Housing, jobs and neighborhood protection lead the list of needs identified in the draft Annual Action Plan compiled by the City of Knoxville’s Community Development Department.

The draft 2016-17 Annual Action Plan required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been posted on the City’s website.

The Community Development Department is soliciting public comment for 30 days, until April 15, 2016. This is the first annual update to the Five-Year Consolidation Plan that was completed by the City of Knoxville in May 2015.

“We have a continued emphasis on rental housing. Feedback we have received and research shows that social services and housing assistance for the homeless and the precariously housed are still a huge need,” said Linda Rust, the Community Development Department administrator. “The challenge is to continue to meet the goals the City sets with community priorities, with less federal funds each year.”

A public hearing on the draft will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 11, at the John T. O’Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona St.

Comments may be sent any time before April 15 to Rust via email at [email protected]  or in writing by postal mail to:

Linda Rust
City of Knoxville
Community Development Department
P.O. Box 1631
Knoxville, TN 37901

Comments also may be faxed to 865-215-2962. Call 865-215-2120 for additional information.