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In February 2025, Council Member Tyler Morton introduced the Anti-Displacement and Vulnerable Neighborhood Preservation legislative itemin the General Government & Planning Committee. In partnership with Council Member James Brown and the Division of Planning, this effort led to the creation of the Neighborhood Voices Project an important step toward developing solutions that preserve the history and culture of vulnerable neighborhoods through the creation of policy, strategic capital investment, and expanded community resources.
In October 2025, the Urban County Council approved funding for a pilot program within the Division of Planning: Neighborhood Voices. This initiative is designed to engage communities experiencing the pressures of growth and development, with a focus on gathering input directly from residents. By capturing community stories, experiences, and priorities, the program will help guide future planning and investment decisions.
Neighborhood Voices will launch in the historic Smithtown neighborhood. Community members are invited to share their stories, highlight meaningful places, and reflect on:
What makes Smithtown special—past, present, and future
Their vision for the neighborhood’s future
The resources needed for the community to thrive
In February 2025, Council Member Tyler Morton introduced the Anti-Displacement and Vulnerable Neighborhood Preservation legislative itemin the General Government & Planning Committee. In partnership with Council Member James Brown and the Division of Planning, this effort led to the creation of the Neighborhood Voices Project an important step toward developing solutions that preserve the history and culture of vulnerable neighborhoods through the creation of policy, strategic capital investment, and expanded community resources.
In October 2025, the Urban County Council approved funding for a pilot program within the Division of Planning: Neighborhood Voices. This initiative is designed to engage communities experiencing the pressures of growth and development, with a focus on gathering input directly from residents. By capturing community stories, experiences, and priorities, the program will help guide future planning and investment decisions.
Neighborhood Voices will launch in the historic Smithtown neighborhood. Community members are invited to share their stories, highlight meaningful places, and reflect on:
What makes Smithtown special—past, present, and future
Introduction of Anti-Displacement and Vulnerable Neighborhood Preservation Legislative Item
Neighborhood Voices has finished this stage
In February 2025, Council Member Tyler Morton introduced the Anti-Displacement and Vulnerable Neighborhood Preservation legislative item to the General Government and Planning Committee (GGP).
Creation of the Neighborhood Voices Project
Neighborhood Voices has finished this stage
In partnership with Council Member James Brown and the Division of Planning, the legislative effort led to the creation of the Neighborhood Voices Project an important step toward developing solutions that preserve the history and culture of vulnerable neighborhoods through the creation of policy, strategic capital investment, and expanded community resources.
Council Approves Funding for Neighborhood Voices - October 2025
Neighborhood Voices has finished this stage
In October of 2025 the Urban County Council voted to provide funding for the Divisions of Planning's Neighborhood Voices pilot project.
Council Offices & LFUCG Staff Plan Launch Event
Neighborhood Voices has finished this stage
Council Members James Brown and Tyler Morton's offices worked with LFUCG staff to plan a launch event for Neighborhood Voices. The Smithtown neighborhood was selected as the first area of focus.
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, neighbors gathered at Coolavin Park to celebrate and share histories of the Smithtown neighborhood. The Council launched the Neighborhood Voices page that same day.
Ongoing Online Conversation about Smithtown
this is an upcoming stage for Neighborhood Voices
The Engage Lexington page will serve as a place for Smithtown neighbors to digitally archive their memories and locations of significance.
Community members are invited to share their stories, highlight meaningful places, and reflect on:
What makes Smithtown special—past, present, and future
