Like many communities, many Knoxville neighborhoods struggle with the lingering symptoms of mid-20th century urban disinvestment. Housing infrastructure is aging and consumes energy in excess, often leaving residents with utility bills too large for them to pay. In 2012, 9,670 households in the Knoxville area received assistance to pay their utility bills; other families were turned away due to lack of funding or may have gone without other basic needs in order to keep their lights on.
In 2013, Mayor Rogero launched the Knoxville Smarter Cities Partnership, a coalition of over 20 community organizations seeking to improve the quality, comfort, and affordability of inner city homes through energy efficiency. Since 2013, the Smarter Cities Partnership has engaged dozens of community leaders and residents to improve energy efficiency and weatherization services in Knoxville.
As a result of the Smarter Cities Partnership, local partners have helped thousands of Knoxville residents improve the comfort, quality, and affordability of their homes through energy efficiency.
The Partnership's innovative work and continued focus has helped secure over $20 million in resources to support education and energy efficiency upgrades, all with a specific focus on helping low-income families take control of their utility bills.
Activities include:
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Knoxville Extreme Energy Makeover
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Savings in the House
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KUB Round It Up
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TVA Home Uplift
Learn more about the Smarter Cities Partnership and Knoxville Extreme Energy Makeover
IBM Smarter Cities Challenge
The Smarter Cities Partnership was catalyzed by a 2013 grant from the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge, wherein the City of Knoxville received $400,000 in technical assistance from expert consultants who assessed strategies to connect energy efficiency services with utility bill assistance and other programs serving lower income populations.
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IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Team Bios [PDF]
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Final Report from IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Team 08/13/13 [PDF]
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Presentation from IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Team 05/17/13 [PDF]
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2013 Smarter Cities Challenge Grant Winners
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City of Knoxville's Grant Application [PDF]
Press Releases
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Press Release: 09/26/13 - Smarter Cities Stakeholder Council Launches [PDF]
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Press Release: 08/13/13 - IBM Report Calls for 'Citywide Campaign' on Weatherization [PDF]
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Press Release: 05/17/13 - IBM Smarter Cities Team Recommends Community-Wide Effort [PDF]
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Press Release: 05/15/13 - IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Team to Present Final Report [PDF]
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Press Release: 04/30/13 - Mayor Rogero Welcomes IBM Smarter Cities Team to Knoxville [PDF]
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Press Release: 04/25/13 - City Welcomes the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Team [PDF]
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Press Release: 11/14/12 - Knoxville Wins IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Grant [PDF]