Transforming Neighborhoods Together (TNT)

An Effective Practice

This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.

Description

Transforming Neighborhoods Together (TNT) is a comprehensive, resident-led neighborhood planning program. It is an initiative of Knoxville's Center for Neighborhood Development (CND), and is currently available to low-income neighborhoods in that city. Three neighborhoods are selected by an independent panel to participate in each two-year program cycle. The TNT program involves public participation, neighborhood committees, and non-professional neighborhood-resident planners, who receive a small stipend for performing research and other tasks. The Knoxville neighborhoods that this program targets have experienced negative trends such as rising crime, rising poverty and unemployment, poor access to regional shopping and business centers, and declining student performance and school quality ratings. The TNT program helps residents organize themselves and decide what changes they want, and then gives them skills to negotiate for improvements and resources. Once the plan is complete, neighborhood organizations can then apply for special city funding and resources designed to help implement them. They are also in a better position to apply for corporate and foundation funding, or technical assistance.

Goal / Mission

TNT's goals are to create an active group of neighborhood leaders, committed to developing a long-term vision for their neighborhoods; to establish a process for resident input and consensus; to develop a comprehensive body of knowledge about the neighborhoods; and to develop written action plans for achieving the vision, which may include goals for investment in and development of the neighborhoods.

Results / Accomplishments

Through TNT, Knoxville's low-income neighborhoods are becoming better able to form partnerships with the city's public and private institution. Specific results include:
- improved communications on many levels
- 11+ unsafe houses scheduled for demolition
- 20 houses scheduled for rehabilitation
- 3 crime-watch groups founded
- expansion of 1 neighborhood park
- improvements to 3 neighborhood parks

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Knoxville's Center for Neighborhood Development
Primary Contact
No current contact information available
Topics
Community / Social Environment
Economy / Poverty
Organization(s)
Knoxville's Center for Neighborhood Development
Source
MOST Clearing House
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Knoxville, TN
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