In the heart of the nation's Bluegrass Country, Lexington, Kentucky, is a city that has artfully blended history, horses, culture, and industry to create a uniquely desirable quality of life. With its graciously restored downtown buildings complementing its modern office and convention facilities, Lexington exemplifies the benefits of a successful public-private partnership. In 1974 the city merged its government with Fayette County to streamline services. The efficient consolidation became known as Lexington-Fayette County Urban County Government. A spirit of cooperation propels the community toward its goals of excellence in education as well as economic growth. Lexington was once known as the "Athens of the West" because many early artists, poets, and architects settled in the region; each left a sense of his or her own style.