Latest news with #Knoxvillians
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
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What East Knox County road projects should be prioritized? Survey seeking public input
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — The county government is seeking feedback on which of 23 East Knox County transportation projects they should prioritize. Knoxvillians can provide feedback on an interactive project map that lists all 23 potential projects which are designed to improve safety and connectivity. This will help show project leaders which projects are most important to the community. The survey is tied to the East Knox Mobility Study, which aims to enhance transportation planning in the Gibbs, Corryton, Ritta, Strawberry Plains, and Mascot areas. Knoxville man questions washing machine's warranty after malfunction 'To ensure that your voice is heard in shaping the future of transportation in East Knox County, we have provided two activities where you can share your feedback,' mobility team members said. 'The final projects have been identified based on public and stakeholder input, safety assessments, and the Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan. Your feedback will be instrumental in helping to prioritize these projects.' The survey includes projects like widening Washington Pike between Murphy Road and Roberts Road. There have been previous discussions about widening other parts of the road. The survey also features a 'funding tool.' This will allow participants to select what projects should be funded based on a budget of $5,000 using hypothetical costs for each project. For example, the widening of Washington Pike has an example cost of $2,000, while improving the Brakebill Corridor has an example cost of $800. The county hopes to use this tool to determine how important each project is. The deadline for the survey is April 18. To find the survey, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knoxville Chamber releases five-year vision
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville Chamber released a new 'strategic vision,' called 'Prosperity Through Innovation.' Through this vision, the chamber wants to leverage innovation to improve Knoxville's economy and increase opportunities for all Knoxvillians. The vision is focused on innovation and preparation for the future. It includes six priorities and six initiatives. KUB weatherizes 3,000 homes to help low-income households save money The priorities are to align with the 2030 Protocol and achieve the following by 2030: Raise average annual pay 30% Lower the poverty rate 25% Increase the population of 25 – 54-year-olds 7% Raise Knoxville's ranking in the Milken Institute's Best-Performing Cities from 69th to the top 10 Raise the city's innovation ranking in the Innovation Cities Index by 20 places To meet these goals, the Knoxville chamber will seek to develop and implement an innovation-growth strategy, an innovation business expansion program, a digital education/training strategy and a Chattanooga-Knoxville-Tri-Cities partnership. They also seek to enhance efforts to attract and retain the 25- to 54-year-old demographic and update the Path to Prosperity strategies. New leaders of Chattanooga, Knoxville charter schools appointed after hiring scandal fallout 'We believe that the execution of this plan will allow Knoxville to take a significant step toward positioning itself as an economic leader, ' said Dave Miller, Knoxville Chamber Board Chair and First Horizon EVP of Bank Strategy and Performance. 'Investors in the Knoxville Chamber should be proud of the work they are funding as it supports a commitment to building a brighter tomorrow.' 'Prosperity Through Innovation' supersedes the old vision, which was called 'Path to Prosperity.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
