In Lexington, 36 randomly-selected residents took part in one of the country’s first civic assemblies to recommend changes to the city’s governing charter.
Anabel Peterman is CivicLex and Next City's Rural-Urban Report Fellow. She covers stories that explore the complexities of rural-urban dynamics playing out across the Central Kentucky region.
In Lexington, 36 randomly-selected residents took part in one of the country’s first civic assemblies to recommend changes to the city’s governing charter.
Lexington used a $1 million public contract to wipe out millions in hospital bills. In Paducah, organizers are crowdfunding — hoping to clear a fraction of that total without city hall.
Council will receive a six-month update on the city’s partnership with Undue Medical Debt, which purchases medical debt from healthcare providers like hospitals.
Three musicians, born and raised states away, find themselves among family at a local bar every Monday night. They come for the music and stay for the community.
Cities like Lexington and Louisville have comprehensive reports and task forces dedicated to housing needs. But statewide statistics suggest homelessness is rising at a higher rate outside of its cities, in growing areas like Ashland and Morehead.
As federal support is cut and public conservation efforts fall short in reaching rural Black farmers, one Black-led organization is creating new lifelines to protect historic legacies.
In Kentucky’s dense cities and smallest towns, nonprofits are bridging the gap between those who grow food, those who have excess and those who need it.
