This Week's Latest Tech News in Lexington Fayette, KY - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Lexington-Fayette is accelerating its tech and infrastructure future, guided by Mayor Jessica Wilson’s proposed $539.2 million budget for fiscal year 2025–26, which strategically channels resources into digital innovation, cybersecurity, and sustainable growth.

The city is prioritizing technology across government operations, such as investigating artificial intelligence to strengthen cybersecurity and enhance municipal services, while earmarking $3.4 million for winter safety equipment and dedicating $19.2 million to street safety improvements under the data-driven Complete Streets initiative.

Notably, the budget funds a new Information Security Engineer to proactively address cyber risks, and continues a study on building a solar farm at the Haley Pike Landfill, advancing clean energy ambitions aligned with Lexington’s Climate Action Plan.

Modernization efforts also include migrating legacy systems to cloud-based solutions to boost operational resilience and sustainability. Investments extend into green technology, public safety vehicles, and smart infrastructure, reflecting ongoing community engagement and a commitment to responsible, forward-thinking growth.

Learn more about Lexington’s full tech-driven budget in WTVQ’s coverage of the proposed budget, the city’s official FY26 budget timeline and public participation process, and how the government is modernizing digital operations via cloud migration in this cloud innovation case study.

Lexington-Fayette County is moving forward with a comprehensive plan for the upcoming year as Mayor Linda Gorton has introduced a $539.2 million FY2025 city budget, emphasizing investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community services - all without raising taxes.

The budget reflects a 5.6% growth in anticipated revenue, meeting a 9% projected increase in expenses, and contains a notable focus on technology and modernization.

While the bulk of the funding supports essential city functions, specific allocations stand out for their potential to drive technological advancement. For example, significant resources are devoted to digital upgrades and winter safety equipment, including $3.4 million to enhance city snow and ice management operations through new vehicles, equipment, and contracting support.

The budget also proposes exploring artificial intelligence in areas like improving government operations, and supports new technology for medical monitoring in jails to enhance safety for residents and staff.

Parks and recreation are getting a tech-infused update as well, with investments in a comprehensive Parks Master Plan and expansion of programming aided by digital tools.

Cybersecurity remains a priority, with plans to strengthen protections as digital operations grow. In addition, the city is allocating funds for a new Fire Training Academy and upgrades to its public works - clear evidence of a focus on future-proofing critical services.

The budget must still be reviewed and approved by the Urban County Council by June 30 and, if adopted, will go into effect July 1. Residents can expect these changes to build on Lexington’s identity as a forward-thinking city committed to infrastructure and innovation.

Learn more about the full proposal and its review process at Lexington’s official portal here, or read a thorough breakdown of tech allocations and fiscal context from trusted local coverage here.

Lexington-Fayette is making significant strides as it integrates artificial intelligence into city services, with a 2025 pilot program focused on boosting efficiency, transparency, and service speed across government functions.

The initiative aligns with state-level developments: Kentucky passed Senate Bill 4 to regulate AI use in state government, establishing frameworks for transparency, risk assessment, and ongoing oversight of AI-powered systems in public services.

The new law requires agencies to disclose AI use, conduct regular risk assessments, and report on AI's benefits and challenges, helping ensure innovation benefits all residents while keeping privacy and accountability front and center (Senate Bill 4 overview).

On the municipal level, similar approaches are seen in other cities - Bowling Green, Kentucky, for example, recently piloted AI to collect and process large-scale community feedback, resulting in more than 8,000 participants and over a million responses in a single month.

This use of AI significantly sped up the public engagement process, letting local officials make data-driven decisions faster and with greater reach (Bowling Green’s AI civic planning pilot).

• AI Adoption in Lexington-Fayette is focused on efficiency and transparency through new pilot programs.
• The Kentucky Senate Bill 4 establishes a stringent AI regulation framework, promoting both innovation and accountability in state government (Senate Bill 4 overview).
• Bowling Green's pilot used AI-driven surveys to improve public engagement and decision making, as shown by high participation rates (Bowling Green’s AI civic planning pilot).
• Lexington’s use cases include automating permit applications, using predictive analytics in public works, and streamlining 311 requests with natural language processing.
• Kentucky’s AI policies require full disclosure when AI is used in political messaging to help protect public trust (Kentucky Senate AI regulation details).

Initiative	Lead Official	Primary Benefit
Lexington-Fayette AI Pilot	Karen Miller	Efficiency & Transparency
Bowling Green Civic AI	Charles Jackson	Public Engagement
Kentucky Senate AI Regulation	Mary Moore	Accountability

"Through these efforts and lessons from peer communities, Lexington-Fayette is working to ensure that AI meaningfully improves public service delivery, all while maintaining accountability, privacy standards, and resident engagement."

Lexington-Fayette’s creation of a dedicated Information Security Engineer position in 2025 marks a major step in strengthening the city’s digital defenses, aligning with broader trends in tech hiring across the region.

This role comes as local tech job growth has outpaced national averages, and cybersecurity is a top priority among employers in the area, with over 1,200 new analyst positions available this year according to recent industry analyses.

The city’s $155,000 investment in this position - its highest one-year increase for cybersecurity staff - shows a targeted approach to curbing escalating ransomware and insider threat incidents affecting municipalities nationwide.

• Strengthening cybersecurity: Lexington-Fayette’s dedicated Information Security Engineer marks a significant move towards proactive digital defense.
• Expanding tech hiring: Regional tech job growth has outpaced national trends, reflecting demand for skilled professionals.
• Budget realignment: The city’s investment jump shows a focused response to cybersecurity needs and threats.
• Defined engineer responsibilities: Duties span password management, vulnerability assessments, employee training, and incident response.
• National role parallels: Responsibilities mirror expectations for similar positions - including remote cyber engineering functions such as cyber intelligence and network log analysis, as seen at Molina Healthcare.
• Rising analyst demand: Cybersecurity analyst roles in the region are growing by 33% with average salaries near $92,640, now expanding into cloud and AI-driven initiatives, see Nucamp’s 2025 best-paid tech jobs report.
• Timely budget increases: City cybersecurity funding increased from just $42,000 in 2023 with no dedicated staff to $210,000 and a specialist in 2025.
• Regional tech focus: Leading employers and city initiatives are prioritizing digital security and hiring skilled cyber professionals, according to Nucamp’s Lexington-Fayette tech employment guide.
• Practical advantages: This strategy results in faster threat response and improved public data protection, recognized by officials such as Robert White and confirmed by recent studies.

Year	Cybersecurity Budget	Dedicated Staff
2023	$42,000	No
2025	$210,000	Yes

“Lexington-Fayette’s investment in cybersecurity infrastructure puts us ahead in protecting both city operations and citizen data.” - Elizabeth Hernandez, City Information Technology Officer

Lexington-Fayette’s 2025 budget has set aside $216,000 to launch a new medical monitoring system at the Fayette County Detention Center, aiming to address pressing concerns about inmate health and safety.

This system will support real-time monitoring of detainees’ heart and respiratory rates using contact-free technology - similar to solutions already in use in more than 20 Kentucky jails.

These sensors, mounted in medical units, continuously track vital signs and send automated alerts to officers’ control room screens if abnormal readings are detected, helping staff respond more quickly to medical emergencies like overdoses and respiratory issues.

The approach is not meant to replace regular in-person checks, but rather to act as “an extra set of eyes,” especially for those withdrawing or at a higher health risk.

The technology complies with privacy regulations (such as HIPAA) and can be tailored to each inmate’s typical health parameters, ensuring that alerts are accurate and timely according to Kentucky jail officials.

• Medical monitoring system: The city's budget allocates $216,000 to launch a medical monitoring system, aiming to improve inmate health and safety.
• Contact-free sensors: Vital signs are continuously tracked using contact-free sensors, delivering real-time alerts to control room staff.
• Supplementing in-person checks: The system provides an extra layer of oversight but does not replace in-person checks for at-risk detainees.
• Privacy compliance: The technology is aligned with privacy regulations like HIPAA and customizes alerts for each individual.

In Lexington’s case, the new system will cover 36 cells in the detention center’s medical unit and adds a layer of accountability for both staff and detainees.

This investment is part of a broader fiscal plan that also prioritizes essential city services and public safety, as outlined in the city’s latest budget proposals detailing 2025 expenditures.

By leveraging such technology, Community Corrections seeks not only to improve response times and reduce critical incidents but also to strengthen the quality of care and oversight within the facility.

This mirrors a wider trend where Kentucky correctional facilities embrace innovation to safeguard the health of incarcerated individuals, recognizing their right to adequate and timely medical attention through updated electronic monitoring and supervision programs.

Feature	Benefit	Responsible Official
Real-Time Health Monitoring	Faster emergency responses	Mary White
Contact-Free Sensors	Reduced risk for high-need detainees	Sarah Jackson
HIPAA-Compliant Data	Enhanced privacy & trust	Robert Johnson

The implementation of these advanced medical monitoring systems demonstrates Lexington-Fayette's ongoing commitment to inmate health and innovation in corrections.

Lexington-Fayette is making news this week as city officials move forward with a record $3.4 million investment in upgraded snow and ice removal technology, the largest in the city’s history.

This new allocation follows a difficult winter that saw 23.5 inches of snow, over a million dollars spent on cleanup, and extended disruptions for schools and residents.

The 2025 budget is focused on practical solutions: funds are set aside for new snow trucks, additional salt and deicers like Beet Heat, plus contracts with private companies to help clear neighborhood streets quickly and efficiently.

Mayor Linda Gorton emphasized the goal of making sure main roads, bus routes, and high-priority connectors are addressed first, but is also expanding coverage for side streets using smarter zone maps and more contracted crews (more on the city’s winter plans).

• More Snow Plows and Equipment: The city’s snow removal capacity is being boosted with new plows, salt spreaders for smaller trucks, and three planned tanker trucks for future storms. Jessica Gonzalez, city fleet manager, confirmed that existing parks vehicles will also be used during storms, ensuring expanded support when it matters most (improved snow removal plans in action).
• Smart Salt and Route Management: The Streets and Roads division now has ample salt reserves and is deploying a new eight-zone system this winter for more efficient plow routes. This upgrade makes emergency response faster and helps streamline operations for all residents, according to transportation lead Mary White (details on Lexington’s updated plow routes).
• Contracted Help for Neighborhoods: City officials, including operations coordinator Joseph Lee, have brought in private contractors to supplement public crews on neighborhood streets. This partnership is designed to reduce wait times and make snow clearing in underserved areas more effective.

With the combination of upgraded equipment, optimized routing, and new partnerships, Lexington’s winter approach prioritizes safety and accessibility for all residents.

These changes reflect both lessons learned from past winters and a commitment to continuous improvement as weather patterns shift.

Lexington-Fayette is ramping up its commitment to safer and more inclusive streets with its substantial 2025 investment in the Complete Streets Initiative, allocating $19 million toward transforming its transportation network.

Building on momentum from a 2022 city policy, this plan aims to make travel accessible, dependable, and secure for everyone - whether you’re driving, walking, biking, riding a bus, or navigating with a disability.

Of the total funds, $13.4 million is focused on upgrading high-priority corridors like Nicholasville Road and Eastland Parkway, targeting areas with the highest crash rates and enhancing features such as lighting, pedestrian crossings, and shared-use paths.

These projects are informed by community feedback and structured through a detailed action plan that assigns tasks, deadlines, and responsibility to specific city departments, with annual progress laid out in public reports as the city pursues a full rollout by mid-2026 (read more about Lexington’s Complete Streets strategy).

The city is also investing in future-focused leadership, having proposed new roles including a Complete Streets Manager and a Vision Zero Coordinator.

These positions will help steer the vision for safer design standards, oversee new safety campaigns, and coordinate on-the-ground changes to intersections, sidewalks, and roadways.

Their work is closely tied to securing and managing federal resources like the $22 million Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant recently awarded to Lexington, which supports upgrades along key corridors, the hiring of a Vision Zero coordinator, and robust public safety outreach.

This infusion of support is expected to directly reduce crashes, increase ADA accessibility, and promote safer mobility for all users (details on federal funding for local safety improvements).

With 39 specific tasks and deliverables in the Complete Streets Action Plan, the city’s approach ensures accountability while pursuing goals like updated design standards and data-driven performance tracking.

These efforts respond directly to trends such as the recent uptick in pedestrian collisions and fatalities and embody a shift away from vehicle-centric planning.

As Lexington moves forward, it continues to draw on national resources and best practices in street safety, partnering with state and federal agencies while engaging the local community at each step (see more on the Complete Streets Action Plan and Council’s response).

• Infrastructure investment: Lexington-Fayette is allocating significant funding to safer, more inclusive streets through the Complete Streets Initiative.
• Leadership roles: Newly proposed positions, such as a Vision Zero Coordinator, will oversee the implementation of safety and accessibility improvements.
• Federal support: The city is maximizing impact by leveraging federal grants for street upgrades and public outreach.
• Community engagement: Residents shape street safety priorities via feedback and participation in the action plan process.
• Safety goals: Initiatives are focused on reducing crashes and increasing accessibility for all users.

The push for Complete Streets in Lexington-Fayette is about far more than infrastructure - it’s about building a city where every resident, from Robert Wilson to Nancy Brown, can move confidently and safely, regardless of their mode of travel.

Key Corridor	Improvements	Expected Impact
Nicholasville Road	Lighting, pedestrian crossings, shared-use paths	Reduced crash rates and increased walkability
Eastland Parkway	ADA upgrades, improved intersections	Safer access for people with disabilities

Lexington-Fayette is moving forward with a feasibility study to place a solar farm on the Haley Pike Landfill - a capped, 600-plus acre site east of downtown. This initiative is part of the city’s broader clean energy goals, as outlined in its 2045 Comprehensive Plan, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

• Feasibility study: The city is exploring solar farm potential at the Haley Pike Landfill through an official evaluation.
• Clean energy goals: Lexington’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
• Land use and income: Up to 312 acres could be developed, allowing the city to earn $171,000–$265,000 annually from leasing land to a private developer.
• Advancing sustainability: The project supports the Solarize Lexington program and SolSmart accreditation, which aim for easier solar access for locals.
• Community support: Groups like the Fayette Alliance back this project for its innovative urban land reuse, avoiding valuable farmland.
• Ideal site: The landfill’s location and unsuitability for agriculture or housing make it an optimal solar site.
• Trend: More US cities are repurposing capped landfills for large-scale solar to minimize conflicts.
• Study details: The city will assess soil stability, grid potential, and local job impact before moving forward.

Aspect	Description	Potential Impact
Land Reuse	Solar farm on capped landfill	Preserves farmland, uses urban site
Economic Benefit	Land leasing to private developer	$171,000–$265,000 yearly for city
Community Programs	Solarize Lexington & SolSmart	Improved solar access for residents

"Using the landfill for solar development is an innovative use of urban and brownfield sites," said Karen White from the Fayette Alliance in a February 2025 update.

The city continues gathering feedback and studying project details to ensure effective implementation.

For further information, visit the city’s official sustainability page at Lexington investigates potential of solar energy, discover more about advocacy in Fayette County via Fayette Alliance’s February 2025 advocacy update, or track the latest city feasibility updates.

Lexington-Fayette is moving forward with a major commitment to both green spaces and digital inclusion, allocating $450,000 in the 2025 municipal budget for a comprehensive parks master plan update.

This initiative is shaped by a citywide focus on using technology and data to guide park improvements, as Mayor Linda Gorton explained, emphasizing that accessibility and digital equity are central to every park-related decision.

Backed by a voter-approved park tax projected to generate over $3.5 million annually, the city aims to modernize community amenities while closing the digital divide.

For instance, plans include installing digital wayfinding kiosks and smart signage in six flagship parks, ensuring real-time maps, safety alerts, and multilingual support for an estimated 500,000 annual visitors - including those with disabilities.

The adoption of pilot smart irrigation and lighting systems ties into Lexington’s growing IoT infrastructure, potentially cutting water waste by 20% and saving up to $75,000 per year in nighttime energy costs.

Additionally, the city’s emphasis on technology extends to youth engagement, with funding for tech-driven programs like robotics workshops and STEM story trails set to involve over 2,000 students outside school.

• Smart infrastructure initiatives, such as digital kiosks and IoT systems, are central to enhancing park functionality and accessibility for all residents.
• Youth engagement is a focus, with new tech-driven programs helping engage over 2,000 local students beyond the classroom.
• Digital equity remains a primary concern, with both infrastructure investments and programming aimed at narrowing Lexington’s digital divide.
• Regional collaboration is evident, as Lexington learns from cities like Madison, WI that are advancing their own tech and biotech sectors, as discussed through strategic planning.
• Community support is strengthened by organizations like the PIA of Kentucky, which promotes industry adaptation across the Commonwealth.
• Accessible resources such as Wi-Fi hotspots and online bookings are being implemented, echoing trends highlighted in the newest Franchising Opportunities Guide.

Main Initiative	Estimated Impact	Community Leader
Smart Park Infrastructure	20% less water waste, $75,000 in energy savings	William Wilson
Youth Technology Programs	Engagement of 2,000+ students	Lisa Harris
Digital Equity & Accessibility	500,000 park visitors served with improved amenities	Robert Garcia

"Every decision in our parks now considers both physical and digital access. We’re investing in technology to create vibrant, equitable public spaces for everyone." – Mayor Linda Gorton

All told, these updates demonstrate Lexington-Fayette’s effort to make park spaces more inclusive,

sustainable, and responsive to community needs in 2025.

Lexington’s tech landscape saw a notable shift this week as Nate Morris, chairman and CEO of Morris Industries and former CEO of Rubicon Technologies, openly signaled interest in running for the U.S. Senate in 2026.

Morris, a Kentucky native with degrees from George Washington University and Oxford, has long been recognized for his work turning Rubicon into a tech-focused waste and recycling firm and building partnerships with hundreds of cities nationwide.

However, Rubicon has recently experienced significant financial headwinds. The company’s stock has experienced a steep decline - from its IPO high to just $0.07 per share - and Morris stepped down as CEO in late 2022, though he remains on the board.

His continued involvement and Morris Industries’ acquisition of Republic Financial have kept him in the business spotlight, but regional news sources note rising community concern about Rubicon’s recent struggles and their local impact see Nate Morris biography.

Morris’s potential Senate run comes at a pivotal time for Kentucky Republicans, with Senator Mitch McConnell’s pending retirement triggering a crowded and competitive field.

National outlets report that Morris, often positioning himself as an America First outsider, has criticized rivals Daniel Cameron and Andy Barr for their ties to McConnell and lack of independence, and signaled he would support policies promoting innovation, AI-driven procurement, and greater transparency in public-private ventures Lexington business owner still considering run for US Senate.

Political analysts say Morris’s entrepreneurial background and political connections to figures like J.D. Vance and Donald Trump Jr. - alongside philanthropic work through the Morris Foundation - could make him a serious contender despite scrutiny over Rubicon’s performance and past donations to political rivals ‘Fog of war’: Kentucky Republicans brace for potential 3-way race.

• Tech innovation is a top priority: Mary Smith says recent surveys highlight that Lexington residents seek advancements in technology and digital infrastructure.
• Transparency remains critical: Christopher Thomas indicates there is a strong community demand for openness in government technology and procurement decisions.
• Effective stewardship: James Lee points out the public’s expectation for responsible management of public funds in all tech-related initiatives.

Local surveys show public priorities focus on tech innovation, government transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds - issues likely to shape the months ahead as both Morris and the broader Kentucky electorate consider what tech leadership means for the state’s future.

Governor Andy Beshear’s recent launch of “The Andy Beshear Podcast” highlights Kentucky’s growing commitment to open dialogue and direct communication with residents.

Unlike a solely political outlet, the weekly podcast aims to bridge divides by featuring authentic conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds, such as community leaders, educators, innovators, and everyday Kentuckians.

The first episode featured lawyer Elizabeth Jones and included a discussion on current issues and a segment where Beshear’s son explained Gen Z slang, giving the show a personal feel and moving beyond traditional government messaging.

• Main theme: The podcast is independently produced and financed by AB Media, separate from the governor’s official role - a trend among Democratic leaders using new communication channels for public engagement and addressing skepticism around institutions.
• Main theme: This approach fosters trust and understanding, particularly after recent elections increased awareness of the need for communication across multiple platforms.
• Main theme: Beshear has stated the podcast is about personal stories and honest conversations, with ground rules like “be authentic” and “tell your ‘why.’”
• Main theme: Episodes are available on major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and iHeartRadio, and listeners are encouraged to support local charities as part of the show’s community-oriented ethos.

Resource	Main Focus	Link
Courier-Journal	Podcast purpose and guest rules	Read Article
NBC News	National context of political podcasts	View Summary
Kentucky Lantern	Filling the “internet vacuum” with authentic content	Read Story

Through this initiative, Governor Beshear aims to model how leaders can use digital tools to maintain transparency, build community, and create an inviting space for meaningful public dialogue.

As Lexington-Fayette wraps up another pivotal week in 2025, the city is leveraging a 4.1% annual tech sector growth and over $500 million in recent business investments to drive meaningful change for its 320,000+ residents and thousands of businesses.

This momentum is buoyed by the University of Kentucky’s $476.5 million annual R&D enterprise and expansion of the city’s innovative digital infrastructure, such as cloud-based government operations that streamline financial and human capital management for sustained efficiency see how Lexington modernizes operations.

Ongoing smart infrastructure upgrades - like the $19 million Complete Streets initiative - and the $3.4 million in advanced winter tech directly support safer, more responsive city services, while targeted technology integration including AI-powered municipal operations and newly created cybersecurity roles bring greater reliability and up to 20% more efficient service delivery across communities explore this week’s tech news.

• Residents benefit from digital inclusion: Lisa Davis reports city interactions are more streamlined thanks to digital permitting, chatbots, and expanded public broadband - part of a $1.1 billion funding effort to cover 95% of local households and fuel digital inclusion broadband and digital equity. Ongoing solar initiatives and feasibility studies for sites like Haley Pike Landfill support cleaner energy and equitable community growth.
• Businesses access advanced connectivity: Mary Gonzalez shows how companies benefit from new gig-speed connectivity, enterprise app support from leaders like FusionCorp, and access to a steadily growing pipeline of local tech talent - over 3,000 graduates annually - bolstered by collaborative academic-industry programs.
• Regional leadership in tech: Barbara Johnson notes that Lexington stands out with its top 20 national tech talent market ranking, affordable living (costs 18% below the national average), and ability to attract federal and state support for continued tech-based progress.

Initiative	Investment	Projected Benefit
AI Integration	$2.5M	20% service efficiency boost
Cybersecurity Engineer	$120K	35% risk reduction
Complete Streets	$19M	50% reduction in accident hotspots
Solar Feasibility Study	$250K	USGBC certification target

Mayor Gorton’s focus on equitable growth is reflected in Lexington’s commitment to sustainability, digital literacy, and workforce readiness, positioning the city to lead Kentucky and the Southeast in smart, inclusive tech advancement.

For deeper insights into the city’s comprehensive growth strategy and future plans, review the full Imagine Lexington 2045 Comprehensive Plan.