Reconnecting Knoxville

Between the 1960’s – 1980’s, urban renewal in Knoxville demolished predominantly Black neighborhoods to allow for expanded public infrastructure that ultimately left Black families physically isolated and disconnected from economic opportunity. Today, the scars of that displacement are still visible. One sees the impact of urban renewal not only in the physical landscape surrounding Knoxville’s downtown, but also in disproportionately high poverty rates for Black residents, low Black-owned business ownership levels, and a persistent sense of both physical and cultural segregation between historically Black neighborhoods and the thriving downtown and economic redevelopment areas nearby.

Reconnecting Knoxville is a part of that mission. If funded, this grant will create clear pathways to physically reconnect the neighborhoods directly impacted by urban renewal with public amenities and economic opportunities that are currently more difficult to access without a car. This type of connectivity would promote economic investment in an area that has historically seen disinvestment, increasing mobility & access to opportunity, and promoting active/healthy living.

KCDC will be applying for a DOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant opportunity for the Capital Construction of a new multi-modal transportation pathways to reconnect underserved communities with highly-sought amenities and emerging development centers across the City of Knoxville.

Narrative:
Appendices:
Benefit-Cost Analysis Spreadsheet:
Technical plans, feasibility studies and concept plans:
Planning Studies, Developer Agreements and Master plans:
Other supporting Materials: