The City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhoods is accepting applications from engaged neighbors who would like to be considered for appointment to the Neighborhood Advisory Council for the 2020-22 term.

Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) members meet monthly and serve in an advisory and partnership capacity to:

• Give advice and feedback on Office of Neighborhoods programs and policies; 

• Bring neighborhood issues and concerns to the attention of the Mayor and City administration; 

• Propose responses and solutions to address these concerns; and

• Serve as a sounding board for City initiatives and proposals affecting neighborhoods. 

“Members of the Neighborhood Advisory Council are valuable eyes and ears in the community,” says Office of Neighborhoods Coordinator Debbie Sharp. “They know their neighborhoods’ histories and unique characteristics, which makes them ideal partners in the City’s efforts to serve and strengthen Knoxville’s neighborhoods.”

NAC’s 15 members serve three-year terms, with the option to reapply and serve two consecutive terms. NAC comprises two members from each of the six City Council districts and three at-large representatives. Except for the citywide seats, all applicants must live in the district for the seat they are applying for. 

Five NAC seats expire in December, and Mayor Madeline Rogero will appoint the new members before she leaves office. The expiring seats, districts and current members are: 

• Seat 1-A (Fort Sanders and South Knoxville) – Danny Gray

• Seat 2-A (West Knoxville) – Donnie Ernst

• Seat 3-B (Northwest Knoxville) – Anna Compton

• Seat 6-B (Downtown and East Knoxville) –Terrell Patrick

• At Large Seat B (citywide) –Travetta Johnson

“My time on the NAC has given me the opportunity to meet and work with community leaders from all parts of the city,” says Danny Gray, who began serving in January 2015. “I have learned a great deal about the challenges they face in their neighborhoods, but I’ve also seen how many issues we have in common.” 

Gray adds that he’s gained insight and knowledge about how city government operates and meetings with department heads have been “informative and productive.” 

Terms for the five oncoming members will run January 2020 through December 2022. 

Application forms, more information on the NAC and a list of current members are posted on the Neighborhood Advisory Council page of the City’s website. Send completed application forms to Debbie Sharp via email at [email protected] or by mail at P.O. Box 1631 Knoxville, TN 37901, by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. To request a hard copy be mailed to you, call the Office of Neighborhoods at 865-215-3232.