Kathi Knight serves as the Mayor of Manila, a role that places her at the center of the town's municipal governance. Beyond her mayoral duties, Knight is an active member of the Town of Manila Planning and Zoning board, as indicated by her contact information listed on official town meeting notices.
Knight's influence is visible in the administrative decisions that shape the community. On July 2, 2026, during a Planning and Zoning regular meeting, it was noted that Knight had appointed Sara Mraz from the Town Council to the Planning and Zoning board, a position Mraz took to replace William Rylander. This appointment highlights Knight's role in structuring the local government's advisory bodies.
Through the Planning and Zoning board, Knight and other officials oversee various land-use and development matters. In May 2026, the board addressed several requests, including a subdivision plat amendment from Kevin Clegg to combine two lots at 35 E Glades Way and 45 E Glades Way. During that same meeting, the board discussed a change to the monthly meeting schedule, resulting in a motion to move regular meetings to the first Thursday of each month.
The board also manages building permits and zoning transitions. In July 2026, discussions included a request from Gretchen Northcott for a building permit for a lot located at 77 N Main Street. Additionally, the board has dealt with requests for outbuildings, such as a garage requested by Kevin Clegg on 35 E Glades Way. Another significant matter involves The Pinnacle, which has requested a lot re-zone from the Central Development District (CDD) to an RMF Overlay. This request was a subject of discussion during meetings held in July and August of 2026.
Residents encounter the work of the Mayor and the Planning and Zoning board through public notices and regular meetings. These meetings are held at various locations, including the Town Conference Meeting Room and the Senior-Community Center, located at 145 E Hwy 43 and 165 E Hwy 43, respectively. For those requiring assistance, the town provides special accommodations for public meetings, with Mattee Forbes, the Deputy Town Clerk, serving as the point of contact for such requests.
Knight's leadership extends to coordinating joint sessions between the Planning and Zoning board and the Town Council. A joint work session was scheduled for April 6, 2026, at the Senior-Community Center to discuss the 2025 draft ordinance book. Such sessions ensure that the town's legislative and planning efforts are synchronized. Through these various administrative and legislative functions, Knight remains a central figure in the management of Manila's municipal affairs and land-use regulations.
What this means for Manila
For the residents of Manila, Mayor Knight's role in the Planning and Zoning board means that local development and land-use decisions are handled by elected and appointed officials. This process ensures that building permits, zoning reclassifications, and town ordinances are reviewed through formal public meetings and coordinated with the Town Council.
