The commission was created with the goal of protecting residents from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations — and according to the latest data, more of those cases are being filed.
A Compliance Report from mid-May shows the complaints rose from 59 last year to 83 this year, with many new cases dealing with employment.
The increase in cases comes as the Human Rights Commission's funding is declining. The bulk of its funding comes from Lexington city government, but the group also relies on federal sources. It's currently awaiting word on whether $65,000 in HUD funds will be approved.
A portion of HUD funding from 2025 was not received and the commission is hoping get a reimbursement.