Lillie E. Miller Johnson- 2018 Primary Candidate Questionnaire
Running for: Urban County Council At-Large
1. What is the biggest challenge and opportunity facing the city of Lexington and your district (if applicable)?
Something I advocated around 20 years ago, providing alternatives for growth economically while preserving the Historical value or environment of Lexington, KY.
2. The newly adopted Goals and Objectives of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan prioritize infill/redevelopment as a primary strategy to accommodate our growth needs. In fact, studies indicate there are many infill/redevelopment opportunities throughout the city. What specific recommendations do you have to protect the character and context of existing neighborhoods while pursuing this needed strategy? Would you support a program that provides incentives for infill/redevelopment projects within the Urban Services Area? If so, what specific types of incentives.
While preserving residential, commercial, physical and historical environment of the communities have an over-site committee or the council review the projects. I would, tax credits, HUD grants or other grants, CDC’s, property tax abatement, attract private equity, Land banking,etc.
3. Land use planning and economic development go hand-in-hand. What are the main economic pillars in Lexington and what specific planning policies support their growth? What specific policies do you support to ensure we create 21st jobs that maximize our unique assets?
Population growth shows Lexington has a dynamic economy, demographic, human capital, infrastructure, this includes educational/degree attainment.
4. Why are you the best candidate for the position you seek?
I am the Person for this position because I am not just concerned I have worked diligently for better housing and educational goals, I will constantly seek to make Lexington one of the top cities to live in.
5. Like the rest of the nation, Lexington’s population is aging. In the next decade and beyond, a majority of households will be headed by someone 65 or older for the first time in our history. Our aging demographic has significant implications for housing and neighborhood design. What specific recommendations do you have to ensure we provide safe, accessible, affordable housing to our seniors in ways that ensure they maintain independence and social connections as they age?
I would work for better housing for seniors, as well as, programs that will give them freedom o be all they can be at 65 and over, while they maintain there independence, come up with more ideals for social gathers as well, we are already providing housing with support staff as well.
6. Fayette County agriculture is an annual $2.3 billion industry that supports one in twelve jobs in Lexington. Fayette County farmland is the factory-floor of this industry, which also anchors a burgeoning travel and tourism industry. To ensure continued viability of our agricultural industries, do you support an annual funding allocation to the Purchase of Development Rights Program? Why or why not. What other specific policies do you support to ensure the continued strength and growth of our agriculture industries?
Yes, I do; There is TDR, Cost Share Programs with the Soil and Water Conservation District which gives the owners of the property the chance to make improvements with reimbursement grants, engage students in learning about agriculture and other farming opportunities, probably introduce students to school to work opportunities, advertise more on Future farmers of America, enlist more minorities in agriculture while awarding students school credit for both classroom and on-the-job experience;