Public Meetings - Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Chattanooga City Council met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in an afternoon session that included a public hearing on a de‑annexation application, discussion and votes on multiple rezoning and planning items, approval of resolutions and purchases, and public comments on food access and parking policies. The council recessed from approximately 3:50 PM to 4:20 PM before resuming the voting meeting. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without objection. - Several resolutions were approved as a package: items A and B (leases for Cassette Skate Shop and Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association); items D and E (appointments to the Form‑Based Code Committee); items F–I (appointment of four hearing officers for the Beer Board); items J and K (public works change order for the Chattanooga Skate Park and a solid waste grant for an automated recycling truck). Public Comments & Testimony - Brianna Williams (District 9 resident) described the food desert in the Brainerd area, noting that the nearest grocery stores are 2.6 to 8.4 miles away and inaccessible by bus for many. She urged the council to create a committee to attract a grocery store to District 9. - Krista Manorino (Signal Centers) reported on the Family Forward program, which has served 2,271 individuals over 10 years. Outcomes include 94% of teen parents staying in school or graduating, 96% earning a high school diploma (vs. 53% nationally), and 36% attending post‑secondary education. She thanked the council for past funding and requested continued support. - John Musolowski (Highland Park resident) argued against increasing parking minimums downtown, stating that parking structures kill economic activity and that downtown density generates more tax revenue. He supported reducing minimums, especially given the housing crisis. In response to a council question, he clarified he was in favor of the proposed reduction, not an increase. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – De‑Annexation (Versailles Land Development / Chick‑fil‑A): The council held a public hearing; after testimony, the hearing was closed without needing extended time. (No vote taken during agenda session.) - Item J – Rezoning at 1309 Chamberlain Avenue (District 9): Councilman Elliott introduced conditions: 30‑foot height limit, 8‑foot setback on the west side, retention of the existing structure, no front driveways on Chamberlain Avenue, and attachment of the updated site plan to the ordinance. Approved. - Item G – Rezoning at 4100/4200 Shallowford Road (District 5): The applicant (Stone Creek Consulting) agreed to drop the rezoning request for 4115 Shallowford Road, leaving the commercial parcel along Shallowford Road for future mixed‑use development. Conditions include office/warehouse/lay‑down yard only, max height 45 ft, and a 6‑foot side obscuring fence on tax map 147 CE 001 (unless it impedes floodplain function). Councilman Clark praised the collaboration and approved. Approved as amended. - Item H – Rezoning at 4272 Bonnie Oaks Drive (District 5): Councilman Clark expressed concerns about heavy industrial use (IH zone) adjacent to residential areas and Chickamauga Creek. He requested a deferral for further discussion with staff and the applicant. Deferred to December 16, 2025. - Item K – Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Parking Regulations): Councilwoman Burrs moved to remove the parking‑regulation section (regarding multi‑unit living in the downtown form‑based code) from the ordinance, allowing more time for study. The alternate version (adding special exceptions for reception facilities and standalone drive‑throughs) was approved. - District 2 Items: - Item D (915 Barton Avenue, rezone to CN) – Approved subject to conditions. - Item E (1313 Mercer Street) – Deferred to March 10, 2026. - Other Planning Items: Items C (Ravenia Lane), F (Hicks Road), I (Hilltop Drive) were approved with conditions. - Internal Audit Items: The council adopted an amended policy for fraud, waste, and abuse prevention. - Purchases: Two purchases approved – a four‑year refuse hauling agreement not to exceed $775,000 annually (CWS Chattanooga Hauling), and a $100,000 increase for generator maintenance ($285,000 annual total). A sole‑source purchase of an underwater drone for police recovery operations ($24,898) was reported. Key Outcomes - Approved: Items C, D, F, G (as amended), I, J (as amended), K (alternate version); resolutions A–K (packages); purchase items; audit policy. - Deferred: Item E (to March 10, 2026); Item H (to December 16, 2025). - Next Steps: Councilman Clark noted ongoing work with the mayor’s office on food‑desert solutions, including potential TIF‑based incentives. The legislative committee meeting on the carriage horse ordinance was postponed to January 2026 at Vice Chairwoman Noel’s request. The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:45 PM.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussions or decisions can be generated.

The Chattanooga Beer Board convened on December 4, 2025, to consider temporary beer permit applications, discuss ongoing regulatory issues, and hear public comments. Key topics included a holiday block party permit for the Chattanooga Firefighters Association, ownership changes at Logan's Roadhouse, and a detailed report on activity at Shady's Corner Bar. Temporary Beer Permit Applications - Chattanooga Firefighters Association Holiday Block Party (Main x24): Joseph Fuller applied to sell beer at 218 East Main Street (fire hall) and on Station Street on December 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A zoning review was complicated because the event is on public property (Station Street) with no private address for the beer sales. The board deferred action pending verification of the special event permit for Main x24, noting that the application was submitted late (the day before Thanksgiving). The board encouraged the applicant to allow 30 days for future submissions. - Logan's Roadhouse (two locations): Applications for new permits at 3592 Cummings Highway and 504 Northgate Mall Drive, Unit A (ownership change) were tabled because zoning and building approvals were pending. The board noted that once those approvals are obtained, the permits can be processed automatically without a further board appearance. - Play Wash Pint LLC: The applicant was not present, so the item was moved to the next meeting. Regulatory Unit Report - Sergeant Cowan reported ongoing investigations: - Cabanas: Further investigation is pending; paused until next meeting. - Let's Paint: A camera and increased police presence appear to be helping, though parking issues remain. - Shady's Corner Bar (1402 Cemetery Avenue): A review from September 3 to November 23, 2025, found 18 reports associated with the area (including DUIs, narcotics, assaults, weapon law violations, disorderly conduct, and theft). None of these incidents occurred inside the bar. The Hamilton County District Attorney's Office agreed there was insufficient evidence for a citation at this time. Sergeant Cowan will continue monitoring. Discussion Items - Board members questioned whether DUIs or other incidents could be attributed to Shady's, noting that reports do not state patrons came from the bar. The regulatory unit and legal clarified that the city must prove the bar owner had knowledge of and failed to address disorderly conduct, and that the burden of proof is the same as under state law. - A motion was made and unanimously approved (8-0) requesting that the Chattanooga Police Department place a surveillance camera in the area of Shady's Corner (1401/1402 Cemetery Avenue). The board will follow up at the next meeting. - A community member (Sherry Case) explained that cameras in the Jefferson Heights neighborhood were requested through the City Council to address concerns about multiple bars (including Exile/Bad Apple and Cabanas). Another resident (Hamid Alamine) criticized the police response, asserting that the 18 calls underrepresent the problem, and accused the bar owner of non-cooperation. He also alleged that a drug investigation at Shady's was only initiated after reports of drink spiking and sexual assaults involving UTC college students. - Callandra Smith (Hamilton County Coalition) questioned how the board handles disorderly conduct citations for bars without a parking lot, as incidents occur on nearby streets. She urged better coordination between law enforcement, regulatory units, and the board to tie incidents back to specific establishments. Key Outcomes - No permits were approved at this meeting. The Firefighters Association block party permit is contingent on verification of the special event permit; Logan's Roadhouse permits await zoning and building sign-off; Play Wash Pint was deferred. - Motion passed (8-0): The board requests CPD place a surveillance camera at Shady's Corner. The item will be on the next meeting's agenda for follow-up. - Regulatory unit will continue monitoring Shady's Corner and will seek additional information from the DA's office regarding sealed indictments. - The board clarified that the time limit for paying beer code violations is seven days.

The Chattanooga City Council met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, addressing a full agenda that included a special recognition, extensive debate on the Northgate Mall TIFF, several rezoning proposals, and routine approvals. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation led by Vice Chairwoman Noel. Special Presentation - Councilwoman Dotley presented a proclamation to Mr. Mitchell Williams, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and beloved St. Elmo resident, declaring December 2, 2025 as "Mitchell Williams Day" in Chattanooga. Consent Calendar (Final Reading) - Items B, C, and D (street and alley abandonments) were approved as a package. - Items E and F (zoning ordinance amendments) were approved as a package. - Planning items E and F (first reading) were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Prentice Hicks (resident, 4313 Kelly's Ferry Road) addressed the council regarding a building permit at 308 Malock Street. He questioned the requirement for a sprinkler system for a single-family home, citing a 2021 letter from the Land Development Office (LDO) that required sprinklers due to narrow street width. He asked whether the city code allows LDO to impose such a requirement. Council directed Fire Chief Rowe to speak with him after the meeting. Discussion Items - Northgate Mall TIFF (Resolutions A, B, C, D – Economic Development) - Extensive discussion on the Northgate Mall Infrastructure Project Tax Increment Financing (TIFF) package. Senior Advisor Sharita Sherdown and TIFF attorney Mark Mametoff provided details on the $8.9 million infrastructure project, including water lines owned by Hixson Utility District. Councilwoman Burrs proposed amendments: (1) condition approval on no tax increment for water lines unless council later approves, (2) replace $9.2M with $8.7M per third-party review, (3) require base tax amount to increase with city tax rate increases. After debate, the first and third amendments were withdrawn; only the $8.7M amendment passed. The amended resolution (Item A) was approved. Councilman Davis announced he will bring a resolution urging the Industrial Development Board to prioritize community-preferred uses in the development agreement. - Item B (intergovernmental agreement with IDB) was approved without amendment. - Item C (lease for X-ray exam area at Well Advanced Center) was approved. - Item D (lease renewal with Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association) was deferred one week to December 9, 2025. - Wyatt Hall Historic Landmark Withdrawal (Item E) - Historic Preservation Planner Cassie Klein explained that the application for local landmark designation for Wyatt Hall (865 East Third Street) was being withdrawn by the applicant (Preserve Chattanooga) due to legal issues regarding city regulation of county school buildings. Todd Morgan, Executive Director of Preserve Chattanooga, confirmed the withdrawal. Councilman Clark expressed concern and voted no as a statement in support of preservation. The resolution to withdraw passed 8-1. - Purchases – 10 purchase recommendations were approved unanimously. - Planning & Zoning Committee (chaired by Councilwoman Burrs) - Reviewed several upcoming rezoning cases: - 915 Barton Avenue (D0147) – Rezone to CN neighborhood commercial with conditions (approved by Planning Commission, discussed further). - 1300/1335 Mercer Street (D0168) – Rezone to RN13 for single-family detached; Councilwoman Hill noted community concerns and expected a deferral for up to two months. - 4115 Shallowford Road (D0165) – Rezone to IL industrial light for warehouse/lay-down yard; Councilman Clark raised concerns about industrial uses near residential areas and schools, requested more information. - 4272 Bonnie Oaks Drive (D0169) – Rezone to IH with conditions for landscaping storage; Councilman Clark requested more information on noise impacts. - 1309 Chamberlain Avenue (D0167) – Rezone to TRN3 for four units; Councilman Elliott reported ongoing neighborhood discussions. - Ordinance amendments introduced: (1) definition of indoor reception facility, (2) standalone drive-through facility definitions/standards, (3) reduction of parking requirements for ADUs under 800 sq ft in form-based code. The parking reduction item was deferred for further staff review. Key Outcomes - Northgate Mall TIFF Resolution A approved as amended (reducing project amount from $9.2M to $8.7M). - Resolution B (intergovernmental agreement with IDB) approved. - Resolution C (X-ray lease) approved. - Resolution D (Missionary Ridge lease) deferred to December 9, 2025. - Resolution E (withdrawal of Wyatt Hall historic landmark application) approved (8-1). - Resolutions F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M (parks, public works, wastewater) all approved. - Purchases approved as recommended. - First Reading Items: Item B (Murray Hills Drive) withdrawn by applicant; Item C (Curtis Street) deferred to January 6, 2026; Item D (Wilcox Boulevard) deferred to February 3, 2026. - Committee Reports: Public Safety committee meeting scheduled for January 6, 2026; Economic Development committee meeting on January 13, 2026 to discuss Business Improvement Districts; Community Development committee to discuss Eastgate senior center relocation in January; Legislative committee next week to discuss carriage horse ordinance and air pollution control board changes. - Certificates of Compliance approved for four establishments (BJ's Wholesale Club, three Cancus locations). - Donation: Councilwoman Dotley noted a $500 donation from St. Elmo Chili Cookoff to Fire Station 14, which required council acknowledgment. Public Comments & Testimony (continued) - No other public speakers. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned.

The Chattanooga Industrial Development Board (IDB) met on December 1, 2025, to address several items including ratification of an easement agreement, approval of a property purchase for the E2I2 project, and a discussion of the TIF audit report. A quorum was present. Consent Calendar - Resolution ratifying chair's execution of work letter agreement: The board approved a resolution ratifying the chair's execution of Exhibit B work letter agreement for a permanent sanitary sewer easement and temporary construction easement related to the Home Serve USA Pilot Corp Pilot Project. The agreement was signed to avoid $56,000 per day in liquidated damages. The resolution passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Resolution authorizing purchase of property for E2I2 project: The board approved a resolution authorizing the chair to enter into a contract for sale and purchase with the Lee Highway Church of God for the rail property at 7218 Hamilton's Acre Circle, tax map 139 PC 007.04, for $580,000 plus closing fees not to exceed $10,000 (total $590,000). The property is needed for permanent access to the E2I2 project, a 10-million-gallon wet weather sewage holding tank. The current temporary entrance is inadequate for large vehicles. The property will be owned by the city after project completion. Due diligence including surveying and environmental studies has been completed. The resolution was moved and seconded, and approved unanimously. - Reporting of TIF Final Audit Report: Winston Brooks, Director of Economic Development, and Sharita presented findings from the Hamilton County internal audit of TIF agreements from 2013. The audit concluded the program generally achieves its goals but identified weaknesses in formal policies, project oversight, and financial compliance. Recommendations include formalizing policies, enforcing compliance, improving financial oversight, and clarifying objectives. The board discussed the need for a dedicated staff person or project manager to oversee TIFs, possibly funded by administrative fees. Staff will research how other municipalities (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville) staff their IDBs and report back with recommendations by February 2026. No action was taken on the audit report itself. - Quarterly project update for Moccasin Bend (Wastewater): The item was deferred because the wastewater representative was not present. The board agreed to place it on the next agenda. Key Outcomes - Resolution 1 (work letter agreement) passed unanimously. - Resolution 2 (property purchase) passed unanimously. - TIF staffing study: Staff directed to investigate and present recommendations on hiring a dedicated TIF oversight staff member by February 2026. - Moccasin Bend update: Deferred to next meeting.

The Chattanooga Beer Board convened on November 20, 2025, to approve minutes, review beer permit applications, and address ongoing compliance issues at several establishments. Key discussions focused on a citation at Cabana, an investigation into Shady Corner (which has drawn over 500 police calls), and parking and hours concerns at Let's Paint. The board voted to authorize a comprehensive investigation into Shady Corner's operations. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting unanimously. - Special Permits (TE 106, TE 108): Both the Smart Music Project (Christ Kindermart, organizer Robert Davis) and TE 108 were approved by regulatory staff and noted as approved. - New Beer Applications: - Heat and Cush LLC: Application for beer at 1355 [street name not specified] was approved; this represents a change of ownership from the former Frank's grocery. - J Hot Ma doing business as NAPCO 876: Application for carry-out beer at 200 Browns Ferry Road was approved by regulatory after confirming sales were still occurring within six months, making proximity to a protected property irrelevant. - Summit Art Ink doing business as Arlery (Curtis Anderson): Application at 516 East Main Street (corrected from 74 Stop View) was held up by a failed fire inspection. The applicant provided evidence of re-inspection, which legal staff confirmed, and the application was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the board during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Violation Update (from October 16 meeting): The fine for Circle K has been paid; it was noted that the violation form clearly states payment is due within seven days. - Regulatory Visits (from November 6 meeting request): Sergeant Cowan reported on follow-up visits to Cabana, Shady Corner, and Let's Paint: - Cabana: Their beer permit expired December 31, 2024. Despite being asked to renew, they continued selling beer. Sergeant Cowan issued a citation for operating without a permit, with a hearing set for December 18, 2025. The establishment still holds a valid ABC license for liquor, so it remains open but cannot sell beer. - Shady Corner: Under new ownership (Dwayne France and Robin, permit approved September 3, 2025). The property has only seven parking spots, leading to overflow parking in adjacent residential areas. In 2025 alone, there have been 269 police calls; historically over 500 calls. Sergeant Cowan noted the new owner has not responded to his outreach. The board discussed whether to pursue a citation for operating a disorderly business, taking into account the new ownership and the need for evidence of violations. - Let's Paint: Has a similar parking issue; only three dedicated spots with the rest being paid parking. Operating hours listed on the permit (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) may conflict with actual late-night operations, though the ordinance only requires alcohol sales to cease by 3 a.m. No immediate enforcement action was taken. - Zoning and Parking: Board members discussed the new Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) zoning code and its parking requirements, referencing Section 3852 of the zoning code. It was noted that the code does not directly address existing businesses' operational parking issues. - Beer Permit Renewal and Distribution: A distributor (Eddie Davis of Tri Star Beverage) explained that his company will not sell beer to a permittee without a valid permit. The board discussed how to coordinate among all distributors to prevent sales to expired permit holders. Key Outcomes - Motion to Investigate Shady Corner: The board passed an amended motion (vote: Christy - yes, Brooke - yes, Ronica - yes, Ron - yes, JW - yes, Reginald - yes, Betsy - yes, Zach - yes, Chair - yes) directing Sergeant Cowan to conduct a comprehensive investigation into over-serving intoxicated individuals and operating a disorderly business at Shady Corner, including historical records and testimony from the previous meeting. He may issue citations based on evidence. - Rescheduled Meeting: The board voted to move the January 1, 2026 meeting to January 8, 2026 (subject to room availability). All members voted in favor. - Other: A beer violation case was postponed to December 18, 2025 because the hearing officer was unavailable.

The City Council of Chattanooga, Tennessee, convened on November 18, 2025, for a regular business meeting that included a presentation from the sister city trip to Wuxi, China, a department report from the Chattanooga Public Library, extensive discussion of the Northgate Mall Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and sales tax proposal, and votes on several resolutions addressing the SNAP benefits disruption. The meeting also featured public comments on stray dogs, pedestrian safety, park preservation, and homelessness. Sister City Presentation - Councilman Jeff Davis presented highlights of the city's delegation visit to Wuxi and Hangzhou, China, including meetings with local officials, visits to manufacturing plants and schools, and cultural exchanges. Gifts from the sister city were presented to the administration. Councilwoman Hill clarified that the trip was funded through individual council travel budgets, not city general funds. Department Report: Chattanooga Public Library - Executive Director Will Lee reported significant growth across the library system: attendance projected to exceed 450,000 this year (nearly double a Tennessee Titans game), program participants up 23% from the previous quarter, and outreach interactions up 67%. He outlined the new strategic plan focused on lowering barriers to access (e.g., fine-free materials), improving and expanding facilities (Northgate and Eastgate branches need replacement, a new branch needed in the 37421 area), expanding outreach (the Poppy mobile library, senior engagement), partnerships (Carta shuttle for Westside residents, YMCA fitness kits, LIHEAP digital application assistance at libraries), and expanding beyond-books collections (toy library, workout kits). The downtown library will celebrate its 50th anniversary on October 17, 2026. Discussion Items: First Reading Ordinances - Definition Amendment (Junk and Secondhand Dealers): Councilman Elliott requested time to add visual protection requirements for junkyards. The city attorney suggested moving forward with the current amendment and bringing a separate ordinance later. Elliott agreed to work with the city attorney on a separate amendment. - Alley Abandonment (Bridgedale): Councilman Anderson asked for more information from Public Works before approving, requesting to connect with staff before the agenda session. - Planning Items: Several items were deferred due to lack of developer communication with council members and neighborhood associations. The Southern Spear project in Highland Park was deferred to December 16, 2025; rezoning at Curtis Street and Wilcox Boulevard were deferred to December 2, 2025; and a property at Anderson Avenue was deferred to December 16, 2025, with a warning that it may be denied if contact is not made. Discussion Items: Resolutions Addressing SNAP Disruption - Councilman Elliott offered amendments to two resolutions. The resolution directing the city to suspend water shutoffs for unpaid sewer fees was amended to extend the suspension until January 15, 2026, instead of tying it to the resumption of SNAP benefits or end of the government shutdown. The resolution urging EPB to safeguard customers was amended to reference the federal government reopening and transitions in the coming weeks, rather than the SNAP suspension. - The resolution authorizing a $200,000 contribution to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank was amended to change the caption from "during" to "following" the suspension of SNAP funds. The funds will come from the city's contingency fund. Council members expressed strong support, noting that food security is a basic right and that residual need remains even after benefits are restored. Discussion Items: Economic Development - Northgate Mall TIFF and Sales Tax - Sharita Allen, Mayor's Senior Advisor for Economic Development, presented the proposed tax increment financing (TIF) for infrastructure upgrades at Northgate Mall. The total project cost is $8.9 million, amended to $8.7 million based on a third-party review. The property tax TIF would generate an estimated $3.3 million over 20 years, leaving a gap to be filled by capturing local option sales tax (1.125%) in a defined area. The base year is proposed as 2024, setting a baseline of $522,052 in property tax and $560,000 in sales tax for the city. - Council members discussed the base year, the need for accountability mechanisms in the development agreement, and the community's vision for a walkable town center resembling Cambridge Square. Councilman Henderson raised concerns about the base being frozen during tax increases and suggested exploring a community benefit district or special assessment district. Councilman Davis recused himself from discussions involving the Hixson Utility District but expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the need to revitalize a long-neglected area. Chairwoman Hill asked about mechanisms to ensure the development meets community aspirations, and the city attorney noted that the development agreement (to be finalized by the Industrial Development Board) can include conditions and community engagement requirements. A town hall meeting was announced for November 23, 2025. Key Outcomes - The definition amendment (first reading) was moved forward, with a plan for additional amendments. - Several planning and zoning items were deferred: Curtis Street and Wilcox Boulevard rezonings to December 2, 2025; Anderson Avenue property to December 16, 2025; Southern Spear project to December 16, 2025. - Resolution A (water shutoff suspension) was approved as amended, suspending shutoffs until January 15, 2026. - Resolution B (urging EPB) was approved as amended. - Resolution C (food bank $200,000) was approved as amended. - The security guard services purchase (Collins Protective Services) was deferred to December 2, 2025, due to concerns about qualifications and oversight. - All other resolutions, appointments (Bob Geyer to Board of Zoning Appeals, Greg Wisnat as risk officer, Karen Reinick as executive director of RPA), bond issuances, and routine purchases were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Jacob Kinney (District 9): Expressed concern about aggressive stray dogs in his neighborhood, stating that McCamie animal control has not responded to repeated requests since September. He urged the council to address the issue before an attack occurs. - Anthony Shaw (District 8): Requested council assistance to restore safe crosswalk access to Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS), which was blocked by UTC construction fencing. He proposed creating a pedestrian right-of-way on 3rd Street or installing a traffic light at Palmetto and Third. He also stressed the need for proactive pedestrian impact assessments before construction approval. - Nathan Griffin (Save Enterprise South Nature Park): Announced the organization's 501(c)(3) status and petition surpassing 10,000 signatures. He argued that protecting the park is economically beneficial, citing mountain biking's $7 million annual contribution, air and water quality benefits worth nearly $3 million, and the stability of outdoor recreation compared to manufacturing. - Anna Galladay (District 8): Highlighted that emergency shelter capacity meets only 22% of need and that federal policy changes will reduce permanent housing funding from $4.2 million to $1.5 million. She urged the council to allocate resources to fill the shelter portion of basic needs, analogous to the food bank contribution.

On November 18, 2025, the Chattanooga City Council heard an informational presentation from the Footprint Foundation and Grounded Solutions Network regarding the potential development of a community land trust (CLT) in Chattanooga. The meeting also included the unanimous approval of minutes from previous strategic planning sessions and announcements of future presentations from partner organizations. Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes from previous strategic planning meetings. A motion was made, seconded, and passed without any objections. Discussion Items - Community Land Trust Presentation: Lisa Pinkney, Executive Director of the Footprint Foundation, introduced the Buzz Network—a program that has involved about 80 community members since 2013 and allocated $4 million over five years through a co-creation process. One outcome was a strategy for economic stability using a CLT to address housing affordability. The foundation contracted with Grounded Solutions Network, a national consultant, to assess feasibility. The first phase (education) is concluding; phase two (program design) is expected to take 6–12 months and will involve broader community input. - Jason Webb, Community and Technical Assistance Principal at Grounded Solutions, provided CLT 101. He explained that CLTs are nonprofit organizations that own land permanently while homeowners own the structures, governed by a 99-year ground lease. Key points: CLTs stop the "housing hamster wheel" and "leaky bucket" by ensuring permanent affordability. He cited national statistics: during the 2008 foreclosure crisis, CLT mortgage defaults were 0.5% compared to 5% nationally. He showed examples of families building wealth (e.g., a family with $1,100 down payment walked away with $40,200 in equity after 20 years, plus rent savings). He noted Chattanooga’s affordability gap: at 100% area median income, the gap exceeds $80,000. - Council Questions and Comments: - Councilman Elliott asked about the 99-year lease restarting upon sale (confirmed yes). He expressed support but cautioned about past affordable housing failures in Chattanooga, particularly in Black communities, and emphasized the need for reconciliation and safeguards if the CLT dissolves. He said he wants to see how the city can support the effort. - Councilman Harvey asked about impacts on surrounding home values. Webb responded that federal appraisal guidelines prohibit using CLT homes as comparatives, protecting existing homeowners’ equity. Harvey also asked about land acquisition (municipal donations and partnerships) and construction (CLTs work with developers; modular and private developer partnerships are common). - Councilwoman (unidentified) asked about the role of C&E (a local nonprofit) in staffing and board composition. Webb explained the CLT would be an independent organization with a tripartite board (public, community, leaseholder members) and that board members are democratically elected. She also asked about property tax reappraisals; Webb noted that some states have legislation to tax CLT land at resale-restricted value, and his policy team works on such laws. - Councilwoman (chair) connected CLTs to broader uses: retail (with ground leases prohibiting certain businesses, e.g., liquor stores), rental, and faith-based partnerships. She cited examples of churches transferring land to CLTs for housing for congregants. She expressed interest in using CLTs for permanent affordability rather than one-time subsidies like down payment assistance or LITEC deals. She encouraged the presenters to engage neighborhood associations. - The presenters noted that they have met with the mayor and housing staff (Nicole Hyman) and have scheduled public sessions: faith leaders that evening and general public at the library the next day. They are in a learning phase and have no current ask of the council. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved the minutes from previous strategic planning meetings. - No votes or formal actions were taken regarding the CLT presentation; it was informational only. Council members expressed general support and interest in continued engagement. - Upcoming presentations were announced: Carta (December 16) and United Way on 311 services. - The meeting adjourned without further business.

The Housing Facilities Board of Chattanooga met on November 17, 2025, with a quorum present. The board approved three resolutions: a $500,000 matching grant to Enterprise Community Partners for a faith-based development initiative, a $500,000 continuation of eviction prevention legal services through Legal Aid of East Tennessee, and a slope easement agreement for a development property. All resolutions passed unanimously by voice vote. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 2025 meeting as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the board. Discussion Items - Resolution – Enterprise Community Partners Faith-Based Development Initiative: The board discussed a resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with Enterprise Community Partners for a matching grant of $500,000. The grant will provide grants, training, and technical assistance to eight faith-based organizations over three years to increase affordable housing stock. Staff (Megan Powell) noted that Enterprise will conduct a clarity and call event on January 7, 2026, at the downtown library. The city’s $500,000 matches contributions from the McLellan Foundation, community foundation, and generosity trust. Board members asked about selection criteria, curriculum (75 hours free training, development grants for market studies), and reporting metrics. The resolution passed unanimously. - Resolution – Legal Aid of East Tennessee Eviction Prevention Program: The board considered a resolution authorizing $500,000 for Legal Aid of East Tennessee to continue an eviction prevention initiative providing legal counsel to tenants facing eviction. Eligibility is set at 80% area median income. Staff explained the program has been funded since 2021-2022, previously with ARPA dollars. Reporting includes monthly, quarterly, and annual reports with geographic distribution across council districts. The resolution passed unanimously. - Resolution – Slope Easement Agreement with Crester Group LLC: The board authorized execution of a slope easement at no cost between C&E (grantee), Crester Group LLC (grantor), and the HFB board/City of Chattanooga for property at South Lowery Street and East 19th Street. Developer Jake Toner explained the easement retroactively permits backfill work to prevent driveway washout. An additional oath of value signature was required; staff directed to add a second form. The resolution passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Vote on Enterprise Community Partners agreement: Approved unanimously (voice vote). - Vote on Legal Aid of East Tennessee agreement: Approved unanimously (voice vote). - Vote on Slope Easement agreement: Approved unanimously (voice vote), with direction to include two grantee oaths of value. - Notice of Non-Payment: An update indicated that ERG Empower Rental Group had been paid, resolving the issue; no further action needed. - Next Meeting: The December meeting date was not set; board will be updated.