The City’s Community Development Department will tout its many programs and partnerships during the nationally recognized Community Development Week, April 17-21. 

“Our Community Development team works diligently to benefit neighborhoods and make our city more livable for everyone, especially low- to moderate-income residents,” says Mayor Madeline Rogero, who served as the City’s Community Development Director from 2006 to 2010 under Mayor Bill Haslam. “It’s important for residents to know how these programs strengthen our whole community.” 

“This is the perfect time to showcase how the City uses Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME funds, because the President’s budget proposes eliminating both of those funding sources,” says Director of Community Development Becky Wade. “Even reducing those funds a slight percentage would make a huge impact on the number of households we’re able to assist.” 

Community Development Week will be marked with these events: 

Tuesday, April 18: Equity Awards Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. 
The Standard Knoxville, 416 W. Jackson Ave.

Six of the department’s community partners will receive Equity Awards to commend their contributions to local housing programs, economic development, access and inclusion programs, and community impact. 

Wednesday, April 19: Emerald Academy Tour, 1 p.m. 
Emerald Academy, 220 Carrick St.

Community Development staff members will tour the K-8 public charter school and talk to students about the City’s community development projects. Students will present the drawings they’ve made of their neighborhoods. 

Thursday, April 20: Columbus Home ribbon-cutting, 10 a.m.
Columbus Home, 119 Dameron Ave.

Community Development partner Catholic Charities of Knoxville will host a ribbon-cutting of Columbus Home Group Home’s new flooring, a project supported by CDBG funds. Columbus Home provides supportive housing for boys ages 12 and older who have been removed from their homes.  

Friday, April 21: Community Development Open House, 8-10 a.m. 
Fifth Floor Atrium and Room 549, City County Building, 400 Main St.

Community Development Week concludes with an open house to share a slideshow of home renovations and testimonials from participants in programs like the Owner-Occupied Home Rehabilitation Program and the Commercial Façade Improvement Grants. 

The Community Development Department runs and supports several programs that encourage economic investment; provide job opportunities and affordable housing to low- to moderate-income residents; prevent and remediate blight; and prevent, reduce and end homelessness. Funding comes from the CDGB, HOME and ESG (Emergency Solutions Grants) as well as City funds. The department also oversees the Historic Preservation Fund grants program, funded through the Mayor’s Office.

For additional information about Community Development programs, visit http://knoxvilletn.gov/development.