City Chatt

It's been under wraps and in the works for six months, and now (drum roll, please)...the City of Chattanooga Down Payment Assistance Program has launched! The City of Chattanooga is offering up to $15,000 in down payment assistance to help first-time homebuyers overcome the upfront costs of purchasing a home. Through a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), eligible buyers may qualify for up to $21,000 in total assistance when combining City and THDA programs. Learn all about this program in the latest episode of City Chatt, which includes an interview with Megan Miles, Director of Housing Policy, and Jacki Madding, a consultant who works on housing issues. Links:Program details: chattanooga.gov/dpaPress release

What does a healthy and safe Chattanooga for all look like and how do we achieve it? Dr. Derek Anderson, Director of the Office of Community Health, talks about the three parts of Chattanooga's efforts around community health, including services for victims of abuse, nurse navigators to provide health education, and community safety and gun violence prevention. Related Links:Dr. Carol B. Berz Family Justice CenterOffice of Community HealthOne Chattanooga PlanSummer Outreach Safety Fest

What does it take to launch a new venture in Chattanooga, and where can an aspiring entrepreneur go for mentorship and assistance? The City of Chattanooga has now opened the Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) on ML King Blvd to answer these questions and more. Resources such as one-on-0ne assistance, office and event space, and training opportunities are available to entrepreneurs of all kinds, whether they are new to starting a business, planning for business transition and succession, or growing their business to the next level.In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to Winston Brooks, Director of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at the SBRC, as well as Josh Brown, a business counselor with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. We discuss why the SBRC exists, who it serves, and what is now available through this office.Sites mentioned in this episode:Chattanooga Small Business Resource Center Tennessee Small Business Development CenterChattanooga Entrepreneurship Week

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we discuss the many services available to survivors of abuse in our community, with Regina McDevitt, the executive director of the Family Justice Center (FJC). From new clothes, to counseling, to emergency housing, to legal assistance, FJC staff connect people to resources in our community to increase safety and hope.More information about the Family Justice Center, including services available and events can be found at https://fjc.chattanooga.gov.

In this episode of City Chatt, we catch up with Ken Martin and Jenks Parker in the Land Development Office to discuss what sustainable development looks like in Chattanooga, from green infrastructure, to floodplain management, to new mapping efforts. Also, listen for the hot tip about reduced cost flood insurance if you live in Chattanooga!Episode links:New floodplain maps: https://chattanoogatn.withforerunner.com/Property flood risk info: https://chattanooga.gov/stay-informed/zoning-maps/property-flood-riskLand Development Office: https://chattanooga.gov/government/public-works/land-development-officeNational Flood Insurance Program: https://www.floodsmart.gov/

For this episode of City Chatt, we caught up with those leading the front lines of customer service for the City of Chattanooga: Kimberly Strong, Director of the Office of Constituent Services, and Derek Frizzell, Director of 3-1-1 Operations. They talk about the strangest requests they've had in serving the public, the blurry lines between personal and professional life when you're a public servant, as well as what keeps them engaged in this challenging work for the long haul.

If you've been to the WellAdvantage Clinic recently, you may have noticed a new face on the care team. Dr. Craig Campbell has been working part-time at the clinic since mid-November and began serving there full-time in the last few weeks. He now serves as the medical director at the clinic, seeing patients as well as overseeing the team of nurse practitioners on staff.In this episode, we discuss his passion for nutrition and wellness, his love of the Florida Gators, and his first impressions of Chattanooga.To make an appointment with Dr. Campbell at the WellAdvantage Clinic, please call or text 423-481-9760.

In this episode, we talk to Ryan Lloyd, Lead Service Coordinator for the Chattanooga Office of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (OHSH). We discuss the lifesaving work this office does, the causes of homelessness in Chattanooga, and how everyone can be part of the solution.Links mentioned in this episode"Regional Outreach Cooperative (website, social media)Office of Homelessness and Supportive HousingOHSH Volunteering and Donations

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to Kathy Mead Fronheiser, manager of the WellAdvantage Fitness Center. Kathy reminds employees of the many resources available to them (and spouse or dependents covered by city insurance) under one roof at the WellAdvantage Center. From fitness classes on weekdays, to individual sessions with fitness coaches, to 24/7 access to the gym, there are options for every ability and interest level. In addition to the fitness center, the WellAdvantage Center also offers health care, nutritionist services, pharmacy, and wellness classes and events.Links mentioned in this episode:Contact Kathy at [email protected] Employee CalendarTextCare 24/7 number: 423-481-9760WellAdvantage Website Calm app

Welcome to episode 3 of City Chatt, the podcast for employees at the City of Chattanooga. In this episode we talk to Errol Williams, the public relations coordinator for the department of public works. From recent disaster relief efforts, to a pilot recycling program, to the importance of essential services like trash pick up, Errol reveals the breadth of the work happening at DPW and how city employees from all departments can support the hardworking men and women of the public works team. Links mentioned in this episode:Public Works channel on The LandingPublic Works on FacebookPublic Works on Instagram

Welcome to episode 2 of City Chatt, the podcast for employees at the City of Chattanooga. In this episode we talk to Phil Kurtz, director of leadership and professional development in the human resources department, about services available to employees who want to grow their career at the city. From internal job listings, to Career Basecamp events, to leadership training courses, the HR team has many ways to help employees advance. Questions? Reach out to [email protected] or your department’s HRBP. Links mentioned in this episode:Chattanooga.gov/job-descriptionsOracle.chattanooga.gov

In our first episode, we featured Brian Smith, the director of marketing and communications for Parks and Outdoors. Brian invited all city employees to check out the many city parks and the long list of activities and programs available, including some special events that are coming up in February. Links mentioned in the article:Things to Do (includes recreation programs as well as Outdoor Chattanooga activities)Parks and Outdoors Department WebsiteOutdoor Chattanooga Events CalendarSign up for Parks and Outdoors newsletterSee the latest Parks and Outdoors newsletterParks and Outdoors Facebook and InstagramValentine’s Archery EventTherapeutic Recreation newsletterWant your department or event featured on City Chatt? Reach out to pitch an idea.