It’s hard to believe that one year has already passed since I was elected and sworn in as your Mayor. Since taking office, I set out to foster a spirit of collaboration and bring Council together to work as a team. I wanted to listen to my fellow council members, our staff and the citizens to help bring meaningful priorities to life. My goal has always been to work with others to face the challenges and opportunities that shape our Town’s future. 

During my first few days in office, I asked each Council Member to share their top priorities for our Town in the upcoming year. From those conversations, we came up with a shared vision for 2024 and a list of key priorities. These priorities served as a road map for action, highlighting the needs of our residents while reflecting the values and aspirations of our community. 

From addressing traffic congestion to enhancing communication and improving quality of life, these priorities have guided us through this year.  As I reflect on what we’ve achieved, it’s clear that collaboration has been the driving force behind our progress. 

This year, we worked to improve communication, because people should be able to easily connect with their local government and get the information they need. Based on community feedback, we made the Town website easier to use, simplified how people make information requests and added tools to organize meeting agendas and social media records. We also started live streaming additional public meetings to make government more open and accessible. 

While we’ve worked on keeping residents informed, we’ve also been tackling important issues like traffic. This year, we approved the second edition of the Local Transportation Improvement Plan, which focuses on making roads safer, improving traffic flow, and reducing congestion. This plan will identify high-priority safety concerns and lay out strategies to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Fixing traffic takes time, but this plan gives us a solid starting point to handle growth and its impact on our roads and neighborhoods. 

Investing in the future of Lexington means not just investing in roads and infrastructure, but also in its young people. This year, we launched the Town Youth Ambassador Program to do just that. This program allows high school seniors opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in civic activities, and engage in community service. The program also builds a sense of connection and responsibility that will shape the leaders of tomorrow. It’s exciting to see the program already creating positive experiences for the students involved and strengthening ties between our young people and their community. 

In addition to empowering the next generation, we’ve worked to enhance the quality of life for all Lexington residents. This year saw the opening of two highly anticipated projects, Virginia Hylton Park and the Old Mill Pond Trail, offering new opportunities for recreation and relaxation. These parks aren’t just beautiful places to visit, they’re gathering spots that foster connection and well-being. Looking ahead, plans are underway to expand greenway and trail networks and bring public art to Downtown Lexington, making our community even more vibrant and inviting. 

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without careful financial stewardship. This year, Lexington received a prestigious award for our FY25 budget, which included recognition for long-range operating financial plans. By updating financial policies to ensure accountability and sustainability, we’ve positioned the Town to fund projects that benefit residents now and in the future. 

As I look back on the past year, I am reminded of the power of collaboration and the importance of a shared vision. The progress we’ve made reflects the dedication of Town Council, the hard work of Town Staff, and the support of our residents. Together, we’ve built a foundation for continued success. 

There is still much more work to be done. Traffic studies and infrastructure improvements are ongoing, and new opportunities to enhance our community are always emerging. I am confident that by continuing to work together, we will make Lexington an even better place to live, work, and play. 

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, your commitment to our Town is what makes our progress possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Lexington. 

Hazel Livingston is the Mayor of the Town of Lexington and was elected Mayor in November 2023. She has served on Council since 1998.