Chattanooga City Council Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Chattanooga City Council convened on July 14, 2026, at approximately 7:20 PM EDT for a regular meeting that included an agenda session, a recess for an attorney meeting, and a business session. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation, and a moment of silence for Kathy Papoy, a longtime city attorney's office staff member. Council members reviewed items on the current and future agendas, received committee reports, and voted on ordinances, resolutions, and purchases.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris Temple (licensed electrical contractor, Beacon Electrical Services) expressed concern about unlicensed electrical work in Chattanooga and proposed that utility workers ask for permits when disconnecting or reconnecting power, a practice already used in Cleveland, Tennessee. He emphasized the safety risks of unlicensed work.
• Rodney Roach (recently moved from Denver, Colorado) advocated for a 24-hour center for people with disabilities, mental health issues, and those living in vehicles or homeless. He stated he is not seeking money but donations of computers and services, and has secured commitments from local businesses for food and clothing. He criticized the Chatt Center for closing at 3 PM during hot weather.
• Jake Logan (first-time attendee) commented on the potential incorporation of religion (specifically the Ten Commandments) into schools, asking whether Chattanooga schools would participate and urging consideration of including multiple religions.
• Joshua David Capellish (veteran advocate and chaplain) announced the Wreath of Honor event on July 16, 2026, marking 11 years since the 2015 Chattanooga terrorist attack. He described his annual run with the American flag and plans to drive four flags coast to coast, and called for better monument upkeep and involvement of youth.

Discussion Items

• Economic Development Committee Presentation (Commercial Corridor Revitalization Grant Program): Winston Brooks, Director of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, presented a new grant program targeting non-downtown commercial corridors. The program has four tiers: signage/security cameras (up to $5,000), facade improvements (up to $10,000), storefront activation (up to $25,000, $10/sq ft), and business retention (up to $50,000, $15/sq ft). Funding is $1.3 million from the IDB (Renewing Chattanooga account). Applications will be through a new Civic Serve portal, with third-party administration by the Southeast Tennessee Development District. Council members discussed eligibility, the reimbursement process (100% grant, no reimbursement barrier), and equity concerns. Councilman Clark asked about considerations for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, emphasizing inclusivity. Winston Brooks noted that demographic data will be tracked. The program is set to go to the IDB in September.
• Future Considerations – Broad Street Improvement Project: Kevin Roy, Chief of Staff, provided an update on a federal earmark of $3.5 million for the Reimagining Broad Street project (Aquarium Way to MLK). The city needs to obligate the funds soon, but the full project costs exceed $20 million. The administration is reworking the strategy and will present a resolution next week. The local match is $875,000, with funds already set aside in a capital projects account. Councilman Clark requested more details on the funding source and project specifics.
• Purchases – Public Works Item: Councilwoman Hill asked for details on a $750,000 increase for construction material transport. The administration could not provide specifics and requested to pull the item. The council approved removing it from the purchase list.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances on Final Reading:
  • Item 7A: Franchise for Pipe Properties LLC to construct a roadway at 2501 Chestnut Street – passed (voice vote, all ayes).
  • Item 7B: Amending city code on technology and credit card fees – passed.
  • Item 7C: Closing and abandoning a sanitary sewer main on Middle Valley Road – passed.
• Ordinances on First Reading:
  • Item 8A: Rezoning 518 East Manning Street from RN15 to TRN3 (planning item 2026-0086) – passed.
  • Item 8B: Rezoning 6340 Middle Valley Road from RN2 to RN3 (planning item 2026-0084) – passed.
  • Item 8C: Rezoning 3714 St. Elmo Avenue and 3717 Tennessee Avenue from CC and RN15 to IMU (planning item 2026-0080) – passed.
  • Item 8D: Closing an alley on Chamber Street – passed.
  • Item 8E: Closing part of the unopened 6000 block – passed.
  • Item 8F: Closing a portion of Divine Avenue and two alleys – deferred to August 4, 2026, per Councilwoman Noel’s motion.
• Resolutions:
  • Item 9A: Renewal of MOU with Hamilton County Department of Education for Opportunity High at the Chris L. Ramsey Senior Community Center – adopted.
  • Item 9B: Designating the third Friday of July (July 17, 2026) as Parks and Outdoors Day – adopted. Parks Administrator David Johnson reported on recent achievements: over 700 youth in basketball leagues, record golf revenue over $3 million, 200 plants added at Southside Community Park, and 1,200 volunteer hours.
  • Item 9C: Adopting the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) and Vision Zero policy to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 – adopted.
• Purchases: The first item (public works, construction material transport) was removed from the list. The remaining three items were approved: additional lime kiln dust for wastewater, name change from ENCO to Answer Net for billing, and a $1 million library contract for reading/audiovisual materials.
• Committee Reports: Councilman Henderson reported on FY27 budget loose ends, including discussions with 911 communications, a planned $35,000 ARPA allocation for ArtsBuild, a $250,000 one-time allocation for WTCI (PBS affiliate), and a holiday bonus for employees. Councilwoman Hill thanked Ethan Collier for 12 years of service on the Planning Commission. Councilman Clark noted the demolition of the historic Medical Arts Building and the 100-year anniversary of Brainerd Golf Course.