Kingsport receives Municipal League award for Excellence in Economic and Community Development
A dramatic overhaul of Kingsport’s Main Street has seen the improvement of critical utilities and roadways, revitalized downtown business and economic development, and has drawn new pedestrian traffic through increased safety and accessibility.
For this dedicated effort to simultaneously improve infrastructure and downtown economic development, TML is proud to present the city of Kingsport with an award for Excellence in Economic and Community Development. The award will be presented Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at the 85th Annual Conference of the Tennessee Municipal League (TML) held at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
The city of Kingsport’s $20 million Main Street Rebuild project began in November 2022 with a comprehensive plan to replace aging water, sewer, and stormwater systems; place overhead utilities underground; and stabilize the roadway foundation.
In addition to these critical infrastructure upgrades, city officials felt this would be an ideal time to incorporate streetscape enhancements to make downtown more inviting and accessible. The project began with local business owners, property owners, and residents to solicit feedback about what they would like to see in the corridor as well as how to minimize disruption during construction.
Supported by 80% funding from state and federal sources, the project has improved utility services as well as aesthetics in the form of new landscaping, decorative brick crosswalks, and pedestrian-friendly features to make the environment more inviting and accessible. By updating the roadway, utilities, and streetscaping in one comprehensive project, the city improved efficiency of the project, saved taxpayer funds, and enhanced the delivery and reliability of vital utility services to the Main Street community. The utility modernization also prevents expensive emergency repairs and minimizes the need for future maintenance.
The city ensured sustainable practices were integrated into the project, focusing on environmental responsibility and cost-effective upgrades. This efficient use of resources also saves on costs to the city and property owners in the long run. Streamlined construction minimized negative impacts to businesses, with city officials keeping open communication between downtown stakeholders as the project advanced.
Public safety has been improved through new ADA-compliant sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, traffic-calming design features, and upgraded lighting, which contribute to a safer and more enjoyable pedestrian experience. These enhancements also raise property values and have made the area more appealing to investors, increasing foot traffic to businesses and economic development in the community overall.
Each year the Tennessee Municipal League honors cities throughout the state for overall excellence, improvement, specific outstanding programs, or department accomplishments. Award winners for 2025 include Chattanooga for Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Conservation; Cleveland for Excellence in Economic and Community Development; Farragut for Excellence in Innovation; Franklin for Excellence in Fire Services; Gatlinburg for Excellence in Municipal Governance; Greeneville for Excellence in Parks and Recreation; Jackson for Excellence in Police Services; Kingsport for Excellence in Economic and Community Development; and Pulaski for Small City Progress.