A note from Indya Kincannon

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** Showcasing Knoxville

Last week, I had the pleasure of showcasing Knoxville to mayors from across the country, as we hosted the Mayors Innovation Project Summer Conference.

Beginning at the opening reception at the Sunsphere, to enjoying breakfast at the Market Square Farmers' Market Saturday morning, to the closing event at the Win the Future exhibit at the Emporium, my colleagues were blown away by Knoxville’s liveliness and spirit of innovation. I even brought one mayor to swim at Mead's Quarry.

A highlight for many guests was Reverend Harold Middlebrook's keynote address, in which he shared his thoughts on how mayors can make a positive difference in creating a beloved community.

We learned from mayors from all over, including Minnesota, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, California, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Indiana, Wisconsin, and, of course, Tennessee. Knoxville is leading the way on many issues. Knoxville folks made us proud, including:

* Cody Gentry - Pedestrian Safety and Vision Zero
* R.J. Justice - Connectivity and Transformative Place-Making
* LaKenya Middlebrook - Community-Based Violence Prevention
* Kevin DuBose - Creating an Affordable Housing Eco-System
* Chancellor Donde Plowman - Town/Gown partnerships

Liza Zenni and the Arts and Culture Alliance provided an amazing tour showcasing the economic impact of the arts.

Urban Wilderness Coordinator Wes Soward joined Matthew Kellogg of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and Caroline Lezon from Sanders Pace Architecture for a tour of the Urban Wilderness. And RJ Justice and KCDC CEO Ben Bentley led a tour of economic development projects in and around the new multi-use stadium.

Big thanks to the Knoxville Police Department and Public Service for making sure the conference went smoothly. Visit Knoxville handled the event planning beautifully, and we are very thankful to local sponsors Tennessee Valley Authority and Knoxville Utilities Board.

Special thanks to Cheryl Ball and Carter Hall, who coordinated the conference and helped City staff shine.

Very truly yours,
Indya Kincannon


RJ Justice, Chief of Urban Design and Development, leads MIP participants on a tour of economic development projects related to the multi-use stadium.


Civil rights activist and minister Rev. Harold Middlebrook presented the event's keynote speech, advising mayors on making a positive difference in creating a beloved community.


Great dialogue on violence prevention with Wilford Pinkney, Director of St. Louis' Office of Violence Prevention; Knoxville's Director of Community Safety and Empowerment LaKenya Middlebrook; and Thomas Abt, founding director of Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction.

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