[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6238571,"mediaKeyId","3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a","parentId",3350907,"title","City Council approves 12-month contract with national firm to manage violence-interruption program amid local objections","audioSeconds",3980,"startMs",1020000,"endMs",5000000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a&start=1020&end=5000","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a/thumbnail_1020000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6238571/Tennessee/City-Council-approves-12-month-contract-with-national-firm-to-manage-violence-interruption-program-amid-local-objections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238571-c96d1e8ffbec8142ea2c4909e5eea421/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755398&Signature=bdt8HQdY73tP~NpfLqAaon7WMHVV6dELj6YMmMOpz76FDCvemwcgRa42FCZYbVD9C2schAdgGfrx~ukSoiSLdJzOQD85dISefid6lGag1Bl21sKcUmuxF2H-jHRXp~9LmC--DXgpLLkhtQiNb3FiHrzylh70aoDk7v5KyeOhuLLpJtl9hycU9fly-2eUpOsXrMNocp5GMvEd58ULHwWeWD8bgaAvLMLViWjQwha0WSUDCASjC5QgC-jAWw0R5mz2ZUBBggHynpSLIARO1M-mnxs~eB2XXSrCME0Id5a~uZcLMStszu1C21CRvItZoxz5ehkA-PH~V~z4KBAW7Slusg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Knoxville, TN","date","2025-05-17T00:28:11.197Z","article","The Knoxville City Council voted to authorize the mayor to extend a contract with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) to manage implementation of community violence intervention programming and provide technical assistance for a period of up to 12 months. The resolution—listed as agenda item 11k—says NICJR would be paid \"in an amount not to exceed $519,750\" under this extension, bringing the total contract cap cited in the agenda to \"not to exceed $826,800.\" Council approved the action after prolonged public comment and debate.

Councilmember Amelia Parker said the city needs capacity building but remained concerned that the contract in its current form did not guarantee local leadership would return at the end of the year. \"This contract is insufficient to address the issues that we need addressing,\" Parker said during deliberations.

Supporters and opponents addressed council during the public comment period. Darius El Shabazz, executive director of Formative Futures, urged the council to \"invest in peace,\" saying local organizations are the frontline of violence prevention and need sustained funding. Rashad Woods, Tennessee director of Renounce Denounce (a local intervention group), told the council he had reviewed the resolution and concluded, \"Do we want our organization to be a part of this effort as employees? After careful consideration, my answer is no.\" Denzel Grant, the executive director of Turn Up Knox, urged collaboration and said, \"If it takes me walking away, that's what I'll do,\" describing the personal stakes community leaders see in the work.

City staff and NICJR representatives described the contract as a temporary bridge to restore boots-on-the-ground outreach for summer months while local organizations receive training and organizational support. Lakenya Middlebrook, director of the Office of Community Safety and Empowerment, told council NICJR would hire locally for the positions and provide technical assistance so local organizations could later respond to a request for proposals (RFP) to operate the program long term.

Several council members pressed staff for specifics. Councilmember Roberto asked whether NICJR would provide training and technical assistance to existing local groups; Middlebrook answered yes and said NICJR would help the city develop an RFP and onboard a permanent provider after the contract period. Councilmembers asked for and discussed adding reporting requirements; Vice Mayor Smith requested six-month reporting and additional oversight language during implementation.

The contract description given to council said NICJR would hire a total of six local positions: five violence interrupters and outreach/life-coach roles plus a program manager to handle administrative duties, reporting and training coordination. NICJR's project manager would also make regular on-site visits to Knoxville to support implementation and capacity building.

The vote followed competing motions. A motion to deny the contract failed after a voice vote. A motion to postpone the item for two weeks failed on roll call (3 in favor, 6 opposed). A subsequent motion to approve the contract carried; council took no additional formal amendments on the record.

What was left unresolved in council debate was how NICJR hiring would interact with existing local organizations. Council members and local practitioners repeatedly emphasized that many organizations already perform street outreach and that staff turnover or the temporary reassignment of experienced local workers to NICJR-paid positions could weaken existing programs. Several community speakers recommended that NICJR use its training capacity to shore up local groups rather than hire a new, stand-alone team.

Council members who supported the contract said the city needed a manageable, accountable implementation now to avoid gaps in street outreach as summer begins. Supporters stressed that the contract is explicitly temporary, that it includes capacity building and that an RFP will be issued near the end of the term so local groups can apply for long-term funding.

The council action authorizes the mayor to execute the contract extension and related documents; budget and procurement steps will follow under city administration. Councilmembers and speakers asked staff to return with written reporting metrics and a clear timeline for the planned RFP and transition to local management.

The debate highlighted deep tensions between stabilizing immediate outreach services and preserving and growing local organizations' capacity and leadership. Council provided direction that NICJR must document outreach outcomes and provide capacity-building support to local partners while the city monitors progress.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council R 265 250513","oneSentenceSummary","The Knoxville City Council voted to authorize a one-year contract extension with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform to manage community violence intervention services and provide training and technical assistance, approving funds cited in the agenda to support that work despite strong objections from some local practitioners.","taxTitle","City Council Meetings, Knoxville City, Knox County, Tennessee","taxId",69361,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238551,"Council confirms appointments to Police Advisory and Review Committee",52,320000,372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a&start=320&end=372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a/thumbnail_320000.jpg","/articles/6238551/Tennessee/Council-confirms-appointments-to-Police-Advisory-and-Review-Committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238551-e719acd7df55db7b7ea38ec5a258b3f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755398&Signature=l1t8suWHy1pugTe0tUBDs8zuu74jPj2P2Qfwy6CICsC3DtcIaAkFg4Pv6cIi-vS8ht6B2l4hthkdHZm01LgV3hNS40GqRdeg7Ell5NXSm0FgIoN~mI2zB1ZgYXan1xr3uOL8EuNRzDM1i0SPmcaweH-YeFIL1eaWXwljxSczORK4iD7SQkhV7kfVNq37G9e9hTXU7CeUF7vO0KTG3FFxvSj9S4-rdmqWvlwL08FO4IvCRjNz3TGzyadmfCTsHjpfYTKfvIVV8uP6SbsvHLsEODDUERZ6hoKy07vt22rr2fM6wmHR3LIBZ8wJ7tBKYLw3Pc4A6QwqWEMx09AB6dR4Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a resolution confirming the reappointment of Jonathan Haskell and the appointment of Brian Brooks and Valerie Reed to the Police Advisory and Review Committee. The motion was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

Councilmember McKenzie thanked the committee members for their willingness to serve; several appointees were present in the chamber and were recognized by council.

The motion carried with no further discussion recorded in the transcript.","The council confirmed the reappointment of Jonathan Haskell and the appointment of Brian Brooks and Valerie Reed to the Police Advisory and Review Committee. Councilmembers thanked appointees present at the meeting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238556,"Council approves quitclaim deed sale in homemakers program; councilmember frames it as affordable-housing tool",115,892000,1007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a&start=892&end=1007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a/thumbnail_892000.jpg","/articles/6238556/Tennessee/Council-approves-quitclaim-deed-sale-in-homemakers-program-councilmember-frames-it-as-affordable-housing-tool","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238556-95329df420dd67f175853a2bfd806e2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755398&Signature=imNP0CrFPDVA97aFYcF4AhV3tilanmre6xssszZMxJkeOaQ5YNBWsULOOYYfHfML27awq90tqjGpKRCUO-cMmbHeq2DvdhTu8SY2KX26hj1mXIgT3pNkWy6pCRIYEq~9vmWbqAw3lAZkq4WLkQGL4H3pkhM2Ob5p7Vmx1G~IcYE2owsFCPVdFc5Pf682VMMYx7syBQGWN6eGrCQ~IeLsCTf-vByecMW3k5G6iyK~NbNnyx346fWnb0sQCpecCfUQmaPtNprJbf6nvhNhA9SmOeJI9HqwMH-XErVfbEBK~eTElEonlVMNeotsdkep-GfoUeUbR7aFxTeJpYOxLtnylQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a quitclaim deed to Tiffany Foster and Reed Matthew Foster for one parcel at 2100 Washington Avenue (parcel ID 082JX010) under the homemakers program for a contract sales price of $100,000.

Councilmember Amelia Parker described the homemakers sale as an example of using city tools to increase affordable homeownership and rental options. Parker said the property will be sold and a single-family home built; the project includes a two-bedroom, one-bath basement rental that will be restricted to households at 80% or below area median income (AMI).

Council approved the deed by voice vote. The resolution directs city staff to complete the conveyance consistent with the homemakers program and the contract terms for resale and rental restrictions.","The council approved a quitclaim deed for a City-owned lot under the homemakers program, selling a parcel at 2100 Washington Avenue to Tiffany and Reed Foster for $100,000; councilmembers said the project will produce a single-family home and an affordable basement rental restricted at 80% area median income.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238561,"Council approves $141,506 contract increase for Augusta Quarry amenities; city says opening likely this summer",50,720000,770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a&start=720&end=770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a/thumbnail_720000.jpg","/articles/6238561/Tennessee/Council-approves-141506-contract-increase-for-Augusta-Quarry-amenities-city-says-opening-likely-this-summer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238561-ff62e8fba93e34458d4cfa6f1575e93d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755398&Signature=dud25N-HKN7zTcFwkhxG1-SUDfkeUkAaHqDPElBBgErc8shNWHtuCSVRZ9neBPtVCS6QzkgbF67Z4vw2l~5zuS6RvvlKgHlhGRRbJalQMRk2dXIBnT-uR9822ad-bcUJmjkQAd9uyZM0jd~mi1oCMgaY5kdRNlZajwCQldyYq~7r58723N8Lv8uRBsLYeMpLkXpNv3ZFhq1vcNLq~WuYmP1k~lyfk--v8VNBeD-iGA~Q8LXRhgfIg1YxZ~aJN9cP~AYaGmjb4o0~ppYiT3YQe~rpq7PCMVSihzR3W6TLvIJ5JLSUTWNGUCiy4JQpaTvO4QjwkUpSbJ0usaxGupuNKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a contract amendment increasing Southern Constructors Inc.'s contract for the Augusta Quarry amenities phase 2 project by $141,506.61, for a revised contract total of $3,767,296.99. Council approved the change order by voice vote.

Vice Mayor Smith asked project representative Wes Sauer (identified in the meeting as working with Urban Welders/West Sword) to update the council and the public. Sauer said construction is in the final push, docks and buildings \"look awesome,\" and staff are hopeful for completion in the next few weeks; the administration expects a summer 2025 opening but provided no firm date.

Councilmembers praised the public-private coordination on the project and thanked construction and parks staff for progress on the amenities. The amendment was presented as part of follow-on costs to finish the site.","The council approved a change order increasing the contract for Augusta Quarry amenities phase 2, raising the contract by $141,506.61 to a new total of $3,767,296.99. City and project representatives said the site should open this summer though a firm ribbon-cutting date is not set.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6238566,"Council approves land acquisition authority for Broadway Streetscapes; project largely federally funded",144,417000,561000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a&start=417&end=561","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350907-02817acf403d9b27c7c05b39964cc81a/thumbnail_417000.jpg","/articles/6238566/Tennessee/Council-approves-land-acquisition-authority-for-Broadway-Streetscapes-project-largely-federally-funded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238566-5a3c8effc1cf57c49af7850116277dc1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755398&Signature=DSvVccLKpTeBuaG7v-7kvKNnVWi1KeoP6fKSqN-b-zKN4Z-~dBVhKjDAkpVioV8HdQgJfJ~7J-ks-mEfd0nKKBnd8u-Lrd6y96cFZ9ou2p40T3Sq8RO16nMDxMPgnHWOfpinmX7I~HRDtqPUyWD2xWduVyqLW3YWBxdlgeZYBX7TGK2Ul0e6jaPiC7AAgBqPlMwAgWDs0e9GnAyxKAjME9WYFPBMgW5KSJvw5UkAxVbO-NPkOL8nS2zU4ohb6vcaY0iU3bxhz8oVRGrZFkDR5BHoDQ5bmk9OnhXndsjGmdkfj1SwJzCss2r4yeduaLlvMHh-acq1YzDIwU9iD4J0jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Knoxville City Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute documents necessary to acquire property for the Broadway Streetscapes project by negotiated purchase or condemnation if necessary. The resolution covers up to eight tracts of real property with a total appropriation not to exceed $1,072,600.

Tom Plegel, the city’s engineering director, told council the right-of-way phase is eligible for 80% federal funding and 20% local match. Councilmember Bridal, who helped shepherd the project, said the current design places a larger buffer between Broadway (U.S. 441) and the Greenway and should improve safety for people walking and biking along the route.

The project includes a missing Greenway link from Cecil Avenue to Fulton High School; Plegel and staff said the project’s right-of-way acquisitions are needed prior to construction. Officials estimated construction would likely begin in spring 2026.

Council approved the resolution by voice vote. The administration said staff will continue to coordinate property negotiations and handle any condemnation proceedings only if negotiations fail.","The council authorized the mayor to acquire up to eight parcels for the Broadway Streetscapes right-of-way phase, with the city’s share covered largely by federal funds. Engineering staff said the purchase will enable a missing greenway connection to Fulton High School and construction may begin in spring 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City Council approves 12-month contract with national firm to manage violence-interruption program amid local objections

Council confirms appointments to Police Advisory and Review Committee

Council approves quitclaim deed sale in homemakers program; councilmember frames it as affordable-housing tool

Council approves $141,506 contract increase for Augusta Quarry amenities; city says opening likely this summer

Council approves land acquisition authority for Broadway Streetscapes; project largely federally funded