Public Meetings - Knoxville, Tennessee

The Knoxville City Council held a workshop on May 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss redevelopment incentives, the application process, and public-private partnership tools. The workshop featured a presentation by Rebecca Jane Justice (Urban Design and Development) and Ben Bentley (KCDC), who outlined the city's key development priorities, the step-by-step process for evaluating projects, and a toolbox of financial mechanisms including Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), low-income housing tax credit (LITECH) projects, development agreements, capital improvement investments, and a historic/facade program. Council members asked questions about early engagement, the evaluation of financial feasibility, and the establishment of redevelopment areas. No votes were taken; the workshop was informational. Discussion Items - Presentation on Process and Tools: RJ and Ben explained that the city's process begins with an initial conversation, followed by submission of an exhibit A (preliminary application), an interdisciplinary city review (step 1B), a preliminary financial review by KCDC (step 2), and a third-party financial review (step 3). The entire process typically takes about six months. They emphasized that the city uses a "but for" test to determine whether a project would not occur without incentives. - Key Development Priorities: The presenters highlighted priorities such as expanding housing supply, incorporating 10–20% workforce housing in multifamily projects, focusing on transit corridors and redevelopment areas, and encouraging historic preservation and sustainable design. A digitized map showing redevelopment areas, past partnerships, and transit routes was demonstrated. - Councilman Grant's Request for Early Engagement: Councilman Grant expressed a desire to be involved in the initial city review (step 1B) for projects in his district, arguing that council members can provide on-the-ground feedback and help with public engagement. He noted that early involvement could save developers pain later. Staff acknowledged the request and suggested that developers could be encouraged to reach out to district representatives early. - Councilwoman Adams' Question on History of Council Engagement: Councilwoman Adams asked whether staff had historically engaged council members early in the process. RJ replied that they typically help developers connect with council when public processes like rezoning are involved, but not earlier. - Councilman Thomas' Question on Developer Need for Incentives: Councilman Thomas asked whether private developers typically come to the city saying they cannot do a project without a PILOT or TIF. Ben confirmed yes, and explained that the financial review (steps 2 and 3) is designed to verify that the project truly needs the incentive. - Councilman Thomas' Question on Third-Party Review: He asked how often the third-party review finds issues. Ben responded that it almost always leads to push-and-pull on assumptions, which has become more accepted by developers over time. - Discussion on Redevelopment Areas: Ben explained how new redevelopment areas are established: a council resolution, notification of property owners, three weeks of public notices, a public hearing, and then approval by city council, county commission, and KCDC board. Council members expressed interest in creating redevelopment areas on corridors like Broadway. Councilman Thomas said he would first talk to KCDC before drafting a resolution. - Number of Redevelopment Areas: Councilwoman Parker asked how many redevelopment areas exist. Ben estimated about twelve broader areas, noting that some are very old and less active. He added that redevelopment areas do not sunset because the need for tools can fluctuate with the economy (citing South Waterfront as an example). - Duration of PILOTs: Councilman Grant asked how the number of years for a PILOT or TIF is determined. Ben explained that the city has been ratcheting back durations over the past five years. The financial model uses a 10-year internal rate of return (IRR) assumption, and the duration is set to achieve a 12–20% IRR. Councilman Thomas noted that durations have shortened from 30 years to as low as 10 years, reflecting stricter analysis. - Workforce Housing Requirement: Councilman Grant asked about the 10–20% workforce housing requirement. RJ said it is a negotiation point in initial conversations, and the workforce units are tied to the life of the PILOT, with a graduated rent increase at expiration to avoid sudden spikes. - Case Studies: Presenters highlighted several projects: - 200 Block of Gay Street: $30M investment, $3.7M TIF, 53 condo units with workforce housing, 20,000 sq ft retail – first new construction on Gay Street in 40 years. - Cumberland Avenue Streetscapes: $25M city investment leveraged $1B in private development; a student housing project (The Hub) received a 5-year PILOT only for structured parking (2,000 spaces) because student housing itself is not incentivized. - Grosvenor Square: LITECH PILOT for 184 mixed-income units, with 27 acres of hilltop donated to Legacy Parks for preservation. - Façade and Historic Program: Examples on Broadway and North Central Street showing before/after improvements. - Overall Impact: Since 2020, public-private partnerships have inspired over $2 billion in private investment, created/preserved over 8,000 housing units (5,000 affordable), and generated $5 million in new property tax revenue over the next five years. Most incentives require no direct capital investment from the city. - Councilman Thomas' Comments on Corridors: He noted that while Recode and rezoning to mixed-use removed a major obstacle, not much development is happening yet. He emphasized the need for proactive city engagement, especially for housing along corridors. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken; the workshop was informational. - Council members indicated interest in being more involved early in the incentive process, with Councilman Grant requesting to be part of step 1B. Staff agreed to encourage developers to contact district representatives. - Councilman Thomas and others signaled a potential future request to establish a redevelopment area on Broadway, following preliminary discussions with KCDC. - The city's redevelopment tools and process were affirmed as effective, with statistics showing significant leveraged investment and housing creation. - The workshop concluded with Vice Mayor Fugit thanking the presenters and noting the value of the detailed overview.

The Knoxville City Council met on May 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of minutes from April 23 and April 28, and a consent agenda. The mayor reported on the legislative budget hearings, recognized the Mayor's Youth Council, and announced upcoming events. Key agenda items included a resolution for additional ARPA stormwater funding, a contract for fleet cameras, an invasive species control services contract, and a first reading of an ordinance to prohibit tobacco and vapor products in age-restricted venues (21+ bars). The council also voted on several land use items, including a sector plan amendment for affordable housing on Nora Road and a rezoning on Western Avenue. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the April 23 workshop and April 28 meeting. - Approved the consent agenda as amended (items 13Z, 13AA, 13AB removed by Councilmember Parker). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 130 (Tobacco/Vapor Prohibition): Three speakers in favor and three speakers against addressed the council. - In favor: Jeremy Corvellis (chair of Smoke Free Knoxville), a musician with asthma; Michael Holtz (14-year survivor of stage 3 colorectal cancer); Kayla Smith (American Heart Association). They cited health risks of secondhand smoke, worker protections, and data from over 1,300 smoke-free cities. - Against: Houston Forge (petition with 2,200 signatures opposing the ban), Chris Watson (bartender and musician, argued for personal choice and business autonomy), Paul Smith (owner of a small bar that allows smoking, noted 80% of patrons smoke and lack of outdoor space). They argued the ban would harm small businesses, limit freedom, and create unfair competition with county bars. Discussion Items - 12F (Bomb Drive Stormwater Improvements): Councilmember Parker asked about ARPA funding deadlines. Bradshaw (Fleet Services) responded that all ARPA funds have been allocated and these are final disbursements; the closeout date is September 30, 2026. Parker requested a comprehensive list of ARPA projects. Approved. - 12G (Samsara Fleet Cameras): Councilmember Parker inquired about data retention policies for dash cams. Nicholas Bradshaw (Director of Fleet Services) stated that a policy exists, footage is stored online for at least six months, and he would provide details to council. Approved. - 12L (Invasive Species Control): Director Rachel Butzler gave an overview of methods (manual removal, cut-stump, foliar application) and assurances that chemical use is targeted, EPA-approved, and not widespread glyphosate. Councilmember Parker and Adams expressed support. Approved. - 13P, Q, R (Macco Affordable Housing on Nora Road): Ben Mullins, representing the applicant, described a proposed 180-unit affordable housing project with 60 ADA mainstream vouchers. The site includes a conservation easement on the back portion. Councilmember Parker asked about road improvements; developer will conduct a traffic impact analysis and be responsible for upgrades. Councilmember Grant noted the area has had drug activity and homicides, supporting the redevelopment. Councilmember Thomas praised the scale and preserved natural area. Items were consolidated and approved. - 13Z, AA, AB (Western Avenue Rezoning): Councilmember Parker expressed concerns about hillside protections and potential blasting/retaining walls. Director Amy Brooks (Knoxville-Knox County Planning) explained that slope analysis would guide a disturbance budget, and any future development would require permits and compliance with hillside protections. Councilmember Honeycutt noted no current projects. Councilmember Adams flagged the jump from RN1 to CH1 zoning. The motion to approve passed 8-0-1 (Parker abstained). Key Outcomes - Item 12E (Bomb Drive Stormwater contract amendment): Approved. - Item 12F (North Cherry Street stormwater contract amendment): Approved after discussion on ARPA deadlines. - Item 12G (Samsara fleet cameras): Approved, subject to follow-up on data retention policies. - Item 12H (2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for HUD): Approved 8-1. - Item 12I (Goodyear tire contract extension): Approved. - Item 12J (Nourish Knoxville farmers market agreement): Approved. - Item 12K (Broadband ready seniors program grant): Approved. - Item 12L (Invasive species control contracts): Approved. - Item 130 (Tobacco/vapor prohibition in age-restricted venues): First reading passed 7-2. An amendment to change the effective date to January 1, 2027, was approved 7-2. The amended ordinance then passed 7-2. - Item 13P, Q, R (Macco affordable housing): Consolidated and approved unanimously (voice vote). - Item 13S (Flegler Road rezoning RN1 to RN2): Approved. - Item 13Z, AA, AB (Western Avenue rezoning): Consolidated and approved 8-0-1 (Councilmember Parker abstained).

The Knoxville City Council convened a legislative budget hearing starting at 8:03 AM on May 7, 2026, to review the proposed FY27 budget. CFO Boyce Evans presented a balanced $663.5 million total budget ($499 million net) with no new taxes, emphasizing strategic investments in core services, public safety, affordable housing, and parks. The budget is leaner than prior years, using $6 million in unassigned fund balance for one-time capital projects and reducing capital spending by $7.2 million. Revenues are flattening, with sales tax growth slowing to 3% and property tax growth projected at 1.75%. The general fund is $344 million, up 6.5%. Employee full-time spaces would increase by 18 to 1,636, and part-time positions drop by 6 to 21. The hearing continued through the afternoon with department presentations, followed by a public hearing at 5:00 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Vivian Scheid (3615 MLK Ave, Knoxville) urged the council to allocate more funding for warming centers and homeless services, noting that 161 people died last winter. She argued that large entertainment projects (e.g., the G10 party district) receive millions while basic needs go underfunded. She called for planning ahead to prevent homelessness among the projected 75,000 new residents by 2040. - Caitlin South Hall (1018 E Churchwell Ave) highlighted the absence of cooling shelters in the budget, expressing concern about record summer temperatures. She noted that public libraries are already at capacity and cannot serve as adequate cooling centers. She urged the city to establish a funding stream for cooling shelters, similar to the recent discussions about warming centers. Discussion Items Budget Overview (Boyce Evans, CFO) - Proposed budget totals $663.5 million (9.4% increase over FY26), net budget $499 million (4.6% increase). General fund $344 million. Capital budget $40.7 million (down $7.2 million). - Uses $6 million unassigned fund balance for one-time capital projects, including Washington Pike Improvements ($2.1M), South Knox Bridge Greenway ($1M+), Fire Station 15 ($900K), and LT Ross building repairs ($500K). - No tax increase; property tax rate remains at $2.1556 per $100 assessed value. Reappraisal expected to lower rate in August. - Sales tax projected to grow only 3% ($72.8M total); state-shared sales tax flat at $24M. Property tax growth estimated at 1.75% (increase of $3M). - 18 new FTEs: 5 police officers (for supervision under the new 10-hour shift), 6 parks part-time to full-time, 4 public service for Chihowee Park maintenance, 1 energy/sustainability manager, 1 CAT deputy director, 1 financial analyst, and 1 CAT deputy director. - Employee compensation: Funds 2.5% salary increase for all employees, plus 1.7% step increases for uniformed personnel. Doubles performance pay pool to 1% of payroll ($256K). Adds $200K for park seasonal workers (to $13–$15/hr). Health insurance costs remain unchanged for employees. - Pension unfunded liability increases by $2.1M. Debt principal at end of FY26: $104.3M; convention center debt reduced to $29.7M; expects to pay off convention center bonds 1–2 years early. - Stadium debt: City and county split gap; FY26 budget $1M (likely used less); sales tax came in $380K over estimate, TIF/pilot $350K short due to construction delays; net better than expected. - Affordable housing: $8M total, including $4.5M for Transforming Western project (final year), $2.5M for Affordable Rental Development Fund, $900K for home ownership initiatives. - Homeless prevention: Over $2M local/federal funds; warming center funding increased $200K to $500K (county matches, total $1M). - Reserves: Stabilization account $68.8M (20% of GF), assigned fund balance $17.2M (5%), charter reserve $3.44M (1%). City can operate 148 days on cash alone. Public Safety - Knoxville Police Department (Chief Noel) - Requests 5 new police officers to support the transition from 12-hour to 10-hour shifts (starting July 1). The change improves officer wellness but requires more supervision. Current officer-to-supervisor ratio will be around 1:8 after hires (still high, target 1:6). - Also requests $100K for a wellness center at the public safety complex, leveraging $300K in private donations for a total $400K project (gym, physical therapy, kitchen, mental health resources). - Discussed full-time strength: current budget strength 421 officers (up from 416 long-term; historically 461+ under Mayor Ashe). Chief noted need for more officers for traffic enforcement, co-responder programs, and investigative side. Preliminary patrol staffing analysis shows need for 15 more patrol officers. - Budget for co-responder program remains at 6 teams; applied for grant to add 3 more. Long-term goal: 12 teams. Fire Department (Chief Sharp) - Current uniformed staff: 327 (unchanged for over 20 years, after losing 30 positions in 2003). Civilian staff: 10. No new firefighter positions in proposed budget; overtime is high. Councilwoman Parker requested overtime cost data. - Responding to increasing EMS calls, particularly overdose calls (peaked at 1,000 in 2019, declining slightly). Mental health support improved: now require annual mental health checkups for all firefighters, and embed wellness training. - Implementing a third-party strategic plan to address staffing, rank structure, cost recovery, and career development; expected completion summer 2026, then integration with compensation and longevity studies to guide future budgets. - New Fire Station 15 (Burlington) is a replacement, not expansion. One expansion in 15 years (South Knoxville). Needs in all directions for future growth. Emergency Communications (Mr. Anders) - FY27 request flat. Budget: city contributes $2.6M, county $1.3–1.5M, state phone tariff $10M. Currently operating from backup facility; main center testing soon. Interlocal agreement needs updating; will present new cost allocation to council. - 911 call volume increasing; technology improvements (e.g., fire alarm direct dispatch) mitigate some. Non-emergency calls consume half of resources. Nurse navigation (AMR) reducing unnecessary ambulance dispatches. Emergency Management Agency (Colvin) - No budget requests. Funded through city/county 50/50 split plus $150K federal grant. Staffing is very small for community size; long-term goal to increase. Office of Community Safety and Empowerment (Miss Middlebrook) - Total budget $2.7M local dollars (all local). Funded across three accounts: general operations (page 58), neighborhood empowerment (page 65), and violence intervention fund (page 207). Grant revenues (e.g., DOJ $2M) are separate, not included; DOJ funds are reimbursement-based and not yet drawn down. - Neighborhood empowerment grants reduced due to shift to increased council 202 funds ($20K per member/year). Council discussion: some want both programs; administration suggested funneling through 202 funds for efficiency. - NICJR (Knoxville Peace) contract had a no-cost extension through December 2026; $275K remaining from original $519K. Councilman Grant raised concerns about lack of updates and slow spending. Finance clarified reimbursement basis; mayor’s office committed to providing monthly reports going forward. Operations (Engineering, Fleet, CAT, Public Service) - Engineering (Tom Claybough): Traffic calming program relaunched; 64 applications received, speed studies done, neighborhood meetings start soon. New sidewalks: none budgeted for FY27 due to cost ($1,200/linear foot). Substantial investment stormwater regulation: exempts projects under $500K and uses 5-year rolling window. Parking system: revenues $5.6M vs expenses $7.3M; still refining operations; working on long-term strategy for garages. - Plans Review/Building Inspections (Peter Ahrens): Development services funded by fees; benchmarks met (residential under 1 week, commercial <$500K under 2 weeks). Customer service improved. Fee restructuring kept residential fees low. - Fleet (Nicholas Bradshaw): 1,700 assets; diverse fuel portfolio (92 propane, 220 electric, plus gas/diesel). Budgeted $3.5M for fuel; conservatively projected. - CAT (Isaac Thorne): 2.6M riders in FY25 (highest since 2015), up 5% year-to-date. 191 operators, goal of 200. On-time performance up 11%. New deputy director (Suzanne Rimmer) moves from CAT to city payroll; cost-neutral. Administration budget increase in fund 100 reflects grant match for anticipated grants, not staff. - Public Service (Rachel Messler): Compensation study for citywide workforce will be conducted with a consultant; RFP to go out after budget approval. Longevity study also in progress. Plan to have results by December 2026 to inform FY28 budget. Parks and Recreation (Cheryl Ely) - Chihowee Park: $2M capital and operating funds for transition from Legends to city management. CPAG process underway; second meeting May 14. Flooding study ongoing; capital may be used for infrastructure/amenities. Councilwoman Parker expressed concern that investment may be insufficient given flooding and community expectations; Lakeshore comparison noted but Lehner leveraged significant private funds. - Splash pads: $800K in ballfield capital fund for Victor Ash Park (Councilman Lloyd’s district). - Knoxville Art Center: New larger space at Western Heights as part of Transforming Western project, shared funding with KCDC. - Master plan implementation: payroll athletic increase of $250K to raise low-paid seasonal positions to $13–$15/hr. Policy (Housing, Homelessness, Sustainability, Planning) - Housing and Neighborhood Development (Kevin DeBose): Blighted property fund and chronic problem properties fund total $400K. Since 2019, 70 properties put back into active use. Overcoming Barriers to Homeownership program: not in budget but private funding secured; will come to council via resolution to accept and amend budget. - Office of Housing Stability (Aaron Reed): Warming centers expanded to $500K city (match by county, total $1M). Seeking seasonal shelter model for 32° loss threshold. One church location lost; seeking two replacement sites. Cooling centers not yet budgeted; public comment noted urgency. - CAC (Misty Goodwin): LT Ross building structural repairs $500K in capital budget; also seeking congressional funding for plumbing/HVAC. City funds used for overhead and programs not covered by grants (e.g., senior case managers above income limits). - Planning (Amy Brooks): Comprehensive plan update enters community engagement phase; storefront on Market Square open Wednesdays and select Saturdays; staff to attend festivals. Budget for plan was approved last council; no new requests. Finance (Boyce Evans) - Budget of $6M, 43 positions. Difficulty hiring governmental accountants; turnover high (lost 3 of 4 new analysts in past year). Controller search underway. Vacancies in revenue division; training curve for private-to-public transition. Communications (Kristen Farley, Kendra Brewer) - Budget down 5.6% due to one FTE moved to IT; no additional requests. Website overhaul underway; expected September rollout; will be more user-friendly with personalized portals. Special events permits transitioning to online by July/August. City Courts (Judge Tyler Cavanaugh) - Requested $8,500 for AV equipment (virtual hearings), $10K for website redesign (may be covered by city site), and $125K for digitization of 50 years of paper records (not funded but may use in-kind). Budget otherwise flat. Court funded solely by $50 fines and $96.50 court costs. Emphasized efficiency and ability-to-pay approaches. Legislative (Mr. Johnson) - Two requests met: $45K increase for council 202 funds ($20K per member) and $25K for attorney’s contingency for litigation (beer board/land use). Both funded. Key Outcomes - The proposed FY27 budget is balanced with no tax increases and includes strategic investments in public safety, affordable housing, and parks, while reducing capital spending and using $6M in unassigned fund balance for one-time projects. - Council will hold a public hearing at 7:00 PM on May 19, 2026, and vote on the budget on May 26, 2026. - No votes were taken during this work session; the hearing concluded with a recess for the public hearing at 5:00 PM. - Council requested additional reports: police/fire overtime breakdown, details on unassigned fund balance use over time, stadium revenue breakdown, and monthly reports on violence intervention contracts. - Administration committed to improving communication with employees and council regarding compensation and benefits studies. - The public hearing included two speakers urging increased funding for warming/cooling shelters and homelessness services.

The City Council met on May 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included an invocation by Councilmember DeBarteley (reading a poem by Nikki Giovanni), approval of the April 14 minutes, withdrawal of item 12W (a police grant), and adoption of the consent agenda (with items V and X removed for public comment). The mayor presented her report, and council members gave committee reports. The council approved numerous resolutions, held a first reading of the FY 2026-2027 budget, postponed the second reading to May 26, and heard public comments on several items. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from April 14, 2026. - Withdrawn item 12W (police grant) on motion by Vice Mayor. - Consent agenda approved (items in red, excluding V and X). Councilmember Honeycutt recused from item G (historic overlay of amphitheater) due to a conflict of interest. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 12K (Habitat for Humanity development): Drew Harper (1205 Kenyon Street) spoke in favor, stating the project is "tailor-made" to address housing needs, preserves a church, provides homeownership, and is infill development. He noted the adjacent school (Belmoris) has lost students and needs new families. - Item 12U (waste fraud abuse reporting): Rick Roach (Report Knoxville) questioned why the internal auditor was not included from the beginning and urged the council to move toward an ordinance. - Item 12X (UVA grant): Rick Roach spoke against, expressing concern about oversight of private foundation funds and the mingling of monies. - Item 13A (budget): Vivian Scheip (3615 MLK) opposed, asking for more funding for cooling centers, the Office of Housing Stability, mental health services, affordable housing, and transparency on a violence training program funded last year. - Public Forum: Patty Thomas requested the city inspect tree roots on her property that she said are damaging her home, stating she has been waiting over ten years for a response. Discussion Items - Mayor's Report: Reviewed the State of the City event, budget luncheon, and upcoming events: ribbon cutting at The Pines (affordable housing, 152 units, $510k city support) on May 6 at 10 AM; plaque unveiling at Covenant Health Park at 11 AM; and groundbreaking for Transforming Western Phase at 1:30 PM (over $200M investment, city committing $26.5M over six years). - Committee Reports: Councilmember Parker reported on Knoxville Community Media and the American Broadband Deployment Act (pulled from consideration). Councilmember DeBarteley promoted a UT architecture First Friday event and the One Knox soccer match. Councilmember Adams highlighted the What's Next Knoxville listening sessions. Councilmember Thomas announced Project TLC expansion to Lonsdale, crediting community input. Councilmember Honeycutt encouraged participation in What's Next Knoxville and announced the KPSHA meeting. Councilmember Parker invited the public to a casual gathering at Ola Southern Cuisine on May 6. - Item 12I (Chapman Highway Improvements): Engineering Director Tom Clabo explained the Vision Zero initiative, using 80% federal funds to redesign a five-lane corridor into an urban boulevard with sidewalks and a shared-use path. The project addresses eight serious/fatal crashes (five involving pedestrians) over five years. Councilmember Honeycutt noted the significant federal leverage. - Item 12K (Habitat for Humanity): Councilmembers Parker and Thomas noted this is the first Habitat project in city limits in about ten years, with improved design that fits the neighborhood. No opposition was voiced. - Item 12T (PILOT for 100 West Depot): Councilmember Grant visited the site and noted 27 workforce housing units plus 7,000 sq ft of retail. Councilmember Parker noted the parking included but cautioned that workforce housing is not long-term affordable if sold. - Item 12U (waste fraud abuse reporting): Councilmember Parker and Vice Mayor discussed the audit committee's recommendation to include the internal auditor. Councilmember DeBarteley and Grant supported exploring an ordinance to codify the process. The mayor stated she has no objection. - Item 12V (JAG grant): Chief Noel detailed the proposal: $40,000 for mobile radio consoles, $48,000 for red dot sites and holsters, and $42,000 sub-award to Knox County. - Item 12X (UVA grant): Chief Noel said the $50,000 grant would fund an analytical pilot to address overdoses using social network analysis. Councilmember Parker expressed concern about relying on KPD for opioid issues, preferring a public health approach led by the Office of Community Safety and Empowerment. The mayor noted the grant is law enforcement-specific and small. - Item 13A (budget first reading): The mayor described the budget as leaner, with a low tax rate (lowest since 1974), focus on public safety, affordable housing, and parks ($7M for parks master plan). Councilmember Parker voted against first reading (as in prior years) to emphasize the need for public engagement and a longer process. Vice Mayor moved to postpone the second reading to May 26, which passed. - Item 13AC (compensation plan): HR Director Betsy Cunningham explained the 1.5% increase in pay scales for general government employees (as required by the compensation study) and the 2.5% + 1.7% for uniformed staff. Councilmember Parker clarified that this adjusts pay rates, not individual salaries. Key Outcomes - Approved all appointments: Jack Coker (4th District Golf Course Advisory Committee), Garrett Howe (3rd District), Curtis Brown (6th District) – all terms expiring December 18, 2029. - Approved resolution 12I (Chapman Highway design services, $565,300) – motion carried. - Approved resolution 12J (United Way donation, $440,000 for affordable housing fund) – carried. - Approved resolution 12K (Habitat for Humanity, $440,000 for 22 units at 4325 Pinehurst Drive) – carried. - Approved resolutions 12L through 12S (Austin Homes, Union Avenue purchase, Legacy Parks agreements, historic preservation grants) – all carried. - Approved resolution 12T (PILOT for 100 West Depot) – carried. - Approved resolution 12U (modify executive order to include internal auditor) – carried. - Approved resolutions 12V and 12X (JAG grant and UVA grant) – both carried. - First reading of budget ordinance (13A) passed, with second reading postponed to May 26, 2026. - First reading of tax levy ordinance (13AB) passed, second reading postponed to May 26. - First reading of compensation plan amendment (13AC) passed, second reading postponed to May 26. - Approved resolution 13AD (challenge grant awards, $21,513.29) – carried. - Public forum: No formal action taken on Patty Thomas’s tree complaint. Next Steps: The legislative budget hearing is scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The second reading of the budget and related ordinances will occur on May 26, 2026.

The Knoxville City Council, sitting as the Beer Board, met on May 5, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. with all nine members present. The board approved multiple beer permit applications, received an alcohol-compliance enforcement report, postponed one applicant, and referred two businesses to hearing officers for failing to meet mandatory CAST class requirements. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as distributed; no corrections were offered. - Items 8C and 8D, both Crafty Bastard Brewery applications, were postponed at the applicants request to the May 26, 2026 meeting; no objection was raised. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were signed up for the agenda. Reports of Officers - Officer Presley reported alcohol-compliance checks conducted on the 22nd and 23rd. Of 30 businesses checked, nine sold alcohol to a minor. First offenses were reported for Tienda E Carts on Bruin Road, Lolita Market on Merchants, Hop In on Merchants, Two Brothers Holiday Market on Martin Luther King, Express Stop on Cherry Street, Woodsmith Market on Woodsmith, and Green Grocery on Marvel Pike. Fast Stop Market on Middlebrook Pike was a second offense, and Harbs Market on Burnside was a third offense. - The law department report covered active suspension/revocation hearings. An agreed order and fine were completed for Union Jacks; Applebees completed a seven-day suspension and paid a fine after an agreed order; Dollar General (Sutherland Avenue) will serve a 30-day suspension and pay a fine after a default order; Dollar General (Amherst Road) has a pre-hearing conference scheduled for the day after the meeting, with the law department seeking a 30-day suspension and a $1,000 fine; Cumberland House and La Panita Mexican Bar and Grill entered agreed orders and paid fines after late remedial plans or payments; and Harbs Market, a third offense in two years, was referred to an automatic suspension/revocation hearing, with the law department seeking a 45-day suspension and a $2,000 fine. - The beer fund has received $29,000 in fines so far this year and stands at approximately $278,000. Beer Permit Applications The following applications were approved: - Muse Knoxville (Kelly Styles, 316 Montgomery Avenue) was approved outright after a complete file and no police record. - Beard and Beer Market (Deborah Lewis, 4524 Old Kingston Pike) was approved pending final documentation, including certificate of occupancy and surrender of the existing permit. - Corner Market was approved pending final documentation, including certificate of occupancy, Department of Agriculture approval, and surrender of the existing permit. - Petros (Dale Wedmer, 631 East Emory Road) was approved pending final documentation, requiring certificate of occupancy. - Rough Life Hideout (Brian Moffitt, 1935 Callahan Drive) was approved pending final documentation, requiring sales tax registration, certificate of occupancy, and health department approval; staff said the sales tax registration was already in hand. - Sonnys Pizza (Michael McClain, 4313 Glasgow Road) was approved pending final documentation for both the on-premises permit and the manufacturers permit, requiring certificate of occupancy. - An applicant transcribed as 'Up in Smoky' was approved pending final documentation, requiring certificate of occupancy, Department of Agriculture approval, and surrender of the existing permit. - Multiple Copper Cellar Corporation locations represented by Brad Hedrick, president, were approved pending final documentation, each requiring certificate of occupancy and surrender of the existing permit. These included Calhouns, Copper Cellar/Cappuccino, Corner 16, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and other listed locations. - Plugged In was not acted on because the applicant was absent; see below. Discussion Items - ShoeCon Grocery LLC d/b/a Save A Lot was on the agenda for failure to complete the mandatory CAST class. No representative appeared. Officer Presley said the owner had requested to surrender the permit but still had beer on site, including two shopping carts of beer, one under a tarp; he served the owner with notice of the meeting and explained the permit could not be surrendered while beer remained on site. The owner was given instructions to turn in the permit, but it had not been returned by the meeting. Council members discussed that surrendering the permit while beer remained would violate city code, and that the business had received opportunities to comply. A motion to send Save A Lot to a hearing officer was seconded and passed with no stated opposition. - JLG Incorporated d/b/a The Melting Pot also remained out of compliance with CAST training. Staff said the owner last attended in 2022; Sandra West attended on July 20, 2023, but never completed the background check, so the training did not count. The manager who said at the prior meeting he would buy the business had not contacted the office or taken the class. No representative appeared. The board sent The Melting Pot to a hearing officer by voice vote with no stated opposition. - Staff noted that Galaxy E Smoke had come into compliance by adding a manager as required. - A council member observed that three-quarters of the previously noncompliant businesses had come into compliance and said the process was working. - Plugged In, a beer permit applicant, was not present; it had been postponed before because of an incomplete background check. The board voted to postpone it to May 26, 2026, and directed that the applicant be notified that attendance is required. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved as distributed. - Crafty Bastard Brewery applications (8C and 8D) postponed to May 26, 2026. - Muse Knoxvilles beer permit approved. - All other beer permit applications present were approved pending final documentation, except Plugged In, which was postponed. - Save A Lot and The Melting Pot were referred to hearing officers for CAST-class noncompliance. - Plugged In was postponed to the May 26, 2026 Beer Board meeting.

The Knoxville Beer Board held its regular meeting at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the Main Assembly Room at 400 W Main St. All nine board members were present. The board approved the prior meeting's minutes, approved one special event permit and 17 beer permit applications pending final documentation, postponed several applications to the May 26 meeting, and referred two businesses to hearing officers for failing to meet mandatory CAST class requirements. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the March 17, 2026 regular meeting were approved as distributed, with no corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - No one signed up to speak during Comments Germane to Today's Agenda. Officers' Reports - Officer Presley reported an alcohol compliance check conducted on April 22 and 23, 2026. A total of 30 businesses were checked, and 9 businesses sold alcohol to a minor. First offenses on April 22 were Tienda E Carts (Bruin Road), Lolita Market (Merchants), The Hop In (Merchants), Two Brothers Holiday Market (Martin Luther King), and Express Stop (Cherry Street). On April 23, Harbs Market (Burnside) was a third offense, Woodsmith Market (Woodsmith) was a first offense, Fast Stop Market (Middlebrook Pike) was a second offense, and Green Grocery (Marival Pike) was a first offense. - Mr. Johnson reported on pending suspension and revocation hearings: Union Jacks, Applebee's, Dollar General (Sutherland Avenue), Cumberland House, and La Panita Mexican Bar and Grill had resolved or were resolving their compliance cases; Dollar General (Amherst Road) has a pre-hearing conference scheduled, with the law department seeking a 30-day suspension and a $1,000 fine; and Harbs Market, due to a third offense in a two-year period, is set for an automatic suspension/revocation hearing, with the law department seeking a 45-day suspension and a $2,000 fine plus costs. - Mr. Johnson also reported the beer fund had received $29,000 in fines so far this year and stood at $278,000 and some change. Postponement Requests - Mr. Byrd identified Blount Mansion Association (Martini at the Mansion, 7A) and Crafty Bastard Brewery (8C and 8D) as requesting postponement. No applicant asked to withdraw. The board postponed these matters to the May 26, 2026 meeting. Beer Permit Approvals - The board approved Muse Knoxville's special event beer permit unanimously after Officer Presley reported no record and Mr. Byrd reported the file was complete. - The following beer permit applications were approved pending final documentation on unanimous voice votes. Officer Presley reported no police record for each applicant; Mr. Byrd listed required documents: - Bearden Beer Market (4524 Old Kingston Pike): certificate of occupancy and surrender of existing permit. - Corner Market (7325 Middlebrook Pike): certificate of occupancy, Tennessee Department of Agriculture approval, and surrender of existing permit. - Petro's Chili & Chips (631 E Emory Rd): certificate of occupancy. - Ruff Life Hideout (1935 Callahan Dr): sales tax registration, certificate of occupancy, and health department approval; sales tax registration was already on file. - Sonny's Pizza & Wings (2300 N Central St): two permits (on-premises and manufacturer), each requiring only a certificate of occupancy. - Up N Smoky (4909 Millertown Pike): certificate of occupancy, Department of Agriculture approval, and surrender of existing permit. - Calhoun's / Copper Cellar Corporation locations, represented by President Brad Hedrick: 10020 Kingston Pike; 400 Neyland Drive; 6515 Kingston Pike (two permits); 625 Turkey Cove Lane; Chesapeake's (500 Henley St); Copper Cellar / Cappuccino's (7316 Kingston Pike); Corner 16 (9637 Kroger Park Dr); and Smoky Mountain Brewery (11308 Parkside Dr, two permits). All were approved pending final documentation, generally requiring a certificate of occupancy and surrender of the existing permit. Discussion & Referrals - Save A Lot (Shukan Grocery LLC, 2003 N Broadway) was referred to a hearing officer after failing to meet CAST class requirements. Officer Presley described a visit in which the manager said he wanted to surrender the permit but still had two shopping carts of beer on site. Board members noted that holding beer without a permit would violate city code and voted unanimously to refer the matter. - Melting Pot (JLG Inc, 111 N Central St) was referred to a hearing officer for failing to meet CAST class requirements. Staff reported the last qualifying class attendance was in 2022, and a manager who appeared at the March meeting as a potential buyer had not followed through with a manager application or new beer application. The board voted unanimously to refer the matter. - Staff noted most previously noncompliant businesses, including Galaxy E Smoke, had come into compliance after adding or completing manager requirements; about three quarters of the businesses that had been out of compliance got into compliance. - PlugdIn (734 N Broadway) did not appear at the meeting. The board postponed its application to the May 26, 2026 meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 17, 2026 minutes as distributed. - Approved Muse Knoxville's special event beer permit. - Approved 17 beer permit applications pending final documentation. - Postponed Blount Mansion Association and Crafty Bastard Brewery requests to May 26, 2026. - Postponed PlugdIn's application to May 26, 2026. - Referred Save A Lot and Melting Pot to hearing officers for CAST class noncompliance. - Applicants approved pending final documentation were directed to bring completed documents to the business tax office during regular business hours; the chair noted that obtaining a certificate of occupancy may require zoning, parking, plans review, and other compliance steps.

On April 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Knoxville City Council held a workshop to review the city's grant-making process, covering eligibility, seven grant programs, federal grants, and council discretionary funds. The workshop was led by Vice Mayor Fugit and featured presentations from multiple departments. Council members discussed program details, community impact, and procedural concerns, including attendance and scoring criteria. Discussion Items - Grant Process Overview: Vice Mayor Fugit opened, noting the complexity of grant-making and the first such workshop. Cheryl Ball introduced the agenda, covering eligibility, city grant programs, federal grants, timeline, and Community Improvement Funds (CIF). - Eligibility Requirements: Kitheren Smith explained eligibility based on city code, Tennessee Code TCA 6-54-11, and federal requirements. Nonprofits must provide documentation; fiscal sponsors can be used. - Parks and Recreation Challenge Grants: Director Cheryl Ely described a 25-year program offering up to $3,000 (reimbursement, 50% match). Projects include beautification, trash cans, water fountains. Outcomes for FY2025-26 include tree planting and gazebo painting. - Community Safety and Empowerment Grants: Director LaKenya Middlebrooks covered seven grant opportunities across four initiatives: Safety Grants (Opportunity Youth, Youth Violence Prevention Week microgrants max $3,000), Empower Knox Grants ($85,000 total, youth mental health focus), and African American Equity Restoration Task Force Grants ($150,000 total, max $20,000). Outcomes: 800+ participants in Opportunity Youth, 900+ in Youth Violence Prevention Week, 800+ in Empower Knox. - Neighborhood Empowerment Grants: Two programs: Small Grants (max $6,500, requires match) and Microgrants (max $500). Funded beautification, festivals, National Night Out. Total budget $20,000. - Community Agency Grants: Jennifer Sarrell presented grants for arts/culture and social services, including opioid abatement ($2 million+). Funding supports operations, capital, and health/mental health services ($820,000+). Outcomes: 1,000+ families receive books, seniors age in place, etc. - Federal Grants (HUD): Kevin DeBose discussed CDBG, ESG, and Home programs. CDBG (since 1974) focused on housing stability; ESG requires dollar-for-dollar match. City spends $10 million locally on housing/homelessness. 600+ people benefited from minor home repair programs. - Grant Timeline and Calendar: Cheryl Ball presented a schedule showing application months and council approval timing. Councilman Adams requested adding application close dates to public-facing materials. - Community Improvement Funds (202 Funds): Savannah Kirk explained the fund ($135,000 total, $15,000 per council member) for discretionary projects. Eligible uses include festivals, trees, field trips. Reporting is subject to council request. - Task Force and Homemakers Program Discussion: Councilman Grant raised concerns about the African American Equity Restoration Task Force: lack of full quorum, attendance, and the perception it is a fund rather than a grant process. He also questioned fiscal sponsor fees (suggested 3-5% cap). Kevin DeBose noted the Homemakers program (not a grant) allows for-profit participation and now includes multifamily projects due to middle housing standards. Councilman Grant urged leveraging the task force grants with Homemakers. Council members discussed the task force’s appointment process; it was clarified that the mayor appoints members with council approval, per bylaws. Vice Mayor Fugit suggested reviewing the resolution. - Scoring and Feedback: Councilman Honeycutt asked about scoring criteria and outcome celebration. Director Middlebrooks noted each program has its own criteria; feedback is provided informally. Councilman Grant advocated for a point system to improve transparency. Vice Mayor Fugit noted that priorities may change with new administrations. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the workshop was informational. - Follow-up items: - Council will receive an additional presentation on other federal grants (e.g., DOJ, ARPA) as requested by Councilwoman Parker. - The grant schedule will be updated with application close dates on the city’s grants webpage. - The task force resolution and bylaws will be reviewed by City Attorney Rob Frost, with a report at the next council dinner (approximately three weeks later). - Council will explore creating a more objective scoring rubric for grants to improve transparency and feedback to applicants. - The complete budget appendix for community agency grants is expected to be released on April 24, 2026, before the first budget reading on April 28. - Legislative budget hearings are scheduled for May 7, 2026 (8 AM to 5 PM), with a public hearing at 5 PM. - The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

The Knoxville City Council met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for a regular meeting. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, withdrawal of three agenda items, a consent agenda, the mayor's report highlighting public safety achievements and the upcoming comprehensive plan update, approval of several contracts and ordinances, and public forum with two speakers. Consent Calendar - Approvals of the minutes from the March 26 workshop and March 31 meeting were approved unanimously. - The consent agenda, comprising routine items, was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Matthew Rock asked about the city's snow plan for the next winter, expressing concern about school closures. - Patty Thomas (113 South Van Gilder Street) formally raised concerns about city-owned trees adjacent to her property causing structural damage to her home (foundation, driveway, retaining walls, plumbing). She stated she had made numerous complaints over 10–15 years without resolution and requested accountability and a long-term plan. The mayor noted that she is working through a formal process with the city's risk department. Discussion Items - Withdrawal of Items 10C, 10D, 10E: At the applicant's request, these items were withdrawn. Councilman Thomas commented that the process had been flawed from the beginning because the applicant failed to reach out to affected constituents, as recommended by planning staff. He hoped for better procedures in the future. - Mayor's Report: Mayor reported zero homicides in Knoxville so far in 2026, an 82% drop in non-fatal shootings, and overall violent crime reductions significantly exceeding national averages. She thanked the council, police department, and community partners. She also announced the "What's Next Knoxville" comprehensive plan update, with the first public listening sessions on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at various locations. She invited council to help promote attendance. - Committee and Council Reports: Councilmember Grant announced an audit committee meeting on April 15 at 3 p.m. Councilmember Adams noted a student shadowing her and promoted a South Knoxville cleanup on April 18 and Tree Fest on April 24. Councilmember Parker announced "Casual Talks with City Council" on April 29 from 5:30–7 p.m. at Ola Southern Cuisine. Councilmember Honeycutt thanked city staff for the marathon and promoted local events including the Beard and History Fair and West Hills Spring Celebration. Councilmember De Barde Laban announced a council workshop on the grant process on April 23 at 6 p.m. - Agenda Items 12F–13M: The council unanimously approved a series of resolutions and an ordinance, including: - 12F: Pavement marking contract (Volunteer Highway Supply Co., up to $250,000). - 12G and 12H: Street lighting and high mast maintenance (Edison Electric, up to $1,450,000; Progression Electric, up to $200,000). - 12I: Amendment to Whalley Construction contract for Old City streetscapes phase two (increase of $51,307.25 to a total of $672,940.35). Councilmember Grant inquired about change order caps; city staff indicated there is no formal cap but a goal of under 10%. - 12J: Gymnasium basketball goals at 12 community centers (Bonnets Inc., up to $416,184.21). - 12K and 12L: On-call electrical repair services (Edison Electric, up to $150,000; Three Phase Power, up to $50,000). - 13M: Ordinance amending Chapter 7.5 of the city code (approved without discussion). Key Outcomes - All agenda items (12F through 13M) were approved unanimously. - Items 10C, 10D, and 10E were withdrawn. - The council acknowledged the mayor's public safety report and the comprehensive plan update. - Public forum comments were noted; the city will continue working with Patty Thomas through the risk department process. - The meeting adjourned without objection after public forum.

The Knoxville City Council met on March 31, 2026, at 6:00 PM with eight members present. The meeting included approval of minutes, several agenda postponements, and a consent agenda amendment. Key discussions centered on a microtransit design study and a resolution endorsing an alternative response program, which failed on a tie vote. Multiple public comments were heard on housing, transit, and public safety. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting. - Moved item 13Y to the consent agenda (202 fund). - Removed items 10G, 10H, 10I (due to signed speakers) and 12T (by councilmember request) from the consent agenda. - Consent agenda approved as amended. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 10G (sector plan amendment for 2802 North Broadway): Jack Coker (Belmores Neighborhood president) and Drew Harper (Yes Knoxville) argued for RN6 zoning to add needed housing near transit, while Ellen Zaviska (Edgewood Park neighbor) supported a compromise at RN5. Opponents Rebecca Tucker, former councilmember Lauren Ryder, and Hayden Chappelle requested RN5 to preserve neighborhood character and privacy, noting that the current zoning already allows development. - Item 12Q (microtransit study): Three speakers from Justice Knox (Mary Alice Richardson, Margaret Bickley, Jake Studley) emphasized transportation gaps, especially for seniors, low-income households, and people with disabilities, and urged approval of the study. - Item 12R (alternative response resolution): Elizabeth Rowland (Knoxville Heart), Ally Cohn (HART), and Hope Dunn (NAMI Knoxville) spoke in favor, citing safety and success in Cookville, TN. Rick Roach, signed as opposition but spoke in favor, criticized delays; he was called out of order for not following rules. - Public Forum: Melissa Maddox raised concerns about a dilapidated house at 3115 Shields Avenue posing safety risks. Isaiah Green expressed support for progressive agenda items like mixed-use zoning, transit, and alternative response. Rick Roach again criticized the council's failure to pass the alternative response resolution. Discussion Items - Mayor's Report: Mayor Kincannon reminded that Earth Month starts April 1, highlighted the Knox Breathe initiative and regional climate action plan, announced the State of the City luncheon on April 24 at Urban Wilderness Gateway Park, and noted the Dogwood Trails kickoff on April 1 at 3725 Maloney Road. - Councilmember Announcements: Councilmember Adams reported on the first Rules Committee meeting, congratulated the South Doyle High School Robotics team for winning the Smoky Mountain Regional Competition, invited the public to a Sky Youth Aviation breakfast on April 4 at Island Home Airport, and announced community input sessions on the Corbella Temple site on April 1 and 2. - Item 12Q (Microtransit Study): Director Isaac Thorne explained the study will examine transit gaps and commingle with ADA paratransit. Councilmember Parker raised concerns about CAT driver worries and union impacts, but the resolution passed unanimously. - Item 12R (Alternative Response Resolution): Councilmember Parker presented the resolution endorsing a phased community responder program. Councilmember DeBartolome, Grant, and Thomas spoke in favor, citing the need to free police resources and provide appropriate crisis response. Councilmember Adams questioned the need given the existing co‑responder program, which Chief Noel said is effective but needs expansion to 12 teams. Councilmember Helsley and Lloyd expressed skepticism about safety, cost, and buy‑in from 911. After a motion to call the question passed 7‑1, a substitute motion to postpone to April 28 failed for lack of a second. The original resolution failed on a 4‑4 tie vote: Parker, Thomas, DeBartolome, Grant in favor; Adams, Fugit, Helsley, Lloyd opposed. - Item 12T (Opioid Abatement Grant): Councilmember Parker voiced concerns about lack of transparency regarding the co‑response program and requested the grant application. The resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for up to $1,600,000 was approved. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved as amended. - Item 10C (10D) postponed to May 26, 2026 per applicant request. - Items 10G, 10H, 10I postponed for two weeks (to April 14, 2026). - Items 12J (APAC paving), 12K (Chris Hagard Plumbing), 12L (Stooksbury Construction), 12M (Southeastern Construction), 12N (KUB in‑lieu payments), 12O (Tartan Oil fuel), 12P (SPATCO fuel islands amendment), 12Q (microtransit study), and 12T (opioid abatement grant) all approved. - Resolution 12R (alternative response) failed 4‑4. - Public forum concluded; meeting adjourned at approximately 8:18 PM.