| JANUARY | ARCHIVES |
Mayor Kincannon shares a powerful message in the words of President Ronald Reagan.
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 Reducing Violence, Building Communities
Crime is down across Knoxville - and nowhere is that more evident and dramatic than in the East Knoxville TLC area.
A hotspot for violent crime just over a year ago, the 7-block area reported no injuries or deaths involving any shootings in 2024. None. Zero. Furthermore, violent crime isn't just being displaced to a new location. It's down throughout the East District.
It takes a dedicated City team: Police officers walking the beat, getting to know the residents, earning their trust. Codes Enforcement staff, also walking the neighborhood, looking for overgrown lots needing to be mowed and derelict, unsafe houses to shape up or be demolished.
The best part of the TLC initiative?
Not only is crime down, but more than two-thirds of the TLC residents in the survey said they'd seen a positive change in their community within the past 12 months.
"Before, families were afraid to let their kids play outside," says Star Starks, the Partnerships & Programs Coordinator with the City's Office of Community Safety and Empowerment. "Now, there's an increased sense of safety. It builds up a neighborhood. Everyone feels like they're a part of a community - not just a cluster of houses."
Citywide, the Knoxville Police Department's 2024 priority crime report shows the number of murder victims - 23 - is well below the five-year historical average of 31. The number of citywide non-fatal shooting victims was down 45 percent - and that's also half the five-year historical average.
KPD also reported a 22 percent drop in reported car burglaries citywide, a 15 percent drop in burglary or breaking and entering reports, and a 12 percent drop in motor vehicle theft reports.
Read more about how the City is proactively and holistically empowering residents and curbing violence.
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Mounted Patrol Returning to Knoxville
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Sevier Avenue Streetscapes Gets Underway
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Urban Forestry, Trees Knoxville Make Progress
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Successful Event Leads to New Public Service Workers
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 The Center and all it has to offer!
The City of Knoxville has a highly competitive benefits package, complete with a pension, paid family leave and tuition reimbursement. But, are you truly taking advantage of everything being offered?
The Center—our on-site medical provider– offers preventative health screenings, but also primary medical care, physical therapy and more!
We take you to the Center to show you what you could be missing out on!
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Pedestrian Bridge Moving Forward
 Third time's the charm!
This month, the City was awarded a $24.7 million federal RAISE grant—essentially moving plans forward for the South Knoxville Pedestrian Bridge.
This was the City’s third application for the grant to help support the pedestrian bridge project, a project born out of community input and the South Waterfront Vision Plan more than 15 years ago.
“We are so excited to have secured the next round of funding to make the South Knoxville Pedestrian Bridge a reality,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. The Federal RAISE Grant, coupled with the $20 million from the state, will now propel this project to the next stage. I am grateful to the key partners who have committed to seeing this project through.
“RAISE grants are awarded for transportation and infrastructure projects that could have a profound community impact, and that’s exactly what this project will do by enhancing safety and connectivity.”
 Historic KFD Steamer Returns to Public Display
We are excited to announce the return of the historic Knoxville Fire Department (KFD) Steamer, now back on display after being carefully preserved following a 2022 collision at the museum.
This iconic piece of our city’s firefighting heritage has been fully restored and is ready for the community to enjoy once again. For those who see it regularly, you’ll understand just how much this artifact means to Knoxville, reflecting the pride and dedication KFD team members have displayed for decades.
Seeing the historic steamer in its rightful place is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and of the dedicated work that continues to drive us forward. We encourage all City employees to visit the museum, connect with our firefighting history, and carry on the legacy of those who came before us. Together, let’s uphold the proud tradition of the Knoxville Fire Department and celebrate the spirit of service that binds us all.
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 Could you eat pizza for every meal for the rest of your life and never tire of it?
If you’re shouting “Me! Me!” you’re not alone. That’s also how this month’s Mystery Employee feels about pizza.
She is equally passionate about providing opportunities for underserved youth: before she joined the City, she spent the first 17 years of her career as a non-profit executive.
She is a lifelong East Tennessean who moved to Knoxville for college and has been here ever since.
She also collects penguins.
Can you guess the identity of your coworker?
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1960 Commencement Address at Knoxville College
May 1960, Knoxville College, President Dr. James A. Colston with Commencement Speaker Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
In 1960, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a stirring commencement speech at Knoxville College, titled “A Great Time to Be Alive.” His words captured the sense that, despite the challenges of the era, the Civil Rights Movement presented extraordinary opportunities for collective progress.
More than six decades later, that day stands as a pivotal moment in Knoxville’s history, reminding us that the drive for equality and social change resonates across generations and that, even in trying times, we can find hope and possibility in our shared future.
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 Happy anniversary to employees hired in the months of November, December and January!
Congratulations to the individuals and departments that recently won awards and KUDOS.
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CITY COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT |