2025 PRIMARY Knoxville City Council District 2 Choose 1
City council District 2 Primary
Biographical Information
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 10484
Knoxville, TN 37939
Knoxville, TN 37939
Campaign Phone
6467240024
Campaign Email
connoremcoffey@gmail.com
Campaign Website
http://www.nathanforknoxville.com
Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572535692849
Twitter
N/A
Why are you running for Knoxville City Council?
As an award-winning architect and Principal at one of East TN's largest architecture firms, I’ve spent over two decades helping families, businesses, and communities bring their visions to life. I’m running for City Council because I believe Knoxville stands at a pivotal moment. With thoughtful leadership, we can protect the character of our neighborhoods while embracing smart, sustainable growth that opens the door to opportunity for all. I’ve seen firsthand how good planning can shape a city's future—and how bad decisions can hold it back. I want to put my experience to work for Knoxville’s future and help ensure that the next generation has every reason to stay, thrive, and invest right here at home.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the City of Knoxville at this time?
Knoxville is growing quickly—and while that’s a good sign, it comes with real challenges. We are facing pressure on housing supply and affordability, increased traffic congestion, and strain on infrastructure. Our city must manage this growth in a way that balances opportunity with preservation.
The challenge is not growth itself—it’s how we grow. We need coordinated planning, smarter zoning, strategic infrastructure investment, and a focus on livability. As someone who has worked on city-shaping projects and studied urban development globally, I know that with the right tools and leadership, we can grow in a way that strengthens Knoxville’s identity rather than eroding it. Plan Smart, Grow Strong!
What will you do to positively impact transportation for the people of Knoxville?
Transportation reform must go beyond infrastructure. We need a cohesive land-use strategy that supports density near corridors and transit. I support:
- More sidewalks, greenways, and protected bike lanes
- Enhanced KAT service
- Full implementation of our Complete Streets policy
As a designer and planner, I know how physical form shapes behavior—when we build for walkability, people walk. Let’s give Knoxvillians real alternatives to car dependence.
What is your opinion about the City of Knoxville’s proposed 0.5% sales tax increase?
Raising taxes should always be a last resort, after exploring every opportunity to cut costs and improve efficiency. That said, much of Knoxville’s budget is already committed to public safety, existing city services, and paying down debt - leaving little for critical neighborhood needs like parks, sidewalks, and infrastructure.
The current administration must make a clear case for this proposal, and I encourage every voter to study the facts and make an informed decision. I support investing in our neighborhoods - but any tax increase must be transparent, accountable, and truly necessary.
What are your views on Knoxville’s current housing strategy, and do you think any changes to that strategy are needed?
Our housing market is under strain. Nearly 50K new residents have moved into the metro area in the last 5 years. While inventory is recovering, it’s not meeting demand—especially for attainable homes for 1st time buyers, young professionals, and downsizing seniors.
As an architect & developer, I’ve led projects across the housing spectrum. I understand the barriers to building more—and building better. We need zoning updates that support diverse housing, especially “missing middle” options like townhomes, duplexes, and courtyard apartments. We need context-sensitive design, respecting neighborhood character while expanding opportunity. Housing policy is not 1-size-fits-all. It must reflect both Knoxville’s current needs & future potential.
Biographical Information
Why are you running for Knoxville City Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the City of Knoxville at this time?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What will you do to positively impact transportation for the people of Knoxville?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What is your opinion about the City of Knoxville’s proposed 0.5% sales tax increase?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What are your views on Knoxville’s current housing strategy, and do you think any changes to that strategy are needed?
Candidate has not yet responded.