Knoxville Chamber Releases Infrastructure Redefined

The Knoxville Chamber has released Infrastructure Redefined, a Path to Prosperity strategy designed to support future growth in the Knoxville area. The white paper aims to highlight a spectrum of short- and long-term infrastructure recommendations that the community can consider as it strives to drive regional economic prosperity.

Data from Redfin, a national real estate brokerage, ranks the Knoxville metro area at 26 on a list of fastest growing populations based on net inflow. Of the 30 cities mentioned, Knoxville boasts the lowest cost of living. Growth is not just on the horizon; it is already here. Supportive infrastructure is needed to convert growth into prosperity and increased revenue into strategic investment.

The Infrastructure Redefined strategy makes three recommendations:

• Lead and advocate for short- and long-term solutions to relieve roadway congestion, safety improvements for all modes of transportation, and advancements in movement to drive regional economic prosperity.
• Support infrastructure projects that aid in workforce development, talent retention and attraction, and business recruitment efforts.
• Support projects and policies involving buildings, energy, and land that support economic growth.
  

“Paramount to this strategy is an acknowledgement that growth is good and necessary to retain and attract talent and jobs,” said Nancy Nabors, director of regional enhancement at the Knoxville Chamber. “Infrastructure is a broad topic. It covers everything from interstate congestion to housing/development to broadband. Implementation of the recommendations will require the Chamber and its Infrastructure Council to collaborate with community stakeholders. Each recommendation is supported by a set of components that dive into more detail on needed action.”

The report is based on research from the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Mayor’s Climate Council, and the eKnox Task Force among others.

The full strategy is available here. In addition to the release of the white paper, the Knoxville Chamber will be hosting a panel discussion on December 9 featuring subject-matter experts from the region. To RSVP to the event, click here.

Infrastructure Redefined continues work the Knoxville Chamber is doing within its focus areas: business expansion, business attraction, business climate, infrastructure, talent, and entrepreneurship/small business. This is the fourth strategy released by the Chamber, joining the ranks of Talent Redefined, Workforce Redefined, and Capital Access Redefined.