STRATEGIC PLAN 2025
With this strategic plan, we chart a clear path, guided by shared priorities, trusted partnerships, and a deep commitment to Johnson City’s future.
More than just a roadmap, this plan reflects who we are and how we move forward — together. Through open dialogue and collaboration during our 2025 City Commission Retreat, we reaffirmed the values that guide our work: integrity, stewardship, respect, and community-centered leadership. These values help keep us on course, shaping our daily decisions and our long-term direction.
Today, Johnson City is positioned for meaningful progress. From strengthening key corridors and expanding workforce opportunities to investing in infrastructure and placemaking,
we’re focused on purposeful action and measurable outcomes.
This plan is the result of working side by side with our community — listening to residents, engaging with partners, and aligning our efforts around a shared destination. It’s built on collaboration, and it’s designed to evolve as our goals are accomplished and our needs are prioritized.
Thank you for being part of the journey. With this plan as our guide, we’re confident in the road ahead.
Sincerely,
The Johnson City Board of Commissioners
TODD
FOWLER Commissioner
JOE WISE
Commissioner
Guided by shared values and collective vision, this Strategic Plan maps a clear and collaborative route toward a strong and connected Johnson City.
GREG COX Vice Mayor
JENNY BROCK Commissioner
JOHN HUNTER Mayor
Process
Johnson City’s strategic planning began in 2020, grounded in community engagement and informed by surveys, plans, and reports. From the beginning, the Board of Commissioners and City staff collaborated with residents, businesses, and regional partners to shape a vision rooted in both data and lived experience.
As the city has grown, the planning process has evolved. A change in leadership brought renewed energy and focus, with a professionally facilitated retreat helping the Commission refine its priorities to meet current needs.
The 2025 retreat marked a key milestone — reaffirming our commitment to bold leadership, intentional governance, and clear, actionable goals. This updated plan reflects the progress we’ve made and the future we are ready to build together.
Vision
Johnson City is poised for continued growth and revitalization. From the lifestyle advantages provided by our natural assets and outdoor amenities, an affordable cost of living, outstanding public schools, a distinguished regional university, an innovative health care sector, and robust technology infrastructure, Johnson City holds the keys to its future — a future in which we retain and attract the best and brightest people and industries, and work together toward a shared vision so all can experience prosperity.
Economic
Vitality
Our goals are framed within four Areas of Focus — each representing a core commitment to Johnson City’s continued progress.
Quality of Place
Future Ready Infrastructure
Excellence in City Government
Economic Vitality
Our future is shaped by bold economic growth, fueled by innovation, strategic investment, and a spirit of collaboration. As we navigate changing economic conditions, we remain focused on creating new opportunities, attracting quality investment, and supporting the educational systems that empower our future workforce and drive long-term prosperity.
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Determine new revenue streams for Freedom Hall (short term); assess future plans (long term).
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Assess City-owned properties for potential strategic redevelopment.
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Collaborate with property owners to fulfill the vision of the West Walnut Street Corridor.
Assess economic centers in the city (Growth Management Plan).
• South Johnson City
• East Johnson City
3 Priority Goals to foster Economic Vitality
Implement the extraordinary retail district at Boones Creek (pending certification).
Additional Goals for Economic Vitality
• Strengthen focus on revitalizing and invigorating South Johnson City.
• Fully actualize the use of Ashe Street Courthouse.
• Facilitate transformational redevelopment of John Sevier hotel.
• Identify opportunities where the City government can improve support for local business and investment by reviewing local policies, procedures, and ordinances.
• Strategically promote the benefits of the region and business environment by working with regional partners including the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, etc., to recruit and retain businesses.
• Pursue all funding and investment resources made available by the government and the private sector (opportunity zones, outside investment, etc.)
• Continue workforce development initiatives to increase the workforce pipeline.
• Create a safe and appealing environment downtown to promote recruitment of professional and retail businesses downtown.
• Establish a quiet zone downtown.
• Explore the use of TIF with the county and downtown to have a greater impact on priority areas in the city.
Quality of Place
Johnson City is a community where quality of life is defined by access, beauty, and belonging. Building on our strengths — including outstanding education, health care, and recreational amenities — we continue to invest in vibrant spaces, inclusive neighborhoods, and partnerships that enrich the daily lives of all who live, work, and visit here.
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Focus on core service excellence — maintenance, cleanliness, and beautification throughout the city.
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In conjunction with public and private partners, develop a collaborative strategy to address homelessness.
Priority Goals to create Quality of Place
Additional Goals for Quality of Place
• Engage citizens as we continue making our community safe for all and build a greater sense of community.
• Partner with schools on health/wellness/ anti-drug initiatives (SRO/DARE programs).
• Create an affordable housing strategic plan to include financing options.
• Designate Buffalo Mountain as a “natural area” in the parks system.
• Enhance community outreach and engagement (e.g., litter, City employees, promotion of City amenities).
Future Ready Infrastructure
Preparing for the future starts with strong, reliable infrastructure that supports both growth and innovation.
By investing in modern systems — from transportation and utilities to digital connectivity and sustainability — we are laying the groundwork for a city that is resilient, efficient, and ready to meet the needs of tomorrow’s economy.
Priority Goals to deliver Future Ready Infrastructure
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Complete Growth Management Plan.
Continue investment in maintenance and upgrade of infrastructure, including water, sewer, stormwater, sidewalks, streets, undergrounding of utilities, etc.
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Partner with other agencies in the region to conduct resiliency planning and emergency management planning.
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Develop publicprivate partnership models to finance infrastructure investments.
Additional Goals for Future Ready Infrastructure
• Complete downtown parking study.
• Continue partnership with BrightRidge to invest in forward-thinking infrastructure.
• Explore state and federal funding sources to help offset the costs of local infrastructure.
• Optimize intelligent traffic management system.
• Expansion of Iris Glen Landfill and evaluation of location for construction/ debris landfill.
Excellence in City Government
Delivering exceptional service starts with a government rooted in accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. By fostering a culture of innovation, supporting a highperforming workforce, and maintaining strong partnerships with residents and businesses, we are creating a welcoming, effective environment where good governance drives meaningful outcomes.
Priority Goals to ensure Excellence in City Government
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Create a culture that empowers employees to thrive, fosters innovation and collaboration, and ensures employees feel valued.
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Uphold the Values and Principles of the City Commission.
Additional Goals for Excellence in City Government
• Maintain City’s strong financial position.
• Implement the JC Builds initiative to improve the development review and inspection process.
• Establish a well-qualified City workforce that reflects the best of our community.
• Foster community leaders through diligence in appointments to City boards, commissions, and committees.
Community Partners & Stakeholders
A strong community is not built by government alone. Achieving our vision requires the active participation of our mission-critical partners, who play an essential role in shaping the future of our city and region. Their collaboration is vital to our collective success. These partners include elected and non-elected officials, associations, institutions, organizations, and community groups throughout the region. To be effective, our efforts must be coordinated — not duplicated — so that we work together efficiently and strategically toward our shared goals.
Conclusion
City leadership, staff, and partners will approach the implementation of this strategic plan with creativity, innovation, and bold vision. Success will be evident — not just in numbers, but in meaningful, measurable outcomes: a growing population of residents, thriving businesses, increased visitation, and, most importantly, an improved quality of life for those who call our city home.
