Knoxville City Council Approves Warming Center Resolution

Council rejects zoning amendment request for temporary emergency shelters

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Knoxville City Council unanimously approved a resolution requesting a change to the temperature threshold and additional financial support for warming centers. However, a majority of council members voted down a second resolution that would have asked for a zoning amendment to allow more entities to serve as temporary emergency shelters.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the ongoing challenges Knoxville faces in providing adequate shelter and support for vulnerable populations during extreme weather conditions. The approval of the first resolution indicates a willingness to re-evaluate current policies, while the rejection of the second resolution suggests there are still obstacles to expanding emergency shelter options in the city.

The details

The two resolutions were sponsored by Council members Amelia Parker and Matthew DeBardelaben. The approved resolution asks the city to consider raising the warming center temperature threshold from 25 degrees to 32 degrees, as well as opening cooling centers at 90 degrees. The rejected resolution requested a zoning code amendment to add temporary emergency shelters as a permitted temporary use, with the goal of allowing a wider range of options for overnight and daytime shelter. Council members who voted against the second resolution cited concerns about the definition of "temporary" and the need for the planning commission to review the matter.

  • The City Council vote took place on March 4, 2026.

The players

Amelia Parker

Knoxville City Council member who sponsored both resolutions.

Matthew DeBardelaben

Knoxville City Council member who sponsored both resolutions.

Vivian Shipe

Warming center advocate who attended and spoke at the council meeting.

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What they’re saying

“While the approval of the first resolution doesn't equate to a change in policy, it will open a conversation to decide how to change the current warming and cooling center model.”

— Amelia Parker, Knoxville City Council member (wbir.com)

“The passing of one is a victory, but I'm disappointed the other one failed.”

— Vivian Shipe, Warming center advocate (wbir.com)

What’s next

The city will now consider raising the temperature threshold for opening warming centers and adding financial support, while the proposed zoning amendment for temporary emergency shelters will need to go through the planning commission process.

The takeaway

Knoxville's decision highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in providing adequate shelter and support for vulnerable populations during extreme weather. While the approved resolution represents a step forward, the rejection of the zoning amendment suggests more work is needed to expand emergency shelter options in the city.