Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon unveiled a proposed $499 million net budget today, prioritizing public safety, affordable housing, parks, and homelessness prevention.
The “no-new-taxes” plan keeps the property tax rate at $2.1556 per $100 of assessed value — the lowest since 1974.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest proposed investments + what they mean for you.
- $26.5 million | A six-year commitment to Transforming Western, aiming to create nearly 500 permanently affordable homes
- $9.5 million | Road, bridge, and transportation safety upgrades
- $7.1 million | Improvements to parks, greenways, pools, playgrounds, and ballfields, including $1.5 million to build the First Creek at Austin Greenway Connector
- $3.3 million | Support for economic development partners like the Knoxville Chamber, KCDC, Visit Knoxville, and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
- $2.7 million | Renovation of Fire Station No. 15 in Fountain City
- ~$2.4 million | Energy-efficient upgrades to City buildings
- More than $2 million | Violence interruption + prevention, plus support for youth-empowering community groups
- $2 million | Grants for local arts and social service nonprofits
- $1.4 million | Upgrades to Zoo Knoxville, including support for the new Rhino Reserve exhibit
Also of note: The budget funds five new police positions — the first increase in KPD’s authorized staffing level in decades.
The proposal will head to City Council for the first reading on Wednesday, April 28, followed by a legislative budget hearing and public hearing on Thursday, May 7. Council’s second reading is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.
Want to dig deeper? Get the full breakdown of the proposed 2026-2027 budget.