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News

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
kfarley@knoxvilletn.gov
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

For the latest on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - CLICK HERE

Below you will find the latest news and press releases from the City of Knoxville.

Solid Waste Drop-off Facility to Close on Saturdays
Posted: 03/30/2020
Starting Wednesday, April 1, additional COVID-19 public-safety precautions will go into effect at the City’s Solid Waste Management Facility, 1033 Elm St. Read More
City Requests Personal Protective Equipment Donations
Posted: 03/30/2020
Families, businesses and community organizations that have professional-grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in storage that is not needed in the short term are asked to donate it to front-line first responders to combat the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Indya Kincannon announced today. Read More
Mayor Provides Emergency Funds for Zoo Knoxville
Posted: 03/30/2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon announced today that she will be recommending $700,000 in emergency funding for Zoo Knoxville to help the zoo weather a budgetary shortfall. Read More
Police Officers, Firefighters Equipped With Respirators, More PPE Supplies Coming to Combat COVID-19 Spread
Posted: 03/27/2020
The City Police and Fire Departments have distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to their front-line first responders that is being used to fight the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Indya Kincannon said Friday. Read More
KPD Officers Disciplined Following IAU Investigation
Posted: 03/26/2020
Extensive and thorough investigations begun last summer by the Knoxville Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) into allegations of misconduct have concluded. Three supervisors have resigned or retired, and three other supervisors and one officer have been disciplined. Read More
Limit KAT Bus Use to Essential Trips
Posted: 03/25/2020
Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is urging the public to refrain from using transit except in the case of essential needs such as work, grocery and drug stores. Read More
Milling, Paving of Magnolia Avenue
Posted: 03/24/2020
Starting this week, contractor crews will begin milling a section of Magnolia Avenue between Jessamine and North Bertrand streets. Read More
Waste Connections To Halt Pickup of Excess Trash, Bulky Waste
Posted: 03/24/2020
Beginning Wednesday, March 25, the City of Knoxville’s residential trash contractor, Waste Connections, will be limiting trash and recyclable pickup service to “content of carts” only. Excess material outside of carts and bulky waste items, such as discarded televisions or furniture, will not be collected by Waste Connections. Read More
Knox County Health Department Issues 'Safer at Home' Order
Posted: 03/23/2020
Today the Knox County Public Health Officer Dr. Martha Buchanan issued an order closing non-essential businesses and encouraging residents throughout Knox County to stay home when possible and avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people for non-essential purposes. Read More
City Launches COVID-19 Chatbot
Posted: 03/23/2020
As residents need easy-to-find authoritative facts on the COVID-19 pandemic and what’s happening locally, the City of Knoxville has launched a chatbot and also expanded its online information. Read More
Mayor Kincannon Issues Executive Order Closing Restaurants, Bars, Gyms
Posted: 03/20/2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon issued an executive order Friday, March 20, 2020 to close restaurants, bars, gyms and commercial event venues amid growing concerns over COVID-19. The order will allow restaurants and bars to offer delivery and take-out service. Read More
Mayor Indya Kincannon declares State of Emergency in City of Knoxville
Posted: 03/16/2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Knoxville. The Mayor says she is enacting a provision in the City’s charter to give the City the flexibility to take further legal and budgetary action in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Read More
Concert Postponed, Cat Show Cancelled
Posted: 03/13/2020
In the interest of public safety due to concerns regarding COVID-19, the City has asked the promoter to postpone the SADA Baby concert at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Ticket holders will be notified by the promoter when the concert is rescheduled. Read More
2020 Neighborhood Conference CANCELED
Posted: 03/12/2020
Amid growing concerns about COVID-19 the City of Knoxville will be canceling the upcoming Neighborhood Conference scheduled for March 28, 2020 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Read More
Change Center Cancels Spring Break Activities
Posted: 03/12/2020
In the interest of public health and safety and out of the abundance of caution for our guests and families, the Change Center is cancelling all spring break activities, including the Skate Party scheduled for Sunday, March 15. Read More
City Responds to First Case of COVID-19 in Knox County
Posted: 03/12/2020
The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed Knox County’s first presumptive positive case of COVID-19. Read More
311 Center for Service Innovation hosts 311 Day reception on March 11
Posted: 03/10/2020
The 311 Center for Service Innovation, which turns 15 in May, will host a reception March 11 to celebrate the service that assists Knoxville residents in requesting City services and information about those services. Read More
St. Patrick's Weekend Celebrations to Close Downtown Roads, On-Street Parking
Posted: 03/10/2020
In advance of St. Patrick’s Day, several Irish-themed events will be held on Market Square and downtown streets March 13, 14 and 15, effecting on-street parking and traffic patterns. Read More
Online Survey and Images Released as Community Ideas Are Sought for Renovation of Fort Kid
Posted: 03/10/2020
In preparation for the Fort Kid public meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2020, the City of Knoxville has released several photos, a site analysis and an online survey as part of its renovation plan for the park. Read More
Zoo Knoxville and Turtle Survival Alliance Awarded $50,000 Grant to Return Rescued Tortoises to the Wild in Madagascar
Posted: 03/09/2020
Zoo Knoxville and the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), have been awarded a $50,000 grant to support the return of 1,000 critically endangered Radiated Tortoises to the wild after they were rescued from an illegal wildlife trafficking operation in Madagascar. Read More
Child Safety Seat Checkpoint March 14, 2020 - CANCELED
Posted: 03/06/2020
The Knoxville Police Department will conduct a free child car seat checkpoint on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 917 E. Fifth Avenue. Read More
Change Center hosts 5th Annual Spring Break Skate Party - CANCELED
Posted: 03/05/2020
The Spring Break Skate Party will be held again this year, continuing the tradition of providing young people a safe, fun opportunity to kick off Knox County Schools’ Spring Break holiday. Read More
KPD Sgt. Rachel Britt Named December Officer of the Month
Posted: 03/04/2020
The Knoxville Police Department presented five officers with December Officer of the Month awards during a news conference held at KPD headquarters on Monday, March 2. The five officers awarded were Rachel Britt, Caleb Coffey, Gordon Johnson, Martin Rice and Dan Roark. Read More
KPD Officers Coffey, Johnson and Rice Named December 2019 Officers of the Month
Posted: 03/04/2020
Knoxville Police officers Caleb Coffey, Gordon Johnson and Martin Rice were honored as December 2019 Officers of the Month, during a ceremony held March 2, 2020, at KPD headquarters. Read More
Officer Dan Roark Named December 2019 Officer of the Month
Posted: 03/04/2020
Officer Dan Roark and four additional Knoxville Police officers were honored as December 2019 Officers of the Month, during a ceremony held March 2, 2020, at KPD headquarters. Read More
Mayor Kincannon's Statement on Proposed Permitless Gun Carry Legislation
Posted: 03/04/2020
Read Mayor Kincannon's statement on proposed permitless gun carry legislation Read More
Downtown Roads Temporarily Close for Saturday's Mardi Growl Parade & Party
Posted: 03/04/2020
The 13th annual Mardi Growl Pet Parade and Festival, a benefit for Young-Williams Animal Center, will be held in downtown on Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Read More
Public Auction of Impounded Vehicles Mar. 9, 2020
Posted: 03/02/2020
The sale will be held at the Vehicle Impound Lot on Vice Mayor Jack Sharp Road (formerly BMX Blvd) beginning at 10:00 A.M on Mar. 9, 2020. Read More
Zoo Knoxville Prepares to Debut Giant Anteater March 2, 2020
Posted: 02/27/2020
Tiana, the first giant anteater in Zoo Knoxville’s history, will make her public debut on Monday, March 2, 2020. Annual passholders and Circle of Friends members will get a special VIP opportunity to see her before she goes on public view this weekend. Read More
Mayor's Human Resources Working Group Meets March 5, 2020
Posted: 02/26/2020
Mayor Kincannon will meet with the Mayor’s HR Working Group as this committee of City employees and a member of the City’s Civil Service Merit Board (CSMB) continues looking at ways to enhance human resources services while simultaneously strengthening the Civil Service merit system. Read More
Winners of the 38th Annual Orchid Awards Announced
Posted: 02/26/2020
On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, Keep Knoxville Beautiful hosted the annual Orchids Beautification Awards at The Press Room, 730 N. Broadway, Knoxville TN. Read More
City Parks and Recreation Job Fair
Posted: 02/25/2020
The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department will hold its second annual Job Fair on Sunday, March 8, 2-5 p.m. at the John T. O'Connor Center, 611 Winona Street. . Read More
KPD's Defensive Driving Program for Teens Set for March 6-7, 2020
Posted: 02/24/2020
Each month, the Knoxville Police Department offers a teen defensive driving program called T.R.A.C.K. (Training, Responsibility, Awareness, Confidence, Knowledge). The next session is set for March 6-7, 2020. Read More
City Residential Brush Pickup Begins March 2, 2020
Posted: 02/24/2020
Residential brush collection in City of Knoxville neighborhoods begins the first week of March and will continue through the last week of October. Read More
Public Meeting Scheduled as the City Moves Forward with Plans to Rebuild Fort Kid
Posted: 02/19/2020
The City of Knoxville is moving forward with improvement plans for Fort Kid. The City is committed to stabilizing the site, improving accessibility and making it a place for even more families to enjoy for generations to come. Read More
Hollywood Road Closure Extended By Two Weeks
Posted: 02/19/2020
Project managers estimate that Hollywood Road will remain closed through March 13 – two weeks longer than originally anticipated. Read More
Volunteers Needed for 31st Ijams River Rescue Mar. 28, 2020
Posted: 02/19/2020
Volunteer registration is open for the 31st Ijams River Rescue, presented by Home Federal Bank, on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Read More
Registration Open Now for Diversity Business Expo
Posted: 02/18/2020
The City of Knoxville and fellow members of the East Tennessee Purchasing Association will host the second annual Diversity Business Expo on Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 8 a.m. to Noon at Overcoming Believers Church (211 Harriet Tubman St.). Read More
Finance Dept. Continues 31-Year Streak of National Budget Presentation Awards
Posted: 02/18/2020
The City of Knoxville has again been recognized by its North American peers for leadership in effective budget presentation. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the City’s Finance Department a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 31st year in a row. Read More
Mayor Kincannon, Senior Staff, City Council Meet for Mid-Year Budget Review
Posted: 02/14/2020
Today, Feb. 14, 2020, Mayor Indya Kincannon and City Council representatives participated in the mid-year budget retreat, kicking off the public process of preparing the City’s budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Read More
Register Now for 2020 Neighborhood Conference
Posted: 02/11/2020
The City of Knoxville Office of Neighborhoods will host the 2020 Neighborhood Conference on Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center. Registration is open now at KnoxvilleTN.gov/conference. Registrants without internet access may call 865-215-3232 to register by phone. Read More
Competition Supports Neighborhood Conference
Posted: 02/06/2020
The City of Knoxville Office of Neighborhoods invites neighborhood supporters and fans of craft beer to engage in a friendly competition that supports the 2020 Neighborhood Conference. Read More
Knoxville Utilities Board and City of Knoxville Hold Ribbon Cutting
Posted: 02/06/2020
The community has a new section of greenway today thanks to a partnership between KUB and City of Knoxville. Read More
Mayor Kincannon to Speak at Upcoming 2020 Census Meetings
Posted: 02/04/2020
This evening and Wednesday morning, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon will be speaking at two meetings with different stakeholders – both aimed at assuring a complete and accurate 2020 Census count. Read More
Public Auction of Impounded Vehicles Feb. 10, 2020
Posted: 02/03/2020
Vehicles impounded by the City of Knoxville Police Department or Codes Enforcement will be sold at public auction on Feb. 10, 2020. Read More
City of Knoxville Budget Retreat Set for Feb 14, 2020
Posted: 02/03/2020
On Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, Mayor Indya Kincannon and her staff will present updates to City Council, including a mid-year budget review and status reports on major City initiatives. Read More
Child Safety Seat Checkpoint February 8, 2020
Posted: 01/31/2020
The Knoxville Police Department will conduct a free child car seat checkpoint on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 917 E. Fifth Avenue. Read More
City Grant Applications Now Available for Funding to Support Homeless, Housing & Neighborhood Needs
Posted: 01/31/2020
Starting Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, the City of Knoxville Housing and Neighborhood Development Department (formerly Community Development) will begin accepting applications from nonprofit agencies that seek funding for programs that support the City’s housing objectives. Read More
Keep Knoxville Beautiful to Host 38th Annual Orchid Awards
Posted: 01/30/2020
On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, Keep Knoxville Beautiful will host the annual Orchids Beautification Awards at The Press Room, 730 N. Broadway from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, February 21st. Read More
Mayor Kincannon Supports Body-Worn Cameras for KPD Patrol Officers
Posted: 01/28/2020
Mayor Indya Kincannon told City Council tonight (Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020) that she is committed to providing body-worn cameras to all patrol officers in Knoxville. Read More
KPD's Defensive Driving Program for Teens Set for February 7-8, 2020
Posted: 01/27/2020
Each month, the Knoxville Police Department offers a teen defensive driving program called T.R.A.C.K. (Training, Responsibility, Awareness, Confidence, Knowledge). The next session is set for February 7-8, 2020. Read More
Sidewalk Projects Help City Meet Goals
Posted: 01/24/2020
At its first meeting of the new year, City Council voted to approve $1.6 million to fund a new sidewalk project in East Knoxville and to remove and replace 35,000 square feet of sidewalk at 32 sites across the city. Read More
Ijams Nature Center Seeks Volunteers for Weed Wrangle Knoxville 2020
Posted: 01/23/2020
One of the biggest “pull” parties of the year needs YOU to help restore East Tennessee’s native landscapes. Read More
City Accepting Applications for Community Agency Grants
Posted: 01/22/2020
The City of Knoxville is now accepting applications from non-profit organizations interested in receiving Community Agency Grant (CAG) funding for Fiscal Year 2020-21, which begins July 1, 2020. Read More
Police Advisory & Review Committee (PARC) Meeting Set Jan. 30, 2020
Posted: 01/22/2020
The City of Knoxville Police Advisory & Review Committee (PARC) will hold its 4th Quarter meeting on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 at 6 p.m. at the Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex in Lonsdale. Read More
MLK Avenue to Close Temporarily for Monday Parade
Posted: 01/17/2020
One of the highlights of Knoxville’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is the King Day memorial parade and tribute service. Read More
Campaign to Boost Police Recruitment
Posted: 01/15/2020
The City of Knoxville is advancing a commitment to invest in a diverse police force that is fully staffed to better protect, serve and support neighborhoods. Read More
City Offices Closed to Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Posted: 01/10/2020
City of Knoxville offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Read More
Public Meeting on the City's Five-Year Consolidated Plan for 2020-2024
Posted: 01/10/2020
Knoxville residents are invited to learn how they and their neighbors prioritize the community’s needs for affordable housing, homelessness services, blight remediation, economic development and other issues that fall under the City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Department. Read More
Nominations Sought for Award-Worthy Neighbors
Posted: 01/09/2020
The City of Knoxville Office of Neighborhoods is now accepting nominations for its annual Diana Conn Good Neighbor of the Year Award, which Mayor Indya Kincannon will present at the Neighborhood Conference on Saturday, March 28. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. Read More
Lend a Helping Hand Through Project Help
Posted: 01/08/2020
The 2020 Project Help campaign kicks off Wednesday, January 8 and runs through February 5. Read More
MLK Commemorative Celebration Jan. 15-20, 2020
Posted: 01/07/2020
Since 1982, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission has organized a special celebration each year for the Knoxville area to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Read More
Keep Knoxville Beautiful Announces 2020 Orchid Awards Nominees
Posted: 01/06/2020
On February 25th, 2020 Keep Knoxville Beautiful will host its annual Orchid Awards dinner, honoring Knoxville’s most beautiful properties, public spaces, and public art. Read More
KCDC Earns Additional Vouchers for Affordable Housing for People with Disabilities
Posted: 01/06/2020
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has been awarded 38 additional Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program to help local residents ages 18-61 with disabilities secure affordable housing. Read More
Legacy Parks Foundation Confirms First Natural Shores Easement to Protect French Broad River Shorelines
Posted: 01/06/2020
Legacy Parks Foundation has announced its first Natural Shores Easement on Old French Road along the French Broad River. Read More
KAT Implements 2020 Service and Route Changes
Posted: 01/06/2020
In an effort to provide quality and efficient public transit services, KAT has implemented service modifications on Jan. 6, 2020: Read More
KPD's Defensive Driving Program for Teens Set for January 10-11, 2020
Posted: 01/03/2020
Each month, the Knoxville Police Department offers a teen defensive driving program called T.R.A.C.K. (Training, Responsibility, Awareness, Confidence, Knowledge). The next session is set for January 10-11, 2020. Read More
Child Safety Seat Checkpoint January 11, 2020
Posted: 01/03/2020
The Knoxville Police Department will conduct a free child car seat checkpoint on Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 917 E. Fifth Avenue. Read More
KPD Raises over $14,000 for Charity Throughout Beard and Lapel Fundraiser
Posted: 01/02/2020
The final tally is in and Knoxville Police Department officers donated $14,215 to be divided among four different charitable organizations during its three-month beard and lapel fundraiser. Read More
Public Auction of Impounded Vehicles Jan. 6, 2020
Posted: 01/02/2020
Vehicles impounded by the City of Knoxville Police Department or Codes Enforcement will be sold at public auction in compliance with the Tenn. Code Ann. 55-16-106. The sale will be held at the Vehicle Impound Lot on Vice Mayor Jack Sharp Road (formerly BMX Blvd) beginning at 10:00 A.M on Jan. 6, 2020. Read More

News

Communications Director

Solid Waste Drop-off Facility to Close on Saturdays

City Requests Personal Protective Equipment Donations

Mayor Provides Emergency Funds for Zoo Knoxville

Police Officers, Firefighters Equipped With Respirators, More PPE Supplies Coming to Combat COVID-19 Spread

KPD Officers Disciplined Following IAU Investigation

Limit KAT Bus Use to Essential Trips

Milling, Paving of Magnolia Avenue

Waste Connections To Halt Pickup of Excess Trash, Bulky Waste

Knox County Health Department Issues 'Safer at Home' Order

City Launches COVID-19 Chatbot

Mayor Kincannon Issues Executive Order Closing Restaurants, Bars, Gyms

Mayor Indya Kincannon declares State of Emergency in City of Knoxville

Concert Postponed, Cat Show Cancelled

2020 Neighborhood Conference CANCELED

Change Center Cancels Spring Break Activities

City Responds to First Case of COVID-19 in Knox County

311 Center for Service Innovation hosts 311 Day reception on March 11

St. Patrick's Weekend Celebrations to Close Downtown Roads, On-Street Parking

Online Survey and Images Released as Community Ideas Are Sought for Renovation of Fort Kid

Zoo Knoxville and Turtle Survival Alliance Awarded $50,000 Grant to Return Rescued Tortoises to the Wild in Madagascar

Child Safety Seat Checkpoint March 14, 2020 - CANCELED

Change Center hosts 5th Annual Spring Break Skate Party - CANCELED

KPD Sgt. Rachel Britt Named December Officer of the Month

KPD Officers Coffey, Johnson and Rice Named December 2019 Officers of the Month

Officer Dan Roark Named December 2019 Officer of the Month

Mayor Kincannon's Statement on Proposed Permitless Gun Carry Legislation

Downtown Roads Temporarily Close for Saturday's Mardi Growl Parade & Party

Public Auction of Impounded Vehicles Mar. 9, 2020

Zoo Knoxville Prepares to Debut Giant Anteater March 2, 2020

Mayor's Human Resources Working Group Meets March 5, 2020

Winners of the 38th Annual Orchid Awards Announced

City Parks and Recreation Job Fair

KPD's Defensive Driving Program for Teens Set for March 6-7, 2020

City Residential Brush Pickup Begins March 2, 2020

Public Meeting Scheduled as the City Moves Forward with Plans to Rebuild Fort Kid

Hollywood Road Closure Extended By Two Weeks

Volunteers Needed for 31st Ijams River Rescue Mar. 28, 2020

Registration Open Now for Diversity Business Expo

Finance Dept. Continues 31-Year Streak of National Budget Presentation Awards

Mayor Kincannon, Senior Staff, City Council Meet for Mid-Year Budget Review

Register Now for 2020 Neighborhood Conference

Competition Supports Neighborhood Conference

Knoxville Utilities Board and City of Knoxville Hold Ribbon Cutting

Mayor Kincannon to Speak at Upcoming 2020 Census Meetings

Public Auction of Impounded Vehicles Feb. 10, 2020

City of Knoxville Budget Retreat Set for Feb 14, 2020

Child Safety Seat Checkpoint February 8, 2020

City Grant Applications Now Available for Funding to Support Homeless, Housing & Neighborhood Needs

Keep Knoxville Beautiful to Host 38th Annual Orchid Awards

Mayor Kincannon Supports Body-Worn Cameras for KPD Patrol Officers

KPD's Defensive Driving Program for Teens Set for February 7-8, 2020

Sidewalk Projects Help City Meet Goals

Ijams Nature Center Seeks Volunteers for Weed Wrangle Knoxville 2020

City Accepting Applications for Community Agency Grants

Police Advisory & Review Committee (PARC) Meeting Set Jan. 30, 2020

MLK Avenue to Close Temporarily for Monday Parade

Campaign to Boost Police Recruitment

City Offices Closed to Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Public Meeting on the City's Five-Year Consolidated Plan for 2020-2024

Nominations Sought for Award-Worthy Neighbors

Lend a Helping Hand Through Project Help

MLK Commemorative Celebration Jan. 15-20, 2020

Keep Knoxville Beautiful Announces 2020 Orchid Awards Nominees

KCDC Earns Additional Vouchers for Affordable Housing for People with Disabilities

Legacy Parks Foundation Confirms First Natural Shores Easement to Protect French Broad River Shorelines

KAT Implements 2020 Service and Route Changes

KPD's Defensive Driving Program for Teens Set for January 10-11, 2020

Child Safety Seat Checkpoint January 11, 2020

KPD Raises over $14,000 for Charity Throughout Beard and Lapel Fundraiser

Public Auction of Impounded Vehicles Jan. 6, 2020