Food, Space, & Place: Shaping the Future of Knoxville’s Food Retail

From farm stands to independent grocers, the success of Knoxville’s food entrepreneurs depends on more than just great products—it depends on the rules and spaces that govern our city. Whether you are a producer, a grower, or a retail owner, you are a vital link in our food supply chain.

Join us for an interactive session where we bridge the gap between local food business and city planning. This is your opportunity to learn the "status quo" of our current zoning and, more importantly, help rewrite the blueprint for Knoxville’s future.

What’s on the Agenda?

Part 1: The Planning Blueprint (Knoxville-Knox County Planning) Planning officials will pull back the curtain on the current zoning landscape. We’ll discuss:

• Definitions & Zoning: What the current codes mean for food retail and production.
• The Comprehensive Plan: This is a vital moment for our community. We will be gathering direct input from attendees for Knoxville’s Updated Comprehensive Plan, which will inform land use regulation and capital investment for years to come. Tell the planners what you need to thrive!

Part 2: The Power of Place (Yes! Knoxville) Local nonprofit Yes! Knoxville will share their vision for a more connected, vibrant city.

• Learn about the role of placemaking in building successful retail environments.
• Discover how "third spaces" and community-centered design can turn a storefront into a destination.
• Explore the resources available to entrepreneurs looking to create a presence in the community.

Who Should Attend?

• Farmers and Growers
• Food Entrepreneurs & Startup Makers
• Independent Grocery Store Owners
• Farm Stand & Market Managers
• Stakeholders along the Food Retail Supply Chain

The Details

• Cost: Free to attend.

Come hungry for change. Let’s build a Knoxville where local food is accessible, sustainable, and supported by the very ground it’s built on.

Your Presenters

Jessie Hillman is a Principal Planner with Knoxville-Knox County Planning. Prior to serving Knox County residents, Jessie worked as a green infrastructure project manager in Baltimore, MD and a public health educator in Sarasota, Fl. She has a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Reed College and a Master in City and Regional Planning from Morgan State University. In her spare time, she loves cooking with her 5-year old son at home in Alcoa.

Ellen Zavisca is a transportation planner who spent 18 years on the staff of Knoxville-Knox County Planning before taking a job with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. She serves on the board of Yes! Knoxville and is co-chair of their Policy Committee. Ellen has a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois-Chicago and lives in the Edgewood Park neighborhood with her daughter and two poorly trained dogs.

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