The Kingsport City Council says the city is moving in the right direction—focused on sustainability and community partnerships. This year’s State of the City address emphasized putting people at the center of every decision.
In unveiling a new strategic plan to dozens of community members, City Manager Chris McCarter said the plan aims to improve sustainability, revitalize the city, and build strong community partnerships.
McCart said the city wants citizens to understand the reasons behind decisions and where funding is spent, emphasizing a balanced approach across the board. “We must examine every need and invest in priority areas to keep the city functioning,” he noted.
Several investments are already underway, including a new Kingsport dental clinic and a new library, both expected to open soon.
Additional projects are planned, including an elementary school in the Lynn Gardens area and improved paving that will pave the way for 150 acres of developable land.
Mayor Paul Montgomery said moving forward is the only option. “If we don’t work to improve the status quo, we’re going to regress or stagnate, and in our current economic climate, stagnation is an unacceptable cost,” he said.
The city said it will move forward with these projects under the new strategy and continue to engage with the community to ensure that development is sustainable and prioritizes the public’s interests.