TVA is increasing rates for electricity for a second time in 2024. First, there was "a 4.5% increase approved for the 2024 fiscal year that was approved in August 2023."

Now, "TVA shared that the 5.25% base rate increase will be taking effect on October 1, 2024."

"Maryville city staff are proposing rate adjustments to three of the city’s utilities, with potential changes coming around January." Haven't heard what Alcoa and Knoxville Utilities Board are doing.

On top of the property tax increase last year, these rate increases make it harder and harder to maintain a home.

Then, "The director of Tennessee’s statewide housing finance agency [Tennessee Housing Development Agency Executive Director Ralph Perrey] offered Blount County residents a solution to high prices (during a presentation at the Blount Partnership ): build more homes.

That's all well and good if the infrastructure holds up. I'm not sure it is. Schools and roads are suffering for sure. Then, we have to wonder how the local municipalities are doing. Are they still able to provide sufficient police and fire services?