Lexington launches fund to encourage infill development

Lexington, Ky.–Mayor Linda Gorton invited developers planning infill or redevelopment privately funded projects to apply for the city’s new Infrastructure Fund today.

“The fund will provide a 0 percent interest loan of up to $500,000 for public infrastructure for projects that aid in long-term job creation,” Gorton said. “The goal is to enable us to both grow jobs and protect green space. We are trying to promote infill development by leveling the playing field – providing developers with an incentive to do infill projects, rather than developing green fields.”

Gorton established the $3 million Infrastructure Fund in the current budget. Critics say Gorton, whose campaign donations were dominated by the horse industry and real estate in 2022, is not doing enough to promote development of affordable housing in Lexington. Many horse industry insiders support incentives be develop infill projects, but these incentives come at the cost of other, potentially larger projects on the outskirts of town, where numerous horse farms exist.

The Economic Development Investment Board will oversee the project. Program managers are Chief Development Officer Kevin Atkins and Commissioner of Environmental Quality and Public Works Nancy Albright.

More information is available on the economic development website. 

The application is available online.

Economic Development Investment Board Members

These board members are appointed by the Mayor.

• Gregory Brian Wells 2nd Term
  Mar 05, 2019 to Mar 05, 2023
  Financial/Investment Bank Industry Representative
• Richard Moloney 1st Term
  May 28, 2020 to Jun 20, 2023
  Council Member
• Liz Brown Evans 1st Term
  Jun 20, 2019 to Jun 20, 2023
  Housing Industry Representative
• Mr. Tyrone D. Tyra 2nd Term
  Sep 27, 2019 to Sep 27, 2023
  Chamber of Commerce Representative
• Bradley A. Patrick1 st Term
  May 28, 2020 to May 28, 2024
  At-Large
• Mr. Anthony L. Wright 1st Term
  Jun 11, 2020 to Jun 11, 2024
  At-Large
• Anne-Tyler Morgan 2nd Term
  Nov 03, 2020 to Nov 03, 2024
  At-Large
• Jordan Parker 2nd Term
  Mar 01, 2021 to Mar 01, 2025
  Financial/Investment Bank Industry Representative
• Ms. Caroline B. Baesler 1st Term
  Apr 08, 2021 to Mar 05, 2025
  At-Large
• Michael Baer 2nd Term
  Mar 05, 2021 to Mar 05, 2025
  At-Large
• Mrs. Victoria C. Carling 1st Term
  Mar 05, 2021 to Mar 05, 2025
  Private Equity/Venture Capital Industry Representative
• Amanda Bledsoe Current Term
  Sep 01, 2017 N/A
  Council Member Chair of Budget, Finance, ED Committee/Designee
• Mr. Kevin Atkins Current Term
  Dec 10, 2013 N/A
  Chief Development Officer/Designee

Photo: An infill development project in Lexington. (LFUCG)