~ from the City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhood Empowerment

The Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE) is collaborating with Knox County Planning Alliance (KCPA) to host a virtual workshop series on citizen advocacy and engagement in the local land-use and planning processes.

The next workshop, which is the second in the series, is Thursday, Sept. 23, 6-8 p.m. and will show the Knoxville-Knox County land-use maps and planning process from a resident perspective. Attendees can learn how to conduct research using existing tools and resources, where to focus your time and attention, and who to connect with in Knoxville-Knox County Planning (formerly known as the Metropolitan Planning Commission).  KCPA will walk you through the process, from the receipt of public notification or knowledge of a land use application request, through attending City Council meetings.

Join this Zoom link (https://knoxvilletn.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c225da2437ec3f6b734edf0b&id=1b58eee43c&e=bba8e6ddac) .
Meeting ID: 891 6362 1406
Passcode: 803090

In the last workshop in the series (Thursday, Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m.), KCPA will share how to quickly organize your efforts and your neighbors, identify the facts, choose your speakers, how and to whom to communicate your message, and how to establish positive, long-lasting community relationships.  They will provide tools and resources that will help you ask the right questions, and why the approach is just as important as the message.

The first workshop introduced KCPA, their mission, and the volunteer work conducted by the group. KCPA is an association of citizens and organizations who advocate for intentional and anticipated growth with coordinated infrastructure through long-term comprehensive planning, conservation concepts, and responsible land-use and development processes. The discussion will center around why connecting neighbors and advocacy is important, how you can learn more about land-use and planning basics, and how to organize or get involved with your neighborhood group.

All are welcome to join.  If you have questions, contact Debbie Sharp at dsharp@knoxvilletn.gov or 215-4382.