Introduction

The Transforming Western People Plan is person-centered and informed by the voices of residents, neighbors, and a network of community partners eager to make collective change. Throughout the planning process, CAC and its five resident ambassadors surveyed door-todoor, sought online feedback, hosted virtual neighborhood meetings, and held in-person community events to better understand the lived experiences and dreams of Western Heights residents. The residents’ ideal vision for the future includes creating a safe place for children to play, increasing educational and economic opportunities, improving quality of life, and rebuilding a neighborhood where there is a promise of a better future. The People Plan was designed with resident leadership and the synergy of a cross-sector network of partners in the areas of Education, Workforce Development, Health, Extended Outof-School Learning, Faith-based leadership, and Social Services. Residents shared that safety, substance misuse, and lack of access to basic amenities are primary concerns. The People Plan seeks to address the interwoven and complex challenges that residents face daily, including a 57.1% poverty rate (more than double that of Knox County and the City of Knoxville), low education achievement, and limited access to health and nutrition critical to achieving a higher quality of life. On the whole, the average life expectancy is 67 years when compared to 76 years city-wide. Additionally, 28% of residents living in Western Heights report having frequent mental distress compared to 19% living city-wide. These factors indicate a need for wrap-around services dedicated to collectively addressing the needs of residents. This process has revealed that many services are presently available to Western Heights, but they are siloed and working in isolation. The planning process has already built more productive connections and renewed networks. The redevelopment effort, coupled with expanded services throughout the neighborhood, will be a catalyst for achieving prosperity for Western Heights residents. The goals and strategies outlined in the People Plan will require additional resources, strong partnerships, shared vision, and commitment from the community, city government, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and achievement of outcomes. The entire transformation team is poised to align and leverage all available resources to address the barriers affecting Western Height residents and assist them toward actualizing their dreams.