In March 2026, CivicLex will host Lexington’s first-ever Civic Assembly on representation, trust, & participation in our local government.
The Assembly will specifically discuss Council Compensation and how often the Charter is reviewed.
What should I know about Lexington’s first Civic Assembly?
Lexington’s first Civic Assembly is bringing together 36 community members to learn, discuss, and recommend changes to the Urban County Charter (it’s like our local constitution), specifically about Council compensation and how often the charter is reviewed.
We want this Civic Assembly to be accessible, transparent, and include everyone. Whether you’ve been following along or this is your first time hearing about this Civic Assembly, we you to be involved! You can look at the blog on this page for all of the assembly updates and resources.
Where to watch
You can watch the assembly sessions live and find recordings of sessions here.
You can also come watch in person! All of the sessions are on Transylvania University’s campus, there will be limited seating available.
Sessions 1, 4, 5, and 6 are in the Campus Center located at 361 N. Broadway.
Sessions 2 and 3 are in the Cowgill Building located at 300 N. Broadway.
Civic Assembly Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Civic Assemblies are a new concept to Lexington — we’re here to answer your questions!
We know that the concept of a Civic Assembly may feel a bit confusing, so we’re here to answer any other questions you may have. We’ll continue to populate the list below with questions that we receive from the public about the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out to info@civiclex.org with any additional questions.
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Lexington’s first Civic Assembly is being planned by CivicLex staff and an Advisory Group of external experts:
Catherine Annis, Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky Martin School
Joshua Douglas, Acting Associate Dean for Research & University Research Professor; Ashland, Inc-Spears Distinguished Research Professor of Law, University of Kentucky; CivicLex Board Member
Andi Johnson, Chief Policy Officer & Director of Regional Engagement, Commerce Lexington
Susan Lamb, Fayette County Clerk
David Lowe, Fayette County Commission, Parks Advisory Board Member
Christian Motley, Vice President, Partnerships and Community Impact, Results for America
Abby Piper, Founder & Managing Partner, Piper Smith
Martin Rivers, Senior Services Commission Member
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CivicLex is a local nonprofit based in Lexington. We are focused on strengthening the civic health of our community. We help you get involved in local issues, connect with your neighbors, and have a say in decision making. We want to make sure Lexington is able to solve any problems we face, together. Learn more about us here.
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The primary role that Lexington’s local government will play in the Assembly is in receiving the recommendations. That said, we expect that current and former LFUCG officials will be asked to provide testimony and help Assembly members understand the scope of what Charter changes could mean.
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CivicLex has spent the past year fundraising to make the Assembly possible with no local government funding. -
Any changes to Lexington’s Charter have to be approved by a ballot referendum (a chance for the entire city to vote for or against any changes). If the assembly decides on any recommendations to change the charter, they will be reported out to Lexington’s Urban County Council. Council has committed to publicly receiving and responding to any recommendations the assembly will make. Council will also be able to vote whether or not to place the changes on the ballot. If the changes are placed on the ballot, they will have to be adopted by a majority vote in Lexington’s 2026 election. It’s a long road to change the Charter, but this Assembly is the first step in the process!