Lexington’s 1st woman mayor was veteran of city politics; the force behind farmers market
Editor’s note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the city’s history – some funny, some sad; others heartbreaking or celebratory; and some just downright strange.
Jan. 3, 1993: Pam Miller is inaugurated as Lexington’s first female mayor. First elected to council in 1973, Miller was the first woman elected to public office in the city, serving from 1974 to 1977, and again from 1980 to 1993. In 1992, she was elected vice-mayor and stepped up to be mayor when Scotty Baesler resigned to serve in Congress.
She was elected to stay on as mayor in 1994 and in 1998. Under her leadership, the city and Fayette County developed the Urban Area Greenspace Plan. In 1995, she founded Partners for Youth that served as a clearinghouse for funding youth-based programs in the city.
Even before her time in public service, Miller was involved in the community. After moving here with her husband in 1970, Miller noted the lack of places to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. She went to work setting up Lexington’s first Farmers Market in the area in front of what would eventually become Rupp Arena.
“I think that’s what people thank me the most for: the farmers market,” Miller told the Lexington Herald-Leader in 2017.
This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 4:00 AM.
