Skills for Engaged Citizens and Neighborhoods
Using Lexington’s Online Sources for Public Records & Information
Sponsored by Fayette County Neighborhood Council with Friends of Wolf Run
- Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., January 18, February 22, March 21
- Lexington Public Library, Central Branch on Main Street, Computer Lab (free parking)
- For citizens and neighborhoods who take an active part in city affairs, who need clear and ready access to public documents, processes and data to get things done.
Workshop 1: Planning, Zoning & Development: Accela software & the map-based Building Eye portal
Saturday, January 18, 9:30-12:00
Accela software links you to city databases for development projects of any size, with correspondence, site plans, reports, etc. at each stage of the public process. Find records and track processes for zone change and development plan hearings of the Planning Commission, and for conditional use permit and variance hearings of the Board of Adjustment. Even building and renovation permits are tracked.
Building Eye is a handy portal to access the Accela database by using a map of the city. Check your app for new projects, including building permits, or sign up to get early notice.
Workshop 2: Urban County Council: Legistar calendar and documents; LexTV video broadcast and archive.
Saturday, February 22, 9:30-12:00
Legistar links you to Council agendas, deliberations, reports, contracts, committee work and votes. Everything from reviews and changes to local laws, regulations and services (recycling, motorized scooters, code enforcement) to contracts for projects and studies (Nicholasville Rd corridor development, Town Branch Trail), to tax incentives (Palomar TIF commercial development tax relief, Opportunity Zones for low-income census tracts).
LexTV offers a video archive of the Council and committee meetings and live streaming (view online, on cable channel 185 or on YouTube).
Workshop 3: Property, Roads, & City Services and Enforcement: PVA, LexCall 311, & Ky Transportation
Saturday, March 21, 9:30-12:00
PVA offers a wealth of information, with maps, aerial photos, and data. Learn how to turn on layers to get information on areas and neighborhoods as well as single properties: dimensions, boundaries, zoning, housing and commercial land use, streets, streams, etc.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet offers maps, data and photos on a still larger scale.
LexCall 311 not only assists by phone with city services for trash, streets, code enforcement, etc., but offers online management: learn to use the online interface or phone app to make an inquiry (anonymous if you prefer) and track it through to its resolution.
Details:
Computers and wi-fi are available; you may bring a laptop, smart phone, or other device. Participants need to have basic internet navigation skills, understand how to download documents and work with basic document types like pdf and word.
Register for one or more workshops
- Register for January 18, 2020 Workshop
- Register for February 22, 2020 Workshop
- Register for March 21, 2020 Workshop
Sign up early because class size is very limited.
For questions or more information email friend@wolfrunwater.org