Civic Information Needs Assessment
A research project to understand how Lexington residents access information about local government and community issues.
Overview
In 2022, CivicLex launched the Community Information Needs Assessment (CINA) to better understand how Lexington residents get information about local government and community issues and where the gaps are. The project was designed to inform how CivicLex and others could better support access to useful, reliable, and relevant civic information.
We conducted a citywide survey, facilitated small group conversations, and held interviews with residents across different neighborhoods and identities. We also met with local media outlets, government staff, and community organizations to learn more about how information flows and where it breaks down. The goal was to surface both structural challenges and everyday experiences that shape how people stay informed.
We overwhelmingly found that Lexington residents value staying informed, but often struggle to find the local news and information they need to feel fully connected to civic life. What we learned was a small glimpse into the health of Lexington’s civic information ecosystem — where we saw both strengths and significant gaps.
Here are a few takeaways from our public survey:
Lexington residents want better access to local information. More than 60% of respondents reported feeling only “somewhat informed” or “uninformed” about local government and civic issues.
Lexington’s media landscape is changing. While traditional news sources like the Lexington Herald-Leader and local TV stations are still used by residents, many younger audiences are increasingly turning to social media, community newsletters, and informal networks for updates on local affairs.
Lexingtonians have limited trust in local media. Only about one-third of respondents expressed full trust in the local news they consume. Many expressed a desire for more transparent, explanatory reporting that ties civic decisions directly to their daily life.
Lexington residents face some barriers to staying informed. Paywalls, lack of time, confusing or incomplete information, and limited coverage of topics relevant to residents' lives were commonly cited obstacles.
