On Friday morning, April 24, Mayor Indya Kincannon will present her proposed 2026-27 budget during her State of the City Address at the new Urban Wilderness Gateway Park pavilion.
 
The program will start promptly at 11:30 a.m. Guests are invited to begin gathering as early as 10:45 a.m.
 
“The Gateway Park is the perfect spot to host State of the City,” Mayor Kincannon said. “It’s a good opportunity for people to come and check out the new playscape and park amenities with spring in full bloom. Also, it’s a visual reminder of how amazing things happen when we collaborate to create beautiful new public spaces.”
 
The Urban Wilderness Gateway Park’s new pavilion and playscape opened in early February. Family-serving amenities include four bathrooms, shade structures, picnic tables, and unique play features that include slides and natural boulders built into the slopes.
 
If attending State of the City, please RSVP by calling the City’s 3-1-1 line (3-1-1 or 865-215-4311) by Friday, April 17.
 
ADA parking is available at the park. But the City is recommending that most attendees leave the driving to Knoxville Area Transit. KAT buses will be offering free shuttles to the State of the City from two locations – the City County Building (Main Avenue pickup) and the Civic Coliseum Garage C.
 
The free buses will run from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and they will be returning guests to the City County Building and Civic Coliseum Garage from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
 
State of the City this year coincides with Arbor Day, so attendees should anticipate a few tree-friendly surprises dovetailed into the program.
 
Always environmentally-friendly, State of the City invitations are electronic rather than paper, and the programs will be accessible using a QR code. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Biodegradable products will be used in serving lunch, and composting will be available on location.

The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.
 
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at [email protected] or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at [email protected] or 865-215-2034.