This week, Model City Rewind brings you the complete interview with friend of the show and local legend, Jeff Fleming, former City Manager of Kingsport, Tennessee. After 35 years with the city (including 5 years as City Manager), Jeff shares his remarkable journey from first-generation college student to becoming one of Kingsport's most influential civic leaders.

Guest Profile

Jeff Fleming

35-year career with the City of Kingsport (1984–2019)
Served as City Manager from 2019–2024
Started as an ETSU intern in 1984, worked his way up through various roles
Master's degree in Geography and Urban Regional Planning from ETSU
Currently active in community engagement through "Move to Kingsport" program

Key Topics Discussed 🏛️ Career Journey & Public Service

How a summer American History class changed his career path from engineering to public administration
The advice from his brother: "If you're passionate about what you do, the money will find you"
Working through six mayors and six city managers before becoming City Manager himself

🏙️ Kingsport Development & Revitalization

Downtown Kingsport transformation from 2000s to present
Blue Cross Park development ($58M project, 50 years in the making)
Broad Street redevelopment and roundabout installations
The "three-legged stool" leadership approach with Chris McCart and Ryan McReynolds

💰 Economic Development Strategy

Moving beyond traditional manufacturing-dependent economy
Non-traditional economic development focus (quality of life, walkability, urbanization)
Partnership with Northeast State for workforce development
"Move to Kingsport" program – 591 families from 47 states moved there last year

🏗️ Infrastructure & Planning Challenges

Annexation costs and responsibilities (millions of dollars per area)
Utility infrastructure upgrades in older neighborhoods (Lynn Garden, Preston Woods)
Balancing growth without becoming like Rutherford County/Middle Tennessee
Population growth target: 5-10% annually (currently at ~7%)

🎯 Community Engagement & Third Spaces

Importance of parks, recreation, and gathering spaces
Concert series on Broad Street (inspired by Greenville, SC)
Pickleball courts conversion and community adoption
Lacrosse becoming a school-sanctioned sport

🏫 Education & School District Integration

School boundary changes and community divisions
Robinson High School consolidation efforts
Band programs as community unifiers across socioeconomic lines

35 Years of The Model City Leadership: Interview with Jeff Fleming