Council approves submission of citys consolidated housing plan and 2026 action plan to HUD

The Knoxville City Council voted to authorize submission of the consolidated plan for housing and community development and the 2026 action plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The plan will guide use of federal Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Act and Emergency Solutions grant funds in the coming year. Council members and staff used the floor to debate the plan—s emphasis on increasing housing supply while some urged a greater focus on immediate services for people who are currently homeless.

Kevin DeBose, director of Housing and Neighborhood Development, told the council the city—s "bold goal was to create 68,000 new housing units by 2029." He said last year the city permitted 1,489 housing units, of which 444 were characterized as affordable, and that the city—s investments over the past five years have totaled about $50 million and contributed to roughly 2,600 housing units.

Vice Mayor Smith commended staff for a clear presentation of funding sources and said she was pleased the plan emphasized housing supply, but she also asked about the Office on Housing Stability—s strategic plan and its timetable. DeBose and staff said they expect that strategic plan around September.

Several council members voiced concerns that federal and longer-term supply-side investments do not address the urgent needs of people currently homeless. Councilwoman Parker pressed for a stronger local funding commitment to homelessness services and asked that the forthcoming Office on Housing Stability strategic plan prioritize low-barrier shelters and a "one-stop" resource center. Parker said the consolidated plan relies on other reports the council has not yet seen and asked that those reports be provided to members.

Councilman Roberto asked about progress toward the city—s unit goals and DeBose said the city is "on pace" and that permitting last year met the level required to stay on track for the target. DeBose and others emphasized that much of the consolidated-plan funding is allocated to preservation as well as new construction; he said a portion of grant dollars goes to emergency repairs and work that keeps low-income homeowners and rental properties from becoming code-deficient or converting to market-rate housing.

Council members also questioned how the city—s incentives affect naturally occurring affordable housing and what contractual obligations developers accept in exchange for incentives.

The council approved the resolution to submit the consolidated plan and the 2026 action plan to HUD on a voice vote.

City staff said the Office on Housing Stability strategy and public comments received during the consolidated-plan process will inform next year—s planning and funding priorities.