Chattanooga City Council Business Meeting - January 20, 2026

The Chattanooga City Council held its regular business meeting on January 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM (presumed). The meeting included approvals of routine items, discussion of a proposed $150,000 airport service subsidy, debate over enforcement of the Rain Smart native plant program, public comments, and the announcement of the passing of community leader Dr. Tommy Brown.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously without objection.
• Wastewater easement (Item 7A): An ordinance to close and abandon a sanitary sewer easement on a 10-foot-wide easement near the 2400 block of 15th Avenue was approved by voice vote with no discussion.
• Planning items B through H (final reading): A package of six planning and zoning ordinances was approved by voice vote. These included: rezonings at 2420 East 12th Street (RN2 to RN3), 5601 Tennessee Avenue (IH to RN13), 1513 Chamberlain Avenue (RN15 to RN13), lifting of conditions at 2409 East Main Street and at 1747 Gumbarrel Road/7233 Crane Road, and amendments to Section 38 (zoning ordinance) concerning application processes and measurement graphics.
• Purchases: Three purchase requests were approved: a $2,063,200 annual technology services extension (three months), a $887,000 increase for human resources services, and a four-year blanket agreement for firefighter uniforms not to exceed $90,000 annually (awarded to North America Fire Equipment). A sole source purchase for a wastewater drive assembly ($31,841.26) was reported and noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Josh Branham (Governmental Affairs Director, Greater Chattanooga Realtors) presented 2025 housing data for Chattanooga: approximately 4,700 listings (4.5% increase), 2,780 closed sales (5% decrease), median sales price $340,000 (3% increase), and average days on market rose to 45 (from 37). He noted that lower interest rates are expected to boost activity.
• Helen Vern Sharp (District 7, Accountability for Taxpayer Money) urged the council to be more careful when approving 20-year Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreements, arguing that policy changes, not project-by-project reactions, are needed to protect future taxpayers.
• Marshall Bowser (District 8) and several other speakers (Nathaniel Bankett, Ned Powell, Katie Curtis, Lotus) spoke in support of the Waterways/Rain Smart program, emphasizing the ecological and flood-mitigation benefits of native plants. They argued that a 10-inch height restriction would preclude most native species and undermine the program's effectiveness. Some noted that the program had clear maintenance instructions and had reduced flooding in their yards. Lotus (District 5, owner of Button Bush Farm and Nursery) highlighted the economic stimulus for small native plant growers and sold-out sales events.

Discussion Items

• Airport Service Subsidy (Resolution for Next Week): Kristen Beam (VP Air Service Development) and Tina Keith (VP Finance, Chattanooga Airport) presented a request for a $150,000 city contribution to a Small Community Air Service Development Grant (SCASDI) to support new United Airlines service to Houston (two flights daily). They explained that the money acts as a risk-mitigation subsidy, only used if flights fail to meet load factor targets over two years. Councilwoman Burris and Councilman Clark expressed strong support, noting the economic development benefits for attracting employers (e.g., Volkswagen) and the need for Chattanooga to “play the game” of subsidizing air service, as other cities do. The item will be voted on the following week.
• Rain Smart Program Enforcement (Next Week's Agenda): Councilman Clark raised concerns that residents not enrolled in the program must comply with the 10-inch grass height code, while program participants receive an exemption. He argued this raises equity issues and that new enforcement guidelines should be approved by council rather than administratively. City staff clarified that the exemption is already in the city code and that enforcement follows a separate administrative agreement. Councilman Elliott expressed support for the program but acknowledged the need for clarity on enforcement. The Waterways contract ($192,000) is scheduled for a vote the following week.
• Tribute to Dr. Tommy Brown: Councilman Elliott announced the passing of Dr. Tommy Brown, a longtime community activist and advocate for Black representation on the council. He noted that her efforts led to the current four Black elected officials (up from one). The council observed a moment of silence.
• Winter Storm Preparations: Councilman Henderson asked about the city's readiness for a potential heavy snow event forecasted for the weekend. Chief of Staff Kevin Roy confirmed that an emergency operations briefing was being held and that public works would begin brining on Friday if needed.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved.
• Wastewater easement (Item 7A) approved.
• Planning package (Items B-H) approved.
• Ordinance First Reading Item 8A (5813 Lee Highway rezoning) was deferred to March 17, 2026, pending a special exception.
• Ordinance First Reading Item 8B (5920 Pine Grove Trail rezoning) was approved with four conditions (access limited to cars only, exit-only gate on Pine Grove Trail, etc.). The applicant, Matthew Stratton, agreed to the conditions on the record.
• Purchases approved (three items plus sole source noted).
• Airport subsidy resolution, Rain Smart program contract, and other next-week items will be considered at the February 3, 2026 meeting (or sooner).