Agenda Items & Discussion

• Economist Chris Auff presented an updated "peer cities" financial benchmarking analysis, ranking cities most statistically similar to Chattanooga (Little Rock, Akron, Tulsa, Amarillo, and Cincinnati topped the list) across roughly 40 economic and demographic variables, plus a separate financial-data comparison using audited per-capita revenue and expenditure figures. Council members asked for further work distinguishing "peer" cities (similar to Chattanooga today) from "aspirational" cities (what Chattanooga hopes to become), and requested additional analysis of total household tax burden across cities, similarity of tax structure, and possible use of citizen satisfaction surveys to capture quality-of-life factors not reflected in the raw data.
• Councilwoman Burrs previewed an early-stage proposal to strengthen the city's vacant commercial property rules, partly modeled on an ordinance in Jackson, Tennessee, that would require long-vacant properties to register and pay escalating fees unless actively being leased, renovated, or sold. She cited chronic vacancies along the Brainerd corridor (including a long-vacant former Wendy's and an optical shop) and said she is meeting with the land development office and researching options including cost-benefit analysis of city cleanup costs and, potentially, eminent domain for the most persistent cases. Other council members offered support and ideas, including a possible fee-funded storefront improvement program outside downtown and stronger penalties for owners who leave buildings vacant speculatively.
• Councilman Harvey and Councilwoman Hill previewed a draft ordinance to regulate vape, CBD, and smoke shops, modeled on the city's liquor store rules: a 1,000-foot buffer from schools, daycares, religious facilities, parks, and similar uses, a quarter-mile buffer from other vape shops, and a cap of one license per 3,000 residents. The city attorney cautioned the ordinance isn't ready for a council vote yet, since regulatory authority over cannabinoid products recently shifted to the state's Alcohol and Beverage Commission (from the Department of Agriculture, effective July 1), and the city needs to sort out what it can and cannot regulate locally before bringing the item forward.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Minutes of the previous strategic planning meeting: approved. No other formal votes were taken; this was a work session for discussion and early-stage proposals, each of which will return to council later as finished legislation.