​Commerce Lexington Inc. is pleased to welcome P. Anthony Allen as its new Vice President of Public Policy, assisting the organization’s public policy efforts with a focus on leading and enhancing our state and federal government relations advocacy. He has extensive experience in a variety of government advocacy roles, including most recently as Government Affairs Director for the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants, where he directed advocacy efforts for the organization’s 4,000 members.
 
Commerce Lexington Inc. President and CEO, Bob Quick, said, “We are excited to have Anthony Allen join our advocacy team that is led by Andi Johnson, Chief Policy Officer and Director of Regional Engagement. This addition will enable us to provide even more value to our investors as we advocate for pro-business policy with government officials at the local, state and federal level, develop policy priorities, monitor key issues impacting business, and educate members on the legislative process.”
 
Anthony’s experience also includes several years working for the Office of Congressman Andy Barr as the Director of Economic Development responsible for 75 projects across 19 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky, and as a Constituent Services Representative managing individual services available across the Congressman’s district.
 
A Kentucky native, Anthony is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a master’s degree in public administration and graduate certificate in public financial management from UK's James W. Martin School of Public Policy and Administration.  He has also been involved with Commerce Lexington as a member of the organization’s Public Policy Council and a recent graduate of the Leadership Lexington program (2024). Anthony resides in Lexington with his wife (Elliott), dog (Rey), and cat (Bella).

By Violet Ferguson, Commerce Lexington Inc. Public Policy Intern
I’m a member of Gen Z, and one of my top concerns for the future is securing housing that will meet my needs and budget for a young professional. I am a born and raised Lexingtonian. Like many of my generation, I dream of raising a family and owning my own home. However, this vision is dimmed by the harsh realities of the housing market across the U.S., and specifically in Lexington. 

I am going into my second year at American University in Washington, D.C. I am currently back in Lexington for the summer interning with Commerce Lexington. While living in D.C., the issue of housing has become a topic discussed by my peers and me as we are forced to think about our living arrangements for college.

While back in Lexington, I’ve learned many of my local friends feel the same stress of rapidly rising housing rates. Students and young professionals are having to live with parents or friends or live outside of Fayette County and commute to school or work opportunities because of the high costs or lack of inventory.