.
Lexington’s peer cities have taken steps to move their government’s functions towards net zero. For example, Cincinnati’s 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan establishes goals of both operating the city government on 100% renewable energy and making all city facilities, fleets, and operations carbon neutral by 2035. Louisville Metro Council passed a resolution to support a 100% clean renewable electricity goal for Metro Government operations by 2030.
Louisville and Cincinnati began this process with an inventory of all government-produced greenhouse gas emissions in order to establish which functions were the most energy-intensive and released the most emissions. LFUCG should follow their lead, identifying the highest emitting government sources and then creating a plan to bring all LFUCG facilities, operations, and fleets to net zero.
This policy should work in tandem with Sustainability Policy #1, which calls for a community-wide plan for all of Lexington-Fayette County to reach net zero emissions by 2050. LFUCG must take the opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate to residents that a net zero future is possible.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy to support Council amendment to Theme B Goal 2: Identify and mitigate local impacts of climate change by tracking and reducing Lexington-Fayette Urban County’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, and commit to community-wide net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #3
PROVIDE COMMUNITY-FOCUSED GREENSPACE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF RESIDENTIAL USES.
Access to community-focused greenspaces, parks, or other types of outdoor neighborhood gathering places is essential for individuals and communities. The benefits are numerous, spanning physical and mental health, social connectivity, environmental impact, and even economic growth.
Lexingtonian’s are keenly aware of these benefits as the most discussed topic of the 2022 On the Table event was walking, biking, and access. A survey from the 2018 Parks and Recreation Master Plan likewise captured Lexington’s desire for improved walking and biking trails that connect urban areas, highlighting the need for more accessible greenspaces and amenities. And in 2021 Lexington signed on to the national ten-minute walk campaign, committing that everyone in Lexington would be a tenminute walk to a park or neighborhood-focused greenspace by 2050.
Strategically locating outdoor amenities and greenspaces within walkable distance to neighborhoods is crucial as it not only enhances quality of life but also reduces the amount of vehicle traffic on the road, thereby lowering vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions. Walkable greenspaces also promote daily physical activity, such as walking and biking, which can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases like heart disease and hypertension and improve mental health. And providing natural areas within neighborhoods provides other environmental benefits to residents including decreased heat island effect, and improved air quality and stormwater infiltration. Furthermore, numerous studies have pointed to the economic benefits of neighborhood-focused greenspaces which can range from direct job creation to increased property values to the quality of life factors that are considered when companies choose where to locate.
In many parts of Lexington, residents do not have access to neighborhood-focused greenspaces within a walkable distance. New development should provide greenspace or other outdoor community gathering spaces within a ten-minute walk of residents, especially if these amenities are not otherwise available. Encouraging developers to identify and create opportunities for such amenities in these areas would improve the overall quality of life, health, and wellbeing of both existing residents and new neighbors Additionally, providing community-focused open space during new development can help alleviate some of the real estate pressure felt by existing neighborhoods that do have walkable parks and open spaces especially as the increasing demand for walkable neighborhoods can contribute to the displacement of vulnerable populations that currently live in walkable neighborhoods.
In addition to creating new community-focused greenspaces, it is important to provide connections to existing greenway and public space projects, such as the Legacy Trail, Town Branch Commons, Brighton Trail, and other regional and neighborhood parks and trails. To achieve this, new development should prioritize the creation of walkways and shared use paths that seamlessly connect these areas, promoting an active and sustainable lifestyle across all of Lexington
Summary of Changes:
• Updated to focus on the Mayor’s commitment to walkable access to community-focused greenspaces and parks.
• Included reference to walkability, bikeability, accessibility as top OTT code
• Clarified previous policy title: Make recommendations to locate new development within walking distance of existing greenspace / community centers, or create greenspace / community centers within walking distance of residential uses.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #4 REDUCE AIR POLLUTION AND CARBON FOOTPRINT THROUGH COMPACT DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLETE STREETS THAT ENCOURAGE MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Emissions from motor vehicles are one of the more significant sources of EPA criteria pollutants such as particulate matter and ozone precursor chemicals as well as atmospheric carbon related to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the most effective methods of reducing these emissions are through efforts to reduce travel by automobiles or trucks, especially those powered by fossil fuels. This is especially true for short trips, those which are 2 miles or less. These trips are more reasonably accomplished by modes such as walking or bicycling, which are inherently emission free, or public transit which has far fewer emissions per passenger mile of travel. The other issue is that modern gasoline and diesel engines produce far greater emissions during the cold start phase which occurs more frequently for several short trips than for fewer longer distance trips. In fact, it’s estimated that 70% of emissions during a typical commute occur during the first 60 seconds of vehicle operation.
The challenges in Lexington for bicycle, pedestrian and mass transit are two-fold:
1. Many Lexington neighborhoods do not provide a full-range of opportunities or services within a walk, bicycle or transit scale distance from residences. Whether its employment or education, services such as retail, medical or social services, or access to heathy food, in most cases access can only be reasonably accomplished through an automobile due to the trip distances involved.
2. Most Lexington roadways, especially those beyond New Circle Road, were designed primarily for travel by automobiles.
In order to specifically address the second challenge, the City of Lexington and the Lexington Area MPO have adopted complete street policies to identify methods to make all roadways safe and comfortable for all potential users of those facilities, including bicycles, pedestrians and transit services. Additionally, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has also adopted a policy and has updated their design guidance to address complete street principles for the state highway network.
While both challenges are not insurmountable for a sizeable portion of the Urban Service Area, it is important to note that many regional trips will likely continue to be made by automobile. Restoration Policy #4 discusses transitioning the regional vehicle fleet to electric or low/no emission fuels to address trips that will continue to be made by automobile. With that said, there are significant tradeoffs associated with low/no emission vehicles related to electric generation and producing fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or hydrogen (see table below). The extent to which trips can be made through inherently zero or very low emission modes (bike, pedestrian, or mass transit) reduces the associated negative tradeoffs with continued automobile usage, regardless of fuel source. Prioritizing the development of walkable and transit supportive development patterns remains key to improving air quality and reducing emissions, especially in the near term.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy focused on the environmental benefits of compact development and complete streets due to indirect reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (MPO)
• Previous policy title: Reduce / discourage vehicle oriented development patterns, such as drivethrough businesses within the Urban Service Boundary, especially in the urban core areas. Reduce parking footprints. (Moved to Theme D – Placemaking)
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #5 REDUCE AND MITIGATE NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF IMPERVIOUS SURFACES AND VEHICLE USE AREAS.
Impervious surfaces are a necessary component of urban areas, however there are various strategies available to minimize and alleviate their adverse environmental effects. Impervious hardscapes such as streets, parking lots, and driveways prevent stormwater from infiltrating the ground, which causes flooding, erosion, and sanitary sewer infiltration and overflows, which have historically been observed in Lexington. By reducing the amount of paved surfaces, stormwater runoff can be decreased and flood control efforts improved with less dedicated infrastructure. Additionally, minimizing impervious areas helps enhance water quality by reducing the amount of pollutants that are carried by stormwater runoff.
Along with parking lots, streets also have the potential to be designed to offset their negative environmental impacts. Narrower streets with median landscape areas containing trees and other plantings can act as a filter and first line of infiltration before stormwater enters Lexington’s waterways. Limiting the number of cul-de-sacs, minimizing their diameter, and adding center landscape islands are just a few ways to modify neighborhood street design in order to improve water quality and reduce runoff. Lexington’s street design regulations and manuals should be reviewed for opportunities to reduce environmental impacts.
In 2022, Lexington performed an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment in order to map existing canopy and monitor changes since the last assessment in 2012. It reported that while Lexington has a 23% (up from 20% in 2012) Urban Tree Canopy, over 40% of the Urban Service Area was comprised of impervious area. The associated Urban Tree Canopy Report Cards break down, by Council District, not just tree canopy but also pervious and impervious land areas and its impact on stormwater runoff and heat mitigation. The report further discusses planting prioritization factors including tailoring efforts to address low-income and minority areas where tree canopy is negatively correlated Additional analysis is needed to advance the report recommendations and identify more specific priority areas for improving environmental equity through increased canopy and impervious area mitigation.
Lexington has also recently adopted significant improvements to its parking standards by allowing the number of spaces to be reduced along with a significant increase in the amount of landscaping and tree canopy required, however additional steps should be explored to encourage or require impervious pavement, bioretention, or other forms of parking lot green infrastructure. Together, these provisions have the potential to address not only water quality and quantity related issues but also the worsening heat island effects of vast paved areas.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy focusing on the need to reduce imperious surfaces
• References 2022 Urban Tree canopy Assessment data on Lexington’s impervious surfaces.
• Previous policy title: Apply traffic mitigation programs, such as communication with employers, to encourage flexible work schedules or telecommuting.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #6 EXPAND AND PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND ELECTRIFICATION INITIATIVES.
Lexington must prioritize sustainable and energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure, as well as renewable energy sources, to reduce the city's carbon footprint, decrease energy consumption and costs, and promote a more sustainable environment. Coordinated investment and commitment from both public and private sectors in sustainable buildings, infrastructure, and energy sources will help Lexington pave the way towards a greener future.
The LFUCG established an Energy Management Plan in 2004 to promote conservation, reduce fuel and utilities consumption, and realize cost savings. In 2009, the LFUCG created the Energy Improvement Fund as a funding mechanism for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The Fund acts as a revolving loan where utility savings can be allocated to future projects.
In the community, the city has partnered with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society to launch Solarize Lexington. This program helps property owners reduce their reliance on the electric grid by making it easier to install solar panels and includes a grant program to assist low-to-moderate income homeowners.
Empower Lexington, a community led voluntary plan launched in 2012, targeted community-wide sustainability and energy efficiency. The plan, approved by the Urban County Council in 2012, allows for the implementation of its recommendations, with responsibilities for implementation varying between local government, non-profits, and public/private partnerships. Steps were taken to update the plan in 2022, led by staff from the Division of Environmental Services.
In 2018, the Council approved legislation that established an Energy Project Assessment District (EPAD) in Fayette County. This allows commercial, non-profit, multi-family, agricultural, and industrial property owners to obtain special financing called PACE financing to fund energy-efficient upgrades and improvements. The PACE financing covers the full cost of upgrades, including solar panels, energyefficient heating and cooling systems, water conservation, and LED lighting. The long-term loan is repaid through a voluntary assessment on the property owner's tax bill, with a fixed interest rate and no down payment required.
To further promote these activities across Lexington, in 2016 LFUCG launched the Green Check Program, which recognizes businesses for their green initiatives and helps them expand their sustainability efforts. As of January 2023, 53 businesses have become certified. More recognition and awards programs should be explored, such as green neighborhood awards or green business operation pilot programs.
Summary of Changes:
• Updated per Division of Environmental Services Energy Section review.
• Included updated references to Solarize Lexington, EPAD/PACE Financing, Green Check Program, and the Empower Lexington Plan
• Previous policy title: Continue and expand energy efficiency initiatives, promote energy efficient buildings by supporting grants and public recognition.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #7
APPLY FOR LEED FOR CITIES CERTIFICATION TO TRACK PROGRESS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY, GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY OBJECTIVES.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting sustainability in the building and construction industry. It is best known for developing and administering the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program for green buildings, and recently has added a LEED certification program for cities and communities.
LEED for Cities assesses the sustainability performance of cities and provides a framework for cities to improve their sustainability efforts. The program looks at a variety of factors that contribute to the sustainability of a city, including energy and water use, waste management, transportation, access to greenspace, and overall quality of life. Cities are scored based on a set of metrics and can earn certification at different levels, including Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
The program is designed to help cities identify areas for improvement and establish goals for sustainability, as well as track progress and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability communitywide for residents, businesses, and visitors. It is intended to be adaptable to cities of all sizes and locations, and the program has been implemented in cities around the world
Lexington should pursue LEED for Cities certification to take full advantage of the resources and support USGBC provides for cities to implement sustainability initiatives and to access the network of shared best practices with other cities. As a first step toward this goal, community-led working groups have reframed and updated a draft of Lexington’s 2012 Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community guided by the LEED for Cities framework.
Summary of Changes:
• Removed reference to STAR Community rating which has been superseded by LEED for Cities and Communities; included reference to the Empower Lexington Plan updates.
• Previous policy title: Encourage Lexington to join the star community rating program.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #8
DEVELOP AND PROACTIVELY SHARE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND PROGRAMS TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY BENEFITS AND SERVICES.
Energy efficiency is a critical issue for modern cities, which face a range of environmental and economic challenges related to energy consumption. To address these challenges, Lexington should develop and proactively share educational materials and programs to increase public awareness of energy efficiency benefits and services. By doing so, they can empower residents with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about energy use and conservation, while also reducing their carbon footprint and saving money on energy bills.
One key benefit of developing and sharing educational materials and programs is that it can help to foster a culture of energy efficiency within a city. When residents are educated about the benefits of using energy more efficiently, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. This can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and lower energy costs for households and businesses.
Another key benefit of educational initiatives is that they can help to increase access to energy efficiency services and programs. Many cities offer a range of services and incentives to help residents reduce their energy consumption, but these resources are often underutilized. By providing clear, accessible information about these services and programs, cities can help to ensure that more residents take advantage of them.
Materials should provide a consistent message about sustainable practices and be tailored to each individual audience’s needs. This is especially important for property owners with tenants who may be disproportionately impacted by high utility bills. Lexington must also work to educate renters about the benefits of energy efficiency and how to reduce their energy consumption. This can involve providing information on simple energy-saving measures like turning off lights and electronics when not in use, as well as offering more comprehensive energy audits to identify areas where energy efficiency upgrades could have the biggest impact. Equity is therefore a key consideration when it comes to energy efficiency, and cities must ensure that their initiatives are designed with the needs of all residents in mind.
Increasing awareness and education about energy efficiency and conservation programs can lead to higher implementation rates. To achieve this, the City should launch marketing campaigns that highlights the benefits of energy efficiency, including reduced energy consumption and real cost savings for business owners, home owners, renters, and tenants. The campaign should use various media platforms such as print, television, and social media to communicate these benefits effectively. Programs should also encourage the use of LEED buildings, appliances, and mechanical systems to further promote energy efficiency.
Summary of Changes:
• Included explanation of the benefits of energy efficiency.
• Included equity focus on renters and tenants.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #9 ENHANCE LEXINGTON’S RECYCLING, COMPOSTING, AND WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.
Lexington residents and property owners are offered urban services such as refuse collection, streetlights, and street cleaning based on their location within a specific tax district. This publicly controlled waste management system consists of residential curbside collection of landfill-bound waste, which is placed in green roll-carts for weekly collection. Residential bulky items are placed curbside for regular collection days. Recycling is done through blue roll-carts or drop-off centers, and yard waste is collected in gray roll-carts or paper yard waste bags and sent to the City’s composting facility. Downtown businesses may choose to use roll-carts for solid waste and recycling collection or a privately managed dumpster service. The City does not lease dumpsters, however all dumpsters require an LFUCG permit before placement.
Lexington also has a privately managed waste system for those residing outside of an urban service tax district, with multiple private haulers providing waste and recycling services for a fee. However, this parallel public-private system means more trucks on the road, resulting in increased vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts should be made to study this duplicate system and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
Another opportunity to create a more sustainable waste system comes from diverting food waste from landfills. The EPA’s Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks shows that food waste in the United States is causing double the amount of greenhouse gas emissions as commercial aviation, making it a major contributor to climate change. To combat this issue, an increasing number of states and cities have implemented regulations to keep food out of landfills, with most requiring residents or businesses to compost.
Composting releases significantly less methane compared to food waste that ends up in landfills. The reason for this is that composting is an oxygen-requiring, or aerobic process, which inhibits the activity of methane-producing microbes. Conversely, when food waste is disposed of in a landfill, it lacks the necessary oxygen supply, which leads to the growth of anaerobic microbes that generate methane while breaking down the food waste.
Accordingly, one area where Lexington has the potential to make a substantial positive environmental impact is by decreasing and redirecting food waste. According to the 2018 draft report on Organics Feasibility, Lexington has the opportunity to expand their organics collection program, by adding food waste collection to the existing leaf and yard waste program. The report states that a fully implemented, comprehensive food scrap recovery program in Lexington has the potential to divert 30,000 tons a year from landfill. However, more information is needed to determine the net benefits of curbside compost pickup, as additional roll-carts could require additional trucks to run each route.
The City holds many special events throughout the year to assist residents in waste disposal and other needs, such as compost workshops with subsidized composters, household hazardous waste collection, paper shredding, the “Gobble Grease Toss” and mulch giveaways the mulch being a product of a composting program for residential yard waste. Such events promote community engagement and
Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
education in addition to their environmental benefits. These programs should be continued and expanded.
Summary of Changes:
• Updated to include most recent information from waste management website and 2018 draft report on LFUCG composting feasibility
• Included EPA reference to food waste as a major contributor to climate change (added “composting” to title).
40 Imagine Lexington 2045’s Recommended Updates to Theme B – Protecting the Environment
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #10 INCENTIVIZE GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE BEYOND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) refers to a set of sustainable urban development practices that aim to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff on the environment and improve water quality. These practices involve using natural elements, such as vegetation, soils, and permeable surfaces, to capture, treat, and store rainwater and snowmelt. Since 2016, the LFUCG Stormwater Manual has required development projects to use green infrastructure for stormwater management for both volume and water quality control.
Some examples of GSI practices include green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement, and wetlands. These features help to slow down the flow of stormwater runoff, allowing it to infiltrate into the ground and recharge groundwater supplies. They also filter out pollutants from the runoff, such as sediment, heavy metals, and nutrients, which would otherwise flow into streams, rivers, and lakes, causing water quality problems.
In addition to improving water quality, GSI offers many other benefits to cities and communities, such as:
• Flood Control: GSI practices can reduce the risk of flooding by reducing the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff
• Climate Resilience: GSI can help cities adapt to the impacts of climate change by mitigating the effects of extreme weather events, such as flooding and drought
• Improved Air Quality: Vegetation in GSI practices can help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality by filtering and absorbing pollutants, reducing temperature, and producing oxygen
• Aesthetic and Recreational Benefits: GSI practices can enhance the aesthetic quality of urban landscapes and provide spaces for outdoor recreation and community gathering
• Economic Benefits: GSI can help to create jobs and stimulate local economies by providing opportunities for green infrastructure design, installation, and maintenance
GSI is an effective approach to improving the sustainability of urban development practices, as it offers a range of benefits to both the environment and the community. Lexington should take steps to continue to incentivize GSI that goes above and beyond baseline requirements to create an even greener, more environmentally resilient city by updating land development regulations to further incentivize GSI during development
Summary of changes:
• Updated per review from Division of Water Quality.
• Previous Policy title: Require green infrastructure elements for new development, and require during redevelopment where appropriate.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #11 DEVELOP INCENTIVES FOR GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES AND SUSTAINABLE SITE DESIGN.
Globally, building operations make up 27% and building construction makes up 6% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Contributing 33% of all emissions makes buildings a significant contributor to climate change. Fortunately, implementing green building practices and design principles can significantly reduce these emissions.
Green building involves creating environmentally responsible and resource-efficient structures and processes throughout a building's life cycle. This includes everything from site design to construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. When it comes to building sustainably, the most viable options are often adaptive reuse of existing structures or creative infill development of vacant or underutilized lots. Green building design should consider all aspects of a site, including building mechanicals, positioning of the building to optimize future renewable energy, use of sustainable materials, inclusion of green infrastructure on-site, preservation of existing trees, and provision of smaller and bike-centric parking lots.
Lexington offers several programs and incentives for green design including zoning incentives for adaptive reuse projects The Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program provides financial aid for green building and infrastructure projects that improve water quality and reduce stormwater runoff. The newly launched Solarize Lexington program connects participants with solar installers and offers discounted rates and funds for low-to-moderate income households. Additionally, Lexington has PACE financing for commercial developments that use voluntary assessments to finance energy efficiency projects.
Even with these existing programs, additional incentives should be explored to encourage new development or redevelopment to achieve more advanced green building standards. For example, Cincinnati offers a 15-year LEED property tax abatement. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council that provides certification for buildings, site designs, operations, communities, and cities that save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and create healthier places for people. This incentive has been successful in Cincinnati, resulting in the development of nearly 1,250 LEED projects in the region, and the construction of the nation's first net zero energy police station. Moreover, Cincinnati requires all new municipal facilities to be built to a LEED Silver standard or higher.
Summary of changes:
• Updated with most recent programs and practices.
• Previous policy title: Encourage and explore incentives for green building practices for new development and redevelopment.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY #13
REQUIRE LOW IMPACT LANDSCAPING AND NATIVE PLANTS SPECIES.
With an estimated coverage of over 40 million acres, lawns represent the largest cultivated crop in America, accounting for about 2% of the country's land. Lawns require a significant amount of time and money in their maintenance, but their maintenance also results in indirect environmental harm. For instance, mowing and leaf blowing contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizers cause algal blooms, pesticides pollute, and watering lawns strains freshwater resources. To combat climate change and prevent the extinction of species, Lexington should revise regulations to encourage the replacement of traditional lawns with native plantings and low impact landscapes
An increasing number of communities are now planting with a purpose, aiming to help endangered wildlife, such as monarch butterflies, bees, songbirds, and to reconnect their cities to the local ecosystem. Low impact landscaping is a term that refers to this approach to designing and maintaining gardens and landscapes in a way that generates environmental and wildlife benefits Policy changes at the local level can advance low impact landscaping, including passing native plant ordinances, updating weed and vegetation control ordinances, and designating no mow zones.
Passing native plant ordinances can make a big difference for wildlife, as they rely on native plant communities for habitat. Cities, counties, and homeowners associations can control what plants are installed in landscaping, parks, medians, and other open spaces. In 2018, both Westchester County, NY and New Castle, DE signed executive orders mandating that all county parks and landscaping around county buildings include 100% native plants. The Township of Lower Makefield, PA passed an amendment to their Subdivision and Land Development provisions mandating 100 percent use of native plants used in new developments. Lexington has made a commitment to protecting, creating, and preserving Monarch Butterfly habitat throughout the community by supporting the Mayor's Monarch Pledge and other initiatives, and passing a native plant ordinance will help progress toward this commitment.
Updating weed and vegetation control ordinances is necessary to support wildlife-friendly landscaping while ensuring public safety. Most cities and counties have rules in place to ensure homeowners and businesses maintain their landscapes, but these ordinances are typically designed to enforce a conventional landscape aesthetic of close-cropped lawn and ornamental plantings that provide no wildlife habitat. Lexington’s Code of Ordinances regulate vegetation maintenance in a similar way, however an exception has been added for native plantings for the purpose of intentional naturalization, see Section 12-2(b) of the Code Additionally, Lexington residents can also apply for a Riparian Buffer Permit to establish no-mow or native vegetation along streams Lexington should promote and expand upon this work. The City of Minneapolis has an excellent model that supports wildlife-friendly landscaping while ensuring public safety which could serve as a guide.
Designating no mow zones can make a big difference for wildlife. Creating and managing "no mow zones" in appropriate places across cities allows native plants to grow and wildlife to flourish, while reducing maintenance costs. The National Wildlife Federation encourages cities with no mow zones to post signage and educate the public about the benefits to both wildlife and people. Greeley, CO, and
Pinellas County, FL are examples of cities that communicate their "no mow" policy to residents, providing details about the timing of mowing and which areas are on reduced mowing schedules.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy to promote and encourage native plantings and low impact landscapes
• Previous policy title: Develop an overarching entity / organization for existing environmentallyfocused agencies to collaborate on sustainability programs and follow through on implementation. (Incorporated into new Sustainability Policy 3).
PILLAR III RESTORATION
Environmental protection, sustainability, and restoration are interrelated concepts that all contribute to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment. The first pillar of Theme B is environmental protection, which involves preventing harm to the environment and reducing negative impacts on natural resources and ecosystems. Examples of policies and actions that support environmental protection include regulating pollution, conserving natural resources, and protecting biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
The second pillar of sustainability aims to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves creating a more sustainable and resilient society. And the final pillar of environmental restoration involves repairing, rehabilitating, and restoring damaged or degraded ecosystems, habitats, and natural resources to their original or desired state. Environmental restoration can also play a critical role in addressing environmental justice and equity by providing communities that have been disproportionately affected by environmental degradation with access to clean air, water, and healthy ecosystems.
It is essential for a city to focus on all three pillars of environmental protection, sustainability, and restoration because they are mutually reinforcing. Environmental protection is necessary to prevent further degradation of the environment, sustainability ensures equitable use of natural resources, and restoration repairs and rehabilitates damaged ecosystems and resources. By focusing on all three pillars, Lexington can create a more resilient and sustainable environment that benefits both present and future generations. This can lead to an improved quality of life for residents, economic opportunities, and a healthier planet overall.
To restore natural resources within the urban service area, the City’s Urban Forestry Management Plan should be implemented to grow Lexington's urban forest. This can help improve air quality and create a healthier environment for residents. Community gardens and urban agriculture should be supported as these initiatives can help to increase access to fresh, locally-grown produce while also promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
To enhance and grow Lexington's green infrastructure network, it is important to identify opportunities to strategically link parks, trails, complete streets, greenways, and natural areas across the urban and rural areas. Having a well-connected green infrastructure network is critical for increasing biodiversity and ecosystem services. Creating corridors that link natural areas improves the health of local ecosystems and supports a greater diversity of species, while also creating greater recreational opportunities
To improve air quality, steps should be taken to reduce emissions of EPA-regulated pollutants. This can be achieved through a range of actions, such as promoting alternative transportation methods and supporting renewable energy sources. Additionally, waterway quality should also be improved through various measures such as reducing runoff and addressing pollution sources, and coordination efforts should be made to address litter abatement and ensure that the community is working together to keep Lexington clean and litter-free.
Finally, ensuring environmental justice must be a top priority for all environmental restoration efforts. There is a clear link between environmental restoration and justice, especially in addressing the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation and pollution on marginalized communities. Low-income communities and communities of color are often hit the hardest by environmental degradation, resulting in health problems, reduced quality of life, and economic difficulties. To promote greater equity, it is crucial to prioritize and involve these communities in the planning and implementation of environmental restoration projects. This approach can lead to greater social and environmental justice by promoting the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and reducing the burden of environmental harms.
Summary of changes:
• Rewrote to include reference to updated policies.
RESTORATION POLICY #1
IMPLEMENT THE LFUCG URBAN FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PLAN TO RESTORE AND GROW LEXINGTON’S URBAN FOREST.
The City of Lexington has a rich history of recognizing and valuing the importance of trees. As early as 1931, the city's Comprehensive Plan encouraged the planting of street trees, recognizing them as a valuable asset for the community. Today, the city continues to prioritize the preservation and maintenance of its urban forest through its Urban Forestry Master Plan, which includes regular assessments of the city's tree canopy to ensure its long-term health.
Lexington relies on data to identify areas where existing tree canopy should be preserved, opportunities to expand the canopy cover, and areas that would benefit most from investment in the urban forest. This type of data was first collected in 2012 and more recently through Lexington’s 2022 Tree Canopy Assessment Report
The Urban Tree Canopy Assessment found that within the Urban Service Area, Lexington’s tree canopy cover changed from 20% to 23% from 2012 to 2020. Canopy cover increased within all of Lexington’s 12 city council districts except for District 1 which lost eight acres of canopy between 2012 and 2020. The analysis found 33% of land area within the Urban Service Area is a possible planting area. The 12,649 acres of tree canopy in Lexington provide a multitude of economic, environmental, and social benefits, valued at just over $6.5 million annually, as well as $111 million in carbon storage.
The City and its stakeholders can use the urban tree canopy change data to identify areas to prioritize canopy expansion, focusing on planting the right tree in the right place and planting large-species trees where appropriate. Recommendations from the assessment include:
• Planting trees near impervious surfaces to offset the urban heat island effect, stormwater runoff, and energy consumption. (See Sustainability Policy #6 for more information on recent zoning regulation changes to support this goal.)
• Developing a proactive street tree maintenance program to plant and manage street trees and ensure equitable distribution.
• Preserving trees during development by evaluating codes to increase tree preservation and creating space for existing and new trees on private property and public right-of-way.
Urban trees can also serve as a tool for equity in a community. Lexington’s Tree Equity Score, calculated by American Forests, indicates that canopy cover gaps often coincide with income and race, highlighting the need for equitable urban tree management. These findings are echoed by Lexington’s Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and its associated TreePlotter web application. The TreePlotter application shows urban tree canopy and NatureScore Priority Indexes (NPI) by Census Block Group. Areas with high NPI scores are more likely to have poor health, urban heat islands, poor air quality, low income, and currently don’t benefit from the many co-benefits natural elements such as the urban forest can provide.
The map shows that in Lexington, the areas with the highest priority for additional tree canopy correlate with areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities. Additional effort and
analysis is needed to advance Lexington’s Urban Tree Canopy Assessment recommendations and identify specific actions for improving environmental equity through increased urban tree canopy.
Summary of Changes:
• Refocused policy on restoring urban forest (urban forest protection covered by Protection Policy #7)
• Included most recent data from 2022 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and related tools
• Included information on tree canopy and environmental equity.
• Previous policy title: Protect and recover Lexington’s urban forest by strategically planting new trees and creating walkable streetscapes.
RESTORATION POLICY #2
IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO STRATEGICALLY LINK PARKS, TRAILS, COMPLETE STREETS, GREENWAYS, AND NATURAL AREAS TO ADVANCE LEXINGTON’S GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK.
Green infrastructure refers to the natural or semi-natural systems and features that provide a range of ecological, economic, and social benefits to people and the environment. It can include forests, wetlands, grasslands, parks, greenways, street trees, green roofs, green walls, permeable pavements, and other forms of vegetation or natural features that are integrated into the built environment. Green infrastructure is used to balance the built environment with natural systems, and to create more sustainable, resilient, and livable communities.
To ensure effective planning and management of the green infrastructure network, the City has maintained various plans and resources, including the 1996 Greenspace Plan, 2002 Greenway Master Plan, 2018 Parks Masterplan, 2017 Urban Forestry Management Plan, 2017 Rural Land Management Plan, and the 2018 Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. Additionally the 2020 Stormwater Manual includes site-based green infrastructure best management practices to address stormwater runoff. However, there is a need to enhance coordination across City Departments and Divisions to identify and make recommendations for comprehensive green infrastructure planning across all of Lexington.
The City of Lexington currently manages over 500 acres of greenways that serve as stormwater management, water quality, environmental conservation, and recreation areas. Additionally, the City maintains just over 5,300 acres in 104 parks and golf courses across the county, and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan calls for more parks and open spaces to be reserved or provided during the development of new neighborhoods.
In 2021, Lexington joined the national 10-Minute Walk Campaign, which aims to ensure that 100% of residents have access to a park or greenspace within a 10-minute walk by 2050. This underscores Lexington's commitment to expand safe and equitable access to parks and greenspaces. An efficient way to achieve this goal is to inventory the City's existing open space and greenspace assets and identify strategic opportunities to increase their usability and connectivity. Providing physical connections between greenspaces through intentionally conserved greenways, tree protection areas, and stream corridors increases neighborhood access to nature and amplifies the ecological benefits crucial for ensuring a sustainable future in Fayette County and beyond. And ensuring that there is a plan in place to properly activate, manage, and/or conserve all of Lexington’s greenspace assets ensures the wise use of land and efficient use of tax dollars.
Green infrastructure planning must also address environmental justice and equitable access to greenspace by considering the needs and priorities of all communities within the city, particularly those that are historically underserved or marginalized. This requires identifying neighborhoods or communities with a shortage of greenspace and prioritizing engagement with those communities to understand their unique needs, values, and priorities. To that end, green infrastructure planning should also involve creating programs and initiatives that promote equitable access to greenspaces, such as providing transportation to underserved areas or offering programming that reflects the diverse needs and interests of local communities.
The benefits of a robust green infrastructure network extend far beyond aesthetics and recreation. It contributes to a healthier, happier, and more sustainable city, while also addressing issues of environmental justice and equitable access to nature. With ongoing efforts to enhance coordination and strategic planning, Lexington is poised to expand its green infrastructure network and ensure that all residents are served by these vital resources.
Summary of Changes:
• Expanded narrow focus of green infrastructure stormwater best management practices to a broader, more modern use of the term “green infrastructure network”.
• Previous policy title: Use green infrastructure to bridge gaps in the greenspace network.
• Referenced all LFUCG “green” plans and call for coordination and planning across Divisions
• Reference need for green infrastructure planning to address environmental justice
RESTORATION POLICY #3
SUPPORT COMMUNITY GARDENS AND URBAN AGRICULTURE TO RESTORE NATURAL RESOURCES WITHIN THE URBAN SERVICE AREA
Despite growing populations and the less advantageous soil structure, urban farming has become popular in many cities in the United States. With the growing market demand for organic locally grown food and the potential for economic gains, residents of urban localities have sought to develop small planting or farming operations. New opportunities including rooftop farming or living walls have added space for the cultivation of goods that can be harvested for personal consumption or sold at markets. Lexington has a community base for organic locally grown agriculture, in which new development and open spaces could play a major role.
While the potential for economic growth from local urbanized farming operations is attainable, urban agriculture and community gardens are likely more important to supplement personal diet and/or provide for a social or community development activity. Organizations in Lexington like Seedleaf have been on the forefront of public education and development of community gardens. Seedleaf was founded in 2007 with a mission to nourish communities by growing and sharing food in Lexington. The nonprofit grew three gardens in 2008 and have expanded to 10 gardens in 2022, which provide resources in areas of food insecurity in Lexington. They have also focused on increasing their education opportunities and outreach over the last 15 years. While neighbors come together to produce local food and improve social connections, the process also restores natural resources within the urban area, leaving ecological benefits for the environment.
In an effort to help promote civic development and restoration of the environment, Lexington currently has a program for residents to apply to build and maintain community gardens on public property, including parks and greenways. Further development of community gardens on public property can foster community engagement, while providing resources or amenities. Additional education materials on the benefits of community gardening should be developed in cooperation with LFUCG Parks and Recreation, Division of Environmental Services, the Fayette County Extension Office, Seedleaf, and the University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture.
Summary of Changes:
• Updated previous text
• Included additional information for community gardens on public property application process
RESTORATION POLICY #4
IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH AND REDUCE THE REGIONAL CARBON FOOTPRINT BY DECREASING VEHICLE EMISSIONS THROUGH THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Reducing vehicle emissions is essential for restoring air quality and protecting public health. Emissions from motor vehicles are one of the more significant sources of particulate matter, ozone precursor chemicals as well as atmospheric carbon Exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory problems, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and increase the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Furthermore, these pollutants disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color, which often live closer to highways and experience higher levels of traffic.
As discussed in Sustainability Policy #5, the most effective methods of reducing these emissions are any efforts to reduce travel by automobiles or trucks, especially those powered by fossil fuels. However, many areas within Lexington are currently accessible only by automobile and the automobile will likely remain the mode of choice for many Lexingtonians. Thus, migrating vehicle power source from fossil fuels to either Battery Electric or some other alternative fuel is imperative in order to remain in compliance with EPA standards regarding criteria pollutants or for the region to meet the federal goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As of 2023, most vehicle manufacturers have announced significant investments in the development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to address the impact fossil fuel engines are having on human induced climate change. Some automakers such as Volvo and General Motors have gone so far as to announce the discontinuation of gasoline powered vehicle sales in favor of electric-powered cars by 2030 and 2035 respectively. There are 2 big advantages with BEVs: 1. BEVs result in significantly fewer emissions of both greenhouse gases and EPA regulated pollutants (see air quality discussion) and 2. BEVs have far fewer moving parts than their internal combustion engine cousins resulting in much lower maintenance costs. One important note, however, is that the level of reduced emissions varies depending upon how the electricity is generated for a community (see Sustainability Policy #5).
Vehicle battery technology has advanced significantly in the last 5 to 7 years such that the largest barrier to feasible operations, battery range, has to a large extent been overcome with ranges varying between 150 to 400 miles depending upon the vehicle. Considering that the average personal vehicle weekly travels between 200 and 250 miles, a single overnight charge can now permit continuous vehicle operation for an entire week.
The remaining challenge with widespread acceptance of BEVs as a personal vehicle is the speed at which these vehicles recharge. While level 3 chargers can provide a full charge in as little as 30 minutes, rapid recharging also significantly reduces the life of the battery and is generally used only to accomplish long distance travel (i.e. Lexington to Chicago). Most BEVs currently recharge using level 2 chargers which provide a full charge in approximately 10 hours. As a result, it is anticipated that most BEV recharging will occur either at the owners place of residence or employment and not through a gas station concept.
Regarding heavy duty trucks, such as those used for freight delivery, BEVs are not currently a viable option as the size and weight of the battery needed would appreciably reduce the payload and even with rapid recharging the recharge time is too long to travel any significant distance. Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) or Hydrogen power, however, provides sufficient energy for propulsion of heavy loads with acceptable ranges, permits rapid refueling similar to diesel and results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions especially for renewable natural gas or RNG. These fuels are also one of the options available for funding under the USDOT Discretionary Grant Program for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure. Additionally, CNG or Hydrogen vehicles, due to their low or no emission status, provide benefits to reducing pollutants related to ground level ozone and particulate matter. With that said, both fuels have certain disadvantages which need to be considered in coordination with efforts being conducted on a statewide basis by KYTC (See Alternative Fuels Tradeoff Table in Sustainability Policy #5)
Summary of changes:
• New text to focus on importance of low/no emission vehicles for improving air quality and public health (MPO)
• Previous policy title: Improve air quality by reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
RESTORATION POLICY #5 IMPROVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND WATERWAY QUALITY.
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Watershed planning is the process of developing a comprehensive plan for managing the natural resources and land use within a particular watershed or drainage area with the goal of protecting and improving the quality of the water within the watershed. This process involves working with various stakeholders to identify and address potential sources of pollution, such as urban runoff, agricultural runoff (examples of non-point source pollution) and industrial discharges (point-source pollution).
Like other cities of similar size, Lexington’s watersheds and waterbodies face major pollutants, including nutrients, pathogens, and sediment. Stream segments in all nine of Lexington’s watersheds have been assessed to determine if they support designated uses for recreational contact, fish consumption, drinking water, and aquatic habitat. Unfortunately, all nine watersheds have streams that do not meet full support for at least one use, although Town Branch has improved from non-support in 2008 to partial support in 2010.
Lexington has several ongoing waterway improvement activities with a goal of improving impaired waterbodies throughout Fayette County. These include government activities such as stream restoration projects at Coldstream Park, West Hickman Creek at Veterans Park, and ReForest the Bluegrass—an annual event to engage the public in expanding the riparian buffers on local waterways. Additionally, in response to citizen interests about the watershed and the creek’s water quality, the Division of Environmental Services is working towards creating a watershed management plan for West Hickman Creek.
The City currently has numerous ordinances, regulations, and activities in place to protect and improve water quality. These include Chapter 16 of the Code of Ordinances, which regulate stormwater discharges, erosion and sediment control, discharges to the sanitary sewer system, and maintenance requirements for stormwater control devices, the Subdivision Regulations, which incorporate the Engineering Manuals by reference, and the Zoning Ordinance, which contains provisions for floodplain conservation and protection. These documents should be continuously reviewed and updated as needed to incorporate national best practices, especially as climate change accelerates changes to local weather patterns.
To further protect water quality from point-source pollution, the Division of Water Quality maintains an active Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program to respond to complaints of potential illegal discharges to the stormwater system, determine the source of the discharge, and conduct enforcement activities against the source of the discharge(s). The Division also oversees an active pretreatment program for industrial sanitary sewer users to ensure industrial discharges to the sanitary sewer system do not contain constituents which may cause the treatment plants to exceed permitted discharge limits. Furthermore, the Division is interested in the creation of a stormwater payment in lieu of program that, based on specific criteria, could allow developers flexibility with on-site stormwater management in exchange for additional funding for stream restoration projects.
There are several volunteer groups and activities that residents with in interest in watershed and waterway quality can join. For example, several of Lexington's watersheds have volunteer groups, including Friends of Wolf Run, Hickman Creek Conservancy, Neighbors United for South Elkhorn, and Cane Run Watershed Lexington works to coordinate and communicate with these groups and others via the Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Committee which meets on a quarterly basis. You can learn more about these groups, organized stream clean ups, and find out what watershed you live in by visiting www.lexingtonky.gov/livegreen
Significant efforts have been made in Lexington to improve watershed management and waterway quality. However, there is still work to be done. Local impacts of climate change, such as increased storm intensity and rainfall followed by periods of drought and heatwaves, necessitate the need to ensure that Lexington’s watersheds and waterways are resilient and able to withstand these pressures. Continued investment in improving waterway quality is essential to protect local ecosystems, support the economy, and safeguard public health now and into the future.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy to bring focus to improving watershed management and waterway quality.
• Written with input from Division of Water Quality and Environmental Services
RESTORATION POLICY #6 COORDINATE TO ADDRESS LITTER ABATEMENT.
Cities have a responsibility to provide their residents with a clean and healthy living environment. However, litter, which encompasses trash, debris, and other waste, can negatively impact a city's aesthetics, create health hazards, and harm the environment and wildlife. Litter clean-up was a frequently-cited concern in the On the Table survey, indicating that it is at the forefront of many Lexington residents' minds.
Addressing the litter problem requires a coordinated approach that brings together diverse stakeholders, including community groups, local businesses, and government agencies, to achieve the common goal of maintaining a clean city. A recent example, the Corridors Commission and Greenspace Trust have established the Joint Work Group on Litter to evaluate the extent of litter on major and minor arterial roads, review current ordinances and enforcement efforts, and develop proactive measures to prevent littering.
To encourage residents, property owners, and businesses to take responsibility for reducing litter, Lexington should continue to develop educational programs and media campaigns that raise awareness and provide incentives for taking action against litter. A strategy should also be developed to increase recycling and the use of sustainable materials, with specific goals and initiatives focused on reducing single-use plastics, plastic recycling, and upcycling. By eliminating single-use plastic bags, the amount of plastic going to landfills can be reduced significantly. Americans throw away approximately 100 billion bags each year, which is equivalent to dumping almost 12 million barrels of crude oil. Some states and cities around the U.S. have banned or restricted the use of plastic shopping bags or implemented a fee on their use. Switching to reusable shopping bags can help eliminate this waste.
Many groups, including contracted crews, non-profits, volunteers, and city workers, are working to clean up trash, and their efforts should be recognized and encouraged. Groups such as Keep Lexington Beautiful host events such as the Great American Cleanup, and the City hosts Creek Sweep events to protect local creeks through neighborhood, backyard and park litter cleanups.
Finally, Lexington should study the potential need for additional trash and recycling receptacles in hightraffic areas. However, merely installing these receptacles is insufficient. To ensure proper waste management, it's crucial to incorporate a scheduled pickup routine at a frequency that matches the level of traffic and typical trash quantities generated.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy responding to recent collaborative efforts and OTT comments concerning litter.
RESTORATION POLICY #7
SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY.
Environmental Justice (EJ) is a social movement that seeks to address the disproportionate negative environmental impacts experienced by communities with lower incomes or predominantly composed of people of color or marginalized ethnicities. EJ recognizes that past and current policies have resulted in significant environmental, health, and economic harm to these communities and aims to correct these injustices through equitable and inclusive policy-making processes.
By prioritizing community engagement, EJ initiatives aim to ensure that affected communities have a voice in decision-making and that their concerns are heard and addressed. Simultaneously, these initiatives strive to improve the standard of living and quality of life for these communities while minimizing the risk of displacement or gentrification. This is achieved through sustainable and equitable development that considers the needs of all residents, particularly those historically excluded from decision-making processes.
An essential principle of Environmental Justice (EJ) is that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental, and commercial operations or policies. However, evidence of historic practices such as redlining and subsequent neighborhood disinvestment based on race and class is still apparent in Lexington and many other U.S. cities. This can result in measurable differences in environmental quality, such as unequal tree canopy coverage in Lexington, as described more fully in Restoration Policy 1. This unequal coverage impacts urban heat island, air quality, and other environmental factors that affect public health.
The physical environment is closely linked to public health, with up to 84% of overall health outcomes influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and the built environment in which someone lives. This highlights the importance of equitable access to nature, public spaces, and community amenities that offer opportunities for people to exercise, learn, and establish strong social connections. These are all crucial in promoting longer and healthier lives, underscoring the importance of promoting equity in access to these resources.
To identify communities most likely to be impacted by environmental justice concerns, the EPA has eleven indexes that can help guide EJ planning. Creating a countywide map and documenting these communities can serve as a starting point for proposing plans to tackle environmental equity concerns.
Effective EJ planning can lead to numerous benefits for underserved communities, such as more affordable and mixed-income housing, better access to greenspaces and parks, strategic tree planting, and reliable infrastructure that can improve quality of life and reduce environmental burdens. However, it's crucial to involve impacted communities in policy-making processes that directly affect them to avoid repeating the inequitable decisions of the past. By centering the voices of these communities, Lexington can ensure that EJ policies are not only effective but also equitable and just.
Summary of Changes:
• New policy bringing attention to environmental justice and equity in planning