2026 Fayette Alliance Candidate Questionnaire

Read more online https://fayettealliance.com/2026-candidate-questionnaire/#Cassandra_Vogl

Housing

Studies show Lexington needs about 22,500 new housing units across all types to fill the housing gap in our city, but 75% of the needed units are at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

What strategies and locations do you believe Lexington should prioritize for housing growth in order to address these needs?

• I believe that Lexington’s housing gap requires a strategy that increases supply without pushing the city’s development farther outward. We should focus on expanding and promoting Affordable Housing Density Bonuses,this allows the city to meet housing needs while also preserving rural land. Strategies like encouraging developers to include both affordable and mixed‑income units, particularly through redevelopment of underutilized land, helps keep Lexington accessible to residents across all income levels. Transit‑rich corridors like Versailles Road are especially well‑suited for mixed zoning redevelopment, as the location has the potential to offer diverse housing options connected to jobs, services, and public transportation.

• I also think that we should prioritize investing in Public‑Private Partnerships,this is one tool that can help expand opportunities for residents, nonprofits, and mission‑driven developers to acquire and maintain affordable housing, keeping homes permanently rooted within the community. Open Door Housing is an excellent example of mission-driven development for affordable housing. If we maximize the resources we already have—like the Permanent Supportive Housing funds used by AVOL or the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits as used by developer Holly Wiedemann with the Parkside Apartments —this will help accelerate the creation of stable, long‑term housing options for those who need it the most. Using tools that are already in place, alongside strategic redevelopment, ensures Lexington can grow responsibly while meeting the full spectrum of housing needs.

Expansion

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council recently adopted the Preservation and Growth Management Program, which created a data-driven method for considering future expansions of the Urban Service Boundary (USB).

What factors do you believe are most important to consider if an expansion of the Urban Service Boundary was proposed to the Council during your term?

• If an expansion of the Urban Service Boundary is proposed to Council during my term, I will push to focus on an Infill First approach. Infill First will allow Lexington to grow in a way that protects our existing neighborhoods and helps the City use public resources responsibly. If we prioritize development in areas where infrastructure is already in place, this helps to offset costly sewer extensions, new road construction, and expanded emergency services that would otherwise place a heavy financial strain on current residents. For example, the 2023 expansion was projected to cost over half a billion dollars in infrastructure investments, so any future expansion would require both strategic planning and efficient use of existing resources. When and if we do need to expand our Urban Service Boundary, we need to ensure the expansion is both feasible and fiscally responsible.

• I believe that in order for expansion to succeed, Lexington must adopt practical and enforceable requirements for affordable and mixed‑income housing, aligning expectations with market realities, so new development can deliver the housing types Lexington needs. Evaluating land suitability, infrastructure costs, and long‑term sustainability keeps growth attainable for residents across all income levels. The Preservation and Growth Management Program provides a framework for balancing development with the protection of Lexington’s rural identity, ensuring that expansion is measured, intentional, and tied to clear outcomes that can guide future planning.

  
  

Agricultural Preservation

Agricultural industries, and the farmland that supports them, have an economic impact of $2.6 billion every year on Lexington-Fayette County’s economy and support more than 16,000 jobs across all twelve council districts.

What policies do you support that promote Lexington’s iconic and productive farmland and protect it from irresponsible future development?

• I view The Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program as one of our most important tools for preserving Lexington’s prime farmland. The PDR program ensures farmers are compensated for their stewardship while preserving the iconic landscape that defines the Bluegrass. This program works to promote and protect our farmland, and I support that. We currently have more than 5,000 acres of vacant land inside the existing Urban Service Boundary. This vacant land is why I support an Infill First approach .This allows Lexington to grow without sacrificing our farmland. When we focus on Infill First, we are doing more than just saving farmland, we’re also protecting our natural habitats, supporting healthier ecosystems, and maintaining the rural character which is central to Lexington’s identity.

• I believe that the Preservation and Growth Management Plan will help us in deciding any future boundary changes, while adding another layer of accountability to its current residents. By requiring a Vacant Land Review and infrastructure cost analysis before expansion is considered, we’re ensuring that our decisions are data driven. We have to look at everything from land suitability to long‑term sustainability. If we pair strategic growth, with practical requirements, we can meet our community needs, while still preserving the rural identity that makes Lexington unique.