Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cocke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in business jobs
Pigeon River rafting threatened by I-40 construction
Rafting interests say I-40 work is channelizing and shallowing the Pigeon River, possibly making sections unrunnable. Commissioners approved $50,000 from rafting fees for an engineering plan, with the state chipping in about $80,000.
Smoky Mountain Innovation Park and economic development
The industrial park is getting a $2 million sewer line (no local match) plus final design for three-phase power, broadband, street lights, and water — about $4 million total funded without local taxpayer dollars. Marketing is underway with a June-July timeline.
Bike trails and Innovation Park development
The Hogstop Bike Trail environmental work is 75% done with the Forest Service now involved at no fee, and the Smoky Mountain Innovation Park pad is finished with utilities design underway — all funded by grants, not local taxpayers.
Workforce development programs
The workforce board runs job fairs, youth employment, and reentry training grants — including excavator training for people coming out of incarceration. Cocke County's labor force participation sits at 50.3%, well below neighboring Sevier County's 66.2%.