Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG)

The entire Community & Resident Services team is now Green Dot Trained. On Aug. 16, the team attended a training led by Dawn Runyon. Green Dot is a nationally recognized violence prevention strategy that has proven to greatly reduce rates of power-based personal violence (Intimate Partner Violence) like Domestic/Sexual Abuse, Stalking and Child Abuse in communities across the United States. The two-hour class was offered by Social Services and was available for all employees to attend. "This training is important so people understand that as a bystander you can always help," said Riki Davis, an Eligibility Counselor with the City. "When you see something, say something. When we turn the other cheek, we become accountable for what could and may happen. Most get discouraged when they may feel the approach has to be direct and want to avoid conflict. This class teaches the other ways that you can still be helpful as a bystander, whether you are distracting or delegating. Those other options can take some of the jitters away. So, everyone can feel more comfortable about being an active bystander." The Training & Development section of Human Resources is responsible for providing personal development services. Throughout the year, Human Resources offers a variety of classroom learning opportunities for employees who aspire to learn, grow and strengthen their skills. Learn more about Green Dot on our https://lnkd.in/eNG3BBgR

Seven businesses, including five from Lexington, are winners of the first Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp incentive grants that are designed to encourage agtech and food-based businesses to locate in Kentucky. “We want to become the international address of agtech businesses, and this is an exciting step forward,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. Bluegrass AgTech is cultivating an innovation ecosystem for entrepreneurs and startups in the agricultural sector. Its partners include the City of Lexington, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and its Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and Alltech. Bluegrass AgTech announced the grants program last November. It received 29 applications and today announced that it has funded seven grants. The winning companies are: • HempWood • Iristrac • Lepidext Inc. • Parasight System Inc. • RedLeaf Biologics • Spirited, Inc. • Sunflower Fuels Through the challenge grant program, Bluegrass AgTech is connecting agricultural innovators with both public and private funding sources and incentives, attracting new agri-food and agri-business companies to Kentucky, boosting the economy, and unlocking a more affordable, nutritious and environmentally sustainable food future for Kentucky and beyond. “Agriculture plays a fundamental role in not only producing food, but also preserving the planet. Funding innovative agtech entrepreneurs is critical to achieving this mission – and to helping transform Kentucky into the agricultural technology capital of the United States, just as my father, Dr. Pearse Lyons, envisioned years ago,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, a global company focused on improving the health and performance of people, animals and plants through nutrition and scientific innovation. “These first seven challenge grant winners will help Bluegrass AgTech foster an innovation ecosystem in Kentucky, paving the way for the development of technologies that will be highly relevant to both our traditional agriculture sectors and those that will emerge in the future.” Bob Helton, executive director of Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp, said the challenge grants provide incentive funding, valuable resources and promotional opportunities. Selected grant recipients will also be offered resource support, such as mentorship, referrals to professional services, connections to local growers and research teams, and other business development assistance. Each applicant was able to apply for up to $100,000 of grant funding in this first year of the program. The seven grant recipients were awarded a combined total of $625,000. Lexington contributed $1 million to establish the grants and get the partnership started. The state also provided $1 million through the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.

Lexington Enhanced 911 (E911) team members attended the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International Conference in Orlando, Florida, last week where Director Jonelle Patton accepted an award from APCO on behalf of E911. Lexington E911 was recognized at APCO for completing the process of becoming a CALEA Accredited Communications Center with distinction. This means E911 met and, in many cases, exceeded the standards set by CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). Last fall, Lexington E911 completed re-accreditation to maintain the prestigious achievement of a CALEA Accredited Communications Center. In 2019, Lexington E911 became the first 911 center in Kentucky to be awarded CALEA accreditation as a stand-alone communications center. This involved a vigorous process of reviewing operational procedures and policies and meeting 203 communications standards, including: • Organization • Direction and Supervision • Human Resources • Recruitment and Selection • Training • Operations Congrats on a job well done to our E911 team!

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Are you an experienced leader in waste services, public works, or public administration? We're hiring a Director of Waste Management! • Salary: $109,616 – $164,426 annually • Deadline to apply: Monday, Aug. 26 • Apply at lexingtonky.gov/jobs GENERAL DESCRIPTION The purpose of this classification is to provide leadership and vision for the Division, with a focus on developing short- and long-term strategies for a comprehensive, integrated solid waste management system that meets the needs of the community. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor's degree  • Eight years of related experience in waste services, public works, or public administration, four of which should be of managerial experience • Additional years of related education may substitute for years of experience • Additional years of related experience may substitute for years of education ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Plans, directs, and analyzes the Division of Waste Management including routing, customer service issues, and processing infrastructure needs using a variety of metrics and progress reports to make appropriate management decisions • Develop, present, and administer the Division's annual operating and capital budgets, including developing the capital improvement plans to address infrastructure and facility needs; ensuring services, projects, and programs are accomplished in a cost-effective manner • Lead the Division's management team, ensuring collaboration across the division and government, ensuring quality customer service, communication and information, all while maintaining a desirable workplace culture • Formulates and organizes long range programs for the community's waste management needs by identifying both collection and processing infrastructure needs • Communicates with the Administration, Councilmembers, Commissioner's office and outside entities regarding service initiatives and issues including other representatives from communities that receive processing services from LFUCG • Apply at lexingtonky.gov/jobs

Code enforcement is vital in fire service as it ensures buildings and facilities adhere to safety standards, reducing fire risks and protecting lives. Lexington Firefighters in the Fire Prevention Bureau work closely with Code Enforcement to help local businesses and the community achieve compliance. Together, they help prevent potential hazards, promote public safety, and enhance community resilience. It's our shared responsibility to keep our community safe! #CodeEnforcement #Firefighters #Teamwork

In June, Cinthia Gutierrez passed the national building inspection exam and was sworn in as the first woman Hispanic code enforcement officer in the City’s history. She began with the City in February and has quickly become a valuable member of the Code Enforcement team. “There’s no words to express it, Cinthia said. “I feel so proud. Being the first one means a lot for me and for my family. As a Hispanic person, my focus is to support this wonderful team with my community because of the language barrier. I feel more confident to approach them since I’m Hispanic and they will feel more comfortable talking to me. This is something that makes me feel more confident so I can get closer to them and help this team to resolve some of their housing problems.” Cinthia has lived in Lexington for about 20 years and came to the City after working in general contracting with her family in the years prior. Through those jobs, she was able to network with other Hispanic people and she believes that has helped her in her current role. “I got a lot of experience working with all kinds of people, all kinds of contractors like roofers and framing guys,” Cinthia said. “Most of them were Hispanic, so my network has expanded with all these amazing people that work so hard out there. I started getting involved in all kinds of jobs, residential, commercial, small jobs and big jobs until I found out about this job. This was a little bit different for myself, but I got the experience and my background helps me to be here.” Thad Scott, a Code Enforcement supervisor, said the division is proud of Cinthia. “She’s already doing some pretty terrific things,” Thad said. “She will be a true ambassador for the Hispanic population in Lexington as it relates to housing and Code Enforcement compliance and relations.” Cinthia has enjoyed working with the Code Enforcement team. “I love the fact that I work with amazing people,” Cinthia said. “Everyone here has been so nice and very supportive to me. My supervisors, all the guys have made me feel like a second family. Working out there, I felt comfortable asking them if I have a question. They help me a lot. Basically, this is an amazing team. These people are very supportive and that’s one of the things that makes me feel very comfortable.” Congrats on your position with the City, Cinthia! #newhire #CodeEnforcement #LFUCG

Lexington Sister Cities Commission has won the prestigious 2024 Sister Cities International Best Overall award at the recent Sister Cities International Leadership Meetings and Annual Business Meeting. The Best Overall Award recognizes the outstanding work done by the Lexington Sister Cities Commission in advancing people-to-people citizen diplomacy. Over the past 35 years, the Lexington Sister Cities Commission has received numerous awards from Sister Cities International. Since 1989, the organization has received the Best Overall Program award 11 times. “I am so proud of the great work being done by the Lexington Sister Cities Commission,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “The organization is focused on advancing international cultural exchange with our four Sister Cities, promoting tourism and international trade relations, and giving residents opportunities to participate in cooperative community programs based on diversity, including student exchanges.” Lexington has four Sister Cities, with partnerships dating back to 1957: Deauville, France – 1957 County Kildare, Ireland – 1984 Shinhidaka, Japan – 1988 Newmarket, England - 2003 “Thank you to Sister Cities International for recognizing Lexington’s efforts to strengthen the ties with our Sister Cities,” said Lexington Sister Cities Commission Executive Director Kay Sargent. “Through the help and support of many people, we were able to plan and implement cooperative activities and exchanges related to youth, education, arts & culture, municipal programs and tourism. In addition, through our international connections, we offer citizen-to-citizen diplomacy and help to advance global understanding. It is an honor to receive this distinguished award.” Each year, dozens of Lexington students participate in the annual youth exchange program with Lexington’s Sister Cities. In return, students from the four Sister Cities visit Lexington. Sister Cities International was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to promote the development of a network that would be a champion for peace and prosperity by fostering bonds among people from different communities around the world. Learn more about the Lexington Sister Cities Commission at lexingtonsistercities.org

Tatum Hopkins showed up to Masterson Station last October for Freak Friday Flicks ready to work her first event as a part-time staffer. It was that night that she knew she wanted her future to be with the City. "I basically shadowed Jess (Piersol) and I fell in love with it instantly," Tatum said. "I knew that night that it was what I wanted to do." She didn't have to wait long to get her opportunity in a full-time role. In April, Tatum began as a recreation specialist senior, though it might be easier to understand her role as an event coordinator. "Any special events that take place in our parks, there’s planning," Tatum said. "We basically have to work with other departments with Parks like maintenance and things like that and make a plan for these events, and then we have to schedule food vendors, different informational booths for different things and then schedule staff and coordinate that. Sometimes we have to work with police and do street closures or traffic, things like that. It’s a lot of planning in the weeks and months prior to the event all for the community. We like to create a magical experience for our community in every single thing that we do." Tatum comes to the City after spending 13 years in administrative positions with companies such as R.J. Corman Railroad Group and AVAIL. At her most recent position, she was tasked with helping plan a yearly corporate conference event and realized she enjoyed work when it meant she got to create fun for other people. Her and her family had also frequently attended Parks events, so she thought going into event planning was the right path. "I was like ‘well, I really love events and I love my community even more, so what better job than to put on events that make the people who live in Lexington happy and fulfill their lives?'” Born and raised in Lexington, Tatum has a husband, Brandon Dunstan, who also works for the City as a graphic designer, and a 13-year-old daughter, Rowan, and a four-year-old son, Ryne. She enjoys hanging out with her family, going to concerts, working in the yard and going to different City events. But when it comes to her work now, Tatum says she has her dream job. "I know it sounds crazy, people will look at me like I’m nuts when I say I’m doing my dream job, but I went from climbing the corporate ladder and making a lot of money and being successful in a monetary way to doing something that I actually really, really love and it’s worth every minute," Tatum said. "It’s been the best choice I ever made. I’m so much happier and fulfilled doing something that I love and am passionate about. I’m grateful everyday that I get to do it.” #newhire #welcome #LFUCG

We are thrilled about the announcement of a new partnership with Kentucky State University to create a Corrections Certificate Program! This will allow our Community Corrections staff to pursue further education and certification. We are committed to our staff's professional development and look forward to this and many other opportunities to come! The Corrections Certificate Pathway, offered through KSU's School of Criminal Justice, is the first of its kind at KSU and unique in Kentucky. This program requires the completion of five courses. It is designed to equip correctional officers with the essential knowledge and skills for professional growth within the corrections system. Chief Scott Colvin of the Lexington Division of Community Corrections stated, "This partnership and the resulting Corrections Certificate Pathway will provide our officers with the educational tools they need to advance their careers and take on greater responsibilities within our division. It is a significant step forward for professional development in our field. Drive on, take every opportunity presented to you." If you are interested in becoming a part of Lexington Community Corrections check us out online at https://lnkd.in/eFkpsj9m #CommunityCorrections