KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville City Council said a new parking plan will keep parking free on nights and weekends.
In Sept. 2023, Knoxville officials announced that a consultant group was hired to provide analysis and recommendations for improving parking in the city.
Months later, the consultant group published a 160+ page report detailing how parking downtown and in Fort Sanders could improve. The report included charging for parking seven days a week.
The proposition of ending free weeknight and weekend parking received backlash.
A survey conducted by the Downtown Merchants Group revealed how a majority of people in the community 'strongly oppose' ending the city's current policy and believe it would negatively affect customers.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said officials heard from the public that they value the free parking, as it makes it easier to come downtown. "So, we're gonna keep that, but we're gonna update the technology and efficiency."
The council said the public can learn more about Knoxville's updated parking plan during a council workshop on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room in the City-County Building.