Lexington Council appoints Trace Williams to Ethics Commission

The Lexington City Council on March 20, 2025 approved the appointment of Trace Williams to the citys Ethics Commission following a public confirmation hearing and a closed-session deliberation.

The appointment matters because the Ethics Commission reviews matters related to municipal ethics and standards for city officers and employees; the commission has nine seats, seven of which are designated for particular backgrounds and two that are at-large, a council member explained during the hearing.

At the confirmation hearing, Williams described his local roots and community experience. "I've always had, like, a very strong drive for morality," Williams said, and added that he had reviewed "chapter 25" related to local ethics rules: "I looked over it. I think it's very, very important." Williams told the council he works at the University of Kentucky and currently serves on the Fayette County Public Schools Equity Council Commission. He also said he has no formal ethics coursework or certification: "No. Nothing official. I would say every day I'm faced with ethical ... But, no. Nothing official."

Council members questioned Williams about his reasons for seeking the post and about how his experience would translate to commission work. "Why the ethics commission?" Council Member Lynch asked. Council Member Curtis asked how Williams filmmaking and production experience informed his ability to collaborate and handle dissent; Williams described directing camera and lighting teams and said the work requires "give and take" and knowing "when to pick your battles." Council Member Morton asked how his age could be an asset; Williams said younger perspectives can bring different life experiences to decision-making.

Following the public questioning, the council moved into a closed session to deliberate. After returning to open session, the presiding official announced the councils decision: "This council will be approving your appointment to the ethics commission, so congratulations," the presiding official said. The transcript records a motion and a second and a voice vote with members saying "aye," but does not record a roll-call tally or the names of the members who moved and seconded the motion.

Williams thanked the council after the announcement. The meeting then adjourned.

Details from the hearing that could affect the commissions work include Williamss lack of formal ethics training, his current service on the Fayette County Public Schools Equity Council Commission, and his stated approach to collaboration. The council did not record additional procedural details about the vote in the available transcript.