Council District 2

Candidates in the race are: Shayla Lynch

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Shayla Lynch (incumbent)

Shayla Lynch is the current District 2 Councilmember. Councilmember Lynch was first elected in 2022. Lynch is the Vice Chair of the General Government and Planning Committee and serves on the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee, the Social Services and Public Safety Committee, and the Public Input Subcommittee, among several other city boards and commissions.

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Vote Local Questionnaire responses:

Candidate responses have not been edited.

  • I graduated from Hopkinsville High (1997), Centre College (2001), and Brandeis Law at the University of Louisville (2004). For the last 3.5 years, I’ve served as a full-time Councilmember. My career path has always focused on service to our community, including 15 years fighting for housing equality at the KY Fair Housing Council, serving as Executive Director of the Sexual Violence Resource Center, and leading the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.

  • I am the most qualified candidate because of my proven track record as an effective councilmember. I bring 20+ years of impactful experience where I worked to create equitable and inclusive communities. My leadership has driven tangible change, including passing vital ordinances, such as recovery residence regulations, the C.R.O.W.N. Act, and source of income protections for renters. Every policy I lead is built upon a foundation of deep community partnership and equity.

  • The 2nd District remains Lexington’s fastest growing area, and with rapid growth come natural challenges. I’ve worked closely with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to improve roads for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. I’ve partnered with neighborhoods to enhance safety, and I plan to help reactivate inactive neighborhood associations.

  • 1. Encourage all new developments to be accomplished using the city Complete Streets recommendations. 2. Continue to educate and empower 2nd District neighborhoods regarding funding opportunities for needed neighborhood improvements (District 2 neighborhoods are grant award winners!). 3. Connect neighbors to foster stronger relationships to reactivate neighborhood associations.

  • Government accessibility remains a top priority for me. I served on the Public Input Sub-Committee to reduce barriers to engagement. My work simplified public comment at council meetings, enabled feedback via Engage Lexington, and helped secure a Public Information Officer. I also regularly attend community meetings to hear directly from neighbors and send out a regular newsletter to keep everyone informed on what is happening within our government.