What Knoxville’s 2025-2026 Proposed Budget Means for Our Community
One of the things I love most about Knoxville is how much our city continues to grow and evolve—and how invested our leadership is in keeping this a safe, thriving, and connected place to live. At her sixth annual State of the City address, Mayor Indya Kincannon shared the proposed city budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and it includes some exciting plans that impact everything from public safety to affordable housing to quality-of-life upgrades all across town.
Let’s break it down—here’s what Knoxville residents and homeowners should know:
Safety & First Responders Come First
Over $101 million—more than a fifth of the budget—is dedicated to our police and fire departments. That includes raises for officers and firefighters, funds to help more of them become advanced EMTs or paramedics, and new equipment like an explosives removal robot for the Knoxville Police Department. These types of investments make our city safer—and safety is always a top priority for homebuyers.
Roads, Traffic & Infrastructure
The budget sets aside $14 million for road safety improvements, including repaving, traffic signal repairs, and support for the City’s Vision Zero program to eliminate traffic fatalities. A new fire station in Burlington is also moving forward with $4.5 million allocated. These kinds of infrastructure investments directly impact commute times, neighborhood access, and overall ease of living—especially in fast-growing areas.
Big Support for Housing & Homelessness
If you follow me, you know housing is close to my heart. This budget includes $8.2 million for affordable housing initiatives, with funding for both new development and housing stability efforts. There’s also $1 million+ set aside to prevent homelessness and add shelter beds for those in need. The city is even partnering with community members to redevelop the old Giffin school into 77 new affordable homes—a great example of what can happen when residents and developers collaborate.
Knoxville’s Future: Parks, Culture, & Community
From Lakeshore Park upgrades to Zoo Knoxville improvements, to a $7M+ renovation of the World’s Fair Park Amphitheater, the city is doubling down on spaces that bring people together. These kinds of investments not only make Knoxville more vibrant but also add to home values in surrounding neighborhoods.
Fiscal Responsibility & Forward Thinking
One standout proposal? A $25 million payment toward retiring the Convention Center’s debt early, which could save the city $30 million over time. Moves like this show the city is not just planning for today, but thinking long-term.
Why This Matters to Knoxville Buyers & Sellers
When I talk to clients who are relocating to Knoxville or exploring different neighborhoods, they’re not just looking at homes—they’re looking at the bigger picture. This proposed budget reflects a city that’s prioritizing safety, stability, opportunity, and livability. Whether you're investing in real estate here or putting down roots, it’s encouraging to see leadership that values both growth and community care.
If you want to know how these updates could impact your property values or are curious about areas seeing the most development and investment, I’m always here to help.
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Karli Pritchard, REALTOR®
Your Knoxville Real Estate Guide
