"Here we are, January 28, 2025."
Gorton began by situating Lexington in its now 250-year history before laying out how the city is progressing on her priorities: continuing to focus on public safety, improving mental health services, and increasing affordable housing while continuing to protect working farms.
On those last issues, Gordon again stressed the need for caution as the city embarks on its new boundary expansion.
"Our urban service boundary, set in place in 1958, is the oldest growth boundary in the United States. As Lexington grows, the importance of the urban service boundary and the need for smart management of the land grows with it," she said.
While the mayor noted the city has stretched government dollars for affordable housing by leveraging $9 of private funding for every $1 of public investment, she said the need for more is "urgent."
Among the downtown projects underway, Gordon highlighted one set to begin taking shape right across the street from where she delivered her address.
"Construction will begin this year on the 17-acre High Street lot across from Central Bank Center. A mix of residential, retail, and multiple parking garages is planned," Gorton said.
The mayor ended by applauding the passage of a new tax meant to maintain the city's parks.
