2025 Speaker Series: Innovating Housing Solutions for Knoxville’s Growing Workforce

The chamber's Speaker Series events provide an opportunity for businesses and the public to hear from speakers on specific topics or issues that are of importance to them, their business, and our community. Members receive discounted pricing as a benefit of membership. Attendees from the community are always welcome. 

Join us for a panel discussion on “Innovating Housing Solutions for Knoxville’s Growing Workforce” on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cokesbury United Methodist Church.

With Knoxville’s growth driving demand for diverse and accessible housing, this panel will explore practical strategies for expanding housing options, from missing middle and mixed-use developments to public-private partnerships and innovative policy solutions.
 
Emcee: Alan Williams, retired WVLT anchor
 
Panelists:

• Jenny Holden, Senior Director, Knox County Grants and Community Development – oversees programs preventing housing insecurity and supporting public services.
• David Arning, President, Lawson Family Foundation – brings expertise in community development, affordable housing, and historic preservation.
• Erin Read, Executive Director, Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability – leads strategic planning to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Whether you’re a policymaker, developer, employer, or resident, this is a key opportunity to engage in shaping Knoxville’s housing future.