James Lawrence for Mayor 2026

1. Economic Growth and Local Job Creation
   Goals: Build a thriving local economy that attracts businesses, creates jobs, and
   increases opportunities for residents.
    Attracting New Industries:
   o Develop an Economic Development Task Force to identify industries
   (e.g., advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare) that align with
   Nicholasville’s location, workforce, and infrastructure.
   o Work with the state’s Cabinet for Economic Development to secure
   incentive packages for companies willing to establish headquarters or
   facilities in the city.

 Strengthening Local Businesses:
o Create a Small Business Support Fund offering low-interest loans and
grants to entrepreneurs and local business owners.
o Offer free or low-cost workshops on business planning, digital marketing,
and financial management in collaboration with local colleges.

 Job Training and Workforce Development:
o Partner with Jessamine County Schools and Bluegrass Community and
Technical College to create apprenticeship and certification programs in
skilled trades (e.g., electricians, welders) and high-demand fields like IT
and healthcare.
o Incentivize local businesses to offer paid internships or on-the-job training
programs for Nicholasville residents.
 Revitalize Downtown Nicholasville:
o Invest in a Downtown Revitalization Program that provides tax breaks
and façade grants to businesses upgrading storefronts.
o Improve signage, sidewalks, and lighting downtown to make it more
attractive to residents and tourists.

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2. Fiscally Responsible Governance
   Goals: Maintain low taxes, prioritize essential services, and ensure financial
   transparency.

 Balanced Budget:
o Implement zero-based budgeting, requiring all city departments to justify
their expenditures annually.
o Focus on spending only where it provides measurable value to taxpayers
(e.g., infrastructure, safety, education).
 Transparency and Accountability:
o Launch a Budget Transparency Portal, allowing residents to view how
tax dollars are allocated and spent.
o Require quarterly updates from department heads during public meetings
to ensure accountability.
 Cost-Saving Measures:
o Consolidate overlapping services with neighboring cities or Jessamine
County to save taxpayer money.
o Implement energy-efficiency upgrades in city buildings to lower long-term
operational costs.

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3. Support for Law Enforcement and Public Safety
   Goals: Strengthen community safety through support for law enforcement and
   proactive safety initiatives.
    Adequate Funding for Police and Fire Departments:
   o Increase salaries and benefits for police officers and firefighters to attract
   top talent and remain competitive with Lexington. Keeping our local
   heroes local is key.

 Community Policing and Engagement:
o Launch a Community Policing Program that places officers on foot
patrols in neighborhoods to build trust.
o Expand Neighborhood Watch Programs, offering resources and training
for residents to take an active role in safety.

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4. Infrastructure Improvements

Goals: Modernize and expand infrastructure to support growth and improve daily
life for residents.
 Roads and Traffic Management:
o Prioritize repairing potholes and resurfacing major roads such as US-27
and other high-traffic areas.
o Work with state officials to fund the expansion of major arteries to reduce
congestion along Nicholasville Road.
o Install intelligent traffic systems to improve flow at key intersections.
 Public Transit Expansion:
o Explore partnerships with Jessamine County to establish a low-cost public
transportation system, particularly to connect rural areas to city services.
o Seek state and federal grants for large-scale infrastructure projects.

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5. Preserving Small-Town Values
   Goals: Foster a community centered on faith, family, and tradition while
   welcoming growth.
    Community Engagement:
   o Launch new community events like a Spring Craft Fair, Outdoor Movie
   Nights, and a Farm-to-Table Dinner Series to showcase local
   agriculture. Faith-Based Initiatives.
   o Nicholasville Day: Create a city-wide event celebrating the town’s history
   and residents, featuring historical reenactments, local food vendors, and
   entertainment from community groups like school bands and choirs.
   o Host an annual Faith and Community Leaders Summit to coordinate
   efforts among organizations addressing social challenges like
   homelessness, unemployment, and mental health.
   o Collaborate with local churches to support food pantries, addiction
   recovery programs, and mentorship initiatives.
   o Introduce a Nicholasville Youth Council, allowing teens to have a voice
   in city governance and organize activities like school dances, talent
   shows, or eSports tournaments. Giving youths the opportunity to really buy into their community at an early age, helps the odds of them returning
6. and staying post-high school/college.
7. o Introduce monthly “Coffee with the Mayor” sessions where citizens can
8. share concerns and ideas in a casual setting.
9. o Welcoming New Residents: Launch a Welcome to Nicholasville Program
10. to help new residents feel at home. Include welcome kits with information
11. about city services, local businesses, and upcoming events.

 Support for Veterans and Seniors:
o Expand city programs offering property tax breaks and housing assistance
to veterans.
o Create more senior-friendly spaces, including walking paths, shaded park
benches, and recreational activities for older residents.

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6. Pro-Business Policies
   Goals: Create a business-friendly environment that encourages growth and
   investment.
    Simplify Permitting and Licensing:
   o Implement a One-Stop Business Center to streamline permits, licenses,
   and inspections for new businesses while eliminating needlessly
   burdensome permits (yard sale permits, etc.)
   o Expedite approvals for businesses creating jobs or revitalizing underused
   areas.

 Tax Incentives for Growth:
o Provide targeted tax credits to companies that hire locally or invest in
community improvement projects.

 Remote Work Infrastructure:
o Advocate for expanded high-speed internet access in underserved areas
to support remote workers and small startups, thus keeping workers in the
community and reducing cars on an overtaxed set of roadways.

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7. Education and Youth Development

Goals: Invest in programs and resources to ensure children and young adults
thrive.
 Literacy and Job Training Programs:
o Increase funding for public library initiatives like adult literacy workshops
and technology training.
 Financial Literacy Programs:
 Work with local banks and nonprofits to teach teens about budgeting,
saving, and investing.
Junior Volunteer Program:
 Establish a program where students can earn community service hours by volunteering at
city events, parks, and libraries.
 Recognize outstanding contributions with an annual Mayor’s Youth Volunteer Award.

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8. Affordable Housing and Responsible Growth
   Goals: Balance growth with the preservation of Nicholasville’s small-town
   character.
    Housing Development:
   o Require new developments to include green spaces, walking trails, and
   accessible amenities. More options to keep resident’s in the city and
   community instead of seeking parks/trails outside of the city.

 Zoning Updates:
o Protect the character of existing neighborhoods by limiting high-density
housing in certain areas while encouraging mixed-use developments
elsewhere.

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9. Agriculture and Rural Preservation
   Goals: Protect Nicholasville’s agricultural heritage and support local farmers.
    Farmland Conservation:
   o Promote agricultural conservation easements to prevent overdevelopment
   of rural areas.

o Advocate for policies that give farmers tax credits for maintaining active
farmland.

 Farm-to-Table Initiatives:
o Work with local restaurants, schools, and stores to prioritize locally
sourced produce and goods.

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10. Community Health and Well-Being
    Goals: Improve access to healthcare, recreational facilities, and mental health
    resources.
     Mental Health Resources:
    o Advocate for the establishment of a Mental Health and Crisis Center to
    provide counseling and addiction recovery services.

 Parks and Recreation:
o Create new and expand existing walking/running trails, ensuring all
residents have access to safe, clean outdoor spaces.
o Offer incentives to gyms or fitness organizations to provide free or low-
cost fitness classes in public parks.