KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) – Knoxville residents will have several opportunities this fall to help shape the city’s future as the What’s Next Knoxville? comprehensive planning process enters its next phase.
The City of Knoxville and Knoxville-Knox County Planning have announced a series of community input sessions beginning September 21 as officials continue updating the city’s long-range comprehensive plan, a document that will guide decisions on land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, and investment priorities over the next 25 years.
The planning effort launched earlier this year with extensive community outreach. According to city officials, project staff attended more than 110 events, engaged more than 6,000 people, and collected over 1,800 surveys between April and June. The next round of meetings will focus on prioritizing community feedback and discussing possible visions for Knoxville’s future.
During the fall sessions, residents will be able to review a draft vision statement, discuss key goals, and evaluate different growth and development scenarios being considered by planners. City officials say participants can drop in at any time during the scheduled sessions.
Fall Input Session Schedule
Monday, September 21
- Norwood Elementary School
- 1909 Merchant Drive
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 22
- Whittle Springs Middle School
- 2700 White Oak Lane
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23
- Urban Wilderness Gateway Park
- 1515 Tilson Street
- 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30
- East Tennessee History Center
- 601 South Gay Street
- Noon to 2 p.m.
- Bearden Middle School
- 1000 Francis Road
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 1
- Dr. E.V. Davidson Community Center
- 3124 Wilson Avenue
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In addition to the formal input sessions, project staff will continue hosting open office hours and attending community events throughout the fall to gather additional public feedback. The overall planning process is expected to continue through the remainder of 2026.
Officials encourage residents from all parts of Knoxville to participate, noting that the comprehensive plan will influence future decisions involving neighborhoods, transportation networks, economic development, parks, housing, and public investment. Those unable to attend in person can review materials and submit feedback online through the project’s website at http://whatsnextknoxville.com.
