"As City Councilwoman, I will support protection of our natural resources and responsible development. Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City and we want to keep it that way."
According to the Renewing Our Vision Comprehensive Plan, “the population of Hamilton County is expected to increase by about 60,000 to 90,000 people over the next 25 years. With a population increase of 17% to 25%, it is important to have a plan for this growth...”
With the anticipated increase in population, among other things, comes the need for density-focused housing solutions. So what do we need to do? Build more housing. Sounds simple enough...but it’s not. Chattanooga’s unique landscape forces us to consider the impact that development has on our natural resources. How do we protect our natural assets while also planning for growth?
In 2018, City Council adopted a resolution for staff of the “Regional Planning Agency
(RPA) to analyze the City’s steep slopes and floodplain challenges.” This study is critical, as Chattanooga continues to see an increase in population with very little flat land left to meet our anticipated housing needs. Per the steep slope study, 54% of the vacant acres of land are on slopes of 25% or greater.
Currently, there is no consistent oversight for development on steep slopes. As City Councilwoman, I will support protection of our natural resources and responsible development. Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City, and we want to keep it that way while also taking care of all residents.
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