Local leaders and university partners are asking what residents want Unicoi County to become in the years ahead.

The Unicoi County Prevention Coalition and East Tennessee State University have partnered to learn about community priorities, according to WJHL.

One focus is understanding which features would make a community hub or community center useful to the people who might use it.

Why resident input matters

The needs of families, older adults, young people and local organizations are not always identical.

Planning that begins with residents' experiences can help decision-makers distinguish genuinely useful services from appealing ideas that do not meet practical needs.

Conversations about community space may include accessibility, activities, gathering opportunities and the everyday challenges of reaching services.

What comes next

The initiative is a fact-finding effort, not confirmation that a specific facility has been approved or funded.

Interested residents should look for official announcements from the coalition and ETSU about how to provide feedback.

Any later proposal, funding commitment or construction timetable would require its own verification.

For now, the partnership highlights an opportunity for local voices to help guide future community planning.