HUD Participates in PlanET (East Tennessee) Regional Planning Kickoff Celebration

HUD Participates in PlanET (East Tennessee)

On Tuesday, October 11, at the East Tennessee History Center (http://easttnhistory.org/), Knoxville, Tennessee the kick-off event to introduce the PlanET process was presented to the local public and showcased how it will be used to create a positive impact in the community. Plan East Tennessee (PlanET) (http://www.planeasttn.org/) is launching a series of community-oriented conversations this fall to create a shared vision for the region's future.

Knoxville Field Office Director, Ed Ellis, along with Mr. Salin Geevarghese, Senior Advisor, from HUD's Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, participated in the PlanET kick-off.

Earlier in the day, Salin Geevarghese presented an overview of the $4.3 million planning grant given to the city of Knoxville - working with - the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), Knox County, and other local governments; they will develop a comprehensive plan for a more sustainable East Tennessee.

The regional plan will address a wide range of issues including air and water quality, economic and workforce development, healthy living, housing issues, land use and transportation. It will focus on getting local governments and key organizations in Knox, Blount, Anderson, Union and Loudon Counties to develop the region's capacity to work together for a more sustainable future.

PlanET Kickoff Celebration

Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan (http://www.cortn.org/government/57?date=2011-04-01), chair of the PlanET Board of Mayors. "Our goal is to create long-term solutions for investments in our region and to define the next chapter in our rich history, leaving a legacy of optimism and opportunity for future generations." Along with Mayor Beehan, Mayor Tim Burchett of Knox County (http://www.knoxcounty.org/countymayor/), Mayor Daniel Brown of the city of Knoxville (http://www.ci.knoxville.tn.us/mayor/get2know.asp), and other elected officials attended the kickoff.

East Tennessee (PlanET) is launching a series of community-oriented conversations this fall to create a shared vision for our region's future. People like you, your family, friends, neighbors, and your constituents will have an opportunity to offer their ideas and solutions to address East Tennessee's needs regarding jobs, housing, transportation, a clean environment and community health.

The kick-off event included guest speakers from participating communities, including community members sharing stories of their individual experiences and visions for our region. Attendees also were given the opportunity to take a bus tour of parts of Knox County, to learn more about the county, and the goals of PlanET.

To learn more go to Sustainable Housing and Communities on HUD's website.

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