Rick Emmett coordinates downtown. What has he seen across 30 years?

Rick Emmett has worked for the city more than three decades, including the past 12 years as Knoxville's downtown coordinator. In this role, he helps residents and business navigate the ins and out of government while leading some of the most notable downtown efforts.

With Emmett retiring, we invited him on "The Scruffy Stuff" to talk about how downtown has changed and where growth could be going as he enters a new life chapter. 

"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.