Skip to main content
Chattanooga Civics

Chattanooga Civics

By Nathan Bird

A podcast discussing local government in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Visit ChattanoogaCivics.com for civic resources.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

#24 - An Overview of Local Government

Chattanooga CivicsJul 29, 2021

00:00
12:24
#56 - The Office of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

#56 - The Office of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

The City of Chattanooga’s Office of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (OHSH) works to both prevent homelessness as well as rapidly house residents experiencing homelessness through street outreach services, community partnerships, a rapid re-housing program, as well as provide emergency services when needed. https://chattanooga.gov/ohsh


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter at buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

To support the show go to patreon.com/ChattCivics


Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Aug 05, 202325:49
#55 - Neighborhood Associations

#55 - Neighborhood Associations

In an age when people are feeling increasingly disconnected from their government, neighborhood associations provide a fantastic opportunity to renew engagement and trust. Find out more about Neighborhood Associations here: https://chattanooga.gov/community-development/neighborhood-services/neighborhood-associations2


Follow the Department of Community Development on Instagram, @chatt_commdev

You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter at buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

To support the show go to patreon.com/ChattCivics


Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jul 16, 202345:56
#54 - Mayor Kelly's 2 Year Update

#54 - Mayor Kelly's 2 Year Update

Mayor Kelly is half way through his term. We sat down to get an update on how things our going and what the future holds.


You can view the proposed budget here: https://budget.chattanooga.gov/#!/year/default

You can view the city paving schedule here: https://chattanooga.gov/public-works/transportation/transportation-resources/special-events-a-street-closures/transportation-project-updates


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter at buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

To support the show go to patreon.com/ChattCivics


Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

May 30, 202344:14
#53 - The Chattanooga Public Library

#53 - The Chattanooga Public Library

The Chattanooga Public Library is an incredible resource to the people of Chattanooga. They have way more than just books!


Visit the library website here: https://chattlibrary.org/


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter at buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

To support the show go to patreon.com/ChattCivics


Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Mar 29, 202351:57
#52 - The Climate Action Plan

#52 - The Climate Action Plan

I do a deep dive into the Chattanooga Climate Action plan with Erik Schmidt. The city council will vote on the plan on Tuesday, March 28.


Find out more about the plan here: https://chattanooga.gov/city-planning/chattanooga-climate-action-plan/what-s-in-the-climate-action-plan


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter at buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

To support the show go to patreon.com/ChattCivics


Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Mar 26, 202301:04:23
#51 - Councilwoman Coonrod - Re-Wake and Legistlative Initiatives

#51 - Councilwoman Coonrod - Re-Wake and Legistlative Initiatives

Councilwoman Coonrod joined the show to talk about her new criminal justice reform and consulting initiative, Re-Wake, which seeks to provide "a holistic approach to improving lives and strengthening communities". We also spoke about some of her recent legislative initiatives and her plans for the future. 

Find out more about Concilwoman Coonord at https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/

Find out more about Re-Wake at https://www.re-wake.org/


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter at buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

To support the show go to patreon.com/ChattCivics


Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Mar 04, 202324:36
#50 - City Boards

#50 - City Boards

City Boards are a great way to get involved in city government. The city has over fifty boards ranging from technical review , to oversight, to public input. 

View all city boards as well as current and upcoming vacancies at http://cha.city/boards


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter at buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

To support the show go to patreon.com/ChattCivics


Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Feb 19, 202325:09
#49 - Equity and Community Engagement

#49 - Equity and Community Engagement

Tamara Steward is the city's first ever Chief Equity Officer. I sat down  with her to discuss the importance of equity and how her departments helps to promote equity both within the city government and in the broader Chattanooga community.

Learn more here: https://chattanooga.gov/equity-community-engagement


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter at buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

To support the show go to patreon.com/ChattCivics


Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Dec 04, 202234:08
#48 - Stadium Community Benefits Agreement with CALEB

#48 - Stadium Community Benefits Agreement with CALEB

Chattanoogans in Action for Love Equality and Benevolence, or CALEB, is a  public action collation that brings together various groups from across  the city to enhance quality of life for all. With the announcement of  the South Broad Stadium project, CALEB is working towards the formation  of a Community Benefits Agreement to ensure the development brings  benefits for all Chattanoogans.

Learn more about CALEB here: https://www.calebcha.org/

Contact CALEB: info@calebcha.org


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter here: https://buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

Music credits:

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Oct 02, 202225:28
#47 - Neighborhood Services

#47 - Neighborhood Services

It is unfortunately common for people to feel alienated from their  government, to feel as though the problems they experience in their  neighborhoods are not the problems that officials are talking about at  city hall. This feeling of alienation can lead to a lack of engagement,  which can lead to a further feeling of alienation, and on and on in a  vicious cycle. The City of Chattanooga Department of Neighborhood  Services is one way the city is working to break that cycle. In this  episode we'll learn more about the Neighborhood Services Department and  how they are working to better reconnect citizens with our government.


You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter here: https://buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

Music credits: 

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sep 25, 202233:26
#46 - South Broad and Lookouts Stadium

#46 - South Broad and Lookouts Stadium

Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga are proposing a plan to  revitalize the South Broad District, including the long empty US Pipe  and Wheland Foundry site. The centerpiece of this plan is the  construction of a new, publicly owned baseball stadium, using a  combination of private investment and public tax incentives. This plan  will be put to a vote by the county commission on August 3rd, and the  city council on August 9th.

You can read more about the project here: https://www.southbroad.info/

You can read more about the 2018 community plan here: https://southbroaddistrict.org/

This episode is sponsored by Weissmann Music - 850-450-7867 -  https://www.weissmanmusic.com/

You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter here: https://buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

Music credits: Loopster by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jul 24, 202201:03:23
#45 - Public Transit with CARTA

#45 - Public Transit with CARTA

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, more  commonly known as CARTA, is the public transit system in Chattanooga,  TN, serving the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County and the surrounding  areas. In this episode we learn more about how CARTA operates and how  they lead in transit technology.

Find out more at https://www.gocarta.org/

This episode is sponsored by Weissmann Music - 850-450-7867 -  https://www.weissmanmusic.com/

You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter here: https://buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

Music credits: Loopster by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jul 19, 202240:09
#44 - Public Works
Jul 10, 202248:52
#43 - Development Tax Incentives

#43 - Development Tax Incentives

Cities of all sizes use tax incentives to draw business and promote  growth. Helen Burns Sharp founded Accountability for Taxpayer Money to  better track an analyze the use of tax incentives in Chattanooga to  ensure that these packages are balanced and effective. In this episode  we discuss the most common types of tax incentives and how they are used  in Chattanooga.  

Find out more at https://www.atmchatt.com/ 

This episode is sponsored by Weissmann Music - 850-450-7867 -  https://www.weissmanmusic.com/

You can sign up for the Chattanooga Civics Newsletter here: https://buttondown.email/ChattanoogaCivics

For more civic resources visit ChattanoogaCivics.com

Music credits:
Loopster by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jun 28, 202253:27
#42 - Parks and Outdoors
Jun 15, 202245:43
#41 - The Small Cities Coalition
May 16, 202233:15
#40 - Mayor Kelly's One Year Update
May 01, 202201:21:46
#39 - Form Based Code
Apr 18, 202249:51
#38 - Housing Affordability with CNE
Mar 20, 202201:09:45
#37 - Incoming Police Chief Celeste Murphy
Mar 06, 202221:27
#36 - Historic Preservation and Zoning
Feb 26, 202252:56
#35 - Brian Bush for City Judge
Feb 13, 202219:48
#34 - City Budget 2023
Jan 29, 202252:58
#33 - The Regional Planning Agency
Nov 22, 202149:35
#32 - Intro to Zoning
Nov 14, 202156:32
#31 - Community Led Redistricting
Oct 19, 202124:48
#30 - The Chattanooga Design Studio
Sep 29, 202153:12
#29 - The Trust for Public Land
Sep 19, 202138:29
#28 - Data and Innovation
Sep 06, 202145:40
#27 - The 2022 City Budget
Aug 29, 202133:39
#26 - The Mayor's 100 Day Plan
Aug 14, 202155:01
#25 - The 2050 Regional Transportation Plan
Aug 07, 202101:01:09
#24 - An Overview of Local Government
Jul 29, 202112:24
UPDATE: I'm Back!

UPDATE: I'm Back!

It's been too long. Let's get back to it.

Jul 29, 202101:56
#23 - Followup with Tim Kelly
Apr 05, 202101:11:08
#22 - Interview - Isiah Hester for Distrct 5
Mar 28, 202125:09
#21 - Followup with Kim White
Mar 20, 202134:20
UPDATE: What's next?

UPDATE: What's next?

First, if you haven't done so already, go vote on March 2!

Second, where should Chattanooga Civics go from here?

Feb 26, 202103:24
#20 - Interview - Demetrus Coonrod for Distrct 9
Feb 26, 202130:47
#19 - Interview - Wade Hinton for Mayor
Feb 25, 202153:52
#18 - Interview - Rachael Torrence for District 3
Feb 19, 202118:44
#17 - Interview - Andrew McLaren for Mayor
Feb 17, 202139:33
#16 - Interview - Dennis Clark for District 5
Feb 15, 202138:05
#15 - Interview - Tim Gorman for District 2
Feb 11, 202131:26
#14 - Interview - Christopher Dahl for Mayor
Feb 09, 202101:00:05
#13 - Interview - Kim White for Mayor
Feb 08, 202134:39
#12 - Interview - Marie Mott for District 8
Feb 05, 202134:16
#11 - Interview - Raquetta Dotley for District 7
Feb 04, 202137:21
#10 - Interview - Jenny Hill for District 2

#10 - Interview - Jenny Hill for District 2

An interview with Jenny Hill, candidate for city council, district 2.  Find more about Jenny's campaign by visiting https://www.votejennyhill.org/

Find out more about the other mayoral and city council candidates by  visiting http://www.chattanoogacivics.com    

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @ChattCivics   

Email me at chattanoogacivics@gmail.com   

Support the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/NathanBirdCHA   

Music credits: 

Loopster by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Feb 01, 202101:02:10
#9 - Interview - Thomas Lee for District 2
Jan 26, 202159:04