Knoxville, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville is ramping up engagement for its City Council elections through candidate forums. Upcoming discussions include a Second District Candidate Conversation and a unique game show-style forum, enabling voters to connect with candidates. These events aim to inform voters on crucial local issues amidst rapid city growth as Election Day approaches.
Knoxville is gearing up for its upcoming City Council elections with a series of candidate forums aimed at enhancing voter engagement. The West Hills Community Association is set to host a Second District City Council Candidates’ Conversation on September 29 at 7 p.m., taking place at the Church of the Nazarene on 538 Vanosdale Rd. This event underscores the necessity for voters to be well-informed about candidates due to the rapid growth of the city.
According to the president of WHCA, the forum offers an opportunity for direct engagement between neighbors in the Second District and city council candidates. Bob Thomas from Newstalk Radio 98.7 will moderate the event, facilitating discussions about pressing issues facing Knoxville.
In addition to the upcoming forum, a creative candidate forum titled “City Council Candidate Forum: The Game Show” was held on September 24 at Kern’s Food Hall at 6:30 p.m. This innovative event featured candidates discussing their policies through a game show-style format, attracting a diverse audience keen to engage personally with the candidates. Jarius Bush and Monika Miller from Space Witch served as emcees, further contributing to the lively atmosphere.
During the game show forum, candidates participated in playful contests while addressing significant local issues such as homelessness, violence interruption, and the closure of the Gay Street Bridge. To add a touch of individuality and fun, candidate Denzel Grant wore a colorful one-piece women’s swimsuit to symbolize diversity, whereas Nathan Honeycutt chose blue flame trunks to represent his passion. Candidates also responded to policy questions drawn from a “Wheel of Issues,” ensuring a dynamic and interactive experience for attendees.
Budget-related inquiries were structured in a “Price Is Right” format, requiring candidates to guess specifics about the city budget, which stands at approximately $477 million. Audience participation played a crucial role, as attendees contributed words that candidates were tasked with weaving into their responses during Q&A sessions. This blend of entertainment and serious dialogue allowed candidates to showcase their personalities while addressing critical issues facing the city.
As Election Day approaches on November 4, 2025, early voting is set to begin on October 15. This election cycle is significant as it involves selecting successors for representatives in Districts 1 to 6, with all current officeholders being term-limited. The forums are integral in keeping voters engaged in the election process, aiming to enhance public interest in local governance.
Additional Information
- Upcoming Forum: September 29, 2023, at 7 p.m.
- Location: Church of the Nazarene, 538 Vanosdale Rd, Knoxville
- Game Show Forum: September 24, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at Kern’s Food Hall
- Early Voting Starts: October 15, 2025
- Election Day: November 4, 2025
- City’s Total Budget: Approximately $477 million
FAQ
When will the Second District City Council Candidates’ Conversation take place?
The event will take place on September 29, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Where is the event located?
It will be held at the Church of the Nazarene, located at 538 Vanosdale Rd, Knoxville.
What is the format of the City Council Candidate Forum: The Game Show?
The forum featured candidates discussing policies through a playful game show format, allowing for engagement on serious issues in an entertaining manner.
When does early voting start for the upcoming elections?
Early voting begins on October 15, 2025.
Key Features of the Events
| Event | Date | Location | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second District City Council Candidates’ Conversation | September 29, 2023 | Church of the Nazarene, 538 Vanosdale Rd | Direct Engagement |
| City Council Candidate Forum: The Game Show | September 24, 2023 | Kern’s Food Hall | Game Show Format |
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Knoxville City Council Candidate Game Show
- Knox News: Knoxville City Council Candidates Voter’s Guide
- Inside of Knoxville: Forum Feud Recap
- Knox News: City Council 2025 Primary Election Candidates Set
- UT Daily Beacon: Knoxville City Council 2025 Results
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
- Google Search: Knoxville City Council
- Google News: Knoxville Elections
- Google Scholar: Knoxville City Council
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
