State and Region

Lexington-Fayette

The New Decade Brings Systemic Change

2022 is an inflection point for planners and the communities we serve. With historically high levels of federal support, tools, and key reforms in hand, the reinvention of communities will be the focus driving much of what planners do.5

Covid-19 Pandemic

The pandemic created many changes that impact planning—from accelerating changes in brick-and-mortar office and retail to the ways we engage the public. Over the course of the pandemic, supply chain issues and inflation impact everything from groceries to the price of a new home, while parks and public land are seeing some of their highest usage in modern times.6

Social Justice & Racial Equity

In response to social justice issues, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) revised their Code of Ethics and Professional Condict in November 2021 to “more fully account for the planners’ role in social justice and racial equity, while accepting our responsibility to eliminate historic patterns of inequity tied to planning decisions.”7

In February of 2022, Mayor Gorton made permanent the city’s Racial Justice and Equality Commission, the purpose of which is to assemble diverse community members to listen, discuss and create empowering solutions that dismantle systemic racism in Fayette County.8

Climate Change Planning plays a significant role in both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Two of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases — transportation and buildings — are influenced by planning decisions and policies. When planning leads the way on local climate action, communities reduce cost, create jobs, and keep communities strong.9

Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area

Fayette County is the primary county within the Lexington–Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area, which comprises five of the six adjacent counties, excluding Madison County. The 2020 U.S. Census MSA population is 516,811 which is an increase of 9.47% from the 2010 Census. For reference, the population of Louisville-Jefferson Co. is 633,045.

2010-2020 Regional Population Growth Comparison

Lexington-Fayette County 9.05% (13.55% in 2000-2010)

Lexington-Fayette MSA 9.47% (15.62% in 2000-2010)

Louisville-Jefferson County 5.98% (7.83% in 2000-2010)

Louisville-Jefferson MSA 5.34% (3.39% in 2000-2010)