From the City Desk

City Manager Chris McCartt and Hannah Purdy, from the Public Information and Communcations office, hit the highlights of February's Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings in Kingsport, Tennessee. It was a month of looking forward, featuring lots of discussion around economic and residential development. Here's what they cover: Visit Kingsport and Downtown Kingsport Association's 2020/2021 updateBudget adjustmentsCARES Act grantsKFD's Fire Training FacilityStrategic Planning Session: Economic DevelopmentMaterials agreements for residential developmentPaving funding for the Eastern Star areaPILOT agreement with Eastman

This week on From the City Desk, City Manager Chris McCartt sits down with Hannah Purdy to discuss January's Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings. Here's what they discuss: An interim appointment to the Board of EducationParks and Recreation Master PlanA new training facility for Kingsport's Fire DepartmentThe 2020 Comprehensive Financial ReportA grant application for the new Riverbend ParkListen in to learn more!

Hannah talks with Maxine Poole of the Public Information & Communications Department about ServeKingsport, the City of Kingsport's process for finding new volunteers to serve on boards and commissions. Have a New Year's resolution to get more involved in your community? Fill out the ServeKingsport form!ServeKingsport: https://forms.gle/6DBpyuSCCLfWW3df9United Way Volunteer Portal: https://www.volunteer-united.org/

Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt breaks down the final BMA meetings of 2020, including a few updates on the Brickyard Park development and a retirement recognition for outgoing Police Chief David Quillin. 

This week, Hannah sits down with Robin Cleary, director of the Downtown Kingsport Association, to talk about the small businesses in our community, how they've been surviving this eventful year, and how you can support them this holiday season. Tune in to hear some great gift ideas from local Kingsport merchants!For more on DKA, visit downtownkingsport.org.

On the Board of Mayor and Aldermen docket this November: development initiatives, water treatment, and more. Listen in for the highlights of this month's BMA agendas from City Manager Chris McCartt. Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a tale of two city managers on this week's episode, as Chris sits down with former city manager Jeff Fleming to talk all things Move to Kingsport. Who's moving here, and from where? What is Jeff doing to promote our city, and how has the pandemic impacted those efforts?

Today we're sharing Chris' presentation from State of the City, which the city hosted in partnership with the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce on October 30.This event is an opportunity to look back on the past year in Kingsport. Where are we now, and where are we going? You'll hear Chris dive into the last year's projects and initiatives, update you on the city's financials, and take a look ahead at what the future holds for Kingsport—all that good stuff.

Chris and Hannah cover the highlights of October's Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings, including some new residential development coming Kingsport's way.

Another month of Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings is in the books, and it was filled with all things economic development. Chris and Hannah break down the agendas from September's meetings and what they mean for Kingsport's future. 

Hannah talks with Jessica Harmon and Hannah Powell about a new public art project downtown, the Cross Connections Alleyway. They also talk about the importance of public art for your average citizen, as well as Kingsport's downtown businesses.

August was a busy month for Kingsport's Board of Mayor and Alderman, from updates on public transportation to making deals with Domtar. Chris talks to Hannah about the highlights from this month's work sessions and business meetings.

Another month of 2020 is nearly over, which means it's time to look back at what was on the Kingsport Board of Mayor Alderman's agenda this July. Chris walks you through the highlights.

What happened at the BMA meetings during March, April and May while the podcast was on hiatus? Chris and Hannah break it down, from the budget to Brickyard Park.

Chris and Hannah are back to discuss the City of Kingsport's FY21 budget, which the Board of Mayor and Alderman just passed—what's in it, what effect the coronavirus had, and more.

Adrienne Batara joins Hannah on the show to talk everything 2020 Census: what it is, why it's important, and how you can fill it out. An accurate population count ensures that Kingsport gets the federal funding it deserves. Visit www.countallneighbors.com or www.2020census.gov to learn more or fill out your census form now! 

Chris and Hannah break down what happened at February's Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings in Kingsport, including an update on the all-abilities baseball stadium Miracle Field and what's happening with the General Shale property downtown.Take the Kingsport Parks and Recreation survey, visit kingsportparksandrecreation.org and search "survey."

Douglass School closed in 1966, but its legacy lives on today—especially for Van Dobbins, Jr., whose father was the last principal of the school. Chris and Hannah talk to Van about what it was like to attend Douglass and how it felt to see Dobyns-Bennett High School's basketball teams don Douglass Tigers uniforms for a recent game in honor of Black History Month.

Kingsport's first Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings of 2020 are in the books. From finances to libraries, here's what you need to know about current and upcoming city initiatives from City Manager Chris McCartt.

Kingsport City Schools have a culture of excellence, but who and what makes that happen? Chris talks to Andy True, the Assistant Superintendent for Administration, about the city's relationship to our school system and how KCS impacts our community.

Hear City Manager Chris McCartt review what passed, who got recognized, and more from December's Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings. Want to check out that project status map? Visit http://bit.ly/projects_map

Barry Brickey from the Kingsport Fire Department joins Chris and Hannah to talk all things firefighting and how to keep your home safe this holiday season.

Chris and Hannah break down the highlights from both November Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings.

Public Works Director Ryan McReynolds joins the show to talk all about the department he oversees, from paving to pump stations and more.

It takes a village, as they say, and one City of Kingsport employee who knows that better than anyone is Kristie Leonard, the city's special events coordinator. For our first episode highlighting the great work city employees do, Chris talks with Kristie about what it takes to pull off events like FunFest and managing the Kingsport Farmers Market. 

Halloween is right around the corner, and it's one of the most kid-friendly holidays there is—but it also presents some safety concerns. Hannah talks with the Kingsport Police Department's Public Information Officer Tom Patton about the best ways to keep you and your kids safe while you're out having Halloween fun.

Chris and Hannah go over what was on this week's short and sweet "fall break agenda" at Kingsport's Board of Mayor & Alderman meeting.

You've heard of the State of the Union Address, but did you know the leaders of Kingsport give a State of the City Address too? In this episode, Chris breaks down what he talked about at the October 4 event.

In October's Deep Dive episode, Chris and Hannah talk with Rob Cole, the park manager of Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. Bays Mountain is often referred to as Kingsport's "crown jewel," but what makes this city-owned park so special, and what's in store for its future?

Chris and Hannah recap this week's Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting. Listen to hear about some recent grants the City of Kingsport has appropriated and what projects they'll be going toward.

Adrienne Batara from Kingsport's Communications department joins Hannah to talk about the top five questions people ask about the City of Kingsport. Visit http://bit.ly/2njITi7 to read the Kingsport Times-News article Hannah referenced in Question #1. To find YourGOV online, go to https://yourgov.cartegraph.com/

Welcome to Episode #1 of From the City Desk, a new podcast from the City of Kingsport, Tennessee. Chris McCartt talks what being a city manager is all about, his approach to the job, and what his goals are for Kingsport—plus his ideal day for someone new to town. Learn more about Kingsport at kingsporttn.gov.

Welcome to From the City Desk, a new podcast from the City of Kingsport, Tennessee. Join hosts Chris McCartt, the City Manager for Kingsport, and Hannah Purdy as they go behind the scenes of your local government. Subscribe now to stay up to date on what's going on in Kingsport!