Public Meetings - Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Chattanooga City Council conducted its regular business meeting on the evening of November 3, 2026. The council discussed and voted on a settlement agreement with Nippon Paint Automotive involving a land donation clawback, and approved a service line replacement program for Tennessee American Water. Numerous other resolutions, purchases, and routine matters were approved. The public comment period included testimony on historic zoning, animal control issues, and housing rehabilitation programs. Discussion Items - Tennessee American Water Service Line Replacement Program: Ryan Freeman, counsel for the company, detailed the proposed plan to comply with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule by replacing an estimated 3,600 lead service lines over 10 years. - Councilwoman Noel expressed concern on behalf of her constituents about a potential $50 to $60 increase on their monthly water bills. Her position was a demand for cost certainty before supporting the program. - Freeman responded that the plan would recover costs through annual regulatory filings with the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC). He estimated the impact at approximately $0.04 per month on the average customer bill. - Nippon Paint Settlement and Clawback: Sharita Allen presented the settlement derived from the original land donation agreement. The proposed clawback included a $1,157,600 repayment (based on a 2018 appraisal) and the return of 10 acres. - Councilman Clark opposed the use of the 2018 appraisal, arguing the property value had increased. He urged the city to recover more to benefit the District 8 community, which was promised significant jobs. - Vice Chair Elliott expressed concern the $1.1M recovery was insufficient. He proposed a formal framework for reinvesting the funds into the community. - Councilwoman Hill noted the resolution authorized negotiation and suggested a future resolution to dictate how the recovered funds would be spent. - Councilwoman Dodley recommended a two-week deferral to gather more information. Key Outcomes - Budget Amendment (Final Reading): Approved unanimously (9-0 roll call). $29.3M appropriated from reserves, $26.4M to capital. - Rezone (2102 Vance Avenue): Deferred to the November 10 meeting. - Tennessee American Water Resolution (9A): Approved. - Nippon Paint Settlement Resolution (9B): Approved. The administration committed to working with the council on a community reinvestment framework for the recovered funds. - Other Resolutions (9C, 9D, 9E, 9F): All approved. - Purchases: Four purchases approved (police interceptors, fire apparatus, equipment) totaling over $3.7M. - RFP Authorizations: Two approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Angie Casey (District 7): Opposed the historic zoning of Lufton City. Stated the community’s strong opposition was not accurately conveyed to the Historic Zoning Committee and requested assurance the November 9th community vote would be honored. - Jacob Minlo Park (District 9): 1) Criticized McCamey for failing to dispatch an officer for a lost dog. 2) Urged the city to invest in Pleasant Garden Cemetery to address erosion and damage. - Grayson Bright (District 9): Advocated for restructuring the CARTA bus system to improve efficiency and support a greener city. - Regina Kirk (District 8): Described a failed CNE home rehabilitation project that displaced her. Asked the council for oversight of the program. - Gary Ball (Lookout Mountain): Requested city assistance to correct a property deed issue. The city attorney agreed to investigate.

The committee met on November 3, 2026, at 18:56 UTC to discuss an update on a proposed long-term vacant commercial properties ordinance, hear council members' questions, approve minutes, and review scheduling and property matters. Discussion Items - Staff provided the requested update on the ordinance, which is intended to protect public safety, neighborhood quality, and future redevelopment opportunities by addressing long-term vacant commercial properties in designated heavily impacted corridors. The case example was 5200 Brainerd Road, the former Wendy's, and staff said storefront incentives may help address that property. - Staff summarized potential pros and cons of a vacancy tax or fee. Pros identified: encouraging owners to lease, sell, or renovate; discouraging prolonged vacancy; creating greater accountability; and generating revenue to support enforcement and neighborhood improvements. Potential cons: penalizing owners with legitimate reasons for vacancy, no guarantee a property will be redeveloped or occupied, possible administrative/enforcement costs, and a need to evaluate legal authority under Tennessee law. - Staff is preparing a citywide cost analysis of vacant properties, including code enforcement, fire/police attention, and homelessness services, and has compiled resources from other cities and articles provided by Councilwoman Hill. - City Attorney Phil answered council questions, saying a fee is likely more feasible than a tax and would need to be reasonably related to the costs of maintaining the program and benefiting the area. He cited Jackson, Tennessee's model: owners register vacant properties, indicate whether they are renovating, seeking a lease, or seeking a sale, and face a reassessed/increasing fee if no change occurs within a set period. - One council member suggested allowing property owners to sell long-vacant buildings to the city for workforce or affordable housing, including downtown multifamily reuse. Staff said the fee approach is meant to be supportive, not punitive, and could connect owners with economic development resources and incentives. - Another council member said a fee is a lesser alternative to condemnation, while staff noted the fee would not remove maintenance obligations and could support getting properties into better shape. Staff cited three empty restaurants on Brainerd Road and noted the Wendy's building sat idle for about five years and is now slated for demolition. - A council member asked about a citywide vacant-property database; staff said the information can be accessed through Nicole Heyman and added to the committee folder. - Council members discussed using fee revenue for a program similar to River City's scenic storefronts, possibly targeted to specific districts or corridors rather than citywide. Rossville Boulevard was mentioned as an area being reinvested where the policy might need careful application, and the IDB or HUB might help with grants. - One council member asked about lots used as de facto junkyards with rotting cars and suggested folding that issue into the ordinance; another asked whether any administration program currently addresses vacant properties. Staff indicated support and referenced Nicole Heyman's work on a state strategy. - A council member proposed a pilot program along the Brainerd/Midtown corridor for 18 months with reassessment; staff expressed interest in a boundary-based pilot. - A council member noted that some vacancies stem from financing pro formas from low-interest-rate real estate deals and low carrying costs, and urged a robust program with meaningful grants and escalating fees. The member noted Jackson's fee starts around $400 for the first year and that New Mexico and California start higher. Key Outcomes - No ordinance was adopted. Staff will continue legal review, cost analysis, data compilation, and ordinance development, with a future update expected at the next Land Use, Zoning and Housing Committee meeting. - Committee minutes were approved on a motion and stood as published. - The chair announced a lunch-and-learn at the wastewater treatment center the following week, with updates on a Class A power project. The November 17 strategic planning meeting will likely be canceled if no agenda items are submitted; December strategic planning will include a discussion on homeless housing and possibly council building safety improvements. - In response to a question about the old Sports Authority property, the city attorney said it was not yet fully wound down: the temporary use agreement with River City was extended, the structure is mostly demolished, a transfer could occur if River City pays the $200 purchase/repurchase price, and the annual temporary use agreement date would be provided. A council member noted that appointments are still needed for two open positions on the board associated with the matter, while the attorney advised leaving the current arrangement in place. - The committee was reminded of the attorney-client session after recess and adjourned to the 3:30 meeting.

The Industrial Development Board (IDB) of Chattanooga met on November 2, 2026, to approve several resolutions, receive the annual tax increment financing (TIF) report, discuss sunsetting old programs, and explore new staffing arrangements for the board. The board approved the previous meeting's minutes, welcomed new member Brad Schumpert, and heard no public comments. Resolutions - Commercial Corridor Revitalization Grant (Wheelhouse Construction): The board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a grant not to exceed $25,000 for exterior facade improvements, awnings, and signage at 5000 Rossville Boulevard (the Loom House project). Heidi Hefferlin of Wheelhouse Construction stated the project represents an investment of over $1 million and is projected to support 18 or more jobs. - Blue Cross Blue Shield Pilot Property Transfer: The board unanimously approved the execution of a quit claim deed to transfer property back to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee following the completion of its payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement. The PILOT supported a $2.092 billion corporate campus investment on Cameron Hill and retained or created 3,500 to 4,500 jobs, with average annual salaries ranging from $65,000 to exceeding $110,000. The property will return to the tax roll following the abatement period ending in 2025. - Airison Withdrawal from Bend TIFF District CCNRs: The board approved a resolution authorizing Airison to withdraw from the fees provision of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCNRs) within the Bend TIFF district, subject to review and approval of final description language by the IDB's attorneys. The resolution ensures that an undeveloped L-shaped parcel at West Main Street and Riverfront Parkway remains subject to the district’s design guidelines. Master developer attorney Bill Wharton stated Airison was primarily seeking relief from Common Area Maintenance (CAM) fees. Board member Maria expressed concern about voting without finalized legal language but supported the protective conditions. The motion passed 5-1-1. Discussions & Reports - Annual Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Report: Sharita Allen of the City’s Economic and Workforce Development department presented the annual required report on the city’s eight active TIF districts. Key updates included the $9 million Lookout Mountain TIF ($6.6 million in increment paid), the $9.9 million North River Commerce Center TIF (bonds recently issued), the $115 million Ben District TIF (no increment paid yet), and the $8.7 million Northgate Mall TIF ($52,000 in property tax and $540,000 in sales tax collected). Allen noted the city-backed South Broad TIF is behind schedule and advised against future city-backed TIFs without dedicated real estate staff to manage the development. The board discussed the potential for policy changes to allow for smaller-scale TIF projects. - Sunset of IDB Program Accounts & Fund Transfer: Sharita Allen presented a proposal to sunset three inactive or underperforming grant programs—Tech Workforce, Construction Mitigation, and Innovation Grant—due to lack of use or restrictive design. The board subsequently approved a resolution authorizing the transfer of the remaining $11,000 balance from the Construction Mitigation account (R15) to the Registered Apprenticeship Employer Incentive Funds account (R37) to support workforce development and upskilling. - IDB Staffing Proposal from the Chamber of Commerce: Charles Wood of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce presented a discussion item proposing a contracted staff position for the IDB, modeled after structures in Knoxville and Cleveland. The position would be housed at the Chamber and provide administrative, compliance, and strategic planning support. Wood stated the IDB was “a Ferrari that doesn’t get out of second gear” and the goal was to more fully leverage its authority. Board members raised questions regarding accountability, reporting structure, and alternatives to the Chamber housing the position. The consensus was to place the item on the December agenda for formal discussion, with Charles Wood to provide a draft job description and framework. - FYI: C Logic / Volkswagen Lien: The board was informed that a lien filed against the IDB related to a lease on the Volkswagen property had been released, resolving the issue. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved the Wheelhouse Construction Commercial Corridor Grant and the Blue Cross Blue Shield property transfer. - The Airison CCNR withdrawal was approved by a 5-1-1 vote, preserving design control on the pivotal corner parcel subject to final attorney review. - Three grant programs were sunset, and $11,000 in funds was reallocated to support registered apprenticeships. - Discussions on contracting a dedicated staff position for the IDB were scheduled as a formal agenda item for the December 2026 meeting.

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the Chattanooga City Council's Community Development and Early Learning Committee held a livestreamed, one-hour meeting. Chair Councilwoman Rachida Dotley led the session with committee members Chairman Davis, Councilwoman Noel, and Councilman Clark. The meeting was intended as a reset for the newly formed committee, with administrators from the Department of Early Learning and the Department of Community Development presenting division-level updates, current projects, and upcoming initiatives. No formal votes or legislation were considered. Department of Early Learning Update - Early Learning Administrator Carissa Jones presented the department's five operating divisions and its vision of ensuring every child in Chattanooga receives a strong foundation through high-quality early learning environments and stabilized families. - Office of Chattanooga Head Start and Early Head Start: The office manages over $15 million in federal funding and serves 585 children. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5, while Early Head Start serves children from six weeks to roughly age 2.5 to 3. Fewer than 30 funded slots are currently unfilled, and the department is close to, but not yet at, its 97 percent full-enrollment goal. Fall health and pediatric growth screenings are underway, including hearing, vision, blood pressure, lead, and developmental checks. Students met or exceeded 100 percent of proficiency targets on the latest assessment, including 98.6 percent in gross motor skills and over 92 percent in social-emotional development. Upcoming work includes an annual self-assessment from November through March 2027, a November governing board report, and January grant refunding, comparability review, and community needs assessment work. - Office of Parent Family and Community Engagement: On October 30, the department will submit a Governor's Early Literacy Foundation grant application for the Chattanooga Storybook Trail Project. Between June and October 23, the office engaged 2,175 parents, caregivers, and children through community events, open houses, and utility drives. Upcoming programs include the Not Your Basic Elf Hunt in December, the Chatter Baby Newborn Initiative, Traveling Basics Playgroups Tour, and a Champions Coalition launch in January 2027. Upcoming events include the Toddler Turkey Trot on November 7, Hardy Elementary Basics Week November 9-13, and Holiday Daddy and Me with Santa on December 11-12. - Office of Early Learning: The office supports independent child care providers through its Provider Success Closet, need-based child care supports, CPR training, and classroom quality observations. Sayubona Live, a mobile literacy resource bus programming series, launches this winter from January through March 2027. The Ready Together Initiative in April 2027 will support family, friend, and neighbor providers who serve as informal child care providers. October 29 events include the Saya Booya Bash at Calvin Donaldson Elementary, with setup beginning at 5 p.m. The citywide Kindergarten Transition Fair returns in spring 2027, followed by a Baby in Your Business conference for child care owners in summer 2027. - Office of AmeriCorps Senior Foster Grandparents: The federal progress report is due Friday, October 31, and covers volunteer demographics, hours served, low-income verification, and veteran status. The program maintains 52 volunteer service years and 65 active senior volunteers placed in local classrooms each week. Upcoming events include the October 30 volunteer in-service at the Family Justice Center focused on fall prevention and the 43rd annual Foster Grandparent Recognition Banquet at the downtown Marriott on December 3. Under federal guidelines, these events are closed to the general public, but council participation is available. - Office of Community Forward: The office provides school-based wraparound supports across eight school hubs, including Archer Knob Elementary, Woodmore Elementary, Calvin Donaldson Elementary, Hardy Elementary, Orchard Knob Middle, Brainerd High, and Tyner Middle High Academy. Highlights include a water safety pilot serving 12 Woodmore students, Orchard Knob Future Fund and Hygiene Kit Drives, Tyner RAM awards, and Howard's harvest family night. Upcoming events include Woodmore's Day of Giving on November 6, Dads are the Anchor on November 10, Boots and Brunch on November 10, and Family Night on December 11. The department reports connecting over 2,100 residents to municipal and community supports. Department of Community Development Update - Community Development Administrator Cedric Henson presented six divisions, 162 employees, and an impact report covering January 1 through October 26, 2026. - Aquatics: The department has begun adopting the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code, a science-based national guideline designed to prevent drowning, chemical injuries, and waterborne illnesses. Fall swim lessons served 48 participants; Saturday open swim hours at indoor pools were expanded from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; and three new aquatic staff are being hired. Virtual water fitness classes, a pool infrastructure assessment, and a new indoor pool staff training manual are planned. Water safety classes are being co-hosted for K-3 students at Barger and Wilmore Elementary, a Thursday swim lesson class is being added in January, and pool hours will expand over Christmas break. - Community Advisory Committees: The CAC handbook and toolkit are being revised, a centralized community directory is being built, and a volunteer working group is being established. CAC-initiated programs include book clubs, financial seminars, water safety training, basketball skills development, and GED classes in the Dotson region. Planning is underway for spring 2027 events, including disc golf, a community job fair, and a health and wellness fair. - Community Centers: The fall/winter 2026 program guide includes 260 seasonal programs, classes, and events. AEDs are being placed in all community centers, and Walden Security will begin phasing security services into centers on November 1. The Eastgate Senior Center is targeting January 2027 activation; a second community resource hub in South Chattanooga is scheduled for March 2027; and the James A. Henry building has staff in place with Baylor Tutoring already underway. The East Lake community resource hub parking lot surfacing starts in November 2026, and 28 special events are scheduled through December 16. - Community Engagement: The division is leading the citywide United Way campaign. Its language access and civic integration program achieved a 100 percent on-time completion rate for translation requests and conducted 43 interpretation sessions, including rapid response support at the Pilgrim's Pride closure job fair. Upcoming initiatives include a UTC student community engagement cohort, the Midtown Connect Fall Festival on October 31, and the MLK Day of Service in January. - Office of Community Health: A third Heart Hub launched at East Lake in collaboration with the American Heart Association. The Bridge Forward Program will provide transitional case management for juveniles exiting Hamilton County's ShowCap program. The rate crisis center groundbreaking is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026. - Office of Family Empowerment: FY27 LIHEAP Energy Assistance operations began October 1. The office is currently a silver-tier agency, the only one in Tennessee, and has begun foundational work toward the gold tier of excellence. Resource fairs continue through October and November, and LIHEAP technology support is being offered at Midtown with the Enterprise Center. Council Questions and Follow-Up Requests - Councilman Clark asked for definitions of the Head Start age groups and noted the briefing packet was helpful. He also requested an updated, current center-by-center staffing chart; Community Development staff agreed to provide it as soon as possible, with the second round of interviews for three assistant director positions scheduled for the following week. - A council member expressed concern that vending machines in community centers are not returning revenue to the centers and asked that the contracts be reviewed so a percentage of the profits goes to the centers. The same member also asked that center rental fees be directed to center funding rather than the general fund. - Council members requested data and metrics for the Office of Community Safety and Gun Violence Prevention, including the Cure program and 423 Chain Breakers, because those programs were not mentioned in the presentation or impact report. - Council members asked for a fuller explanation of what makes a community resource hub a hub and how future hubs are selected. Henson explained that hubs are not cookie-cutter and must guarantee daily programming in four categories: health and wellness, community service and social support, education and workforce development, and recreation and quality of life. He cited WIC, a driver's license kiosk, cooking classes, tutoring, and pickleball as examples. Future hubs are planned for South Chattanooga after East Lake, followed by Avondale. - Chair Dotley reported that she has visited all 19 community centers, participated in an Office of Family Empowerment lunch-and-learn and community development all-hands meeting, and hosted a community advisory committee refresher course. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the meeting was informational. - Staff agreed to compile and provide requested follow-up materials, including the current community center staffing chart, organizational chart information, vending machine contract details, center rental fee information, data on the Office of Community Safety and Gun Violence Prevention, and more detail on community resource hub planning and community needs assessments. - The committee will coordinate council participation in early learning site visits and RSVP requests for the December 3 Foster Grandparent Recognition Banquet. - Chair Dotley said another committee meeting will be scheduled with more detailed discussions, pending legislation, and future announcements.

The Chattanooga City Council met Tuesday, October 27, 2026, for an agenda session, a Planning, Zoning, and Housing Committee review, a recess for an attorney-client session, a formal voting session after returning at 5:30 p.m., and public comment. The council adopted final-reading ordinances, advanced budget ordinances on first reading, adopted resolutions, approved 13 purchases, and heard one public speaker. Discussion Items - Council approved the October 20, 2026 meeting minutes as published. - Councilwoman Burrs discussed planning case 2026-0113, a rezoning on Olee Highway. She noted community concerns about traffic safety, stated that the road is both a city road and a state road, and said the applicant must meet AASHTO requirements and complete a traffic impact study. She expressed support for smart development that preserves safety and keeps the city moving. - Councilman Henderson requested a traffic counter on Garden Road related to the nature center rezoning. Public Works confirmed it can install a counter without the traditional tube and can run a 24-hour count; staff will coordinate with Councilman Henderson. - Councilwoman Dotley said she planned to move to deny case 2026-0044 based on Chattanooga Police Department data. The CPD analysis for October 12, 2025 through October 12, 2026, in the area bounded by Brown Street, 20th Street, Chestnut, and Main Street identified 531 total calls for service, with 139 calls, or 26%, occurring at Southside Social and Whiskey Cowgirl. There were 94 calls from Thursday to Friday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and 33 calls from Saturday to Sunday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The item was later withdrawn after the applicant agreed to withdraw. - Councilman Clark placed an administrative condition, not a formal amendment or resolution, on Purpose Point Leadership Academy funding. The first 50% increment is available when the first classroom is filled with two teachers, and the second increment is available when the second classroom is filled with eight children, for 16 total children, with four classroom teachers, subject to Head Start federal staffing regulations. - Councilman Clark highlighted a next-week resolution supporting Tennessee American Water Company’s comprehensive lead and galvanized water line replacement program. He noted the company will replace both utility-owned and customer-owned portions of the lines. Planning, Zoning, and Housing Committee - Councilwoman Burrs chaired the committee, which reviewed cases coming to council in two weeks rather than one week. - Planner Karen Rennick announced that Plan Chattanooga received the statewide Tennessee American Planning Association award for a large community plan. - Case 2026-0119 on GAD Road: Staff and the Planning Commission recommended denial of a rezoning for four single-family detached homes. The applicant requested a 30-day deferral and did not return for the second hearing. Chairman Davis said he intends to move to deny when it reaches council. - Case 2026-0124 near North Park Hospital in Hixson: The applicant sought CC commercial corridor zoning for a medical office complex. Staff recommended INST institutional zoning; the Planning Commission recommended CC with a prohibited-use list that includes auto-oriented uses, smoke and vape shops, liquor stores, and dry cleaners. A council member asked for a table comparing uses. - Case 2026-0112 at 8212 Shallford Road: The applicant requested TRN1 zoning for a single-family detached subdivision with 5,000-square-foot lots and 45-foot lot widths. Planning Commission recommended approval with a 45-foot minimum lot frontage condition. Density was described as approximately 3.2 dwelling units per acre. - Case 2026-0122 in the Mill Town/South Watkins area: The applicant asked to lift a residential-only condition on TRN3-zoned properties so all TRN3 uses would be allowed. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. Vice Chair Elliott asked for a list of allowed uses. - Committee members reviewed proposed Chapter 38 text amendments addressing townhouse definitions, first-floor demarcation, blank-wall measurements, exterior lighting measurement, livestock and equine uses in the RN175 zone, and public park definitions. - No formal votes were taken in the committee. Ordinances – Final Reading - 7A: Ordinance closing and abandoning an unopened right-of-way in the 400 block of Maplewood Avenue – adopted. - 7B: Rezoning 402, 404, and 405 Garden Road from RN17.5 residential to OS open space and A1 urban agricultural zone – adopted. - 7C: Rezoning 3935 Cromwell Road from RN16 residential to CN neighborhood commercial, subject to church and daycare use only – adopted. - 7D: Rezoning 8022, 8026, 8030, and an unaddressed parcel in the 8000 block of Olee Highway from RN16, RN2, and CC to RN3, subject to seven conditions previously placed on the record – adopted. - 7E: Rezoning 2411 Autry Street from RN15 residential to CC commercial corridor zone, subject to conditions – adopted. Budget Ordinances – First Reading - 8A: Amended the FY 2026–2027 operations budget to appropriate $29,321,000 from general fund reserves to departments and $26,439,000 to capital. Passed first reading by unanimous roll-call vote. - 8B: Amended the FY 2026–2027 capital budget to increase it by $26,439,000 from general fund reserves and $150,000 from the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Building Maintenance Fund. Passed first reading by unanimous roll-call vote. - 8C: Rezoning case 2026-0044, involving 423 West 20th Street and an unaddressed property in the 400 block of West 20th Street, was withdrawn on Councilwoman Dotley’s motion after the applicant agreed to withdraw. Resolutions - 9A: Authorized Head Start collaboration partnerships for FY 2026–2027 with Chamberless and Children’s Academy, serving 24 infants and toddlers at each site for a total of 48, budgeted for 234 classroom days. A Head Start official said health and safety assessments had been completed and quality specialists conduct weekly checks. Adopted. - 9B: Authorized quick claim deeds for seven parcels acquired through delinquent tax sales to be conveyed to the approved highest bidders, with proceeds shared by city and county. Councilman Clark initially requested a deferral to review zip codes and affordable-housing considerations. After receiving the parcel list and an update mentioning 30 additional parcels in the pipeline, he supported the resolution. Adopted. - 9C: Authorized a five-year contract with a fleet enterprise asset management software vendor, transcribed as ‘opening of ink’, with an annual spend limit not to exceed $150,000. Adopted. - 9D: Approved change order No. 1 for Johnny Patton Ballfield Improvements with John J. Brennan Construction Inc., increasing the contract by $32,162.40 to $844,303.11, plus an $84,400 contingency, for a revised total not to exceed $928,703.11. Adopted. - 9E: Appointed Zlatko Kazlika as an unarmed special police officer in the Department of Public Works for city code enforcement. Adopted. - 9F: Awarded the Brainerd Manor Pump Station Fence Enclosure contract to Integrated Technology LLC of Knoxville, Tennessee, for $93,500 plus a $9,350 contingency, for a total not to exceed $102,850. Adopted. - 9G: Approved change order No. 3 with Hearst Excavating LLC for the Riverview Park/Chattanooga Golf and Country Club overflow elimination project, including approximately 740 linear feet of 24-inch gravity sewer, increasing the contract by $1,797,210 to a revised amount of $5,266,635.46. Adopted. Purchases - Council approved all 13 recommended purchases, including: - Technology Services: Quara connector increase; new estimated annual spend of $77,356. - Wastewater: 9% increases for Tri-State Electrical Contractors due to union labor rates; new annual limits of $2,180,000 and $218,000. - Wastewater: sole-source Siemens equipment upgrade for the Citagoge Pump Project awarded to Inline Electrical, $283,625. - Public Works: four-year HVAC maintenance and repair services agreement with an annual spend of $1,300,000, awarded to Metro Services, Mountain City Services, and Viking Industrial Inc. - Public Works: one-time roadway salt purchase for winter weather, $280,420. - Public Works: four-year agreement for medium and heavy duty parts with an annual limit of $1,200,000, awarded to Dalton Trucking, Thompson Truck Group, and MHC Kenworth. - Fire Department: amendment for the additional 2026 Firefighter Academy; new annual spend of $140,000. - Human Resources: life and disability insurance leave administration with Unum, five-year total, city portion of $407,519 annually. - Human Resources: pharmacy benefits management, $663,352. - Human Resources: health plan administrative services, $1,287,500. - Human Resources: vision benefit plan, with employees paying 100% of the $243,005 annual cost estimate. - Public Works: vendor name change from PPG Architectural Finishes Inc. to Pittsburgh Paint Company. - Public Works: one-time purchase of a Ford E450 passenger van for Parks and Outdoors from National Auto Fleet Group, $126,665. Committee Reports and Announcements - Councilwoman Dotley announced the Community Development and Education Committee will meet Thursday at 3 p.m. in the JP Collins Conference Room. - Councilwoman Hill reported that the Economic Development Committee discussed improvements to TIFF policies and proposed clawback provisions for the NIP and land donation. - Councilman Harvey thanked everyone who supported IBMA’s World of Bluegrass, said the event was a strong success, and noted the organization wants to stay in Chattanooga long-term. - Councilman Clark congratulated City Council Clerk Nicole Gwynn on graduating from the 2027 Local Government Leadership Program sponsored by the Navy Center for Executive Leadership. Public Comments & Testimony - Tiffany Rankins of District A, Lincoln Park, thanked council members, Parks and Outdoors, Director David Johnson, and others who supported the celebration of the old Negro League and bringing players home to their home field. Key Outcomes - Minutes from October 20, 2026 were approved. - Final-reading ordinances 7A through 7E were adopted. - Budget ordinances 8A and 8B passed first reading on unanimous roll-call votes. - Rezoning case 2026-0044 was withdrawn rather than denied. - Resolutions 9A through 9G and all 13 purchases were adopted. - Public Works agreed to place a traffic counter on Garden Road and coordinate with Councilman Henderson. - Planning staff will provide a use-comparison table for the North Park Hospital case and an allowed-use list for the Mill Town/South Watkins case. - Councilman Clark asked to be included in discussions about how the 30 tax-delinquent parcels in the pipeline are repurposed for community benefit. - The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2026.

The Chattanooga City Council’s Economic Development Committee convened at approximately 1:21 PM ET on October 27, 2026, to discuss significant reforms to the city’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policies and debate a proposed clawback settlement with Nippon Paint. Administration staff presented a detailed review of the current TIF application process, policy recommendations from external audits, and a new software platform for managing incentives. The committee expressed strong opposition to the proposed Nippon Paint settlement, directing staff to renegotiate a more aggressive deal before a full council vote. Consent Calendar - The committee voted to approve the minutes from its previous meeting without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testified directly, but council members extensively represented community interests during their discussions. Chairman Davis advocated for preserving public input mechanisms during the TIF process, citing the Northgate TIF as an example where early community engagement built trust. Councilwomen Clark and Hill emphasized the need for community benefits to address the unfulfilled economic promises from the Nippon Paint project. Discussion Items TIF Policy Review and Reform Proposals Administration staff (Sharita) provided a comprehensive overview of current TIF policies, detailing the standard 12-step, 6-to-12-month approval process involving the Industrial Development Board (IDB), City Council, and County Commission. A key proposal was the elimination of the Application Review Committee (Step 6), which staff stated adds roughly five weeks to the timeline and duplicates review work now managed by a new $44,000 Civic Service software platform funded by the IDB. Additional recommendations from a county auditor audit and a site selector analysis (comparing Chattanooga to Knoxville, Greenville, Louisville, and Tulsa) were reviewed, including potential changes to the $8,000 application fee and the 15% cap on infrastructure reimbursement for projects. - Councilman Elliott supported streamlining the process and requested staff identify which specific recommendations from the competitive study the administration does not support. He expressed interest in exploring Municipal Utility Districts. - Councilman Henderson opposed reducing or waiving the $8,000 application fee and supported incorporating workforce development and job training requirements into TIF agreements. He acknowledged the inherent tension between transparency and efficiency in government. - Councilwoman Clark requested exploration of using TIFs for vertical infrastructure improvements (such as grocery stores or housing) rather than strictly public infrastructure, noting the current policy limits TIFs to infrastructure and that other cities successfully use TIFs for vertical purposes. - Councilwoman Hill asked for clarity on which external recommendations the administration opposes and urged thoughtful consideration of public engagement mechanisms if the Application Review Committee is removed. Nippon Paint Clawback Negotiation Staff reviewed the Nippon Paint land donation deal from 2018, where the city donated 29 acres of land (valued at $1.157 million) in exchange for a commitment to create 150 jobs with an average salary of $47,070 and $60 million in capital investment by 2027. The city fulfilled its obligations, including the land donation, a $900,000 road extension, and sewer relocation, totaling approximately $4 million in investment. Nippon Paint built one 270,000-square-foot facility, invested $52 million, and employed 30–35 people in testing and chemistry roles, but failed to construct two additional buildings or create the promised jobs, citing the downturn in the electric vehicle market. The proposed clawback settlement requires Nippon to repay the $1.157 million land value and return 10 acres of the donated land. - Vice Chair Elliott strongly criticized the settlement, declaring it a “very weak” deal and stating he would not support it. He argued the city should reclaim all 29 acres and lease the land, emphasizing the significant collateral damage to the community from lost jobs and economic impact. - Councilwoman Clark echoed Elliott’s concerns, stating the clawback must reflect the full economic damage, not just the initial land value. She requested the city attorney present a stronger argument to the full council. - Councilwoman Hill suggested exploring community benefits or contributions from Nippon for the East Chattanooga community to compensate for the unfulfilled job promises. - Staff argued the settlement was a balanced compromise that recoups costs, returns developable land, keeps a still-operating facility on the tax rolls (32 current employees), and demonstrates the city’s ability to enforce agreements without being overly punitive. - Council consensus: The committee rejected the proposed terms and directed staff and legal counsel to renegotiate a significantly stronger clawback agreement before the full City Council vote scheduled for the following week. Key Outcomes - TIF Policy Changes: The committee advanced the proposal to eliminate the Application Review Committee to shorten approval timelines. Staff will provide a list of specific policy recommendations they oppose. Future meetings will explore TIFs for vertical infrastructure and the establishment of Municipal Utility Districts. - Nippon Paint Settlement: The committee formally rejected the proposed clawback terms (repayment of $1.157 million and return of 10 acres). Staff and the city attorney were directed to pursue a stronger settlement for the full council vote the following week. - Minutes: Approved.

The Chattanooga City Council met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, for its regular meeting, which included a public hearing on the proposed FY 2027 budget amendment. The council also held a substantive debate and vote on a resolution to initiate the historic landmark designation process for multiple city-owned and privately held properties, ultimately approving it 5-4. Several rezonings were passed, including a significant affordable housing development on Old Lee Highway, and the council hired a new Legislative Affairs Director. Public Comments & Testimony FY 2027 Budget Amendment Public Hearing - Janice Gooden (District 8): Expressed she was not opposed to the amendment's purpose point allocation but cautioned it could open a "can of worms" due to the breadth of needs. She also urged the council to reconsider additional funding for 911 operators. - Edward Green Junior: Voiced strong concerns about the condition of the Wilcox Tunnel, which he claimed remains uncleaned despite being turned over to the city by the state. He questioned why the city accepted responsibility if maintenance cannot be performed. - Kelmas Scott (District 8): Praised recent street paving efforts but requested similar paving for Chamberlain Road from Glass Street to Third Street, citing extensive potholes near Orange Grove. General Public Comment - A speaker thanked the council members who voted in favor of the historic preservation resolution and lamented the loss of African American historical developments and homes being built on top of graves. Discussion Items - Historic Landmark Designation Resolution (Item 9B) Councilman Clark presented a resolution directing city staff to research, conduct outreach to property owners, and prepare applications for local historic landmark designation for a list of over a dozen properties, including City Hall, the Tivoli Theatre, Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium, Lincoln Park, several historic cemeteries, and buildings on Martin Luther King Boulevard. - Councilman Clark (Proponent): Argued the resolution was purely a procedural first step to authorize staff to begin research and community conversations, as outlined in city ordinance. He framed it as a necessary preservation effort to prevent the erasure of historic sites, particularly African American and Jewish cemeteries, and architecturally significant buildings. He stated it was a "community-led" effort because the council was elected to represent community interests. - Councilwoman Dotle (Opposition on Specifics): Raised concerns about government overreach on private properties and public-private partnerships like the Tivoli, which she feared could jeopardize its CPACE financing. She proposed an amendment to require property owner consent. - Councilman Harvey: Suggested the language be altered to require the property owner's consent before any application proceeds. - Councilwoman Burrs: Proposed removing the specific list of properties from the resolution and instead instructing staff on the process generally. - Councilwoman Noel: Stated that conversations with property owners should have been completed before the vote, and opposed the resolution in its original form. - All three formal amendments (requiring written consent, adding "suggested" to the list, and removing specific properties) failed on roll call votes. The main resolution was then adopted on a 5-4 vote. - Rezoning: Old Lee Highway Affordable Housing (Item 8D) MATCO Affordable Housing, in partnership with the Chattanooga Housing Authority, proposed rezoning properties for a 130-unit affordable housing development. - Applicant (Hannah Claire Bogas/MATCO): Stated the project addresses the affordable housing gap, is compatible with the area plan, and provides workforce housing near employment centers. They committed to a preference list for local residents and received a commitment from CARTA for on-demand service. - Opposition (John Kay Zallinger Jr., Stonehenge Trustee): Raised concerns about traffic safety, the true affordability of living at the location (transportation costs for low-income families), the effectiveness of CARTA service, sewer capacity, and school capacity. - Council Action: Councilwoman Hill strongly supported the 40 three-bedroom units for families at 30% AMI. Councilman Burrs, acknowledging a shift in community sentiment, made a motion to approve with extensive conditions including a brick facade, dog park, lighting, fence, sidewalks, left-turn lane, and landscape buffer. The motion passed on first reading. - Rezoning: 3935 Cromwell Road (Item 8C) A rezone to neighborhood commercial zone for a church intending to operate a daycare. - Councilman Clark: Expressed concern that the CN zone allowed 19 other uses by right. Since no daycare site plan had been submitted to the state, he successfully moved to amend the condition to restrict the zone to a church and daycare only, preventing it from converting to other commercial uses. Passed on first reading. - Rezoning: 2411 Archery Street (Item 8F) A rezone to a commercial corridor zone. - Vice Chair Elliott: Successfully moved to amend the ordinance to restrict allowable uses to single-unit residential, accessory dwelling units, and short-term vacation rentals only. Passed on first reading. - Legislative Affairs Director Appointment (Item 9C) A resolution to hire Christina Spears as the city council's Legislative Affairs Director. - Councilwoman Noel: Voted no, criticizing the selection process as "garbage," stating that the committee's original choice was bypassed to bring the decision to the full council. The resolution was adopted 8-1. Key Outcomes - Historic Landmarks Resolution (9B): Adopted 5-4. Council Members Clark, Harvey, Henderson, Elliott, and Davis voted yes. Council Members Noel, Dotle, Burrs, and Hill voted no. Staff is now directed to research and prepare applications. - City Hall Landmark Application (9A): Adopted unanimously. Commenced the application process for the municipal building. - Old Lee Highway Affordable Housing (8D): Passed first reading with several conditions related to design and traffic safety. - Cromwell Road Rezone (8C): Passed first reading with a condition limiting the use to a church and daycare. - Archery Street Rezone (8F): Passed first reading with a condition limiting uses to residential and short-term rentals. - Raccoon Mountain Water Agreement (9G): Adopted. Authorizes an extension deposit agreement with Tennessee American Water for $4,545,157. - Legislative Affairs Director (9C): Adopted 8-1. - Technology Services Contract (9F): Deferred to October 27th due to an incorrect advertised amount ($100k vs $150k). - Vance Avenue Rezone (8E): Deferred to November 3rd. - Review of Mini-Golf Rezone: Council voted to place a previously denied rezone case (Item 2026-0044) back on the first reading agenda for October 27th because the applicant was unaware of the meeting time change. - Budget Amendment Public Hearing: Concluded. First reading of the amendment is scheduled for the next meeting. Committee Reports & Announcements - Councilwoman Noel: AED devices are being placed in community centers. - Councilwoman Dotle: Community Development & Education Committee will meet October 29th. - Councilwoman Burrs: Planning and Zoning Housing Committee meetings shifted to occur two weeks before votes. Announced Midtown Connect Fall Festival (Oct 31) and Litter Bit Louder cleanup (Oct 24). - Councilman Henderson: Budget & Finance Committee held the FY27 budget public hearing. - Councilwoman Hill: Announced Fraser Fast and Ava Between the Bridges Art Fair. Economic Development meeting on October 27th focusing on TIF policy changes. - Councilman Harvey: Encouraged attendance at the IBMA Bluegrass Festival. - Councilman Clark: Thanked staff and preservation partners for work on the landmarks resolution. - Vice Chair Elliott: Announced a Brainerd Road safety meeting on October 29th at the Gannon Art Center. - Fire Chief Terry Knowles: Accepted a $1,000 grant from Tennessee American Water for a fire hydrant training appliance.

On October 20, 2026, the Chattanooga City Council held a strategic planning session featuring a comprehensive briefing from Charles Frazier, CEO of CARTA. Frazier presented the "Path to a Modern Mobility Ecosystem," detailing the transit authority's recent progress, a three-year action plan to improve existing services, and a long-term vision for expansion, while stressing the critical need for a parallel strategy to secure sustainable funding. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the council's previous meeting were approved as published following a motion and second from the council. Discussion Items - CARTA Modern Mobility Briefing (Charles Frazier, CEO) Frazier outlined a six-phase path for CARTA. He reported on recent progress (Phases 1-3), including resolving outstanding audit findings, establishing the first capital budget, renegotiating unfavorable contracts, recovering from the Incline Railway fire, adopting fare-free student and first-hour policies, and securing nearly $50 million in competitive grants. The focus of the next three years (Phase 4: Improve What We Have) includes a three-year action plan organized around service, organizational, and financial excellence. Key improvements include a new website and mobile app, complete replacement of bus stop signage with real-time information, deployment of 150 new benches and shelters, and replacement of vehicles past their useful life. Frazier also noted the urgent need for a downtown transfer center. For the longer term, Frazier detailed Phase 5 (Transformation), which would increase service frequency, and Phase 6 (Building the Future), which represents a 20-year vision for entirely new service corridors. Frazier announced the formation of a CARTA funding and finance committee to quantify the funding gap and explore revenue options, including a regional funding formula, hotel/motel tax, vehicle registration fees, and the IMPROVE Act. - Council Discussion on Funding Strategy The council engaged deeply with Frazier on how to achieve long-term funding stability. - Councilman Harvey provided a statistic stating that 72% of Chattanoogans work for businesses with 20 or fewer employees, arguing that a holistic funding solution is required and that reliance on large employer contributions alone is insufficient. - Councilman Art inquired about pursuing public-private partnerships and contributions from large employers like Volkswagen. - Vice Chair Elliott reiterated the need to fully quantify the costs of expansion to inform legislative strategy. - A council member drew a parallel to the city's 9-1-1 funding challenges, expressing a strong desire to create a financial model that endures across future councils. Key Outcomes - CARTA's board recently approved the three-year "Improve What We Have" framework. - The council expressed strong, unified support for CARTA's strategy of prioritizing quality before expansion. - CARTA will convene its funding and finance committee to draft specific revenue recommendations for the council. - The council noted upcoming business including a tour of Finley Stadium, a future discussion on the homeless shelter issue, and outstanding board appointments.

The Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission met on October 15, 2026, to consider three certificate of appropriateness cases: two in the St. Elmo Historic District and one involving new construction. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, staff updates, and discussion of design guidelines for additions, new construction, and site improvements. Discussion Items - Case HZ2696 – 4313 San Almo Avenue (Old Business, New Construction on Vacant Lot): The applicant presented revised plans after previous feedback. The commission discussed the design's compatibility with the St. Elmo Historic District. Commissioner Cassie Courtney recused herself, initially causing a quorum issue; the case was tabled until Nathan Bird arrived. After Bird joined, the commission approved the case without conditions. - Case HZ26108 – 4501 Tennessee Avenue (Addition to Historic Structure): The applicant proposed a rear addition and a side shed dormer to expand attic space. The commission expressed concern about the size and prominence of the side dormer on the original facade. After discussion, the commission approved the rear addition options (both the offset gable with clerestory windows and the symmetrical shed dormer) but deferred the side dormer for further design refinement. The motion also allowed the applicant to choose the rear option based on pricing. - Case HZ26110 – 4613 Guild Trail (New Driveway): The applicant requested to demolish and replace an existing steep, ungraded driveway with a new concrete driveway to provide safe access to a non-contributing house on a flagpole lot. The commission approved the project with conditions that the driveway be concrete and the historic retaining wall remain undisturbed. - Staff Updates: Staff announced a public informational meeting for the Lupton City Local Historic District on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 1543 Mercer Street. A new Development Review Planner, Jody Corbin, will start on October 30, 2026, and be in training for the November meeting. The Lupton City Historic Deferral will be heard at the November 2026 meeting. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimously. - HZ2696 Approved: Motion to approve with no conditions; seconded and passed (with Cassie Courtney recused). - HZ26108 Partially Approved: Rear addition options approved; side dormer deferred to a future meeting for revised design. Motion carried. - HZ26110 Approved: Subject to conditions of concrete driveway and undisturbed historic retaining wall. Motion carried. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion made and seconded; passed.