Accountability & Transparency
Government Accountability
"Government accountability means that public officials - elected and unelected - have an obligation to explain their decisions and actions to the citizens. Government accountability is achieved through the use of a variety of mechanisms - political, legal and administrative - designed to prevent corruption and ensure that public officials remain answerable and accessible to the people they serve. In the absence of such mechanisms, corruption may thrive."
- U.S. Department of State
Knoxville Leadership
The Mayor and City Council of Knoxville are committed to an accountable and transparent government. The City of Knoxville promotes open government and access to public records, which fosters trust and confidence in government. The mayor and each council member are elected "at-large," which means they represent all citizens of Knoxville and no specific district, ward, or precinct. They represent all citizens in the city.
In Knoxville, elected officials work part-time and hire a professional city manager who is trained in government administration. The city manager is responsible for day-to-day operations of the city, which includes proactive policies that ensure transparent and open government.