NextCity’s Vanguard in Lexington was a success!
Last week, CivicLex helped host the NextCity Vanguard summit in Lexington. NextCity is an online news organization dedicated to covering solutions to pressing issues in cities. The Vanguard summit gathers 50+ urban leaders from across the nation, who travel to the host community and explore a theme through the related work happening on the ground. The theme of Lexington’s Vanguard summit was rural-urban connections.
During their time here, Vanguards…
Learned about Lexington’s Comprehensive Plan with a rotating panel of over 15 individuals and organizations connected to the plan’s themes.
Discussed how the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange is bringing together Kentuckians across geographic and other divides.
Toured Lexington’s East End, where they learned about Dv8’s recovery program, met Poet Laureate Frank X Walker, and more.
Heard from Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray about his own rural-urban story and his time as Mayor of Lexington.
Visited Berea College, where they spent time with the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, the Carter G Woodson Center for Interracial Education, and the bell hooks archive.
Engaged with dozens of Lexington community members through panels, Pecha Kucha talks, and more.
A big thanks to everyone who helped make Vanguard Lexington possible!