Introduction
Lexington has been known as a major center for Thoroughbred breeding since the late 18th century due to the high calcium content in the soils of the Inner Bluegrass Region, which leads to stronger bones and greater durability in horses. In September and October 2010, Lexington hosted the World Equestrian Games, the first time the games were held outside of Europe. Since October/November 2011, the Kentucky Horse Park has hosted the National Horse Show. Therefore, the current biggest imagery of Lexington would still be “Horse Capital of the World”.
With its abundance of government and technology jobs, Lexington has one of the nation’s most stable economies. Lexington has been described as having “a fortified economy, strong in manufacturing, technology and entrepreneurial support, benefiting from a diverse, balanced business base. [1] The Lexington Metro Area had July 2008 unemployment rate only 5.4%. Lexington was named the 4th best city for “Businesses and Careers” in 2011 by Forbes Magazine. [2] Lexington ranks tenth among US cities in college education rate, with 39.5% of residents having at least a bachelor's degree. It is the location of the Kentucky Horse Park, The Red Mile and Keeneland race courses, Rupp Arena, the world's largest basketball-specific arena, Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky and Bluegrass Community & Technical College.
With its abundance of government and technology jobs, Lexington has one of the nation’s most stable economies. Lexington has been described as having “a fortified economy, strong in manufacturing, technology and entrepreneurial support, benefiting from a diverse, balanced business base. [1] The Lexington Metro Area had July 2008 unemployment rate only 5.4%. Lexington was named the 4th best city for “Businesses and Careers” in 2011 by Forbes Magazine. [2] Lexington ranks tenth among US cities in college education rate, with 39.5% of residents having at least a bachelor's degree. It is the location of the Kentucky Horse Park, The Red Mile and Keeneland race courses, Rupp Arena, the world's largest basketball-specific arena, Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky and Bluegrass Community & Technical College.
City Identity
Flying over Lexington, a compact urban center is surrounded by a cherished and unique rural landscape. It is surprising to see a city layout like this under a widespread urban sprawl atmosphere. Compared with other US cities, Lexington’s current condition is benefited by efficient commitments of city policies and regulations. It is a challenging goal to improve local economy without expanding urban area. In order to preserve city identity, Lexington needs to focus its growth within the existing urban area and not expand the Urban Service Area, the area of the county zoned for development, at the current time. “Building our brand and our economy means first preserving what is special and unique about Lexington – our Bluegrass landscape.” Mayor Jim Gray. “We can grow by continuing to build our urban core, our downtown and by restoring neighborhood and commercial areas weakened through the recession. ” [3] The built areas of Lexington-Fayette County are a collection of diverse neighborhoods with individual identities and characteristics encircled by general agricultural and thoroughbred horse farms.
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“Building our brand and our economy means first preserving what is special and unique about Lexington – our Bluegrass landscape. We can grow by continuing to build our urban core, our downtown and by restoring neighborhood and commercial areas weakened through the recession. ” Mayor Jim Gray.
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