On Tuesday, Mayor Tim Kelly released his proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year — keeping the commitment to advance One Chattanooga priorities + investments without a tax increase for residents.
The full FY24 Proposed Operating & Capital Budget is available to folks to view online. Here are some key points from the proposed budget.
Key investments
- $10 million for paving roads
- $19.9 million for bridges — including $18 million that will be reserved for the future renovation of the Walnut Street Bridge
- $2.8 million for economic + workforce development
- $3 million for the creation + revitalization of new parks and green spaces — including $1 million to begin the revitalization of the Chattanooga Skatepark
- $3.5 million for affordable housing + homelessness prevention (building on the city’s record-breaking progress)
- $3 million for early learning
Nearly half of the proposed budget (~$150 million) will continue to center on public safety by unifying and strengthening community partnerships for violence prevention + interruption, with a focus on youth.
Additionally, the budget will reinforce the commitment to reforming local government to be responsive + effective.
Multiple investments will be made to help improve city service delivery, modernize technology and services for residents, implement a new cost-savings incentive program, and more to better serve Chattanoogans.
Note: This is just the proposed budget, the final version may have adjustments that look different than what’s noted here. Learn more + weigh in with your feedback at one of the public informational sessions.
Important dates
- May 9, 16 + 23 | Public informational sessions on the budget will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the City Council conference room
- June 6 | Public hearing at 6 p.m.
- June 13 | City Council will vote on the budget on its first reading
- June 20 | City Council final vote