Applications are now open for Knoxville youth interested in accelerating their leadership potential as members of Mayor Indya Kincannon’s Emerging Leaders Council. Applications are due Aug. 1, 2025. 

The nine-week leadership development program connects young people ages 18-24 with local leaders who discuss and share their professional and personal experiences as government employees, elected officials, and community leaders. 

“Young people want to be active members of their communities, and they benefit greatly from insight shared by experienced leaders,” says the City’s Youth Engagement Coordinator, Emily Norris, who oversees the program. 

Participants meet on Tuesday evenings to hear from guest speakers from the community to learn about civic engagement, elected office, City Council and other pertinent topics. They also visit the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. 

The first cohort met with Knox County Election Commission Director Chris Davis, Knoxville Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Development Lauren Longmire and City Council member Gwen McKenzie, among other guest speakers. 

First cohort participants shared positive feedback about their experiences in a post-program survey: 

• “This is an overall great opportunity for young adults who are interested in learning more about the key roles and functions of our local government.”

• “I found it most impactful to engage with different local government leaders, including learning about their respective roles, responsibilities and how their position impacts the local community both an economic and social level.” 

Information and applications are posted at https://bit.ly/KnoxEmergingLeaders.