| SEPTEMBER 2021 | ARCHIVES |
Mayor Kincannon encourages everyone to learn more about the City’s Consolidated Charities campaign.
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 KAT’s First All-Electric Buses Are Here!'
It was a warm Thursday morning, and a small happy gathering spread out at Ashley Nicole Dream Playground to witness something historic: On Sept. 16, the City’s first all-electric buses were welcomed into KAT’s fleet.
The two buses taken out on an inaugural ride were the first of 18 state-of-the-art all-electric buses that will be in service here by next year. That represents a quarter of the entire Knoxville Area Transit fleet – and another 41 percent of KAT buses are hybrid-electrics.
“Today marks a dramatic milestone for Knoxville,” Mayor Kincannon said. “This is a major step on our path toward a more clean and resilient future for our children and grandchildren. These high-efficiency electric buses are an investment in clean air, in healthy neighborhoods, and mobility for our residents.”
Did you know that the new buses are more than three times as fuel efficient as their diesel forebearers?
Many thanks to the City’s many partners, including KUB and TVA, that are making the transition to all-electric transit possible.
Carbon emissions from vehicles make up 59 percent of all Knoxville emissions. So this moves us in a big way toward achieving our goal of an 80 percent reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions by 2050! And we'll get there even faster when you choose to switch out your own commute!
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Middlebrook Named First-Ever Community Safety Director
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Coming to Lonsdale: New $1 M Sidewalks
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Excited About Going Electric? We Can Help!
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DBE Awards Honor Vendors, City Staff
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Don’t miss your chance to be entered into a sweepstakes-style drawing for $1000!
The random drawing is for employees who submit proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination and their $100 bonus form to City Benefits by 4 p.m. on October 15th.
Deputy to the Mayor David Brace walks us through how easy it is to enter your name in this month’s Need to Know.
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David Brace
Chief Operating Officer and Deputy to the Mayor |
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KPD’s Newest Heed the Call to Service
 It’s been a busy month full of new faces at the Knoxville Police Department and the training academy.
On August 27, the City’s newest police officers were welcomed to the force in a ceremony held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. Judge John Rosson swore in new officers, and Mayor Indya Kincannon thanked them for heeding the call to public service. “I see the sacrifices you and your families make every day, and for that I say, ‘Thank you.’”
Two weeks later, a new Academy class began with 20 new recruits, 9 lateral transfer officers and one cadet.
“It’s not easy, but it’s worth it,” Chief Eve Thomas said to the class members, adding that police officers have numerous ways to better the community and themselves through their service.
Click through to watch the two short videos our new videographer Shawn Davis made of these two significant days in the lives of new and in-training police officers.
Parks’ Arlandis Ramsey Marks 15 Years
 Arlandis Ramsey has worked for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department for 15 years. He takes pride in keeping his parks clean and maintained. And he’s serious about work, even as he wears a huge smile on his face.
Click through to learn more about Arlandis Ramsey and the Sertoma Center Supported Employment Program that pairs people with disabilities with employers.
Thanks to Sheryl Ely for bringing to our attention to this valued member of the Parks and Rec team celebrating an anniversary as well as an important program in our community.
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 September’s mystery employee marks seven years with the City of Knoxville this month.
She moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee in the fall of 1998 and “never left.”
Her unforgettable freshmen year led to a huge love for the Vols that goes deep. Her family named their new “pandemic puppy” Oskie after one of General Neyland’s Gameday Maxims.
She is newly obsessed with the NFL since starting to play fantasy football last year.
Do you know the identity of this mystery colleague?
Find out!
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 Join us in celebrating these City employees who are marking significant work anniversaries in September.
Consolidated Charities Food Truck Tailgate
Friday, October 1, 2021
Mary Costa Plaza at the Knoxville Coliseum
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
 Come cheer on the City of Knoxville Leadership Team in a "Pandemic Friendly" Directors' Dino Dash!
• Dino Dash starts at noon!
• A portion of all food truck sales will be donated to the Consolidated Charities Campaign
• Enjoy Jenga, cornhole, and other physically distanced tailgate games
• Participants are encouraged to practice COVID-19 safety measures
• Event will occur rain or shine
View event flier [PDF]
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CITY COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT |