While candidates for the Johnson City Commission touched on a variety of topics during a forum on Wednesday, including homelessness and partisan elections, managing growth took center stage.
Johnson City will spend $100,000 to attract remote workers to the region, which will fund a program that would also offer perks like cash incentives up to $5,000 for applicants to move to the area.
Three local economic development organizations â the Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership, the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and Visit Johnson City â delivered a presentation to commissioners during the boardâs meeting on Thursday to seek funding for the program.
The groups presented a 24-month request to the city totaling $300,000 that included money for marketing, administration and perks for applicants who decide to relocate to Johnson City. The $100,000 that the city provides will help fund the marketing push.
Johnson City leaders are considering creating and appointing community members to an equity advisory board to recommend social justice initiatives for the city to pursue, but some arenât completely sold on the idea.
According to Press Staff Writer David Floyd, City Commissioner Jenny Brock brought the idea to the commission after speaking with protesters last summer.
If created, the 11-member body would advise the commission, provide quarterly reports, develop a budget for community equity initiatives, complete a community gap analysis, gather input through town hall meetings and focus groups and create a community equity plan.
Its main goal would be to promote inclusion and participation in city government for residents in underserved groups.