Building Knoxville’s Competitive Edge: Why I am Voting for the Sales Tax Referendum
By Brandon Bruce
As an entrepreneur and investor, I’ve spent years helping launch and grow companies in Knoxville. One question I hear constantly from entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors is, “Why Knoxville?” Why should we start here, grow here, or invest here instead of another city?
The answer always comes down to people. The talent you can attract and the people you can retain are the ultimate drivers of growth. And talent doesn’t just follow jobs anymore, it follows quality of life.
That’s why I am voting for the local sales tax referendum.
The referendum would raise Knoxville’s local sales tax by half a cent—from 2.25 percent to 2.75 percent. That small adjustment will generate about $47 million a year, with every dollar earmarked for visible, measurable improvements across the city.
Groceries are exempt from the tax, and visitors (people who shop, eat, or stay in Knoxville but don’t live here) will help foot the bill.
This is not a blank check. It’s a clear plan to build the kind of infrastructure that makes Knoxville more livable, more attractive, and more competitive.
I’m an avid cyclist, and I enjoyed walking my kids to school when they were younger. Those experiences are a reminder that infrastructure is personal. A missing sidewalk, an unsafe road crossing, a greenway that doesn’t connect anywhere, these things affect our quality of life. But they also affect our economy.
When companies decide where to expand or entrepreneurs choose where to launch, they look for communities that invest in themselves. Housing, safe streets, vibrant parks and connected greenways aren’t just amenities. They are magnets for talent.
Knoxville competes in a national marketplace. Cities that are thriving are doing so because they’ve made long-term bets on infrastructure and quality of life. They’ve built cities where top engineers, designers and business leaders want to live. If we want Knoxville to be in that league, we can’t rely on yesterday’s infrastructure.
For companies, strong infrastructure is better for business. Affordable housing makes it possible for young workers to stay here instead of leaving. Sidewalks and safe streets make it easier for families to choose a home. Greenways and parks make Knoxville more attractive to relocating talent. Each of these factors make Knoxville a stronger sell to companies weighing where to grow.
And when we don’t invest, the costs are obvious. Retaining and recruiting talent is harder. Turnover is higher.
This referendum also signals something important, that Knoxville is willing to invest in itself.
That message matters. It matters to the entrepreneur considering where to launch their next company. It matters to the national employer thinking about where to open their next office. And it matters to the families deciding whether to build their future here or somewhere else.
As a parent, I want my kids to grow up in a city that invests in them. As a cyclist, I want safer, more connected routes. As an entrepreneur and investor, I want Knoxville to keep attracting the kind of talent and companies that will drive our economy for decades.
That’s what this referendum is about, it’s an investment in Knoxville.
I am voting FOR Knoxville on November 4. I hope you will, too.
Brandon Bruce is a technology entrepreneur, investor, avid community volunteer, cyclist and co-founder of Market Square Ventures, 121 Tech Hub, and the Knoxville Technology Council. For more information on the referendum visit, https://neighborsforknoxville.com/
Neighbors for Knoxville Announces New Wave of Community Support for City Sales Tax Referendum
Neighbors for Knoxville today announced another wave of community members and organizations endorsing the City of Knoxville’s Sales Tax Referendum– a measure that will fund more sidewalks, affordable housing, safer streets, and improved parks across every part of the city.
If approved by voters on November 4, the referendum will provide roughly $47 million annually to fund the City’s Five-Year Neighborhood Investment Plan—accelerating projects that would otherwise take decades to complete.
Here’s what Knoxville neighbors and business leaders are saying:
“With rising costs, delaying essential projects only makes them more expensive. I think the neighborhood investment plan is smart for our community’s future.” –Shane Archer, small business owner
“I am voting for the sales tax because I think we need the items in the neighborhood investment plan, like affordable housing, greenways and sidewalks.” –Daniel Brown, former Mayor of Knoxville & City Council representative
“I am a veteran who served seven years in the U.S. Army. I am approved for a VA home loan but as a working class woman, there is nothing in my price range. The local sales tax referendum invests more in affordable housing, which helps put homeownership within reach for folks like me.” –Dana Moran, working families advocate
“When companies decide where to expand or entrepreneurs choose where to launch, they look for communities that invest in themselves. Housing, safe streets, vibrant parks and connected greenways aren’t just amenities. For companies, strong infrastructure is better for business. This referendum signals something important, that Knoxville is willing to invest in itself.” –Brandon Bruce, technology entrepreneur and investor
“I support the sales tax increase because it will increase funding to support more affordable housing for Knoxville.” –Alvin Nance, affordable housing advocate
“I’d like to see a Knoxville where families can afford to live, where kids can safely walk and bike and where neighborhoods are connected. This half cent tax can deliver that future.” –Finbarr Saunders, former Vice Mayor of Knoxville & City Council representative
“I am FOR the Neighborhood Investment Plan: safer paths for kids, vibrant parks and rec centers, affordable housing, and tourist spending fueling investment today, to secure our tomorrow.” –Nadim Jubran, entrepreneur
“I am voting for the sales tax because near to my heart are connecting our greenways and addressing homelessness. Join me and vote FOR the sales tax on November 4.” –Will Skelton, greenways & community advocate
“I support the sales tax referendum because it addresses real needs at the heart of Knoxville—our neighborhoods. With groceries excluded, it’s a win for all residents!” –Avice Reid, community advocate
“I am voting for the sales tax increase because the funds will allow the City to continue to provide quality parks, greenways and recreation programs in Knoxville!” –Joe Walsh, former director Parks & Rec City of Knoxville
“I support the sales tax increase to help pay for sidewalks so students and families can walk to school safely.” –Elizabeth Evola, West Hills Elementary & Bearden High mom
“This ballot item supports a community where kids can grow up safe, supported, and connected. A strong Knoxville starts with neighborhoods, where families can thrive.” –Justus Hayes, North Knoxville advocate
“The sales tax unlocks major benefits to keep Knoxville thriving! Visitors shoulder much of the cost for safer streets, improved parks, roads and greenways!” –Brent Waugh, neighborhood advocate
“I’ve seen first-hand the need for sidewalks and rec centers to keep children safe, and I am supporting the referendum to strengthen our neighborhoods.” –Amy Brace, student & neighborhood advocate
“I support the sales tax increase because we need to build more affordable housing. The funds will also help low income seniors stay in their homes with accessible entries and needed home repairs – in addition to many other housing needs facing our community.” –Dr. Bonnie Graham, retired FNP & affordable housing advocate
Previously announced supporters include Mark Mamantov, Ramsey Cohen, Maria Foran, Matthew Park, Kathrine Torbett and Legacy Parks Foundation.
Additional community groups FOR Knoxville include:
● YES! Knoxville
● Bike Walk Knoxville
● Sierra Club Harvey Broome Group
The sales tax referendum would increase Knoxville’s local sales tax option from 2.25% to 2.75%, matching nearby counties like Anderson, Blount, Sevier, Jefferson, Grainger, and Cocke– many of which have had the full rate in place for decades.
The proposal excludes essential items like groceries, gas, utilities, rent, prescriptions, and property taxes.
Funds from the referendum will support:
Affordable Housing: Creating 1,000 new homes for working families, seniors, and veterans.
Sidewalks & Safer Streets: Prioritizing routes near schools and traffic-calming projects in neighborhoods.
Parks & Community Facilities: Upgrading playgrounds, rec centers, and Fire Hall #15.
Greenways & Roads: Connecting neighborhoods with 8 new sections of greenways and repaving an additional 15 miles of city streets each year.
Additional details on the specific projects can be found here.
Early voting runs now through October 30, and Election Day is November 4.
KNOXVILLE IS CATCHING UP: NEIGHBORING COUNTIES ALREADY MAXIMIZE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
Neighbors for Knoxville calls on city voters to support the upcoming sales tax referendum, which would raise the local option sales tax in the City of Knoxville to match that of surrounding counties, from 2.25% to 2.75%.
Counties surrounding Knox County including Anderson County, Blount County, Sevier County, Jefferson County and Grainger County, have long since adopted the 2.75% local option rate.
Anderson County enacted its 2.75% local option sales tax in 2006, Jefferson County enacted it in 2008, Sevier County enacted it 2009, Blount County enacted it 2014 and Grainger County in 1994. Cocke County has maximized its local option sales tax since 1989.
In fact, a total of 62% of Tennessee counties have a 2.75% local option sales tax.
By aligning our rate with neighboring counties, Knoxville will keep more of the sales tax generated within the city—investing it directly in sidewalks by schools, greenways, parks, roads and affordable housing. The referendum is a vote for local control, local investment and neighborhood-driven improvements.
If approved, the half-cent increase would generate about $47 million per year for the City of Knoxville for neighborhood infrastructure projects.
What this means for everyday purchases
The increase would not apply to groceries, rent, utilities, prescriptions, bus fare, gas or property tax.
Here’s how the local sales tax referendum would affect common purchases in the City of Knoxville. If residents already make these purchases outside of the city limits, they will see no change in cost.
Toilet paper (12-pack):
Current cost in Knoxville: $7.63
Cost in Anderson, Blount, Sevier, etc., and Knoxville if referendum passes: $7.66
Difference of 3 cents
Coffee, local coffee shop:
Current cost in Knoxville: $3.88
Cost in Anderson, Blount, Sevier, etc., and Knoxville if referendum passes: $3.90
Difference of 2 cents
Adult T-shirt:
Current cost in Knoxville: $27.30
Cost in Anderson, Blount, Sevier, etc., and Knoxville if referendum passes: $27.43
Difference of 13 cents
Car purchase: Local sales tax only applied to the first $1,600
Current local tax applied in Knoxville: $36
Local tax applied in Anderson, Blount, Sevier, etc. and Knoxville if referendum passes: $44
Difference of $8
Neighbors For Knoxville invites all city residents to review the Neighborhood Investment Plan and cast their vote during early voting now through October 30 or on Election Day, November 4.
Neighbors for Knoxville Announces Broad Community Support for City Sales Tax Referendum
Neighbors for Knoxville today announced a growing list of community leaders endorsing the City of Knoxville Sales Tax Ballot Referendum, a five-year, $235 million investment designed to make Knoxville more affordable, connected, and resilient.
The proposed Neighborhood Investment Plan, funded by the sales tax referendum if approved by voters on November 4, will expand sidewalks, strengthen greenways, build affordable homes, and upgrade parks, playgrounds and public facilities in neighborhoods across the city.
Here’s what our neighbors and community groups are saying:
“Legacy Parks works to create parks, trails, river access and recreational destinations for our community and we hear constantly from the community about their love of these outdoor spaces and desire to have more. We are pleased that Mayor Kincannon and Knoxville City Council are proposing increased funding for parks and greenways through an increase in the city sales tax and we appreciate that they are giving voters an opportunity to choose to support that funding.” -– Legacy Parks Foundation
“The proposed sales tax increase will solidify Knoxville’s financial future and give the City the financial capacity to make the capital investments needed to meet the demands of a growing community.” – Mark Mamantov, West Knoxville
“I support the Neighborhood Investment Plan. It will keep Knoxville one of the best places to raise my boys by funding projects like maintaining Whittle Spring Golf Course where we make memories.” – Ramsey Cohen, West Knoxville
“I support the sales tax because Knoxville needs more affordable housing and sidewalks. It will fund these public projects for families like mine in Parkridge.” – Maria Foran, East Knoxville
“Knoxville is a great place to live and I feel like the City’s investment plan really supports that, and it helps with employee recruitment and small business development.” –Matthew Park, South Knoxville
“The sales tax increase is a small move, but it can lead to bigger, positive changes for our Knoxville community. Real progress usually comes from a bunch of small wins.” –Kathrine Torbett, North Knoxville
Additional community groups FOR Knoxville include:
YES! Knoxville
Bike Walk Knoxville
Sierra Club Harvey Broome Group
About the Neighborhood Investment Plan
The Neighborhood Investment Plan directs investments to the projects residents see and experience every day:
Affordable Housing: 1,000 new homes for families, seniors, and veterans to help keep Knoxville affordable and reduce displacement.
Safer Sidewalks & Streets: New sidewalks near schools and traffic-calming projects to make walking and biking safer for children and drivers alike.
Upgraded Parks & Community Spaces: Modernized playgrounds, community centers, and Fire Hall #15 (Jacksboro Pike).
Greenways & Roads: Improvements to aging greenways and the repaving of 75 miles of roads to make travel safer and easier across the city.
The referendum will have no impact on the cost of groceries, gas, prescriptions, rent, utilities, or property taxes.
The proposed referendum puts Knoxville’s local sales tax option at the same level (2.75%) as surrounding counties like Anderson, Blount, Sevier, Jefferson, Grainger and Cocke. Cocke county’s 2.75% local sales tax option has been in effect since 1989.
Early voting runs October 15–30, with Election Day on November 4.
Neighbors for Knoxville Applauds Walk & Roll to School Day as a Living Invitation to Build Safer, Connected Neighborhoods
On Wednesday, October 15, Knoxville students, families, and community members will join the 29th annual Walk & Roll to School Day, organized by Bike Walk Knoxville. The event highlights the same priorities as the proposed Neighborhood Improvement Plan—expanding sidewalks, connecting greenways, and making streets safer for families. This plan would be funded by a half-cent local sales tax increase, if approved by city voters on November 4.
Neighbors for Knoxville is proud to have Bike Walk Knoxville’s endorsement FOR the Sales Tax Ballot Referendum on city ballots during early voting, October 15-30 and Election Day, November 4, 2025.
Neighbors for Knoxville believes that Walk & Roll to School Day is more than a one-day event, it’s a reminder and a call to action. It shows us not only what our neighborhoods can be, but what they deserve to be: safe, connected, walkable, and full of opportunity.
The proposed Neighborhood Improvement Plan would invest in filling sidewalk gaps near schools, installing traffic-calming features, and connecting neighborhoods via greenways. For complete details on how money from the sales tax referendum will be invested in your community, visit: KnoxvilleTN.gov/LocalOption