Task Forces

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

Group Leaders, Allen Hurley & Jerry Kirk

Work with Tennessee High School to establish a program that helps students become more hirable by developing soft skills and learning basic financial skills. This program will be designed and utilized at other local city and county high schools, with the intent to capture 500 young adults who will enter the immediate workforce each year.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT

Group Leader, Mike Sparks

To improve the overall appeal in the Downtown Business District by partnering with city governments, local/state economic development entities and other primary community partners, such as Believe In Bristol and the Chamber of Commerce, on collaborative projects that include identifying additional greenspace/common gathering areas, public parking options, and the implementation of local art and other visual attractions that showcase Bristol’s rich heritage, etc.

TOURISM, ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE

Group Leader, Logan McCabe

Foster collaborative, tourism-driven initiatives community-wide, increased music opportunities at various venues via ‘Bristol Music Partners’ and added cultural-rich activities throughout Bristol.

HOMELESS INITIATIVES

Group Leader, Allen Hurley

Work with United Way, Bristol Family Promise and other local nonprofits to share ideas and identify the best course of action to address the growing homeless issue downtown.

HEALTH/WELLNESS & OUTDOOR RECREATION

Group Leader, Dr. Robert Mueller

Work with local and regional businesses and organizations to foster health and wellness activities/programs and outdoor recreation opportunities that build upon Bristol’s natural resources to increase local engagement and tourism throughout the Southeast region and beyond.

LOAN & GRANT PROGRAMS

Group Leader, David Wagner

Work with area financial institutions and IDB’s to revive a local loan program to encourage grants designed to improve/encourage cohesive aesthetics in the structural appearance of downtown storefronts (façade improvements) and drive other visually impactful projects.

HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

Group Leader, Mitch Walters

Continue conversations with city officials and local developers to identify options for new housing development opportunities.

REGIONAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST 24 MONTHS

Johnson City Area (13% new construction)

CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS

Group Leaders, Jerry Kirk & Mitch Walters

Encourage efforts to align both city governments and other community organizations to determine consistent development and/or improvements to community entryway corridors, i.e., way-finder signage, improved parking alternatives, infrastructure improvements, small business developments, restaurants, etc.