Chattanooga City Council Strategic Planning Meeting Summary - April 29, 2025

Overview:

• First strategic planning session of the council term, with 46 months remaining, led by Chairwoman Hill (2:57–1:01:58).
• Focused on establishing council culture, values, and legislative priorities for Chattanooga.
• Minutes approved unanimously (3:41–3:48).

Council Culture and Values Discussion (4:02–25:01):

• Goal: Define work environment and guiding values for the next 46 months.
• Values proposed (popcorn style, noted by Hill):
  • Cordiality (Harvey): Unity, respect, and finding common ground despite district differences (6:43–7:49).
  • Open-mindedness (Null): Listening to differing perspectives, inspired by “You Might Be Right” podcast (8:10–8:54).
  • Collaboration (Dotley): Working together on shared priorities for citywide benefit (8:58–9:52).
  • Professionalism (Elliot): Organized, professional conduct as a hallmark of the council (10:23–10:40).
  • Creativity (Burrs): Innovative, out-of-box problem-solving (11:00–11:15).
  • Honesty (Davis): Core value for decision-making (11:30–11:36).
  • Empathy and Grace (Clark): Emotional intelligence and understanding in tough policy discussions (11:43–12:33).
  • Curiosity (Hill): Exploring new approaches and learning from other cities (12:53–13:20).
  • Mutual Respect (Dotley, Harvey): Treating colleagues as equals, especially during disagreements (13:32–14:06).
  • Solidarity (Clark): Cohesive decision-making, supporting colleagues’ district needs (18:31–19:28).
  • Spirit of Excellence (Davis): Commitment to high standards for Chattanooga (20:31–21:02).
• Legislative Framework:
  • Due Diligence (Dotley): Informed decisions reflecting community needs, aligned with legal and city charter requirements (15:49–17:36).
  • Stakeholder Input (Hill): Legislation vetted through community engagement before reaching council (21:38–22:36).
  • Imperfect Action (Henderson): Avoiding perfectionism, allowing tweaks post-passage, and using sunset clauses for review (23:04–24:30).

Legislative Priorities by District (25:07–59:29):

• Councilman Harvey (District 4) (26:43–33:21):
  • Better homelessness policies: Address mental health, addiction; transition to housing, not accepting street homelessness.
  • Government efficiency and fiscal responsibility: Build trust in taxpayer fund use.
  • Funding “big three”: Police, fire, infrastructure (paved roads, no potholes).
  • Crime, especially gangs: Collaborate with groups like 423 Chain Breakers and police.
  • Beautification: Preserve landmarks and natural surroundings.
  • Economic development: Equal opportunities in inner city for the “Chattanooga dream.”
  • Zoning and development: Infrastructure to support growth.
  • Code enforcement: Address violations (e.g., commercial kitchen in garage).
  • Strong ties with UTC (research center) and Chamber for inner-city job growth.
• Councilman Elliot (District 2) (33:30–35:27):
  • Infrastructure funding: Sustain and expand current efforts.
  • Economic revitalization: Focus on neglected corridors (e.g., five in District 2).
  • Road redesign: Ensure new asphalt serves all communities effectively.
• Councilman Henderson (District 1) (35:34–40:20):
  • Urban chickens: Promote sustainability, independence; drafted ordinance.
  • Public water access: Address failing wells on Raccoon Mountain (life safety issue, NEPA study underway, capital budget need).
  • Effective homeless strategy: Top constituent concern, collaborative solution needed.
  • Citywide homestay for short-term vacation rentals: Expand overlay for resident income.
• Councilman Davis (District 6) (40:20–41:27):
  • Low/no-barrier homeless shelter: Priority for Hixon’s camps affecting businesses.
  • Funding community groups: Support children and family programs via budget.
• Councilman Clark (District 5) (41:27–46:10):
  • Equitable resource distribution: Address underserved areas like Highway 58.
  • Economic development: Retail/dining incentives for Highway 58 (e.g., sit-down restaurant).
  • Food equity/access: Redevelop grocery options for Districts 5, 8, 9.
  • Road parking reform: Update codes for emergency vehicle access, align with other cities.
  • Community center fees: Reduce $100/hour fee for underserved areas (e.g., East Chattanooga).
• Councilwoman Dotley (District 7) (46:10–49:06):
  • Amplified music district: Regulate music venues, working with Chris Anderson.
  • Budget reform: Annual inflation adjustments, fiscal responsibility.
  • Beautification and trash mitigation: Legislative enforcement measures.
  • City park preservation: Protect spaces amid development.
  • Land development ordinance updates: Streamline permitting to retain development opportunities.
• Councilwoman Burrs (District 9) (49:06–50:33):
  • Infrastructure funding: Citywide priority.
  • Safe neighborhoods: Address traffic, policing, code enforcement.
  • Balanced economic opportunities: Support outlying areas.
  • Constituent education: Improve access to council information and issue understanding.
• Vice Chairwoman Null (District 8) (50:33–56:22):
  • Public safety: Expand resources, credit Community Haven Patrol.
  • Youth programs: Camps and activities year-round.
  • Food desert: Address lack of grocery access, health issues from processed foods (personal anecdote: high blood pressure from canned soup).
  • Economic development: Catch up District 8, behind for years.
• Chairwoman Hill (District 3) (56:22–59:29):
  • Traffic safety enforcement: Speeding, possibly requiring state-level support.
  • General fund budget policies: Strengthen for future leadership.
  • Code enforcement: Operation Better Neighbor for difficult cases.
  • Recurring infrastructure funding: Explore sustainable sources (e.g., Strong Towns model).
  • Land development ordinance changes: Practical updates to reduce home-building costs, prioritize affordable projects.

Overlaps and Collaboration (59:43–1:01:58):

• Common Themes:
  • Homelessness: Harvey, Henderson, Davis prioritize strategies/shelters.
  • Infrastructure: Harvey, Elliot, Clark, Burrs, Hill emphasize funding, maintenance, equitable distribution.
  • Economic development: Harvey, Elliot, Clark, Dotley, Null focus on inner city, underserved areas, corridors.
  • Code enforcement: Harvey, Burrs, Hill address violations and processes.
  • Food access: Clark, Null highlight grocery needs in Districts 5, 8, 9.
  • Budget/fiscal responsibility: Harvey, Dotley, Hill seek efficiency, sustainable policies.
• Collaboration Ideas:
  • Hill encouraged identifying champions for priorities (e.g., Elliot volunteered for infrastructure funding, 1:00:45).
  • Small working groups proposed to advance issues with committee chairs.
  • Councilmembers to email Hill for specific priorities they want to lead or join.

Next Steps:

• Compile notes, identify overlap for future discussion (1:01:07–1:01:13).
• Next strategic planning to review:
  • Henderson’s chicken ordinance.
  • Elliot’s proposed position.
  • Hill’s single-stair ordinance.
  • Dotley’s budget reform proposals (1:01:20–1:01:40).

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