How does the City work to support the interests and careers of Knoxville’s creative community? Members of our Economic Development team addressed makers, entrepreneurs and others at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center on July 23. 



Chief of Urban Design and Development Rebekah Jane Justice and Director of Strategic Policy & Programs Carter Hall outlined the City’s role in creating public infrastructure while collaborating with partners to create private developments that can also support community needs. 



Examples include the redevelopment of the McClung Warehouses site, investments in Sevier Avenue and the South Waterfront, and projects in the Urban Wilderness.

Public meetings on all of these projects engaged neighbors, business owners and other stakeholders in conversations about what kind of infrastructure they find most beneficial and useful to support their endeavors. 

For example, the new owners of the Sanitary Laundry property were interested in knowing what kinds of local businesses were interested in renting space. The City knew that makers were interested because of recent conversations related to the McClung warehouses and engagement through the Mayor's Maker Council. 

Thanks to RJ and Carter for sharing this information with our community! 

Redevelopment tools and programs they mentioned during their presentation are posted on the Public-Private Partnerships web page.