A Change in Planning Commissioners

In early April, the Planning Commission lost a valued member with the passing of Mac Goodwin.

Of course Mac could not be defined simply by his role on the Commission – he was an author and retired archaeologist with diverse interests, like smart growth, livable cities, solar energy, and climate change. He was active in Town Hall East, the French Broad Preservation Association, Slow Food Tennessee Valley, Native Plant Rescue Squad, and the Slovenian Consulate for Tennessee. Mac served as a planning commissioner from 2013-2020, and he will be missed.

We are saddened by his loss, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him and for the lasting contributions he made to our community. 

In Mac’s absence, we welcome Sandra Korbelik to the commission. A retired city and urban planner, Sandra is well-versed in the issues that come before her as a planning commissioner. She is the current President of both Town Hall East Neighborhood Association and Native Plant Rescue Squad. She is also a board member of Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and a co-leader of the Knoxville chapter of Braver Angels. She previously served on the boards of League of Women Voters, Scenic Knox, and Knox County Planning Alliance.

Sandra has a deep interest in how behavior is influenced by the built and natural environment, and wants to help our community equip itself for the future as she serves in this role.