WHEN:  Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 8:00 AM

WHERE:  Knoxville Convention & Expo Center at 525 Henley St.

WHO:  Neighborhood Groups, Homeowners Associations and interested citizens throughout Knox County and the City of Knoxville

WHY:   To help citizens more efficiently utilize government/community services and to empower neighborhood leaders to make a difference in our community.

Registration for the 2008 Knoxville/Knox County Neighborhood Conference is now available. Call 865-215-HELP (4357) to sign up now!

This year's conference will feature several workshops focused on improving and empowering your community with valuable and relevant TWO-WAY communication between constituents and Government, Non-Profit, and Neighborhood organizations.

Sign up soon, as spaces are limited!

CONFERENCE AGENDA

Time - Event
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM - Conference Registration 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM - Visit Exhibition Booths 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM - Breakout Sessions A
10:45 AM to 12:00 NOON - Breakout Sessions B
12:15 PM to 2:00 PM - Free Conference Luncheon: "Partnerships to Solve Problems"

BREAKOUT SESSIONS A

​Session One - Zoning-Enhancing and Protecting Your Neighborhood
Description: This workshop offers a panel discussion and audience interaction period regarding issues of zoning for both Knox County and the City of Knoxville. Topics for discussion will be: “What is the process for creating, adopting, and appealing a Zoning Ordinance?” “What is the Major Road Plan, how was it developed and what does it mean?” “What are “Minimum Subdivision Requirements?”

Session Two - Codes/Dirty Lots
Description: Do messy neighbors bother you? Is there a particular piece of property in your neighborhood that is an eyesore or blight? Is there a neighbor in your area that you believe is causing a nuisance with their pets or running an illegal home occupation? Come to this workshop to learn what steps City and County government can take to inspect and cite these owners. Representatives from Knox County and City of Knoxville Codes Enforcement along with Environmental Health.

Session Three - Legal Workshop for Neighborhoods
Description: This workshop will give a brief overview of what legal steps a neighborhood can take in matters that cannot be addressed by government agencies. How does a neighborhood establish and enforce neighborhood covenants?  What are the most appropriate steps to take when rallying for or against challenges in your neighborhood?

Session Four - Transportation Issues/Traffic Calming
Description: Is there a speeding problem on your streets? Find out about traffic calming measures that may be taken to deter speeding.  Representatives from the city and the county will discuss traffic calming procedures that a neighborhood association can take to implement safer streets.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS B

​Session Five  -   Neighborhood Safety and Animal Control
Description: Do you have some concerns about safety in your neighborhood? Join us for a session on neighborhood safety and crime prevention. Learn ways to be proactive in preventing burglaries, vandalism, and how to start a neighborhood watch program in your area.

Session Six - Neighborhood Beautification/Litter
Description: This session will highlight the importance of maintaining and improving the appearance of our City and County neighborhoods.  Keep Knoxville Beautiful will introduce methods that neighborhoods can use to create and sustain clean-ups, beautify their surroundings with plantings, etc., and bring pride to the residents within the community.  You will hear from individuals who have had great success with beautification programs.  Neighborhood leaders will learn how these organized efforts can bring unity, strength, and more active participation to neighborhood groups.

Session Seven  - Stormwater Issues
Description: Learn more about Water Quality in Knoxville and Knox County, including what regulations are in effect for your area and what your neighborhood can do to improve our lakes, rivers and streams.

Session Eight  - Neighborhood Revitalization & Redevelopment
Description: Learn about the various tools available to revitalize, redevelop, stabilize and enhance your neighborhood. Redevelopment districts, neighborhood overlay zones, infill housing guidelines, façade improvement grants, eminent domain, what are they, how do they originate and become implemented, what are the pros, cons, and unknowns? Tax increment financing, what is it and when is it considered appropriate. Does it cost the resident or homeowner any money?