During the recent General Government and Planning Committee meeting on May 6, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the lack of consultation between Lexington's local government and the state legislature during the drafting of a new law impacting the city. Council members expressed frustration that the Lexington delegation to the General Assembly did not engage with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) planning staff, which could have provided valuable insights into the potential implications of the legislation.
Jim Duncan, a representative from the division of planning, confirmed that they were not consulted during the legislative process. This lack of communication has raised alarms among council members, who noted that while state legislators have made claims about the law's effects on Lexington, they failed to involve local experts responsible for implementing the policy.
As the deadline of July 1 approaches, the committee discussed the potential consequences of not implementing necessary adjustments to comply with the new state statute. The urgency of the situation was highlighted, as failure to act could lead to Lexington being out of compliance, which may result in legal and operational challenges for the city.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between local and state officials to ensure that legislation serves the best interests of the community. As the committee moves forward, they will need to address these compliance issues promptly to avoid any negative repercussions for Lexington residents.