Seeing the progress of Transforming Western Phase 2 from the 2025 groundbreaking is just one of the things I'm looking forward to in 2026.
Dear friends,
The New Year is a great time for making lists -- of goals we want to accomplish, ways we want to be more present or active, projects to tackle or finish (finally).
A list makes our hopes and dreams -- no matter how mundane -- more tangible and more attainable. They're visible reminders of what we work every day to achieve and how close success can be.
Here are just a few things I look forward to in 2026:
• Knoxville Police Department at full authorized staff -- Thanks to efforts by KPD training staff and our HR and Civil Service departments, KPD will be fully staffed for the first time in many years!
• Working with five new city council members -- Five newly elected City Council representatives of Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 will hold their first meeting of the new year on Jan. 6. You can attend in person or watch on Knoxville Community Media's YouTube channel.
• Opening supportive housing for kids aging out of foster care -- Lumen Flats is an exciting development by Elmington Capital with federal, state and local support that will create 18 new homes for a particularly vulnerable group in Knoxville.
• Celebrating Transforming Western progress -- Phase 1 (The Overlook at Beaumont) will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this month, and Phase 2 completion is expected in the fall.
• A refurbished Tennessee Amphitheater at World's Fair Park -- Later this month, visitors will start to see progress on amphitheater improvements which includes replacement of the iconic tensile roof.
• Big Ears Festival and Savannah Bananas -- The new year presents opportunities to enjoy many arts and sporting events, including our annual world-class music festival in March and "Banana Ball" in May.
That's a lot to anticipate and appreciate -- only a taste of what's on deck in 2026.
Here's to the year ahead!
Indya
Lunch Ladies Bought my Prom Dress. by Knoxville author Heather Ream
