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1. Correction to: Can I Freeze My Property Taxes?
2. ONE Announces Mandatory Grant Workshops
3. Knoxville Community Wood Group Seeks Input
4. Board of Zoning Appeals Meets Next Week
5. Power Out? A Quick Guide for Knoxville Residents
6. Trees Knoxville Hosts Tree Planting
7. Join the Clean-up in North Knoxville and Plant a Tree
8. Knox Heritage Offers Community Preservation Grants
9. Pancake Fest Serves Smiles for Knoxville Seniors
10. Celebrate Black History Month in Knoxville!
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1. Correction to: Can I Freeze My Property Taxes?
The Office of Neighborhood Empowerment staff inadvertently mixed up two different programs in last week’s newsletter.
The Tennessee Property Tax Freeze program allows homeowners aged 65 or older with a total combined annual income (for all owners) not exceeding $61,920 to lock in their property tax amount at a base level for their primary residence.
For more information about the Tax Freeze program, or to apply, contact the Knox County Trustee’s Office at 865-215-8554 or request an application by emailing taxr...@knoxcounty.org.
The State of Tennessee funds a Property Tax Relief program for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, as well as disabled veteran homeowners or their surviving spouses.
The program is administered by both the City of Knoxville Property Tax Office and the Knox County Trustee’s office. This program pays or reimburses a portion of the city and county property taxes for the primary residence of qualified property owners. Refer to the Tennessee Comptroller’s website for qualifying information. City of Knoxville property owners must complete applications for both their City property taxes and their Knox County taxes.
For more information, or to apply, contact the City of Knoxville Property Tax Office and/or the Knox County Trustee’s Office.
City of Knoxville Property Tax Office
Knox County Trustee
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2. ONE Announces Mandatory Grant Workshops
It’s almost that time of year again. To be eligible to apply for the Neighborhood Small Grants Program (NSGP) 2027 funding, neighborhood groups need to send a representative to one of the following mandatory grant workshops in the spring:
- Pre-Application Workshop A - 6 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2026 (In person)
- Pre-Application Workshop B - 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026 (In person)
- Pre-Application Workshop C - 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2026 (Zoom)
Mark your calendars now.
The NSGP strengthens neighborhoods in the City of Knoxville by supporting a wide range of community-based initiatives through grants and technical assistance. Funding is available to be awarded in early 2027 for projects carried out in calendar year 2027.
Awards to support one-year projects can range from $500 to $5,000 or $6,500 if partnering with another neighborhood, public school, umbrella neighborhood group, or non-profit. To be awarded $6,500, the applicant must have previously participated in the NSGP and turned in all required paperwork/documentation on time.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.
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3. Knoxville Community Wood Group Seeks Input
The Greater Knoxville Community Wood Utilization Group is seeking community input.
Local tree companies generate a large amount of wood “waste”, that often ends up in landfills but could be reused for other purposes. Are you an artist who needs wood for sculptures, someone who makes cutting boards, or a furniture maker looking for unique wood slabs?
Share your interest in reclaimed wood by completing this survey. The deadline is Sunday, March 1.
The Wood Utilization Survey collects information on consumer demand for reclaimed or repurposed wood in Knoxville for the City of Knoxville and other tree care providers.
If successful, this initiative could keep usable materials out of landfills, reduce disposal costs, and provide low-cost or free materials to community members.
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4. Board of Zoning Appeals Meets Next Week
The City of Knoxville’s Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m. in room 461 of the City County Building, 400 Main St.
Properties on the agenda include:
A Zoom attendance option is available upon request. To request a link, please let Calvin Williams (at cbwill...@knoxvilletn.gov) know before NOON on the day of the meeting.
If any of these properties are in your neighborhood and you wish to speak to their condition, you might consider attending the meeting.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.
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5. Power Out? A Quick Guide for Knoxville Residents
Power outages can happen unexpectedly, especially during the winter. Knowing what to do before, during, and after an outage can keep you and your family safe and comfortable. Here’s a short guide from KUB to help you prepare and respond.
Before the Outage: Be Ready
- Build an emergency kit with batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, nonperishable food, bottled water, and a charged cell phone.
- Keep coolers and ice packs on hand to preserve food in warmer weather if the outage lasts longer than a few hours. If it is cold out, you can simply place your cooler outside.
- Group food together in your freezer to help it stay cold longer.
- Update your contact information with KUB online so you can report outages and receive updates.
- Plan ahead for extended outages and know where you could stay if needed.
- If using a generator, have it installed by a licensed electrician and always operate it outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Be sure to have a manual can opener or ring-pull cans.
During the Outage: Stay Safe
- Stay away from downed power lines. Note the location and call KUB immediately.
- Turn off major appliances like heat pumps and air conditioners to prevent overload when power returns. Leave one light on so you’ll know when service is restored.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An appliance thermometer can help you monitor food safety.
- If the outage lasts more than 4 hours, consider moving perishables to a cooler with ice or outside in colder weather.
After Power Returns
- Turn appliances back on once power is restored.
- Return any food from coolers to the freezer.
- Remember: If your electric service line is damaged, review KUB’s guidelines to understand responsibility for repairs.
KUB works to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, prioritizing critical services first. For more details on outage preparedness and restoration, visit KUB’s Outage Center.
The Office of Neighborhood Empowerment (ONE) has an Emergency Preparedness program. You can have the guest speakers attend your neighborhood meetings and/or have ONE Staff come and give a general overview to see if folks would be interested.
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6. Trees Knoxville Hosts Tree Planting
Trees Knoxville will host a family friendly tree planting event on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Malcolm Martin Park, 1737 Reynolds St.
Volunteers will plant more than 30 new trees to strengthen Knoxville’s urban tree canopy and support long-term environmental resilience. Remedy Coffee will provide coffee during the event, and Potchke Deli will serve hot soup afterward.
This event brings neighbors, volunteers, foresters, and community members together to plant trees, expand shade, strengthen biodiversity, and care for a shared public space that will benefit generations to come.
The Malcolm Martin Park planting will focus on increasing shade, cooling public spaces, improving stormwater absorption, and enhancing wildlife habitat. Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are welcome. No prior experience is necessary, and all tools, gloves, and on-site guidance will be provided by Trees Knoxville staff and certified arborists.
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7. Join the Clean-up in North Knoxville and Plant a Tree
Keep Knoxville Beautiful (KKB) is hosting their eighth annual North Knoxville Community Cleanup and partnering with Trees Knoxville for a Tree Planting. This event will be Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. at Northgate Plaza, 4212 N Broadway.
The clean-up will be removing litter from North Knoxville roads, creeks, and parks, and this year, there will be a special partnership with Trees Knoxville to plant trees at Whittle Springs Middle School.
Together, Trees Knoxville and Keep Knoxville Beautiful are expanding the urban canopy, helping keep schools cooler, and increasing biodiversity in neighborhoods across the city.
Participants of all ages who live, work, or spend time in North Knoxville are encouraged to join, as well as anyone who wants to lend a helping hand.
All the details to volunteer for the clean-up and how to help can be found on KKB’s website.
KKB highly recommends wearing long pants, and all volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes for the event. Please bring your own sunscreen, bug protection, and water.
The clean-up will happen rain or shine, but in the case of severe weather, the rain date is Sunday, March 1.
Thank you for keeping Knoxville beautiful!
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8. Knox Heritage Offers Community Preservation Grants
Knox Heritage is now accepting applications for its Community Preservation Grants. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 31.
Knox Heritage will provide grants of up to $5,000 to qualifying applicants in the following categories:
- Planning, Survey, and Designation
Eligibility requirements:
- The structure, sign, or landmark needs to be at least 50 years old
- The project must conserve sound historic materials and must be sensitive to the authentic historic character of the building, site, or sign. If applicable, overlay and/or neighborhood design guidelines must be followed.
For more information, visit their website.
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9. Pancake Fest Serves Smiles for Knoxville Seniors
The O’Connor Senior Center is hosting its annual Pancake Fest on Friday, March 27, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 611 Winona St.
Celebrity pancake flippers will include local elected officials, media personalities, and community leaders who will serve up an all-you-can-eat selection of pancakes, sausage, and beverages. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online, at the O’Connor Center, or at the Knox County CAC Office on Aging, located at 2247 Western Ave.
This event is open to all ages, and gluten-free, sugar-free, and heart-healthy options are available. Pancakes can be enjoyed on site, taken to go, or ordered ahead and picked up drive-thru style by calling 865-523-1135. There will be an artisan fair and live entertainment, as well as a Senior Expo where vendors will be handing out goodies and information about programs and services for seniors.
The host for this event is still accepting Celebrity Pancake Flippers! If you or your staff are interested in serving up griddle favorites, please contact Mary Sibbett at 865-523-1135 or email mary.s...@knoxseniors.org.
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10. Celebrate Black History Month in Knoxville!
February is Black History Month, and Black history is American history. In Knoxville, Black history is woven into the past and present. From local events to historic landmarks, there are many ways to celebrate, honor, and uplift the contributions of Black Americans right here in our community.
Art Exhibitions:
Ancestral Objects: Holders of Memory, Space, & Time
Now through Wednesday, Feb. 18
UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S Gay St.
For more information, click here.
A Two-Way Mirror: Double Consciousness in Contemporary Glass by Black Artists
Now through Sunday, May 3
Knoxville Museum of Art,1050 World's Fair Park Dr.
For more information, click here.
Events:
Frederick Douglass Day Transcribe-A-Thon
Friday, Feb. 13, from 12-3 p.m.
McClung Tower, 1115 Volunteer Blvd.
Seasons of Love: Brunch & Theater
Saturday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m.
Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave.
Black History Month Movie Screening: ‘Love, Brooklyn’
Saturday, Feb. 21, from 6-8 p.m.
The Bottom, 2340 E Magnolia Ave.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia - Did You Know? We Must Know
Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m.
Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave.
The Divine Black Experience - The Divine 9
Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m.
Bijou Theatre, 803 S Gay St.
Youth & Family Day with Roots & Rhythm
Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave.
Places to Visit:
Beck Cultural Exchange Center - A non-profit museum, located at 1927 Dandridge Ave dedicated to preserving and storing African American culture in East Tennessee.
Alex Haley Heritage Square - Located in Morningside Park at 1620 Dandridge Ave, the site features a 13‑foot statue of Alex Haley, renowned author of Roots and co‑author of The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
Green McAdoo Cultural Center - At 101 School St in Clinton, the site tells the story of the Clinton 12, the twelve African American students who broke barriers by integrating Tennessee’s first desegregated public high school.
Celebrate, learn about, and honor Black History this February and throughout the year!
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11. Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
To add your neighborhood event or meeting to the Google calendar, call 865-215-3232.
Other Calendars
Additional online calendars that cover events outside the neighborhood realm include:
The City of Knoxville requires a permit to operate a short-term rental property. Details and a list of short-term rental permits are located on the City’s website here.
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