Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has earned a $40 million federal grant for Transforming Western, a comprehensive plan to transform Western Heights and the surrounding neighborhood that will include affordable housing and improved access to transportation, housing and economic stability. With the addition of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods grant, more than $220 million in funds have been committed to support the people, neighborhood, and housing. “Transforming Western truly represents a collaborative effort after 14 months of intensive community engagement,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “This plan is a synthesis of the dreams and ideas of the residents, community members and stakeholders and will transform Western Heights and the Beaumont neighborhood into a community where families and residents can thrive.” The awarding of the competitive Choice Neighborhoods grant from HUD followed a process that began in February 2021 with insight from Western Heights residents followed by meetings with 17 groups with a vested interest in the neighborhood. The resulting Transforming Western plan covers the renovation and replacement of residential structures, along with employment opportunities, transportation, safety, better access to health care and improved internet access. KCDC’s lead partners in the Transforming Western planning process include Brinshore Development, Urban Design Associates, BarberMcMurry Architects, CVR Associates and Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC).