Matthew DeBardelaben is a North Knoxville resident, nonprofit advocate, and a steward of local art and culture. In this pivotal moment for our city, he is stepping up as a candidate for City Council to be a voice for the people of the 4th District and build a Knoxville that works for all Knoxvillians. 

In his professional capacity, as a commercial real estate broker, Matthew is able to help his clients grow and focus on his passion for community development. Through his work — putting people into buildings and buildings back into good use — Matthew knows the value of preserving historic structures by giving them new life, whether it be a space for makers and creators or a thriving small business.

Matthew has served as board chair of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, is currently a member of the city’s Design Review Board, and on the board of several local nonprofits. As a housing and sustainable growth advocate with Yes! Knoxville, Matthew has fought for more housing options to bring down rents and costs for Knoxville’s working families.

Matthew is the curator of PechaKucha Knoxville, a quarterly community event attended by hundreds where local creators, entrepreneurs, dreamers, travelers, makers, and doers share their stories using only 20 images with 20 seconds per image. As a founder of the Square on the Square, he has brought together the greater Knoxville community to celebrate through music and dance as one.

Before making Knoxville his home, Matthew lived in Miami, Alabama, Seattle, Chicago, and Nashville, as well for six years in Shanghai, China. Each of these places shaped his views on urbanism, community, and diversity on his way to Knoxville. He is the father of four sons and lives in the historic Old North neighborhood.

Now more than ever, Knoxville needs compassionate, trustworthy leaders who put community first and remain committed to the work toward a dynamic, vibrant city for all of us. Matthew is such a leader — and will be proud to be the 4th District’s voice for progress.