Residents urge council to prioritize homelessness, housing and affordability in 2026 budget

During the public forum segment of the Jan. 6 meeting, two community speakers urged the city to prioritize housing and affordability in the year ahead.

Vivian Scheib told council the city had previously announced warming centers would not open without donated supplies and called that decision “disappointing,” urging a budgeted line item to address the needs of the most vulnerable. She asked the city to plan for housing for people experiencing homelessness, seniors, people leaving incarceration, people with mental health needs and youth; she suggested considering tiny-home models and distributing housing locations beyond downtown. Scheib said 161 people died on Knoxville streets in 2025 and said the council should act "intentionally" with concrete budgeted dollars.

Jeff Tallman, speaking as a resident of the 4th District, urged the council to prioritize affordability and keep more income in residents’ pockets, saying revenue opportunities exist and pointing to redevelopment potential at the Knoxville College property to generate jobs and tax revenue.

Both public-comment speakers urged the newly constituted council to address long-standing housing and affordability challenges as it sets priorities for 2026.