311, 2020 Census, Supporting our Teachers, and Opportunities for Local Artists.

Friends,

Monday was National 311 Day, and Chattanooga joined cities across the country to celebrate the hard-working operators, technicians, public works crews, and other outstanding professionals who serve our residents. I spent some time at our 311 Call Center talking with people about concerns in their neighborhoods and helping find solutions. We made a short video that shows our 311 system at work and the Times Free Press looked back on the history of 311 in Chattanooga. 

Check out Chattanooga.gov/311 for more information, download our smartphone app, or to submit a service request.

Getting a full and accurate count of our local population directly impacts the shape of our Congressional districts, as well as how millions of federal dollars for housing, schools, hospitals, and roads are spent our community. Simply put, people have power, and it’s in everyone’s best interest to be counted.

That’s why I’m excited to chair our local “Complete Count Committee”— a citywide coalition of citizens, faith leaders, and neighborhood activists that will be responsible for raising awareness around the upcoming U.S. Census and increasing our local response. We’re less than a year from Census forms hitting mailboxes, so stay tuned for more information about how you can help make sure that everyone in Chattanooga counts.

Spring break in Hamilton County is almost here and we’re excited to show our appreciation for local teachers through our second annual Blackboard Bonuses program. From March 16 through March 24, Hamilton County Schools or Headstart employees can get exclusive rewards, discounts, and perks at dozens of local businesses by showing their HCS or City ID.

Participating businesses include Escape Mission Chattanooga, Nooga Paws, Big River Grill & Brewworks, Spare Time Chattanooga, Dr. Austin Roberts Family and Implant Dentistry, Tasty Donuts, Yankee Candle, Charming Charlie, Bar Louie Chattanooga, Olive Chattanooga, and dozens more. We’re still signing up businesses that want to support our teachers, so please click here to get more information and sign up.

Chattanooga is a city of creators, and we’re very excited to announce that applications are open for our inaugural City Artist. The City Artist will work 20 hours per week with Public Art Chattanooga, theChattanooga Department of Transportationand in the community, focusing specifically on the Southside Gardens neighborhood. If you know a professional public artist who would be interested in collaborating with us to create a vision for Chattanooga’s future, please encourage him or her to apply here before April 2.

Thanks for all you do, and I look forward to seeing you around town.

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