The City of Knoxville's Community Development Department will be celebrating National Community Development Week April 9-14. The department will hold multiple events to observe the week and this year's theme of "Community Development: Partnering to Build Strong Neighborhoods.""We are looking forward to showcasing the important work that our department does for the City," Community Development Director Becky Wade said. "Our team administers a variety of programs for affordable housing but also does much more to help revitalize Knoxville's neighborhoods."

The City will be hosting various activities geared toward the public and elected officials, including:

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 9 for Dutch Valley View Apartments, 4206-4211 Red Valley Way.

An Annual Action Plan public hearing at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 10th, at the Cansler YMCA., 616 Jessamine Street.

A bus tour of local projects funded with Community Development Building Grants (CDBG) for elected officials at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 11. The tour will begin at Three Rivers Market, 1100 Central Ave., and return to Three Rivers at 11:00 a.m. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, and Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander will attend as well as City Council members and County Commissioners.

A visit to Austin-East High School's Banking & Finance class and its Future Business Leaders of America Club. Empowerment Zone funds from Community Development created the Youth Academy of Finance and the original in-school credit union. Visit is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, following the bus tour. An additional visit to Project GRAD at Austin-East, where CDBG funds built the academic enhancement program.

A Community Development Fair from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 12th, at the Green Space adjacent to Ashley Nicole Playground, Winona Avenue. The fair will feature children's activities, food and opportunities to learn about CD programs.

"The Community Development Department does vital work to ensure our neighborhoods are strong and livable," Mayor Madeline Rogero said. "I am proud to celebrate National Community Development Week and raise awareness of the department's ongoing work."

For more information on the City of Knoxville's Community Development Department, please visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/development.