The City Council of Knoxville convened on May 17, 2025, to discuss several key issues, primarily focusing on the contract with Turn Up Knoxville, a local organization involved in community engagement and violence interruption efforts.

The meeting began with a proposal to postpone the decision on the contract for two weeks. One council member expressed concerns that this delay would not yield any new information and would hinder the timely execution of necessary work. They emphasized the importance of involving community members in the decision-making process, advocating for their participation as an advisory board.

As discussions progressed, another council member supported the idea of mediation, highlighting the competence and integrity of the organization’s leadership. They suggested that instead of changing leadership, it would be more beneficial for the parties involved to engage in mediated discussions to resolve any communication issues.

Council member McKenzie inquired about the current staffing situation at Turn Up Knoxville, revealing that the organization has five active staff members who continue to operate at a limited capacity. They acknowledged the organization's recent success in securing a grant outside of city funding, which was met with congratulations from the council.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution on the contract, as council members continued to weigh the implications of their decisions and the importance of community involvement in the process. Further discussions and potential actions are expected in the coming weeks as the council seeks to address the concerns raised during the meeting.