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The City of Knoxville values your ideas and perspectives. Sharing your thoughts and lived experiences helps planning teams in directing your tax dollars to more efficiently and effectively deliver services.

This week, please take a few minutes and take any or all of these three open online surveys:

Downtown / South Knoxville Connectivity Study

A kickoff drop-in open house was held on May 5, and an online survey is open through Friday, June 5:

https://engagecdmsmith.com/southknoxvilleconnectivity

CDM Smith is conducting a City transportation study to analyze traffic patterns and better understand how people move between downtown and South Knoxville.

The 127-year-old Gay Street Bridge can no longer accommodate the weight of vehicular traffic, but it’s used by hundreds of bicyclists and pedestrians each day. The majority of motorists who once used the Gay Street Bridge have diverted to the James White Parkway Bridge, according to traffic count data.

This study is focusing on lower-cost high-impact improvements that strengthen access and mobility. The study will identify issues, opportunities and priorities that will guide the City’s future planning.

For additional context, visit the project page.

Magnolia Avenue intersections

An $8 million grant in 2023 from the U.S. Department of Transportation is funding safety improvements on major multi-use corridors, including Magnolia Avenue.

Three intersections on Magnolia – Cherry, Hembree, and Castle streets – have been identified as priorities due to a notably high incidence of severe crashes and pedestrian movement.

Planned improvements will incorporate proven safety measures aimed at protecting pedestrians and bicyclists. Potential upgrades include enhanced crosswalk visibility, pedestrian refuge islands, on-street bike lanes, and other effective safety solutions.

The City and the Gresham Smith project team are committed to creating the safest and most effective design possible – but we need your input to get it right.

Here is a direct link.

You’ll find a survey, an interactive map, and opportunities to click-and-drag images of infrastructure safety upgrades that you prioritize – such as curb extensions, pedestrian refuge islands and/or painted crosswalks. The survey is open through Friday, June 5.


What’s Next Knoxville?

The City of Knoxville and Knoxville-Knox County Planning are updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan, named What’s Next Knoxville?

The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document that determines the vision and goals for development in the city over the next 25 years, guiding decisions on land use, transportation, and investment priorities.

An online survey is one of many opportunities to lend your voice and vision to help shape this plan. Visit https://WhatsNextKnoxville.com.


Get Engaged … with your City!

Local government works best when the community participates.

There are many ways to engage and make a difference: Follow City social media and media releases. Attend meetings. Ask questions. Talk with your elected representatives. Request City staff to speak to your community group. Volunteer.

Check out the “Get Engaged … with your City!” webpage.