Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP)
Guiding future land use decisions regarding the Urban Service Area (USA)
The Urban County Council adopted the Goals and Objectives of Imagine Lexington 2045, the city’s Comprehensive Plan, on June 15, 2023. Within those Goals & Objectives, the Council included developing a formalized framework (Theme E, Goal 4) to guide future decisions regarding the Urban Service Area (USA). On January 14, 2025, Councilmember Liz Sheehan placed the "Preservation & Growth Management Program" into committee, naming Vice Mayor Dan Wu as the sponsor. Planning gave its first presentation to the General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee on the same day.
The priorities for the formalized framework are:
- Create a data-driven framework to inform decisions on the Urban Service Area (USA)
- Develop a process by which those decisions would be made
- Ensure the decision-making process includes robust community input
- Ensure the preservation of significant agricultural areas
- Ensure any future growth occurs in appropriate locations
A History of Lexington’s Urban Service Area
Hal Baillie, Manager of Long-Range Planning for the City of Lexington, presented the above at our March 16 and March 19 Educational Sessions.
2025 Timeline for LP&GMP in the General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee
Timeline
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The 2018 Comprehensive Plan
Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP) has finished this stage
The County Council added a study of the Urban Service Area (USA) expansion process to the Goals & Objectives of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, Imagine Lexington. -
Laying the Foundation: The Sustainable Growth Task Force
Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP) has finished this stageThis group compiled data on land availability and utilization within Lexington’s Urban Service Area (USA) through 2020. Their report was never adopted or formalized.
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Laying the Foundation: The Goal 4 Work Group was established in 2022
Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP) has finished this stageThe Goal 4 Work Group proposed a map identifying potential land for preservation (more than 97,000 acres) and future growth and development. Their report was never adopted or formalized.
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Laying the Foundation: Council updated Lexington's Comprehensive Plan
Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP) has finished this stage
In the 2023 Comprehensive Plan Update, the Urban County Council voted to expand the Urban Service Area and create formal plans and criteria for considering future expansions. -
Creating a Process: Starting Out
Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP) has finished this stageOn January 14, 2025, Councilmember Liz Sheehan placed the "Preservation & Growth Management Program" into committee, naming Vice Mayor Dan Wu as the sponsor. Planning gave its first presentation to the General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee on the same day.
On February 4 and March 4, Vice Mayor Dan Wu provided an update on public engagement opportunities.
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Creating the Process: Public Engagement
Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP) is currently at this stage
Vice Mayor Dan Wu hosted two educational sessions to share information with the public about Lexington’s Preservation & Growth Management Program. Hal Baillie, Manager of the City of Lexington's Long-Range Planning, presented a history of our Urban Service Area. A survey requesting public input opened on March 16 and will remain open through April 15.
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Creating the Process: Presentation of Draft Program to GGP Committee
this is an upcoming stage for Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP)Hal Baillie will present a draft of the Preservation & Growth Management Program during the GGP Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 6.
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Gathering Feedback: Public Input Session
this is an upcoming stage for Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP)Public input on the draft will be collected at a Public Input Session on Thursday, May 22 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Lexington Senior Center.
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Revising the Process
this is an upcoming stage for Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP)After the Public Input Session on Thursday, May 22, Planning Staff will use that feedback to make revisions to the draft Preservation & Growth Management Program.
An update will be given at the July 1 GGP Committee.
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Revising the Process: Presentation to GGP Committee
this is an upcoming stage for Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP)Hal Baillie will return to present a summary of our public input and a revised draft to the GGP Committee on September 9, 2025. Committee members will begin discussions on the draft program.
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Gathering Feedback: Public Input at Special GGP Committee
this is an upcoming stage for Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP)A Special General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee to take public input will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6 p.m. in Council Chamber
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Finalizing the Process
this is an upcoming stage for Lexington's Preservation and Growth Management Program (LP&GMP)The final draft will be presented by Planning staff and Council will discuss the proposed process at the GGP Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
The LP&GMP could be moved from committee to the full Council at this meeting, meaning it will be heard by the full council at the start of 2026.
