NEWS NOTICE

July 18, 2003

Item: Bluegrass Tomorrow Economic Development Survey Results from Lexington Young Professional Advisory Committee Association May Meeting

Facts:

Survey response highlights:

79% of respondents do not know if Lexington coordinates with other communities in the region for the improvement of he agricultural economy
79% of respondents do not believe that Lexington has a plan for encouraging alternative transportation
86% of respondents do not believe that Lexington is wired for the 21st Century
50% of respondents believe that Lexington supports the arts and music scene
50% of respondents do not believe that Lexington encourages outdoor activities
93% of respondents believe that Lexington lacks a "cuisine identity"
72% of respondents do not believe that Lexington actively connects with the rest of the world
86% of respondents do not believe that young people are staying in, or coming to, Lexington

February 14, 2003

Item: Bluegrass Tomorrow Young Professional Advisory Committee Releases Results of Downtown Housing Survey

Facts:

The Bluegrass Tomorrow Young Professional Committee crafted a detailed, seven page survey to gauge interest in downtown housing, including design preferences.

The survey respondents cover all age groups

Some Results:

· 81%: “downtown is very important to the future of the region”

· 56%: “very or moderately interested in living downtown”

· 61%: favor living in lofts, condos, or townhouses

· 76%: feel downtown is safe

· 41%: would like to see some more sporting events downtown – including unconventional events such as “X”- games

· 55%: would like more street festivals downtown

· 28%: said a hardware store would be needed for downtown residents

· 60%: downtown greenspaces are critical for livability

· 78%: support a downtown farmer’s market

· Biggest barriers to living downtown include:

· Lack of housing choices/availability

· Perceived lack of parking

· Lack of conveniences

· Respondents are interested in “urban” type interior finishes, including exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and balconies

· 70%: respondents who have lived in Lexington 11 or more years

· 30%: respondents had incomes of greater than $120,000 per year;

· 33%: respondents had incomes of less than $60,000 per year

The full results were released by the Young Professionals at Bluegrass Tomorrow’s 14^th Annual Board Meeting at Keeneland, Bluegrass Room, Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 10:30 AM.

Contact: Steve Austin, Bluegrass Tomorrow

100 East Vine Street, Suite 701

Lexington, Kentucky 40507

859-977-3792

steve@bluegrasstomorrow.org