Urban Design and Development

Urban Design and Development is a liaison to the private development community and collaborates with multiple city departments and community stakeholders to focus on and guide the growth and development of place based assets unique to Knoxville.

These public-private partnerships foster pivotal community initiatives and investments with long-lasting impacts on economic development by strategically using public resources to leverage investment in our city.

REBEKAH JANE (RJ) JUSTICE
Chief of Urban Design and Development
RJ provides strategic vision for growth through innovative urban design, infrastructure planning, and establishing public private partnerships that improve the quality of life and the quality of place for people across Knoxville. RJ can be reached at [email protected].

WES SOWARD
Urban Wilderness Coordinator, Special Projects Director
Wes unites community members, stakeholders, and City staff in partnership to develop and implement capital projects and connectivity across the city with a specific focus on the the Urban Wilderness. Wes can be reached at [email protected].

DANIELLE NORMAN
Special Projects Director
Danielle fosters collaborative efforts across multiple disciplines within the public and private sector of the City’s urban design and infrastructure projects while interfacing with the public to achieve community goals. Danielle can be reached at [email protected].

BEN EPPERSON
Operations Mgr. of Augusta Quarry
Special Projects Director
Ben builds trust between community members and City government by creating inclusive processes that turn ideas into action. Drawing on experience in community organizing, placemaking, project and grant management, Ben inspires collaboration and brings innovative, community-driven solutions to projects across Knoxville. Ben can be reached at [email protected] or 865-604-6431.