Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Is the Downtown Lexington Corporation (DLC) a part of Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG)?

A:  No, we are not a government agency. The DLC is an independent, non-profit organization devoted to promoting Downtown as a unique and vibrant place in Lexington for business, residential life & entertainment.

Q:  Does LFUCG provide financial support to the DLC?

A:  Yes.  DLC has a purchase of service agreement with LFUCG to provide certain events and activities for Downtown Lexington including Lexington’s 4^th of July Festival, Vintage Kentucky Wine Festival, Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade and the Kentucky Christmas Chorus.  In addition, LFUCG sometimes provides financial support to specific events in the form of in-kind sponsorships, and our offices are located in the LFUCG owned Phoenix Building.

Q:  Where does the DLC get its money?

A:  DLC is a member-based organization; therefore revenues come in the form of annual membership dues from its members.  Members may also provide financial support for individual events in the form of cash sponsorship.  The DLC also generates revenue from events through beverage sales, vendor fees and merchandise sales. These revenue sources fund the majority of our budget.

Q: Are my individual donations to the DLC tax-deductible?

A:  No.  DLC carries a 501(c)4 non-profit status (FEIN # 61-1189677), therefore membership dues are not tax-deductible.  However, DLC formed a 501(c)3 Foundation (FEIN # 20-3026004) and donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible.  The DLC Foundation focuses on beautification, homelessness issues, education about Downtown Lexington and multicultural activities.  For more information on the DLC Foundation, visit the Foundation page of our website.

Q:  What does the DLC do with the money it raises?

A:  The revenue raised by DLC goes to support the organization and its programs, such as: office expenses and payroll, marketing our members, advocating for and promoting Downtown Lexington and producing free events in the downtown area for the public to enjoy.

Q:  Who can join the DLC as a member?

A:  Anyone who has an interest in supporting the vitality of Downtown Lexington.  Our members are not limited by geographical boundaries and we have members who are large corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals.  Anyone who wants to see Lexington stand out as a world class city should invest in a safe, vibrant downtown. 

Q:  Are there benefits to membership?

A:  Yes.  Most of the direct benefits are geared toward our business and non-profit members in the form of exposure and advertising opportunities.  We work cooperatively with our members to create win-win situations that give to each other and the community.  Visit our membership page for more information. 

Q:  How is the DLC different from Commerce Lexington (Lexington’s Chamber of Commerce)?

A:  Commerce Lexington focuses specifically on economic development and the promotion of its business members.  While the DLC includes economic development, the DLC also produces entertainment events that benefit the public at large whereas Commerce Lexington produces events that focus primarily on benefiting or recruiting business members.  For more information about Commerce Lexington visit their website at www.commercelexington.com.

Q:  How is the DLC different from Lexington Downtown Development Authority (LDDA)?

A:  The mission of the LDDA is to promote physical and economic development, land uses, and activities that make Downtown Lexington the lively, thriving, stimulating and diverse economic, cultural, and residential heart of Central Kentucky.

The mission of the LDDA is similar to that of the DLC, however; DLC is a membership based organization that focuses on promotion and marketing of its members, producing free events for the entire community and promoting Downtown Lexington.  For more information on LDDA visit their website at www.lexingtondda.com.

Q:  How is the DLC different from Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau (LCVB)?

A:  LCVB markets the Bluegrass Region, nationally and internationally; as an outstanding destination for leisure travel, business travel, meetings and conventions.  DLC supports these efforts by creating downtown maps and shopping, dining and entertainment guides for our visitors.  DLC also writes an article for TravelHost Magazine that promotes Downtown Lexington as a destination for visitors.

Q:  Does the DLC manage parking in Downtown?

A:  No.  The Lexington & Fayette County Parking Authority (LEXPARK) provides, maintains and operates public parking in Downtown Lexington.  For more information visit www.lexpark.org or call (859) 231-7275.

Q:  If Lexington creates the Downtown Lexington Management District (DLMD), how will it differ from the DLC?

A:  The DLMD will focus all of its efforts on enhancing downtown.  Revenues generated from this new entity will go toward marketing/promoting downtown, enhanced beautification and to the creation of a downtown ambassador program.  The DLMD will be administered by the DLC, but with separate funding and a separate Board of Directors.  DLC will continue to be an advocate for its members and for Downtown Lexington.  For more information on the DLMD visit www.downtownlex.com/DLMD 

Q:  Can I get involved with the DLC?

A:  Yes!  Since the DLC functions with a very small core staff, we rely heavily on the help of our interns and volunteers.  We have opportunities to help with office-related tasks, special research projects and events.  We work closely with the local colleges and universities to provide student internship opportunities each semester.   We also have a number of committees which are open to the public.  If you are interested in volunteering in any of these areas, contact our office at 859-425-2590 or info@downtownlex.com.