Knoxville City Council Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Knoxville City Council met on July 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included approval of a variance appeal, numerous infrastructure and community development resolutions, and a one-year moratorium on large data centers. Public forum featured concerns about the disability council and Chihuahua Park, as well as a thank you from a grant recipient.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from June 23, 2026, approved.
• Consent agenda approved unanimously.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor Kincannon reported on a successful July 4th festival celebrating the nation's 250th birthday, with an estimated 10,000+ attendees. She also highlighted a watch party on Gay Street for a U.S. soccer match, and announced a groundbreaking for Transforming Western neighborhood amenities (connections building, destination park, Beaumont Youth Center expansion) on July 8. A Knoxville Police Department promotional ceremony for 13 veteran officers will be held July 9. Summer in the City interns were recognized. Rules of decorum were reiterated.

Council Member Announcements

• Councilmember Grant announced a Voter Palooza on July 18, noted Parks and Rec's takeover of Shahawi Park, and updated on the Chihuahua Park Advisory Group (CPAG), with the next meeting on August 11.
• Vice Mayor Fugit recognized Councilwoman Parker's birthday.

Discussion Items

• Appeal – Variance at 1503 Southgate Road (12O): Jonathan Miller, representing applicant Scott Albrick, appealed the Board of Zoning Appeals' denial of a variance to reduce the required corner side setback from 15 feet to 10 feet for a detached garage. He argued the irregular lot shape created a hardship and that the proposal was sensitive to the neighborhood. The neighborhood association expressed no opposition. Councilmember Honeycutt reviewed variance criteria via City Attorney Rob Frost. After discussion, the council voted to approve the appeal, finding the lot irregular and the request minimal.
• Numerous Resolutions (12F-12R): All were approved unanimously, often with brief discussion:
  • 12F: Pedestrian safety improvements on Sutherland Avenue ($300,000 total, city pays $30,000).
  • 12G: Amendment to Gresham Smith contract for South Knoxville Bridge Greenway design (+$35,460, new total $275,000).
  • 12H: Amendment to Adams Contracting for North Cherry Street stormwater improvements (+$95,842.40, new total $2,941,689.31, ARPA-funded).
  • 12I: Extension of telematics services contract with Sam Sarah Inc. ($177,633).
  • 12J: Phase 5 infrastructure improvements at Western Heights via KCDC ($4,500,000). Councilmembers noted the city's $26.5 million commitment leverages $40 million federal grant and $200 million total investment.
  • 12K: Subgrantee agreement with Southeastern Housing Foundation for permanent supportive housing case management ($90,775 CDBG).
  • 12L: Subgrantee agreement with East Tennessee Community Design Center for conceptual design services ($25,000 CDBG).
  • 12M: Agreement with Legal Aid of East Tennessee for eviction legal services ($125,000 CDBG).
  • 12N: Subgrantee agreement with YWCA Knoxville for transitional housing ($30,000 CDBG).
  • 12O: Decommission underground storage tanks at CATS Magnolia facility ($86,926).
  • 12P: Agreement with Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley for youth programs ($2,600).
  • 12Q: Solar photovoltaic installations at five city facilities ($11,195 for assessments).
  • 12R: Resolution requesting KCDC create a North Waterfront Redevelopment Plan. Councilmembers emphasized it is a planning process with public input, not immediate development. Approved.
• Emergency Ordinance – Data Center Moratorium (13U): A one-year moratorium on permitting or construction of large data centers requiring 10+ megawatts. Mayor Kincannon stated the need to protect clean air and water and develop zoning safeguards. Knoxville-Knox County Planning is already working on recommendations. Councilmembers discussed the need for public input, sound ordinances, and energy/water impacts. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Vivian Scheipe (3615 MLK, Knoxville): Urged immediate filling of all 21 positions on the Disability Council and criticized the Chihuahua Park Advisory Group, alleging some members were unaware of their selection and that the group's vision included a hotel, housing, and entertainment centers, contrary to public desire. She called for immediate park amenities like picnic tables, shelters, and splash pads using $2 million of the $10 million promised.
• Rico Hopewell (Hopewell Foundation, 5024 Landbrook Drive): Expressed gratitude for a $10,000 African American Equity Restoration Task Force grant, which funded an entrepreneurship workshop on May 8, 2026, attended by over 50 partners. He also noted donating $7,000 to Austin East High School students for college.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Appeal of variance denial for 1503 Southgate Road (voice vote, no opposition).
• Approved: All resolutions 12F through 12R unanimously.
• Approved: Emergency ordinance enacting one-year moratorium on large data centers (unanimous).
• Next Steps: Planning Commission to develop data center zoning recommendations; KCDC to begin North Waterfront planning with public hearings; city departments to proceed with infrastructure projects.