People often ask, “What do you think is the top issue facing Knoxville today?” It’s a direct and good question, and a great jumping off point. The question’s framing forced me to think about distilling all of the City’s opportunities into a single issue or overarching platform – Smart and Sustainable growth. Here’s why.

Smart and Sustainable growth is important for the health of the entire city – every district and every community. When it is achieved, there is an equity in the addressing of differing needs and a visible, community-influenced plan for how growth happens. At a recent neighborhood meeting, one constituent asked, “Are you for unfettered growth?” And no. I’m absolutely not. But neither am I for putting up a sign that says, “We’re closed.” There’s a healthy and dynamic place between those two extremes: Smart and Sustainable growth.

The key issues I believe are most critical for the 1st District and for the City to achieve Smart and Sustainable growth are:

Housing, Affordability, & Homelessness

The housing shortage is recognized city wide, as are our challenges with affordability. As a Planning Commissioner, I’ve been a steady champion of efforts to increase housing – of all types – including helping pass the City’s first Missing Middle Housing initiative (and requiring that there be time-based checkpoints, assessments, and improvements to the plan). I will work as your City Council representative to ensure that Knoxville offers citizens a broader spectrum of available and affordable housing options. Focus on our corridors (such as Chapman Highway) and encouragement of transit-oriented development will help revitalize blighted, pass-through zones to become areas of human-centered living, working, and playing.

Another link in the needs for housing and affordability is homelessness. Citizens experience homelessness for many different reasons, as many and as unique as the individuals themselves. It isn’t just about available housing or affordability, but that is a big part of the solutions we, as a City, need to consider. Providing a shelter and home first, then addressing the specific support needs of an individual, is proven to be the most effective solution. Our City can, and must, do a better job of addressing the needs of this most vulnerable population.

Engaged & Connected Neighborhoods

We’re incredibly lucky in the 1st District to have active neighborhoods (shout out to my own Lindbergh Forest Neighborhood Association). We are also fortunate to have the South Knoxville Neighborhood and Business Coalition (SKNBC) which serves as an important “hub” organization. But active and engaged neighborhoods don’t just happen. They require citizens to give their time and energy to be involved and informed. They require neighborhood leaders and community organization. I have supported my own neighborhood association and served as a representative on SKNBC for more than five years and am ready to work for all of the neighborhoods and communities in the 1st District.

Improving Communication & Transparency

These two things are non-negotiable. When a community knows what is going on, is engaged and at the table with their concerns, and is heard, incredible things happen. When leaders bring all the stakeholders together and keep the dialogue open, solutions are developed that are inclusive, smart, and sustainable. As your City Council person, I am committed to open and consistent communication that provides transparency and access to the important decisions facing our City.

Expanding Sidewalks, Greenways, & Community Connectivity

Sidewalks, greenways, and bike lanes help us access our City more safely and more efficiently. Cars and public transit are also necessary. Smart and sustainable growth considers all of these modes of transport, including accessibility for different abilities, to create a strong network that provides options and flexibility for all who call Knoxville home. The 1st District is incredibly unique because of its bridges (both existing, proposed, and in transition), its river connectivity (or lack thereof), and opportunities to better connect our existing neighborhoods and nodes. I’ll work with neighborhoods, commercial districts, and the City to define opportunities for access and bring those ideas into reality.

Preserving our Green Spaces & Natural Resources

One of the reasons my husband and I moved to South Knoxville is because of the abundant parks (there are 23 in the 1st District), access to trails, the river, and Ijams Nature Center. Today, we have over 65 miles of natural surface trails within the Urban Wilderness for bike riding, walking, hiking, running, wildflower seeking, birding, or just hanging out with your pup. These trails happened because of a very intentional effort by our community – Legacy Parks, Appalachian Mountain Biking Club (AMBC), the City and County governments, and so many of our neighborhoods and neighbors. It takes vision, intention, and action (which includes more than a bit of sweat and red clay) to protect our parks and natural resources that we already enjoy and to ensure that we continue to preserve and create new spaces. I’m a runner, cyclist, walker, and get twitchy if I don’t get outside on the daily. Green spaces are a key part of sustainable growth and a high quality of life.