05.03.2024

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83º | 42% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:47 a.m. | Sunset 8:28 p.m.

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Spending 2025 on...

Diving into Chattanooga’s proposed budget for FY25

Wide shot of an overhead view of Chattanooga

Learn what could be in the budget for 2025. | Photo via Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has proposed a $186.3 million capital budget for the 2025 fiscal year — notably, without a tax increase for residents.

Folks can find all budget proposal outlines online. Let’s break down some of the key investments and ways you can get involved in the approval process.

Public safety

The budget includes the authorization of 32 additional police officers + firefighters and a continuation to build on its 24% pay raise efforts for first responders. Other investments include:

$4 million for a firefighting vehicle replacement plan
$2.5 million to begin the replacement of Station 14 in St. Elmo
$100,000 to enhance the city’s violence interrupter program

Roads and infrastructure

With a $10 million emphasis on paving needs (double than last year’s budget), pedestrian safety, and other work will be focal points. Plans include:

$1.35 million to expand trash services and get new garbage trucks
Grants and private partnership funds for various pedestrian safety projects
$500,000 to maintain and protect 85 bridges + continued funding for repairing the Wilcox and Walnut Street Bridges

Walnut Street Bridge — $500,000 (which is over and above usual spending) has been proposed for pedestrian safety efforts.
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Photo by Tyler Johnston

Affordable housing

The city will invest $1 million in its Affordable Housing Fund and enhance and create other avenues of resources like the Housing PILOT program, down payment assistance + fund more than $900,000 in programming that assists those experiencing homelessness.

Note: This includes the ongoing development of permanent supportive housing units at the former Airport Inn.

Parks and outdoors

Several park investments are outlined in the budget as the city continues its mission to become a National Park City. Notably, $2.15 million will go towards replacing the Chattanooga Skate Park.

Pro tip: Skip to page 17 in the proposal to see all the park investments.

More spending + public involvement dates

Events

Friday, May 3

Mustache The Band | Friday, May 3 | 8-11:59 p.m. | The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga | $22.59-$52.97 | Catch this ‘90s country party band as it takes the stage and plays your favorite hits.

Saturday, May 4

Running of the Chihuahuas | Saturday, May 4 | 12 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Join Hits96 for this family-friendly event that features tiny-but-mighty pups, live music, and food.
Free Comic Book Day | Saturday, May 4 | 12 p.m. | Locations vary, Chattanooga | Free+ | Enjoy the festivities with all-day sales, meet and greets with comic book writers + artists, and a cosplay contest at both locations of Epikos Comics and Games.
Derby Day | Saturday, May 4 | 12-9 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Join this Kentucky Derby watch party and enjoy themed food + $5 mint juleps all day long.
Seersucker Saturday | Saturday, May 4 | 3:30-7:30 p.m. | Bar & Billiards Room at The Read House Hotel, 107 W. MLK Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Dress in your southern best and don those hats for this soiree featuring live bluegrass, food + drink specials, and a fashion face-off.

Sunday, May 5

Jericho Brass 25th Celebration Concert | Sunday, May 5 | 4-5 p.m. | Collegedale Founders Hall Pavilion, 4750 Swinyar Dr., Collegedale | Free | This local band will perform a wide range of musical songs and styles of the traditional English brass band.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

Silverdale Baptist Academy recently broke ground on its new academic building as part of its campus expansion. The Commons will notably feature a 1,500-sqft science, technology, engineering, art, and math fabrication lab along with a consumer science classroom. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Traffic

Expect traffic detours for the 75th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade which will take place today, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. The parade will begin on Market Street (at the intersection of MLK Boulevard) and travel northbound toward Aquarium Way + is estimated to last 30 minutes. See street closures.

Biz

Tanasi Brewing and Supplies announced its last day of operation at 1510 Riverside Dr. will be on Saturday, June 15 — the brewery’s 4th anniversary party. Owners are currently searching for a new location, so make sure to follow the company’s social media pages for updates.

Community

Construction on the Riverview Park redevelopment is underway with an estimated completion date of Friday, June 28 — transforming it into Chattanooga’s newest fully ADA playground. Note: The playground will remain closed to the public until completion.

Edu

Early childhood educators in Tennessee can now apply for salary supplements through Chattanooga nonprofit, Child Care Wages. Daycare + preschool teachers can receive ~$3,000 per year (split up into six-month increments) by applying online. (NewsChannel 9)

Cause

Volunteers are needed for the Community Courtyard Native Gardens annual event on Thursday, May 9. Volunteers will meet from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the South Chattanooga Community Center to help with set up + tear down.

Theater

Just keep swimming over to Chattanooga Theatre Centre for the last youth production of its 100th season. “Finding Nemo, Jr.” will run Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 19 featuring two young casts + puppetry to perform a musical adaption based on the beloved film.

Concert

The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) will close out its season with “A Salute to John Williams” on Saturday, May 11. CSO will join film composer Vincent Oppido to perform scores from movies like “E.T.,” “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” and more. Get your tickets.

Outdoors

See ya, Bradford pears. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s wildlife managers are working to remove Bradford pear trees across the state. The trees are considered non-native to the area + removal will aim to create more food and cover for wildlife to enjoy.

Plan Ahead

Your Memorial Day weekend plans just got sweeter. The inaugural GAZEBO Festival is headed to Louisville, KY on Saturday, May 25 + Sunday, May 26. Here’s everything you need to know — from the full lineup to ticket options. Trust us, it’s worth the drive.*

Shop

Say hello to a good night sleep – for you and the kiddos. Luff Sheets is focused on impossibly soft, highly breathable, and moisture-wicking sheet sets to transform your child’s sleeping habits.*

Community

🎓 Miss the tassle and hassle this weekend

Surviving graduation weekend in Chattanooga

Con(grad)ulations to all graduates this weekend. | Photo provided by @utchattanooga

Whether you’re celebrating or just trying to run errands, here are the need-to-knows and tips for navigating graduation weekend.

Graduation services

Places to wine + dine

Folks can expect crowds at local spots like Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria, Champy’s, Two Ten Jack, etc. — check out these instead.

1885 Grill | 3914 St. Elmo Ave. | Tucked away in St. Elmo, this southern coastal grill could be a great escape from downtown.

Lakeshore Grille | 5600 Lake Resort Ter. | Take a scenic drive around Chickamauga Lake to this casual French-inspired restaurant.

More fun without a crowd

The Buy

Ingredients for a perfect margarita. Try the Simple Times Mizers Margarita Bundle to get a taste of something new, like the Strawberry Safe mix.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Haley

From the editor

What are you listening to this morning? For me, I’ve just added Easy Honey’s, who formed its band in the mountains of Tennessee, newest EP “Grass Getting Greener” to our Chattanooga-inspired daylist — give it a listen if you’re wanting some happy folk mountain singing vibes.

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