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Johnson City Development Authority is Among Cities Awarded Downtown Improvement Grant by Tennessee Economic and Community Development
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today the 17 Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns communities that are recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants.
“I congratulate each of the recipients that have been awarded funding through the latest round of Downtown Improvement Grants,” said Gov. Lee. “Tennessee’s downtown districts and main streets are the focal point of our communities, and these grants will help attract new business and promote tourism at the local level.”
More than $4 million in Rural Economic Opportunity funding is being awarded to improve structures in Tennessee Downtowns and Main Street communities. Grants were awarded to organizations that illustrated the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways and streetscapes. As part of the program, each new grant recipient will be required to match 25-percent of the funding received.
“Tennessee would not be known for its exceptional quality of life if it weren’t for the leaders across our state that have chosen to invest in their main streets and downtown districts,” said Commissioner McWhorter. “These 17 communities have a better chance at securing new investment and spurring job creation because of the Downtown Improvement Grants, and we are proud to partner with them in their revitalization efforts.”
Johnson City Development Authority Opens Offices Downtown
The Johnson City Development Authority office can be found at 300 East Main Street Suite 102 & 103.
(Inside of the King's Centre, on the corner of Roan & E Main Street) Our postal address is P.O. Box 2482, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37605.
Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan
The Downtown District is the only TIF district in the City. To read the Redevelopment and Urban Renewal Plan, approved in 2011, click here. The Amendment is an effort to memorialize resolutions that the County and City have taken regarding the Redevelopment Plan. The map has not changed and no additional taxes are being requested. To read the Amendment to Redevelopment and Urban Renewal plan for the district click here.
Wi-Fi Now Available in Downtown Johnson City
Gig All Out, a free Wi-Fi service for visitors to downtown Johnson City’s greenspaces and a portion of East Main Street is now complete. The public will be able access free Wi-Fi on the 200 and 300 blocks of East Main Street in the historic district, Founders Park, the Pavilion at Founders Park and King Commons. This program is funded by the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) and the City of Johnson City.
The JCDA hopes this new resource will encourage citizens to enjoy downtown dining and shopping, while also being able to benefit from free Wi-Fi. As our local colleges and university students are doing more remote courses, the JCDA believes the free Wi-Fi will also be helpful for students to enjoy the public greenspaces while studying, either alone or in study groups.
The Free Wi-Fi network will provide a fast internet connection from portable devices with a three-hour limit. The 1G capability will be helpful to those who come downtown for meetings as well. Visitors to our community will also enjoy the ability to find local restaurants and services while they linger downtown. The program also creates a third space for remote workers, between home and work.
Wi-Fi not only allows people to connect virtually but can also help connect the community.
Funds for the construction of the system were provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Johnson City Development Authority and BrightRidge.