Project Overview

What is a Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan?

A Comprehensive Plan is a long-term guide that expresses the values, aspirations, needs, and unique conditions of a community. The Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan will establish an integrated vision for growth and infrastructure investment and address many related topics that impact the county’s quality of life today and in the future. The plan is a tool to prepare for change and acts as both a business plan and guidebook for decision-makers.

Why does Knox County need this plan?

In general, planning is good stewardship. Knox County has long been a place that attracts new residents, invests in jobs, and has a strong sense of community pride. It is also a place that continues to rapidly change, on track for another record-breaking year for building permits. This plan will be the first to integrate land use and community design with transportation and other topics. It will guide decisions about where and how growth occurs and where investments in infrastructure and services are made throughout the county.

Who's Involved

Consultants

Process leadership, expertise

Kimley-Horn and Planning NEXT will facilitate the process and share experience from other successful communities. Cannon & Cannon, Ninigret Partners, and Urban 3 will provide technical and subject matter expertise.

Staff

Coordination

Staff from Knox County and Knoxville-Knox County Planning will support and help coordinate the work of all other groups and provide local knowledge and expertise.

Advisory Committee

Process, substance, and community outreach

A diverse group of community members that will provide guidance on the process and substance of the plan and will serve as community advocates.

Technical Committee

Local subject matter experts and advisors

A group of community members with specific technical knowledge that will provide direction at major milestones in the process.

Subcommittees

Topical direction

Two subcommittees, focused on schools and utilities, and composed of members of the Advisory Committee and technical committee, will provide input and direction related to those topics.

Stakeholders

Targeted input

Additional topical focus groups will be convened to inform specific aspects of the plan. These groups include business leaders, neighborhood associations, real estate professionals and developers, education professionals, students, and others.

Public

Input and feedback

Community participation is vital to the plan’s success. Three rounds of input opportunities and online tools will offer a variety of different ways for the community to give input throughout the process.

Elected Officials

Monitor and adopt

County Commission will monitor the process through input and periodic briefings with the expectation to formally adopt the final plan. The Commission will have a central role in implementation through regulatory updates or funding allocations.

Project Timeline

This is a significant undertaking that will last approximately 18 months. It is expected to be complete near the end of 2023. There will be multiple opportunities for community input beginning in early 2022. The timeline is subject to change throughout the life of the project.

Want to know more about the process?

When will the plan be completed?

The project is anticipated to take approximately 18 months. Plan adoption is expected to take place in May 2023. A project timeline will be maintained to keep track of major milestones in the process.

What is the process for the plan to be adopted?

Advance Knox began at the end of 2021 and is expected to take approximately 18 months. To be adopted, the final plan will first be heard by the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission. It will then go to Knox County Commission and requires two readings.

How does it relate to other plans used by Knoxville-Knox County Planning?

This plan will establish policies, principles, and concepts that guide future development and preservation. It will inform land use maps, zoning, and other smaller area plans and studies. It will also update the boundaries in the Growth Policy Map that determine planned growth and rural areas, though approval and adoption of this map requires a separate process.

How can the public get involved in this project?

There will be three rounds of community engagement throughout the process. The website will share information on upcoming public meetings, surveys, and other ways to get involved, and individuals can sign up to receive email updates.

Are the City of Knoxville and Town of Farragut included in the plan?

Both jurisdictions will participate as key stakeholders and are invested in the outcome. However, the plan will apply only to the unincorporated parts of Knox County. The County planning effort will focus on coordination among the three jurisdictions and may propose planning solutions to the City of Knoxville and Town of Farragut as appropriate.