Jonesborough Navigates Rapid Residential and Commercial Growth

Town Administrator Discusses Infrastructure Upgrades and Communication Strategies Amid Building Boom

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Jonesborough, Tennessee is experiencing a steady surge in residential and commercial development, prompting the town to undertake major infrastructure projects and explore new communication strategies to manage the growth and keep residents informed.

Why it matters

Jonesborough's building boom is straining the town's existing water, sewer, and road systems, requiring significant infrastructure upgrades to keep pace. The town is also focused on improving communication with residents to ensure transparency around the planning and approval processes for new developments.

The details

Recent approvals and ongoing projects show single-family homes driving most new development inside Jonesborough's town limits, followed by townhomes and commercial construction. This growth is spread out across the town, rather than concentrated in one area. Between 2023 and 2025, there were 289 building permits issued for single-family, townhome, and multi-family residences. To address the strain on infrastructure, Jonesborough has approved increases in water and sewer rates, as well as development review fees. The town is also pursuing impact fees to ensure new development helps pay for the added strain on transportation systems. Major infrastructure projects underway include a new water treatment plant, a major new water transmission line, sewer pipe rehabilitation, and traffic signal upgrades along Highway 11E.

  • Between 2023 and 2025, there was a grand total of 289 building permits issued for single-family, town home and multi-family residences.
  • Last year, the town approved increases in water and sewer rates, as well as water and sewer permits and development review fees.

The players

Glenn Rosenoff

Jonesborough's Town Administrator, who is overseeing the town's response to the rapid residential and commercial growth.

Kelly Wolfe

The Mayor of Jonesborough, who initiated a resolution seeking authorization from the Tennessee Legislature for the town to adopt impact fees to help fund transportation infrastructure improvements.

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What they’re saying

“The town recognizes the challenges of our unprecedented growth, the rising costs of maintaining and improving infrastructure, and is therefore exploring ways to raise revenue streams to sustain and improve our water, sewer and road systems.”

— Glenn Rosenoff, Town Administrator (johnsoncitypress.com)

“With the rising costs of maintaining and improving our road system, and recognizing the impact development has on our roads, Mayor Kelly Wolfe initiated a resolution that was passed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen seeking authorization from the Tennessee Legislature for Jonesborough to adopt impact fees.”

— Glenn Rosenoff, Town Administrator (johnsoncitypress.com)

What’s next

The town is awaiting authorization from the Tennessee Legislature to implement impact fees, which would help fund transportation infrastructure improvements to address the strain from new development.

The takeaway

Jonesborough's building boom is presenting both challenges and opportunities for the town. While the rapid growth is straining existing infrastructure, the town is proactively pursuing funding solutions and communication strategies to manage the development and ensure a high quality of life for residents.