Key Issues
1: Violence prevention
Proven Leadership in Violence Prevention
In 2024, Knoxville achieved historic progress in reducing gun violence, and the results speak for themselves: In the East District, which includes District 6, homicides dropped by an incredible 67%, falling from 24 in 2022 to just 8 in 2024. But these aren’t just numbers. They represent lives saved, futures protected, neighborhoods strengthened, and hope restored. This progress is proof that community-led safety strategies are not only effective, but they are essential. As Executive Director of Turn Up Knox and a lead partner in the City’s Project TLC initiative, I have been proud to work on the frontlines of this transformation.
We’ve built real trust. We’ve opened doors to opportunity. And we’ve provided meaningful alternatives to violence — interrupting cycles of harm before they can begin. But our work isn’t finished. On the City Council, I will continue to champion and expand these life-saving strategies. I’ll fight for deeper investments in our neighborhoods, support programs that uplift our youth, and push for policies that put the community’s voice at the center of public safety. Because every street, every family, and every person in District 6 deserves not just survival, but a future full of opportunity, security, and dreams fulfilled. Together, we can build a Knoxville where every life is valued and every neighborhood thrives.
2: Affordable Housing
Expanding Affordable Housing
East Knoxville is at the center of a growing housing affordability crisis. Rising rents and soaring home prices are displacing long-time residents and making it harder for working families to find the stable, affordable housing they need. In response, the City of Knoxville launched a major initiative, the Affordable Housing Fund, aimed at creating and preserving affordable housing across the city. Programs like the Affordable Rental Development Fund and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers are already making an impact. But we can’t stop there. We must ensure these resources truly reach the families of District 6 who need them most. As your City Council representative, I will work to increase the supply of affordable rental units, support high-quality developments that provide safe, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. Expand homeownership opportunities, advocate for stronger down payment assistance, credit-building programs, and first-time homebuyer education, helping families achieve stability. Let’s preserve existing affordable housing and invest in rehabilitating current homes to prevent displacement, maintain affordability, and protect the character and history of our neighborhoods. Partner with local experts and community organizations. Collaborate with groups like the Urban League, local realtors, and bankers to deliver financial literacy workshops, homeownership counseling, and support services directly to District 6 residents. Everyone deserves the chance to live in a safe, affordable home — and to put down roots in the community they love. Together, we can expand access to housing, unlock pathways to homeownership, and build a stronger, more inclusive Knoxville for generations to come.
3: REAL EQUITY FOR EAST KNOXVILLE
Advocating for True Equity in Knoxville
Between 1959 and 1974, the City of Knoxville’s urban renewal projects — including the Willow Street, Mountain View, and Morningside initiatives — displaced numerous Black families and businesses. Homes were demolished, churches uprooted, and vibrant communities dismantled, leaving lasting scars that continue to contribute to disparities in housing, education, and economic opportunity today. In response, the City of Knoxville established the African American Equity Restoration Task Force in 2020.to rebuild and invest in the Black communities affected by these injustices. This historic initiative is focused on addressing disparities, fostering generational wealth, and restoring opportunity to communities that have been left behind for too long. As your City Council representative, I will expand awareness of the fund and its purpose, ensuring that community members are fully informed, engaged, and empowered to participate. Advocate for transparent and equitable processes that prioritize the needs and voices of those directly impacted by past urban renewal projects. Collaborate closely with the Task Force to develop policies and programs that drive generational wealth building and community restoration. True equity requires more than acknowledgment — it demands action. Together, we can honor the past, repair the harm, and build a future where every neighborhood in Knoxville thrives.