Skip to content

KCDC Earns $40 Million Hud Grant



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).

More Stories

  • Latest Issue 3 24

    Read More
  • Editor's Letter

    As we embrace the arrival of March, a noticeable sense of excitement is in the air. Events once again fill the pages from elegant galas to Mardi Gras-themed parties. The BaseVols are back on the mound and the the days are gradually becoming longer; the promise of spring is just around the corner.  Read More
  • Hundreds of Children Race to Finish Line At Covenant Kids Run Kickoff

    The 20th Annual Covenant Kids Run has officially started with a kickoff marked by a 1-mile run outside West Town Mall, starting and finishing at DICK’S House of Sport and attended byhundreds of East Tennessee students racing to raise money for their schools. Read More
  • Local Start-Up To National Brand: Family-Owned Sugarland turns 10

    Distilleries are one of Tennessee’s biggest drivers of economic growth, accounting for $3.5 billion in impact and 30,000 jobs across the state, according to a study by Tourism Economics.

    One local distillery that’s helping fuel that growth is celebrating its 10th anniversary in a few weeks and I was hoping we could work together on this story that runs the gamut of entrepreneurship, food/bev, tourism, entertainment, and more.

    Read More