City Chatt

Do you carry City of Chattanooga benefits, including health care, short-term disability, or FSA/HSA accounts? If so, it's almost open enrollment time and there are some important differences this year! In the past, most of your benefits selections rolled over from one year to the next. This year, everyone who wants to have benefits MUST make selections during the open enrollment period, November 2...

Did you know Chattanooga Public Libraries has a full recording studio, instrument and tool checkouts, streaming movies, and so much more? Join host Chrystal Houston on this episode of City Chatt as she sits down with CPL's Public Relations Coordinator Kelsi Gately inside the downtown library’s professional recording studio (with the assistance of Sam Mentzer, studio coordinator). Discover how the...

In this episode of City Chatt , the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we sit down with Justin Broxton, pharmacist at the WellAdvantage Pharmacy. We discuss how City of Chattanooga employees save significantly on prescriptions and over-the-counter items, learn about the personalized small-town pharmacy experience (that’s also efficient and fast!), find out about an upcoming program on weig...

Join us on this episode of City Chatt as host Chrystal Houston sits down with Dr. Andrew Hudson, the City of Chattanooga’s Director of Workforce Development Strategy. We break down the new "One Chattanooga Works" initiative—a strategic, data-driven system designed to move beyond disconnected training and toward true economic mobility for Chattanoogans. From the launch of the Chattanooga. Works job...

Ever wonder what happens once you flush? In this episode of City Chatt , we lift the lid on the Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus (MBEC) with PR Coordinator Ayanna Bronner and Energy Manager Bill Cannon. This isn't just about 💩—it’s a fascinating peek at the hidden infrastructure that protects Chattanooga’s public health, environment, and economy. Listen in as they discuss: The Science of Sustai...

Join us on this episode of City Chatt as we go beyond the classroom to explore the vital work of the Chattanooga Head Start program. Host Chrystal Houston sits down with Head Start team members Regina Bradford and Erica Jones to discuss how the department supports the whole child and their family to strengthen our community from the ground up. Listen to discover how this dedicated team is making a...

We’ve all been there—that awkward moment in the office where you want to speak up but the tension feels too high. Do you lean in or lock up? Philip Kurtz, Director of Leadership and Professional Development, joins City Chatt to flip the script. He’s showing City of Chattanooga employees how to transform those uncomfortable workplace clashes into powerful opportunities for growth. Ready to find you...

Summer break can be a rich time of learning for students who seek out additional opportunities, such as the internship program offered at the City of Chattanooga. Three summer interns shared their reflections at the end of their internship to discuss what they've learned, what surprised and inspired them, and what comes next in their educational journey. Ally Creswell led the conversation with fel...

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk all things accessibility and inclusion with Vanessa A. Jackson, Community Program Manager for the Office of Community Engagement. In her 26th year as a city employee, Vanessa knows the path to serving our neighborhoods effectively. She shares her strategies to engaging with all Chattanooga residents to provide gr...

Discover why Chattanooga is more than just the "Scenic City"—it’s a canvas for connection. In this episode of City Chatt , the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, host Chrystal Houston sits down with Kate Kirnie, the city’s manager of public art, to explore how murals, sculptures, and creative spaces are transforming our local landscape. From the vibrant new mural being installed on the Cit...

In this episode of City Chatt , the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, Sgt Robin Davenport, Supervisor of Youth Programs at the Chattanooga Police Department, talks about his dream job, getting local youth engaged in positive ways with the department. Davenport plans regular activities like Cops and Bobbers and the Police Activity League competitions to connect kids and teens to officers....

In this episode of City Chatt , the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we catch up with Napierra Alexander, public relations coordinator for Community Development. From promoting activities and services for youth to seniors, at community centers, pools, and more, Napierra's job takes her all over Chattanooga. Napierra shares some exciting developments on the horizon for community developme...

In the latest episode of City Chatt , the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to staff members at the Office of Family Empowerment. Rachel Howard, Rasha Salib, and Taneka Albert discuss the programs offered by OFE, the impact of these resources for people in need in the community, and the unique environment that keeps the small staff engaged in this important work. Links: Office of...

In this episode of City Chatt , the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to Miles Huff, the director of the office of new Chattanoogans. We dive into what makes Chattanooga attractive to those considering a move, how new residents can get involved locally, and the special sauce that makes Chattanooga not just a great city, but a great community. Miles also shares resources for new Ch...

In this episode of City Chatt , the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to Katie Mullaney and Aliyah Swilley about the LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group. They discuss a vision of greater inclusion for all kinds of people at the city, as well as in the Chattanooga community more broadly. From allyship to activism, they talk about how everyone can get involved in making One Chattanooga...

Keto, Mediterranean, Carnivore...what's the best diet? Is protein maxxing necessary? And is there a way to make lima beans delicious? In the latest episode of City Chatt , the podcast for employees at the City of Chattanooga, Jaimee Cooper, the dietician at the WellAdvantage Center, discusses the services she offers. From diabetes classes, to monthly cooking demonstrations, to personalized session...

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 (TH...

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 Fam...

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,...

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 ....

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://chattanoogat...

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 serv...

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...

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 Suppor...

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...