Community leaders, neighborhood representatives, and supporters gathered in West Hills to launch the Neighbors FOR Knoxville campaign, a grassroots effort in support of the half-cent sales tax referendum on the November ballot for City of Knoxville voters. Mayor Indya Kincannon and the group’s distinguished spoke at the campaign launch which included: Brandon Bruce – Businessman, Elizabeth Evola – West Hills Elementary Parent Leader, Dr. Charles Lomax – Affordable Housing Advocate, Will Skelton – Greenways and Connectivity Advocate
Neighbors FOR Knoxville campaign launch dedicated to improving sidewalks, parks, paving, greenways, and affordable housing through the sales tax referendum on the City election ballot on November 4. held at West Hills Park near the Gazebo, Knoxville, TN; Suggested parking at the Pilot family YMCA, 400 N. Winston Road on Thursday, August 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
About Neighbors FOR Knoxville: Neighbors FOR Knoxville is a grassroots coalition of residents, businesses, and civic leaders dedicated to investing in Knoxville’s future. By voting FOR the sales tax referendum, Knoxville will have stronger neighborhoods, improved connectivity, and secure a brighter, safer future for all. For more information, please visit here.
On Thursday August 28, the Neighbors FOR Knoxville and local community leaders officially launched a campaign in support of the half-cent sales tax referendum that will be on the November ballot for City of Knoxville voters. The campaign kickoff was held the morning of Thursday August 28 at West Hills Park. If approved by voters on November 4, the referendum would generate an estimated $47 million annually, dedicated solely to sidewalks, paving, greenways, parks, facilities, and neighborhood safety improvements – projects identified in collaboration with residents.
“Great roads, great sidewalks, great greenways, great housing—these are the things that make Knoxville a great place to live. And they also make Knoxville a great place to start and grow a business. That’s why this measure matters.” – Brandon Bruce, Neighbors for Knoxville Treasurer
“As a mother and a neighbor, I support this proposal because it will make it safer and easier for families like mine to get our children to and from school. Sidewalks aren’t just about safety—they’re about building community.” – Elizabeth Evola, West Hills Resident and Parent
“This is something our community has said we’ve wanted for a very long time. Knoxville is growing, and with that growth we’ve seen challenges with housing and affordability. This proposal will help us tackle those issues head-on, in every part of the city.” – Dr. Charles Lomax, Former City Director of Community Empowerment
“Connecting our greenways will be transformative. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and this proposal helps make that possible. Bottom line: this is such a win-win issue for Knoxville.” – Will Skelton, longtime Greenways Advocate
Highlights of the referendum include:
• What would the referendum do? Add a half-cent to Knoxville’s local option sales tax (increasing it from 2.25% to 2.75%).
• Who pays? Everyone, including out-of-town visitors and shoppers – spreading the cost beyond city residents.
• What’s exempt? Groceries, rent, utilities, gas, prescriptions, bus fare, property tax and healthcare visits are not subject to the increase.
About Neighbors FOR Knoxville: Neighbors FOR Knoxville is a grassroots coalition of residents, businesses, and civic leaders dedicated to investing in Knoxville’s future. By voting FOR the sales tax referendum, Knoxville will have stronger neighborhoods, improved connectivity, and secure a brighter, safer future for all. For more information, please visit here
NOW For The Rest of the Story: Check out Knoxville Against Raising Taxes here and/or Knoxville for Responsible Government here
JUST SAY, HELL NO!
