District 5

Current officeholder

• 
  Charles Thomas

  Since Dec 21, 2019

  This seat’s voting record →

Charles Thomas on the issues

• License-plate readers & surveillance cameras · voted on 8 decisions · 1 split

  • Aug 4, 2026 Aye Apply for Downtown Knoxville Alliance funding for cameras — adopted 8-1-0-0

• Data centers · voted on 1 decision · none split

  • Jul 7, 2026 Aye Emergency ordinance enacting moratorium on large data centers — adopted 7-0-0-2

• Property taxes & reappraisal · voted on 9 decisions · none split

  • Sep 15, 2026 Aye Set certified property tax rate at $1.3956 per $100 assessed value — adopted 7-0-0-2

• Developer tax breaks (PILOTs) · voted on 26 decisions · 8 split

  • Aug 18, 2026 Aye Authorize IDB to negotiate PILOT payments for Patton/Georgia streets — adopted 7-1-0-1
  • Oct 15, 2024 Aye Authorize PILOT payments for property at 516 and 0 W. Vine Avenue — adopted 7-1-0-1
  • Mar 19, 2024 Aye Authorize IDB to accept payments in lieu of taxes for specified properties — adopted 7-1-0-1
  • Jan 10, 2023 Aye Resolution authorizing PILOT agreement with Core Knoxville Cumberland, LLC for various properties — adopted 7-2-0-0

• Homelessness & shelters · voted on 67 decisions · 3 split

  • Aug 18, 2026 Said So Flinnican was really important for the way the city uh works on the homeless issue and provides permanent housing. Watch at 51:32
  • Dec 9, 2025 Abstain Amend Resolution R-326-2024 regarding Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program grant funds — adopted 6-1-2-0
  • Dec 9, 2025 Aye Amend Resolution R-326-2024 regarding Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program grant funds — adopted 8-1-0-0
  • Jun 16, 2020 Aye Resolution to execute agreement with Salvation Army for COVID-19 emergency shelters — adopted 8-1-0-0

• Middle housing in Knoxville · voted on 14 decisions · 4 split

  • Sep 15, 2026 Aye Overturn Planning Commission denial for housing at 1415 W Fifth Avenue — adopted 6-1-0-2
  • Sep 15, 2026 Said Um, whether the proposed structure does meet the middle housing standards under Article 4.6. Watch at 40:14
  • Sep 16, 2025 Absent Ordinance to amend Zoning Code regarding housing and development — adopted 6-1-0-2
  • Sep 2, 2025 Aye Ordinance to amend Zoning Code concerning Middle Housing Standards, etc — adopted 6-2-0-1
  • Feb 6, 2024 Aye Amend Knoxville City Code Zoning Code to add Middle Housing Standards — adopted 8-1-0-0

• Chilhowee Park · voted on 4 decisions · 2 split

  • May 26, 2026 Aye Approve contract with Taylor's Lawn Service for Chilhowee Park — adopted 7-1-0-1
  • May 27, 2025 Aye Approve and adopt Magnolia Avenue and Chilhowee Park Redevelopment Plan — adopted 7-1-0-1

• Hillside & ridgetop protection · voted on 22 decisions · 1 split

  • Apr 20, 2021 Aye Rezone properties on Merchant Drive and Oakhill Drive to RN-5 / HP District — adopted 7-1-0-0

• Pension & retirement obligations · voted on 1 decision · none split

  • Jul 26, 2022 Aye Amend and restate Investment Policy of Pension Board — adopted 9-0-0-0

Who has held this seat

1. Charles Thomas Current Dec 21, 2019 – present
2. Mark Campen Dec 17, 2011 – Dec 21, 2019