Blog: City Blog

Community Development Partners Receive Equity Awards

The City's Community Development staff hosted the 2018 Equity Awards breakfast on Tuesday, April 3, at The Standard to celebrate the local partners and projects that contribute to the city's mission to revitalize low- and moderate-income communities and strengthen all neighborhoods.

Elkmont Exchange team

Community Development Director Becky Wade and Mayor Madeline Rogero (left) congratulate the team behind the new Elkmont Exchange Brewery & Eating House on North Broadway. Senior Project Specialist Gwen Winfrey (fifth from the left) presented the award and commended the team for its commitment to the tenets of the Fair Housing Act and economic development.

Haynes Construction

Michael and Debra Haynes are building new, affordable rental homes in the Lonsdale Redevelopment Plan Area. They've worked with the City's Homemaker Program and recently purchased a home for rehabilitation on Tarleton Avenue in East Knoxville. Senior Project Manager Kathy Ellis (far right) presented the award and praised the couple for their passion for improving neighborhoods.

HomeSource East TN

HomeSource East Tennessee was honored for its rehabilitation of 37 units of affordable rental housing in Fountain City. Normandy Chateau underwent renovation while tenants remained in place. Housing Finance Supervisor Jenny Stuart (far right) presented the award to HomeSource East Tennessee Board Chair Herc Ligdis (far left) and Executive Director Jackie Mayo (center).

ADA Coordinator Stephanie Cook (far right) presented Jimmy Stone of ORNL the award for Access and Inclusion Programs. Stone's interest in working with Autism Breakthrough led to numerous interns (some shown here) getting mentorship and work experience in several ORNL departments. Eight out of the 10 interns have gone on to steady employment. Cook emphasized that Stone is the ideal example of how one person can, in fact, make a big difference.

Economic Development Project Manager Ken McMahon (far right) presented the Community Impact Award to Sanders Pace Architecture (John Sanders, holding award, and Brandon Pace) for bringing innovation and transformation to our urban spaces.

Posted by ptravis On 03 April, 2018 at 5:32 PM