Key investments

• $10 million | Road paving
• $19.9 million | Bridge improvements — including $18 million that will be reserved for the future renovation of the Walnut Street Bridge
• $2.8 million | Economic + workforce development
• $3 million | Creation + revitalization of new parks and green spaces — including $1 million to begin the revitalization of the Chattanooga Skatepark
• $3.5 million | Affordable housing + homelessness prevention (building on the city’s record-breaking progress)
• $3 million | Early learning

Important dates

• May 9, 16 + 23 | Public informational sessions on the budget (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 at its first reading
• June 20 | City Council final vote

• CIVIQ | Thursday, May 4 | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Camp House, 806 E. 12th St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Join The Chattanooga Design Studio for an evening with James F. Lima as he discusses “The Economics of Placemaking.”

• In-Town Gallery All Member Show | Friday, May 5 | 5-8 p.m. | In-Town Gallery, 26 Frazier Ave., Chattanooga | Free | During the month of May, you can check out art from all of the gallery’s members.
• Shakespeare in the Park | Friday, May 5-Saturday, May 6 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Greenway Farm Park, 5051 Gann Store Rd., Hixson | $0-$120 | Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to watch a local production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” + enjoy local food trucks and vendors.

• Southern Blooms Festival | Saturday, May 6-Sunday, May 7 | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain | $19.95-$29.95 | See Rock City in full bloom at this flower-filled festival featuring a living sculpture, specialty spring treats from food and retail locations around the garden, and activities for the kids.*
• Chattanooga Bacon Festival | Saturday, May 6-Sunday, May 7 | Times vary | Camp Jordan Amphitheater, 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy., East Ridge | Free+ | Shop from 150+ vendors and food trucks, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
• Incline Art Crawl | Saturday, May 6 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 201 Old Mountain Rd., St. Elmo | Free | This monthly “clothesline” art show will feature pop-up performances, yoga, local art for purchase, and more.
• Running of the Chihuahuas | Saturday, May 6 | 12 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga | Free+ | Come out for the 14th annual ROTC race, participate in a best-dressed contest, enjoy live music by Olivia Lunny, and more.

• Strawberry Festival | Sunday, May 7 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Buy fresh strawberries from nearby farms, shop sweet treats inspired by the fruit from local vendors, and listen to live jazz music.
• 10 Year Party | Sunday, May 7 | 12-7 p.m. | Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall, 890 Riverfront Pkwy., Chattanooga | Free+ | Celebrate The Rustic House’s 10th anniversary by making your own candle + enjoying food, drinks, live music, and more.

• Reel Rock 17 - Chattanooga | Friday, May 12 | 6-11 p.m. | Rock/Creek Riverside, 1530 Riverside Dr., Chattanooga | $15-$20 | Lookout Wild Film Festival and Rock/Creek Outfitters have come together to create a fundraiser for the Southeastern Climbers Coalition, where Noogans can enjoy films, food trucks, beer + a raffle.*

• A $30,000 first-place award
• A $15,000 second-place award
• Three runners-up with $10,000 each

• Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. where keynote speaker Platt Boyd will join panelists Keenan Daniels and Cheryl Saucier for a conversation with moderator Donna Elle Harrison.
• Chambliss Startup Social from 4:30-6 p.m.
• Pitch Competition from 6-8 p.m. — see the big competition where local entrepreneurs RMJ USA, Cocoa Asante, Simply Props, The Local Juicery, and The Professional Cleaning Solution compete for a total of $75,000 in grants

• The Honest Pint will close its doors for the last time on Memorial Day. The local spot cited in an Instagram post that it is closing due to circumstances out of its control. Swing by for brews + eats through Monday, May 29 — we’ll be enjoying the iconic “Pomme Tots” while we can.

• My Eyelab has opened its second Chattanooga location on Gunbarrel Road. The eye exam facility uses an optical telehealth network to conduct exams. The owner Sadiq Notta said the company plans to open four more locations in the area. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

• The annual Gran Fondo Hincapie will return to Chattanooga on Saturday, May 6. Riders will begin their race at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center + will end after ascending Sequatchie Mountain. Afterward, celebrate with a family-friendly festival.

• The Walk Run Pedal Jamz Festival will return on Saturday, May 13 at Coolidge Park + will feature toddler walks, live music, and much more. All participants will walk in support of various local nonprofits. Bonus: Songbirds will give away three guitars at the festival.
• Crabtree Farms is seeking volunteers for two upcoming educational programs. Help is needed in the Harvest Helpers and Farm Support + Field Trip Support areas. Sign up to volunteer.

• The Orchard Knob Neighborhood Association and many local partners will host its Connected Communities Pilot Program Celebration on Saturday, May 6 from 12-4 p.m. at Parkridge Medical Center. Enjoy food trucks and a basketball game with the local firefighters + police officers.

• Unity Group of Chattanooga and Coalition Partners will host the 2023 Juneteenth National Freedom Day Parade + Gala on Monday, June 19. The parade will begin on Peeples Street and end at Miller Park where folks can enjoy live music, food, and more.

• The Soddy-Daisy Community Library has released its Mythical Summer of Reading Recommendations lists. The program, which is open to the public, is broken up into different lists from pre-K to adults. The library will also host 10 author events throughout the summer.

• The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters will host its David J. Floyd Youth Camp from July 3-7. The camp held at Booker T. Washington Park is suitable for ages 11-15 + will teach kids leadership skills and more. Register online.

• Hint is the water that actually makes us want to drink water. Shop from their top sellers + online exclusive flavors and get 45% off three cases for just $36. (That’s $1 per bottle plus free shipping.) Just use code 6AMCITY.*

• 10 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.