Contractors, do you find yourself not bidding on large-scale projects due to concerns about cash flow? Then this event is for you! There will be a discussion on how to leverage the appropriate lending products to support larger-scale projects and communications strategies that can also enhance your business. The Department of Housing Advocacy and Community Development needs more qualified contractors for various programs within the Divisions of Grants and Special Programs and the Division of Code Enforcement. This event will spotlight ways for contractors to grow their business through participation in one or more government programs, and attendees will learn how to do business with LFUCG, navigate procurement processes, and maximize opportunities.

🛠 Contractors, save the date for two events coming up where you can learn more about our procurement process and upcoming projects! • Building Stronger Connections: Resources for Contractors Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Picadome Golf Course (469 Parkway Dr.) Register at bit.ly/3XucKmo • LFUCG Disparity Study Contractor Community Engagement & Opportunities Event Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Phoenix Building (101 E. Vine St.) Register at bit.ly/47uGp2x #Contractors #LexingtonKY

👏 Jessica Allinder, Procurement Officer, recently became a Certified Procurement Professional by the National Institute for Public Procurement, which required verified industry experience that included passing a four-hour competency-based exam. She was recognized at a conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, in late August. "Earning my NIGP-CPP certification reminded me of the value in procurement and that my integrity means something," Jessica said. "It opened up the opportunity for me to recently attend the 2024 NIGP Forum to begin earning continuing education hours required for maintaining my certification. I really enjoy what I do, so it was great to experience the camaraderie and networking." Within her role as a Procurement Officer, Jessica ensures that the City complies with federal, state and local procurement regulations. Procurement reviews requisitions and approve purchase orders, manage solicitations for products and services needed throughout the city. It provides advice to increase value, reduce costs, attain Minority/Women-owned businesses and spend money more responsibly.  "My days may also include creating auctions for items that we are selling on Public Surplus or appointments at our surplus warehouse," Jessica said. Jessica began working in Procurement 10 years ago as a staff assistant senior before being promoted to procurement officer. Congrats on this certification, Jessica!  #Procurement #LexingtonKY #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!

Come join our city!

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