City of Knoxville Now Accepting Applications for Neighborhood Advisory Council
The City of Knoxville is currently inviting residents to apply for seats on the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC). This is a great opportunity for those who want to play a more active role in their neighborhoods and engage with local government.
What is the Neighborhood Advisory Council?
The NAC serves as a platform for neighborhood leaders and advocates to come together and discuss issues that impact local communities. The council has a total of 15 seats, with two available in each of the six city council districts and three additional at-large members. If you are passionate about your neighborhood and want to see improvements, this council is an excellent way to start making a difference.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Residents who are interested in serving on the NAC must live in the city of Knoxville. Those interested in a numbered council seat must also reside in the corresponding city council district. For instance, a candidate for Seat 2-A must be a resident of the Second Council District. People who wish to apply for one of the at-large seats can live anywhere within the city limits.
Application Process
If you have a keen interest in participating and discussing various public policies affecting neighborhoods, you are encouraged to apply. The application process is quite simple. Applications can be submitted to Debbie Sharp via email at dsharp@knoxvilletn.gov or by sending a physical copy to the Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, P.O. Box 1631, Knoxville TN, 37901. For those who prefer a physical application to be mailed to them, they can request it by calling 865-215-3232.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, August 16, at 4:30 p.m.. Interested individuals should act quickly, as this community engagement opportunity will close soon.
What to Expect After Applying
Members of the NAC are expected to commit to attending meetings regularly, which are held every second Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m., except in July and December. Each term lasts for three years, and members can serve up to two consecutive terms (a total of six years). It’s important to note that those interested in continuing for a second term will need to reapply.
Current Open Positions
At the moment, there are several open positions that the city is looking to fill, which include:
- Seat 1-B (currently held by Thomas Egan)
- Seat 3-A (currently held by Lily Seabolt)
- Seat 4-A (currently held by Monty Howard)
- Seat 5-B (currently held by Angel Bowman)
- Seat 6-A (currently vacant)
- At-Large Seat A (currently vacant)
Positions will commence in January 2025 and run through December 2027.
Finding Your District
If you are unsure which city council district you live in, you can visit the KGIS website and navigate to the maps section. By entering your address, you can find the specific political district boundaries that apply to you.
Get Involved!
This is a chance to engage with neighbors and city officials, share your voice, and advocate for the local community. If you care about the issues facing your neighborhood and want to help shape policies, this could be the role for you. Don’t hesitate to apply and join the effort to make Knoxville a better place for all!
