See what the city will fund over the next fiscal year + how to get involved. | Photo by Steadfast Images via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has proposed a balanced $345 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year — an $8.75 million increase from last year’s proposal.
We’re here to break down some major numbers + focal points so you don’t have to sift through the 600+ page proposal (unless you really love money talk).
Primary departments being funded
The Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments make up 59% of the outlined operations budget — highlighting the city’s priority on public safety + infrastructure.
Now, let’s see where $41.5 million in capital investments could go.
Public safety + infrastructure
$468,064 | Chattanooga Fire Department equipment maintenance
$250,000 | Portable street bollards to enhance crowd safety
$6 million | Paving — in addition to $4 million approved in February, totaling $10 million invested
$2.85 million | Public transit
$9.1 million | Complete Wilcox Bridge replacement funding + Walnut Street Bridge contingencies
$4.3 million | South Broad’s roads, sidewalks, and water infrastructure
$7 million | Expanding capacity at Birchwood Landfill
Sk8 Night | 5-8 p.m. | The Commons, Collegedale | Free+ | Bring your own skates or rent a pair from Dazey Skate Co. for a night on the rink with music + food trucks.
Mom’s Night Out: Blooms & Blueprints | 6-8 p.m. | Olive Branch Event Center, Cleveland | Free, RSVP | Create a bouquet at the floral bar, enjoy cocktails + small bites, and learn practical estate planning insights.
The Floor is Yours: [M]oThEr | Thursday, May 8-Friday, May 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | $10+ | Enjoy a two-day show featuring an open mic night + a curated show with local and regional talent exploring themes of motherhood and its complexities.
Jeff Dunham | 7 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $82 | This comedian is bringing his ventriloquist act + beloved dummies like Peanut and Walter to the stage.
Friday, May 9
Broken Hearts | 8-11:55 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom | $20+ | This group — formed by former Tom Petty and Mudcrutch bandmate Charlie Souza + singer-songwriter Shawn Scheller — will bring this tribute project to the Scenic City.
Saturday, May 10
Mother’s Day Gala | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Commons, Collegedale | Free+ | Treat the mother figure in your life to flowers, chocolate, and more market finds while sipping on cocktails.
“Star Wars” Night | 6 p.m. | AT&T Field | $8+ | See the Chattanooga Lookouts don themed jerseys to take on the Knoxville Smokies + enjoy meet-and-greets with “Star Wars” characters.
Put your business in front of thousands of daily readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
This month, we launched our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide to showcase gifts that say I appreciate you to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends.
While we’ve already filled all our slots ahead of Mother’s Day, we’ve opened up a few more for Father’s Day.
Whether your business offers a neat product, one-of-a-kind gift, or unique service that could be enjoyed by a father figure — we want to feature it. Secure your spot by Friday, May 23.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has expanded the county’s Veterans Service Office (VSO), adding a third officer + creating the largest staff in the VSO’s history. The addition aims to reduce wait times, streamline services + process more claims.
Transit
TDOT will receive $80 million in recurring + $1 billion in non-recurring dollars through the state’s first-ever General Fund for transportation. Notably, funds will go toward statewide projects, programs like bridge and pavement preservation, and TDOT’s 10-year plan.
Edu
TVA will grant a total of $2.3 million across 98 schools in its service region through the School Uplift program. Notably, local schools Battle Academy + Lookout Valley Elementary will each receive $10,000 — see all awarded schools.
Outdoors
The Highland Park neighborhood has announced its summer project — a restoration of Shaw Park. Folks are encouraged to get involved through labor, donations (think: money or items like mulch, a picnic table, providing lawn care, etc.), or help organizing. Get involved via Instagram DMs.
Arts
Imagine taking over 20 pictures with different backgrounds at just one building. That’s right, there’s a new mural(s) alert at 4300 Oakland Ave., where 20+ regional and local artists participated in the Burnin’ Bridges latest street project — take in the details.
Community
Speaking of new art, River City Co. has debuted the new City Center district banners as part of its Downtown District Banner Program. This installment marks the completion of the redesign program that launched in 2023.
Plan Ahead
Songbirds will host an intimate solo and acoustic show with Steve Earle on Wednesday, July 2. Earle, a protege of Townes Van Zandt + Guy Clark, is a Grammy Award-winning musician and recent Grand Ole Opry inductee. Tickets are expected to sell out — reserve your spot.
Try This
NOOGAtoday recently toured Cempa Community Care for a firsthand look at the in-house primary care, dental, and behavioral health services — and we stopped by the pharmacy on the way out. See the reel from our visit.*
Stat
$8,000+. That’s how much you could spend if your dog breaks a bone in a car crash, fall, or collision — from wound treatment and x-rays to emergency surgery and aftercare. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% of that cost.*
The Buy
It’s easy to support small businesses across the globe when you shop unique + one-of-a-kind products on Etsy. One of our favorite things to browse is Etsy’s selection of custom artwork. These are five of our favorites:
One of my favorite events at the Chattanooga Zoo — Spirits in the Wild — will return on Saturday, May 17 + you will definitely see me there. Get your tickets for this 21+ fundraiser where you can sip on drinks and meet the animals.
Answered
Answered
When someone visits your small business for the first time, the one thing they have to do, see, or try is _____.
“Aquatic therapy, it is more than ‘exercise in the pool.’ It’s an environment where anything is possible!” — neuroABILITY Therapy
“Our selection of art materials! We are the only art materials store that is locally owned where you can touch, feel, and sample the products and support small.” — Townsend Atelier
“See the intimate environment. Do open their mind to modern-day Indian cuisine. And try a pairing of food with a cocktail or wine.” — Spice Trail
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