Written by: Derek Hawn

Mayor Indya Kincannon recently unveiled her proposed $461.6 million budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, outlining a vision for Knoxville that prioritizes public safety, affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and economic opportunity. Presented at the Tennessee Amphitheater in World’s Fair Park, the budget reflects the city’s commitment to addressing pressing community needs while maintaining the lowest property tax rate since 1974. Let’s break down the key areas of focus, explore community reactions, and consider the potential impact of these investments on Knoxville’s future.

Public Safety: A Core Priority

Public safety is at the heart of Mayor Kincannon’s budget, with significant funding allocated to ensure residents feel secure in their neighborhoods. The proposed budget includes $3.9 million for targeted pay increases for police officers, raising starting salaries to $56,000 and boosting pay for experienced officers. This investment aims to attract and retain skilled first responders while addressing staffing challenges in the Knoxville Police Department.

Additionally, $2.7 million is earmarked for grants and service contracts with public safety partners such as ChildHelp, the Metro Drug Coalition, and Turn Up Knox. These funds will support youth empowerment programs and violence prevention initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of crime.

Infrastructure supporting public safety also sees attention in this budget. For example, $3 million is allocated to begin construction on a new Burlington Fire Station to replace the outdated 87-year-old facility. This modern station will enhance emergency response capabilities in East Knoxville and is expected to be energy-efficient and better equipped for today’s firefighting needs.

Community members have largely expressed support for these investments in public safety, recognizing their importance in fostering trust between residents and law enforcement while addressing systemic issues contributing to crime. However, some have raised concerns about ensuring accountability and transparency within these departments as funding increases.

Affordable Housing: Tackling a Growing Crisis

Affordable housing remains a top priority in this year’s budget, with $8 million designated for the Knoxville Affordable Housing Fund. This includes $4.2 million for the Transforming Western redevelopment project, $2.5 million for the Affordable Rental Development Fund, and $1.1 million for permanent supportive housing initiatives. These investments build on Mayor Kincannon’s previous commitment to allocate an average of $5 million annually over ten years to address housing shortages.

Under her administration, Knoxville has already invested $40 million in affordable housing projects, leveraging over $600 million in private investment to create homes for thousands of families. This year’s budget also includes $950,000 from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support property acquisition for additional affordable housing developments.

In collaboration with private donors like the Lawson Family Foundation, Clayton Homes, and Randy Boyd, more than $2 million in private funding will extend affordable housing assistance to an additional 200 families and individuals across Knoxville.

The community has responded positively to these efforts, especially as rising housing costs continue to strain many households. Advocates highlight that these investments are critical in ensuring equitable access to safe and affordable living conditions across all neighborhoods.

Infrastructure Improvements: Building a Stronger City

Infrastructure upgrades are another cornerstone of Mayor Kincannon’s proposed budget. A total of $11.7 million is allocated for road safety improvements as part of the Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2040. These funds will go toward repairing roads, upgrading bridges, installing guardrails and traffic signals, and implementing traffic-calming measures like speed bumps.

Parks and recreational facilities also receive attention in this budget, with nearly $7 million set aside for improvements at Lakeshore Park, Williams Creek Golf Course, World’s Fair Park, and the development of a new park in Lonsdale.

The city continues its focus on sustainability by including funding for energy-efficient projects like the new Burlington Fire Station and ongoing work at the Public Safety Complex campus.

Residents have expressed enthusiasm about these infrastructure projects but have also voiced concerns about ensuring equitable distribution of resources across all neighborhoods. Many hope that these investments will improve not just functionality but also quality of life throughout Knoxville.

Economic Development: Creating Opportunities

The budget includes nearly $3 million to support key economic development partners such as Centro Hispano, Visit Knoxville, and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. These organizations play a vital role in creating jobs and promoting equitable economic opportunities across the city.

Mayor Kincannon has emphasized that these investments are part of a broader strategy to ensure Knoxville remains a great place to live and work—regardless of income or neighborhood.

Expected Outcomes: A Vision for Knoxville’s Future

If approved by City Council following its readings later this year, Mayor Kincannon’s proposed budget has the potential to make lasting impacts on Knoxville’s future:

• Improved Public Safety: With higher police salaries and better-equipped fire stations, residents can expect quicker response times and stronger relationships with first responders.
• Expanded Housing Access: Investments in affordable housing will help alleviate shortages while providing stability for low- and middle-income families.
• Enhanced Infrastructure: Safer roads, upgraded parks, and sustainable facilities will contribute to a higher quality of life across all neighborhoods.
• Economic Growth: Support for local businesses and job creation initiatives will strengthen Knoxville’s economy while promoting equity.

While challenges remain—such as ensuring accountability within public safety measures or addressing long-term affordability—this budget reflects a clear commitment to addressing key issues facing our community today.

Knoxville is at an important crossroads where bold investments can lead to transformational change. By focusing on public safety, housing access, infrastructure improvements, and economic opportunity, Mayor Kincannon’s proposed budget lays out a roadmap for a stronger future that benefits all residents.