On July 22-24, 2026, Commerce Lexington hosted the annual Greater LEX Washington, D.C. Fly-In co-presented by Columbia Gas of Kentucky and BrightSpring Health Services to our nation’s Capital.  This year’s trip was unique.  Approximately 80 business leaders from both Commerce Lexington and One Louisville joined together to meet with policy experts, members of Kentucky’s federal delegation, and key officials in the Trump Administration, especially with ties back to Kentucky, to advocate for policies and investments to improve economic competitiveness for both regions. It was the first joint endeavor for both Chambers and turned out to be a successful trip for networking, policy engagement, and demonstrating we are better together as a region and a Commonwealth. In case you missed the visit, here is brief recap of the meetings and important policy topics discussed by federal policy leaders. 

Commerce Lexington is proud to recognize Andi Johnson, Chief Policy Officer and Director of Regional Engagement, for earning the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The CCE program assesses and tests the applicant's knowledge of core chamber management areas: management, planning and development, membership, communications and revenue and operations. Chamber professionals who are designated CCEs earned this prestigious recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field, and leadership of their chamber to achieve the organization’s goals.

Johnson is one of 19 chamber professionals from across 12 states, to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation this year. The new group of CCE’s was announced during ACCE’s annual convention in New Orleans. The first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years ago. It is recognized as the highest and most elite professional designation in the chamber profession. It’s the only globally recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.

​On July 22-24, a delegation of about 80 business and community leaders from Lexington and Louisville region’s will travel to the nation’s capital for its first-ever joint Washington, D.C. Fly-In co-presented by BrightSpring Health Services and Columbia Gas of Kentucky and coordinated by Commerce Lexington and One Louisville. With the upcoming midterm elections on the horizon, the summer Congressional session will center tightly on the Republican majority's core priorities—specifically the FY 2027 appropriations cycle, permitting reform, and a potential third reconciliation package. To shape these outcomes, proactive and immediate engagement with our federal representatives is essential.
 
During the visit, leaders from Greater LEX and Louisville groups will meet with members of Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation, administration officials, and their respective staffs about priority issues. In addition, participants will hear from various leaders and policy experts about key issues such as trade, regulatory reform, economic development, transportation infrastructure, housing affordability, energy policies, workforce issues, and appropriations.  

Commerce Lexington, along with regional business and local government leaders, continue to advance the Regional Competitiveness Plan, a 5-year strategy launched in 2023 to support job creation and workforce growth across the nine-county region. With the assistance of Economic Leadership, LLC and its managing partner Ted Abernathy, Commerce Lexington and the Greater Lexington Inc. Board have released a progress report.
 
Although there is still much work to be done, the report shows that the collaborative efforts of public and private sector leaders across the region are producing positive trends for the 5-year strategy (2022-2027).  The action items are aimed at increasing jobs and workforce across the region through economic development, talent attraction and public policy initiatives.  Initially, the goal of the Regional Competitiveness Plan is to increase economic growth through additional investment in economic development and talent marketing efforts to key audiences, leadership development through events like the Annual Regional Summit and elevated advocacy for critical infrastructure investments and policy changes to improve the business climate.   

Every year, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) creates and approves a new budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year. On April 14, Linda Gorton delivered her proposed  FY 27 budget to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council. The $545 million General Fund budget prioritizes investments in public safety, infrastructure, capital improvements, and quality of place. For LFUCG, the Fiscal Year starts July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year.

The city’s total budget reaches $847 million, with General Fund revenues primarily generated through payroll and business net profits taxes, alongside property taxes, service fees, and other state and federal funding.
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The proposal includes more than $78 million in planned capital spending and $7.5 million dedicated to park projects that enhance community amenities and overall quality of life.

This session, Commerce Lexington worked closely with and led community and regional partners to champion public-private investments with high-impact initiatives before members of the General Assembly. Following final passage of House Bills 500, 502, and 900 before the veto recess, lawmakers approved funding for several priority projects that will deliver significant benefits to the Greater LEX region.

​Overall, the General Assembly invested nearly $30 million to support Blue Grass Airport plan to reimagine and expand its terminal. This includes $19.9 million to launch the new terminal expansion, which will add airline gates and accommodate larger aircraft. The upgrades are expected to boost passenger capacity, attract more direct flights, increase regional traffic, and unlock new opportunities for economic development and tourism.

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's (LFUCG) General Government and Planning Committee recently received a presentation on the potential creation of a Development Liaison position designed to help streamline the city’s development process and accelerate housing projects.
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The proposal stems from recommendations included in the city’s 2023 Development Process Study, which found that some development projects in Lexington can take roughly twice as long to move through the local approval process compared to peer cities. The report identified improved coordination, clearer communication, and more consistent project navigation within local government as key opportunities to reduce delays.

By Keller Riede, Commerce Lexington Policy Intern 
​On Wednesday, March 4, nearly 60 business and community leaders from across the nine-county region gathered in Frankfort for Commerce Lexington’s Greater LEX Day at the Capitol in partnership with AT&T. This event provides a vital opportunity for policy experts, elected officials, and regional leaders to further connect during this legislative session and collaborate on key policy issues impacting the Lexington region.  

Several prominent members of the General Assembly addressed attendees including Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, and Representative Josh Bray – sharing insights on the status of legislation and updates on the biennium budget planning that are currently underway. Their input provided valuable insight on policy developments that are affecting Lexington and the broader nine-county Greater LEX region. Priority issues for the region include policy and investments impacting housing affordability, childcare, talent attraction marketing, and job site readiness (KY Product Development Initiative).