September 2020 Constituent Update
News & Noteworthy Events in Knox County / Commission
This constituent update contains information on the work of Knox County Commission, news about recent experiences, community information and upcoming events. This newsletter is issued at the beginning of each month and generally covers activities of the previous month.
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The 2020 Census deadline is fast approaching! Our neighbors have until September 30th to complete the Census. It's quick, easy and completely secure online. If you haven't yet completed your Census filing, visit this website and be counted today! This Constitutionally-mandated complete count only happens once every 10 years.
Remember, an estimated $675 billion dollars in federal funding is sent to states each year. To bring it closer to home, for each citizen not counted, Knox County stands to lose $2,000 in federal dollars per person, every year. This has a real impact on our funding for things like schools, highways and public health support. Knox County is at a little over 70% response rate. By comparison, the national and state average is 64%...so lets get those numbers up and prove Knox County can lead the way! There are just 30 days to the deadline - will you be counted? |
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I want to take a moment to thank four of my colleagues on County Commission who are completing their terms in county government. My best wishes go out to Evelyn Gill, Michelle Carringer, Hugh Nystrom & Brad Anders. Thank you for your public service and commitment to Knox County.
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One of the most interesting gatherings of the Joint Education Committee (JEC) was held this month. The team from the Knox County Schools (KCS) presented a school district comparison between the "big 5" districts: Shelby Co. (Memphis), Davidson Co. (Nashville), Rutherford Co. (Murfreesboro) & Hamilton Co. (Chattanooga).
Did you know that by comparison, KCS ranks 4th in per pupil spending, mostly 1st or 2nd in student achievement outcomes, but 5th in teacher average salaries? You can watch the meeting here OR read the presentation here to learn more. I want to thank school board member Evetty Satterfield for Co-Chairing the JEC together for the last two years. We have both pushed hard to bring important topics to the table and build relationships between the County Commission and Board of Education.
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It was an honor to help Cindy Bradley break ground on the Sacred Ground Residential Hospice House on Dry Gap Pike. This nonprofit residential hospice was established in 2017 after the closing of the beloved Halls Residential Hospice. Sacred Ground aims to continue providing the community with a residential hospice home with the same comprehensive loving care as well as the family and spiritual based support. Look for the grand opening in 2021! |
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Congratulations to Tate Greene from Troop #1882 in South Knoxville on earning his Eagle Scout rank. I was so thankful to be asked to be on Tate's Eagle review board. As a father who has two boys in Scouting, I know how difficult and special this achievement is. If you have a Scouting troop that would like to learn more about local government and lead the pledge at a Commission meeting, please contact me. |
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Welcome! Four new County Commissioners are joining the team this month (Dasha Lundy - District 1, Kyle Ward - District 4, Terry Hill - District 6, Courtney Durrett - District 2). I was proud to lead a two-day orientation session for the new Commissioners mid-month. After 27 presentations from departments across Knox Co. government, the new members have a new-found knowledge of all that is needed to be a prepared and knowledgeable Commissioner.
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On a beautiful summer day, Knox Co. Mayor Glenn Jacobs, University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, KCS Superintendent Bob Thomas, TVA President/CEO Jeff Lyash, and Congressman Tim Burchett gathered a large group of supporters to formalize a great project that will transform downtown Knoxville.
This initiative will move the Knox County Schools administrative offices to the East TVA Tower. The Univ. of Tennessee will also occupy the top floors of the tower creating a great synergy between the two main educational forces in our community. And finally, this move will also put the Andrew Johnson Building back on the tax roles by being sold to BNA Associates to be turned into a boutique hotel and residence. |
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3...2...1...LET'S FLOAT!
It was an honor and a pleasure to serve as Floatmaster at the annual Powell Station Flotilla. After some remarks on the newly constructed boat launch behind Powell High School, neighbors in over 150 recreational boats of all shapes and sizes took to the water to float two miles downstream. Thanks to the Enhance Powell Committee and the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, this annual float serves as a great community engagement event to bring awareness to Beaver Creek - one of the most important outdoor assets in Knox County. Come join us at next year's flotilla or better yet, hit the water and experience Beaver Creek for yourself today!
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