Latest news with #IndyaKincannon
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's your first chance to learn more about Knoxville's sales tax increase
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon wants to raise sales taxes in city limits, and there's a lot to do in a short time before that can happen. Kincannon on May 22 announced her tax hike plan, which would supplement the budget she laid out April 25 and contribute for budgets to come. City officials would expect to collect an extra $47 million annually from the half-percent increase to pay for infrastructure upgrades and affordable housing. The city needs buy-in from two groups to make it happen: Knoxville City Council members and voters. Getting it done soon: Raising the sales tax requires a ballot referendum, which means the city council must agree to put the increase on voters' ballots. Happening this week: The city council will have a public meeting to discuss the sales tax increase at 4 p.m. May 29 in the main assembly room of the City-County Building. What's next? David Brace, Kincannon's chief of staff, said the city hopes council members will vote in June to put the increase on the Nov. 4 ballot for Knoxville voters. How the tax raise could be killed: If the council decides not to put the sales tax increase on voters' ballots, the proposal is dead. But that's unlikely. Kincannon said she talked to "some councilmembers" before making her announcement, presumably ensuring she would have enough votes to get the proposal on voters' ballots. Study up: You can read Knox News' reporting about the proposal at or check out the city's website for the proposal at Click "government," then "departments," then "finance" and then "local option sales tax." Speaking of having enough votes... Here's what else is on the Knoxville City Council agenda for May 27. The city council will take a final vote on Kincannon's proposed budget (which does not include the sales tax increase). The budget includes higher pay for firefighters and breaking ground on long-awaited projects including cosmetic upgrades to the Burlington neighborhood. Council member Amelia Parker wants to give one organization more money: Knox News reported Feb. 22 Legal Aid of East Tennessee's eviction prevention program would run out of funding without help from city and county dollars. The program, staffed by five lawyers and three paralegals, is a product of American Rescue Plan Act federal tax dollars given to Knox County during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the expiration of the American Rescue Plan Act, $1.5 million dollars will stop flowing from the federal government to the county, and from the county to Legal Aid. The proposal: Kincannon's budget allocates $50,000 to Legal Aid of East Tennessee. Parker wants to up that number to $300,000 using $250,000 from the city's unassigned general balance. When's the vote? The council will discuss and vote on Kincannon's budget and Parker's amendment at 6 p.m. May 27 in the main assembly room of the City-County Building. Study up: You can find the city council's agenda at Click the "agendas" option on the right side of the screen and then the "city council regular" option. Kincannon's budget is 9.b. and Parker's amended budget is 12.a.e. Council members will vote on a plan to boost development by creating a special zone along the north and south side of East Magnolia Avenue, parts of the Burlington neighborhood and much of the land in and around Chilhowee Park and the Knoxville Zoo. Making the stretch a tax increment finance district would allow tax revenue generated by businesses in the area to flow directly to infrastructure projects in that specific district. It's the same method the city used to support the area immediately surrounding Covenant Health Park and the pending South Waterfront Pedestrian Bridge. Part of a promise: Kincannon in an interview before her second term emphasized her dedication to investing in communities on the near east side. Reinvigorating businesses along the Magnolia Avenue corridor was an important part of that. "The city can't start businesses. That's not our job. But we can set the table with our public investments on streetscapes and infrastructure," Kincannon said. No timeline: City council agenda documents don't outline a project schedule. Study up: You can find the city's plan in the city council agenda. The city council's agenda is at Click the "agendas" option on the right side of the screen and then the "city council regular" option. The plan is item The Knoxville City Council is analyzing its own rules as part of a process it hopes to repeat regularly. Why it's relevant: The public comment section of meetings will be reviewed later this month. It loomed large last year, as demonstrations at meetings arose periodically, and were an ongoing point of friction between council members and pro-Palestinian demonstrators who effectively used the council's rules to redirect the focus of meetings from agenda items to the Israel-Hamas War. Council members grew exasperated by meetings that stretched for hours. Demonstrators pointed out that if the council refused to address their concerns about what could be done locally to influence the war, they would use the legal means available to them to make their points. Happening this week: The rules committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. May 27 in the main assembly room of the City-County Building. I've been writing about Knox County Commissioner Terry Hill's rules change proposal for a while. It passed narrowly last week. The new rule: If commission chair is speaking publicly about an issue, they have to disclose that their position differs from the commission's, even if they are advocating as a private citizen. Here are some news highlights from last week: Keenan Thomas outlined the list of each federal grant cut by President Donald Trump across the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Joyce Orlando detailed what's in Trump's 'big, beautiful' bill, which passed the U.S. House last week. Devarrick Turner broke the news that Knoxville City Council candidate Sam Brown was dropping out of the race. I wrote about why Knox County residents should pay attention to Knoxville's sales tax increase decision. I talked to Mayor Glenn Jacobs about a coalition of county commissioners he said are obstructing "the county's business." Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville's sales tax increase info session is May 29
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knoxvillians weigh in on proposed sales tax increase to fund local improvements
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Earlier this week, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon announced she would ask the city council to put a half-cent local option sales tax increase on the November ballot. If approved, the increased sales tax could raise as much as $47 million for things like affordable housing, neighborhood investments, and park improvements. 6 News went out to Market Square to ask people residents their thoughts on the proposal. The proposed increase would raise the current rate of 2.25% to about 2.75%, bringing it in line with several other Tennessee counties. Knoxville mayor announces possible sales tax increase 'Initially thinking about it, I think it's a good idea. My only concern is when it comes to government, the money doesn't always go where they say it's going to go. So if they can show that that money will go to where it's supposed to go. Unfortunately, every day I'm seeing more and more homeless, and it breaks my heart. So if the money goes to the right place, I'm for it, ' said resident Uri Sankowski. The City of Knoxville has released a breakdown of how the revenue would be spent each year. There would be $10 million allocated for affordable housing, $5 million for facilities and maintenance, $12 million for road paving and greenways, $10 million for parks, and another $10 million for sidewalks and traffic calming. Pigeon River in East TN stocked with 10,000 walleye after Hurricane Helene concerns 'I'm actually a very large advocate for sidewalks, especially in some of the outskirts of towns like Bearden. On the north side of 1-40, there's entire neighborhoods that don't have any sidewalks,' said Rachel Young. 'So if we did have something like that and have affordable housing mixed with that urban improvements, that would be incredible.' Groceries would be exempt from the raised sales tax, as well as other significant household expenses like gas, utilities, rent, diapers, and baby formula. With penny blank supplier in Greene Co., leaders respond to treasury halt 'In general, I oppose it, but if it happens, it happens. And if we see it going towards good things, then I support it,' said Chris Adkins. 'Any time taxes go up, that's not a great thing. But obviously there are programs in situations where we need the money.' Mayor Kincannon said the city must invest in its growing needs. 'I think Knoxville is a very progressive town, and that's part of the reason why I moved here,' Young added. 'I'm not from Tennessee, but I really love the vibe and the culture of Knoxville and part of the reason why is because Knoxvillians always love to help people and it's the Volunteer State. So why not volunteer a half a cent?' ▶ See more top stories on The next step for the proposal will be a City Council workshop that will likely happen next Thursday, allowing the council to become more informed on their decision. The final vote will happen sometime in June and if passed, it will be placed on the November 2025 citywide ballot for voters to decide. Should voters approve the increase, it will take effect starting March 1, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Comcast Supports Military Veterans with Laptop Giveaway and Lift Zone Opening
Tech leader launches newest Lift Zone to expand digital access KNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast has partnered with the Liberty Place Housing Complex to launch a new Lift Zone aimed at promoting digital literacy and increasing access to technology for its residents. The opening ceremony and laptop giveaway, held at Liberty Place H, featured City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Comcast Vice President of Government Affairs Melinda Little, and Knoxville's Community Development Corporation Chief Strategy Officer Marisa Moazen. Comcast's Veteran-focused employee resource group (ERG), VetNet, played a key role in the event by providing each resident with a personal letter of appreciation. VetNet members include Comcast employees who are veterans, active military, military family members and other supporters of the military community. Comcast Investing in the Veteran Community The event began with an opening ceremony announcing the launch of the new Lift Zone, followed by the presentation of 35 laptops to the residents of Liberty Place. "The residents of Liberty Place have made countless sacrifices in service to our country," said City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. "This act of generosity by Comcast helps to remind them that we are grateful, recognize their sacrifice, and are committed to their growth." Since 2015, Comcast has hired more than 21,000 veterans, National Guard and reserve service members and military spouses, and the Veteran Network ERG has over 9,000 members. In 2024, Comcast earned recognition for the third consecutive year as a top three overall employer in the Military Times' "Best for Vets" rankings. Expanding Access to Digital Resources "Providing internet access and laptops to our veterans is a major step in showing them the importance of technology and the impact these tools have on our lives," said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. "Thank you to Comcast for this contribution to our veterans." The newly launched Lift Zone provides free high-speed internet access for residents at Liberty Place. This housing complex features 32 fully furnished units for veterans who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. "Creating Lift Zones and providing resources that encourage digital access are a major part of Comcast's commitment to the communities we serve," said Melinda Little, Vice-President of Government Affairs at Comcast. "The laptops, and reliable, high-speed internet provided by Comcast today will be instrumental in helping these veterans begin their next chapters." Comcast's Longstanding Commitment to Knoxville Comcast has served Knoxville for nearly three decades through Project UP, a 10-year, $1 billion effort launched in 2021 to foster digital opportunity. As part of this initiative, the Internet Essentials program has helped over 680,000 Knoxville residents connect to affordable home internet since its launch in 2011. Additionally, Comcast has established WiFi-connected "Lift Zones" at local community centers, providing safe spaces for students and families to engage in distance learning, complete homework, acquire digital skills, and search for employment. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations Experiences. Visit for more information. Media ContactDonnie Hannahdonald_hannah@ 322-8272 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Comcast
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Knoxville hires national group for violence interruption work over nonprofits' objections
The Knoxville City Council approved a new violence interruption contract that will bring in the National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform to lead efforts in the city for up to a year. Council members previously postponed their vote on the contract and asked for a community meeting to hear from groups already doing the work locally. In the end, they went with Mayor Indya Kincannon's plan. The contract will pay NICJR to hire staff in Knoxville and spearhead the efforts that community groups such as Turn Up Knox and Renounce Denounce have undertaken: connecting those at-risk for gun violence with the resources they need to break the cycle. Knoxville has been without a major city-funded violence interruption program since officials terminated Turn Up Knox's contract in early 2025. "Approving this will help us get violence interrupters back on the streets," Kincannon said. But council members Amelia Parker, Seema Singh and Charles Thomas ‒ who all voted against the contract ‒ argued the local nonprofits should be the ones getting taxpayer dollars. "We're got people on the ground who have been doing really good work ‒ data shows they've been doing good work," Thomas said. "They're telling us this is not what's needed. I don't know who else would know better than them." NICJR is a national violence reduction organization from California that has been working with Knoxville in other ways for almost two years, providing coaching and training to city staff and local community partners. The new contract adds $519,750 to the existing contract so NICJR will manage community violence intervention programming as well. The total amount the group will be paid is $826,800. NICJR will hire and manage five messengers to serve as life coaches and outreach workers. Community partners could apply for those positions, though Rashaad Woods, director of the community organization Renounce Denounce, cautioned members of existing groups that applying for the jobs could create a conflict of interest. The contract could last up to a year, and city officials said the goal is for a local community partner to replace NICJR. The city could end the contract early if it feels a community partner is ready, Kincannon said April 29. Knoxville cut ties with Turn Up Knox, the nonprofit it recruited in 2022 to connect those at-risk for gun violence, in February after a dispute between executive director Denzel Grant and city officials. The disruption left the future of violence intervention in Knoxville in flux. On April 29, Kincannon's administration proposed a solution: pay the National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform to create a team of local leaders who are already doing violence intervention to replace Turn Up Knox. LaKenya Middlebrook, the director of Knoxville's office of community safety and empowerment, said her team doesn't have the capacity to support Turn up Knox and its work. The contract would take the pressure off that office and allow experts from National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform to fill the gap. Dissenters accused Kincannon of attempting to reinvent the wheel despite local groups' success in violence interruption last year. Other concerns included a lack of financial support for local community partners, outsourcing management to an out-of-state organization, a vague contract itself and hasty approval without a wider community conversation. Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville hires national group for violence interruption work
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$1 million approved for greenway along North Broadway
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The City of Knoxville will be investing more than $1 million to acquire property for a new greenway along North Broadway. The City Council authorized Mayor Indya Kincannon to invest the funds to acquire the property for the new greenway during the regular meeting on May 13. 'Makes you proud to be an American': Veterans running across US reach East TN The funding includes money for a sidewalk, pedestrian crossing improvements and ADA accessibility upgrades along North Broadway between Woodland Avenue and the existing First Creek Greenway, which is south of Cecil Avenue. Over the last year, improvements have been made to North Broadway, including the addition of a raised median being added to prevent northbound left turns to southbound Hall of Fame Drive and a $2.5 million project that added sidewalks near the I-640 interchange. Greenways serve as both recreation and transportation paths with scenic, paved routes that are great for walkers, runners, bikers and strollers. The City of Knoxville currently has more than 125 miles of paved greenways and natural trails, and 54 miles of those greenways are ADA-accessible. Flies found during inspection at Knoxville restaurant Although the exact plan for the greenway has not been revealed, earlier this year, in December, the City of Knoxville and the Legacy Parks Foundation announced an effort seeking to turn a South Knoxville railway into a trail connecting Chapman Highway and Ijams Nature Center. Landowners near the project, however, filed a lawsuit seeking compensation, which they could be entitled to if the operator of the railway acquired their land use through an easement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
