Hello John,

I wanted to reach out to keep you up-to-date on a new initiative in downtown Knoxville.

Many people have reached out about health and safety concerns, and I want you to know that my team and I are listening and doing something about it.

I have brought together City crews, KPD, Public Building Authority, outreach workers, and other community partners as part of  Downtown Focus: a campaign designed to help keep our downtown safe and accessible for everyone.

Downtown Focus will concentrate on addressing illegal drug use, panhandling, vandalism, litter, overgrowth and other safety concerns.

You may have already noticed some of these efforts, with others ramping up in coming weeks and months:

• Graffiti removal
• New waste receptacles
• Vegetation trimming for increased visibility and walkability
• Additional sanitation equipment
• Freshly painted and cleaned curbs, crosswalks, and parking stalls 
• New equipment and signs to deter excessive vehicle noise
• New “No Panhandling” signs 

    
Critically, in an effort to fight and deter crime, KPD has focused cadets and the Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) in downtown areas that have seen higher levels of drug activity.  We’ve also expanded the number of Public Service team members focused on downtown to address litter, vandalism, and other health & safety concerns.

Downtown is special and we want to keep it that way for those who live, work and visit our great city.

If you see a non-emergency issue that the City and Downtown Focus can help address, contact 3-1-1, either by phone or on the My Knoxville app.  And, if you have other pressing concerns please contact my office directly: [email protected].