Find out what Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly had to say about the progress of the One Chattanooga plan. | Photo provided by the City of Chattanooga
Last year, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly introduced the One Chattanooga plan. During this year’s State of the City, he provided updates on where the plan is at and where the administration hopes it will go.
The mayor also touched on topics like economic vitality within Black communities, affordable housing, infrastructure, public health, building a competitive economy + being a responsive government.
Big takeaways
Mayor Kelly said his focus on the disparities among communities within the city was based on his own years in nonprofits + the idea that economic mobility was the thing holding Chattanooga back. The plan’s efforts include:
Investment of $2.9 million for entrepreneurship access programs that are in development
When discussing the growth of Chattanooga, Mayor Kelly said that it’s a “Goldilocks” problem. “We want to be able to accommodate as many people who want to be here,” he added. To ensure affordable housing there have been:
Public investment priorities and resident access to resources such as free credit counseling + housing resource fairs
Housing for 800 residents through direct city support + preserving and creating hundreds of affordable housing units (~70 sites) including One Westside
Mayor Kelly chose to do a “fireside chat” with Greg Glover of Local 3 News.
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Photo provided by the City of Chattanooga
Outside of housing, Mayor Kelly touched on economic growth and public transit. He said Chattanooga spearheaded the research to bring Amtrak to the city, connecting us with Atlanta and Nashville.
He added that these ambitions in infrastructure wouldn’t be possible without EPB under David Wade’s leadership. He said they bring innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking that will lead to a “bright future under quantum computing.”
“We’re not there yet, but our city has its mojo back. I can proudly say that the state of our city is strong.” — Mayor Tim Kelly
Black Professionals @ The Hunter | Monday, Aug. 7 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View Ave., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | This bi-monthly series celebrates Chattanooga’s Black professionals — this month’s theme is “Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop.”
Cannabis Town Hall | Tuesday, Aug. 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | TailGate Brewery, 1464 Market St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Join the Tennessee Growers Coalition for a meeting on the state of cannabis in Tennessee.
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Chattanooga Market at Erlanger | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Erlanger Medical Mall, 979 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Get your Chattanooga Market fix with a smaller version of the popular downtown market.
Lunch and Learn | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 12-1 p.m. | green|spaces, 63 E. Main St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Hear from speakers representing Erlanger Nurse Family Partnership + Build It Green discuss what environmental interventions can improve your health.
Thursday, Aug. 10
Bitters 101: Cocktails | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $35 | Learn the history of bitters, what they’re used for, and how they affect drinks while tasting cocktails + take home recipe cards.
“50 Miles Away” | Thursday, Aug. 10-Sunday Aug. 13 | Times vary | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga | $15-$50 | Watch the journey unfold on the stage as two strangers who meet on the highway are searching for their next destination.
To become carbon neutral by 2050, Chattanooga Gas Co. has shifted to using certified low-emission natural gas. The company has entered an agreement to ensure its gas is “procured, transported, and delivered by companies that are reducing their methane admissions.” (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Announced
There will be a simulated active shooter campus safety drill at ChattState from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9. During the duration of the drill, the campus will be closed + will re-open to staff, students, and the public at 1 p.m.
Opening
A new franchise has come to the Scenic City. Big Bad Breakfast has opened in the area, located at 313 Manufacturers Rd., offering a made-from-scratch menu + bar for all of your breakfast and lunch desires.
Arts
Stove Works has been selected to receive a $60,000 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The organization will receive the funds to support its programs over the course of two years. Learn more about the grant.
Sports
The annual UTC Night with the Chattanooga Lookouts will be on Thursday, Aug. 10 at 7:15 p.m. All Chattanooga Mocs + supporters are invited to attend the game to see Mocs staff throw the first pitch. Bonus: Also enjoy Thirsty Thursday $2 drink deals. (Chattanoogan.com)
Edu
The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy was one of two schools named an “Overall High School Changemaker” by the Tennessee Charter School Center. The school received the organization’s highest designation for its “student growth, ready graduate rates + college-going rates.” (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Cause
Union Gospel Mission’s annual Labor Day “Free BBQ” Fundraiser will return on Monday, Sept. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2020 Gunbarrel Rd. Get a free plate of barbecue, dessert + drink while supplies last. Note: donations will be accepted to benefit the organization.
Theater
Shakespeare in the Park will return to Greenway Farms beginning in October. See a free performance of “The Winter’s Tale” on Friday and Saturday evenings. Note: You must RSVP + seating is not provided, so make sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets.
Try This
Is your posture causing you pain? Find out and fix it during Primastrong’s 90-minute Posture + Pain Relief Class, covering self-massage techniques, postural integration, and core training for $50. Don’t wait to apply to attend this August — space is limited to six participants.*
Drink
Move over hard seltzer — in 2023, it’s all about high seltzer. Rebel Rabbit’s cannabis-infused seltzers (available in Mandarin Orange, Grapefruit, and Lemon Lime) are designed to maximize your relaxation without any unwanted next-day side effects. Order yours online.*
Finance
A Banksy got everyday investors 32% returns? You read that right. Thousands of investors are smiling all the way to the bank thanks to the fine-art investing platform Masterworks. Investors have benefited from 14 sales with returns including 17.8%, 21.5%, and 35%. NOOGAtoday readers can skip the waitlist and join.†*
Celebrate aging in Chattanooga during Older Adults Month in August. | Photo provided by Chattanooga’s Department of Equity and Community Engagement
The City of Chattanooga will recognize August as Older Adults Month and the Mayor’s Council on Livability and Aging (MCLA) will offer various events + deals to highlight older residents who are 55+.
Chattanooga Zoo | Admission for the price of a child
Outdoor Chattanooga | Silver Adventures series — landscape painting at Greenway Farms on Tuesday, Aug. 8 + historical walk on Sherman’s Ridge on Tuesday, Aug. 22
La Altena (615 Commercial Ln.) | Lunch prices all day long on Mondays + Tuesdays
The Chattery | 10% off classes with code “LIFELONGLEARNER” + stay tuned for Arts with Older Adults series in September
Cherry Street Brewing | 10% off food daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (just mention MCLA Older Adults Month)
“Unmasking: Elders Speak” | Watch a performance based on 12 Chattanooga elders’ stories on Sunday, Sept.10
Bonus: We’ve been asked recently by our readers if there are activities + groups for the older residents of Chattanooga. Know of any?
I had such a fun time shopping the 127 Yard Sale this weekend. I went home with some good finds, including an old painting I’m going to add ghosts to for the upcoming Halloween season.
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