City Launches FY27 Budget Survey as Growth Pressures Mount
Lexington, KY – March 27, 2026 – City leaders are seeking public input on the FY27 budget as officials weigh growth, infrastructure and service priorities.
Lexington officials are asking residents to help shape the city’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, rolling out a new online survey designed to gather feedback on how local dollars should be spent.
The survey is available now on the city’s public engagement platform and marks the early stages of a months-long budget process that will guide spending decisions for the upcoming fiscal year.
Budget Planning Gets Underway
City leaders say early community input is essential as departments begin drafting their funding requests. The survey invites residents to rank priorities and weigh in on key service areas, including:
- Infrastructure improvements
- Public safety
- Housing and affordability efforts
- Parks and recreation
- Community and workforce programs
Decisions made in the coming months will determine how tax dollars are allocated — from road maintenance and stormwater system upgrades to affordable housing initiatives and job training support.
Managing Growth and Long-Term Needs
Lexington continues to experience steady population growth, bringing increased demand for city services and long-term capital investments. Officials say those pressures are shaping this year’s budget discussions.
The city’s recently approved Preservation and Growth Management framework is also expected to influence spending priorities. That policy direction places added emphasis on data-driven planning, infrastructure capacity, environmental considerations, and expanding public services in developing areas.
At the same time, leaders are balancing ongoing challenges, including housing market strain, rising maintenance costs for aging infrastructure, and future facility investments.
What Happens Next
The survey is open to all Fayette County residents and will remain available for several weeks. Feedback collected will help council members evaluate tradeoffs before the mayor presents a proposed budget later this spring.
Additional public meetings and work sessions are expected as the proposal moves through review and toward formal adoption.
City officials say resident participation at this stage can help ensure the final budget reflects community priorities as Lexington plans for the year ahead.