Residents of Knoxville, take note: your input is requested. The City has announced a public hearing on Tuesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. to discuss and gather community feedback on the Draft Five-Year (2025-2029) Consolidated Plan and the Year One (2025-2026) Action Plan. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend the meeting, which will be located at the City's Public Works Service Center, situated at 3131 Morris Avenue, according to a recent announcement on the City's official website.
The City of Knoxville expects to receive a rough total of $15 million in federal funds over the next five years to support essential community development activities, including affordable housing, homelessness, and economic advancement. The first year's action plan is set to start on July 1, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocating $1,636,277 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $944,093 in HOME Investment Partnerships funds for 2025-2026, the City's website details further.
Greater than $6.5 million, a combination of federal funds, local homeless general funds, program income, and unspent prior year funds, is proposed to be allocated by the City of Knoxville's Housing and Neighborhood Development in various areas. These include a significant $5,694,640.13 on Affordable Housing and $327,255.40 on Grants Administration, with a sizable portion also dedicated to services such as homeless services and facility improvements.
For those unable to access the draft plans online, the HND office welcomes visits in person at the City County Building. Additionally, comments on the draft plans will be open until July 7, and can be sent via mail or by emailing Linda Rust at [email protected], the City's announcement. The City of Knoxville strives for inclusivity, offering translation and ADA accommodations upon request. Residents needing such services can get in touch with the City's Human Resources Department or City ADA Coordinator, Stephanie Brewer Cook.
The July 1 meeting builds upon a community engagement process that originated in 2024, which saw multiple public meetings and consultations focused on assessing the needs of Knoxville’s lower to moderate income residents. As the City readies itself to navigate the complexities of urban development and resource distribution, this upcoming hearing represents a crucial platform for public voice and participation, providing the citizens of Knoxville with an opportunity to shape the economic and social landscape of their community for the years to come.
