Initiatives

Summit Knobs Equestrian Trails

Hamilton County was awarded a $460,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to develop 10 miles of trails, more parking, and waterless restrooms in Enterprise South Nature Park. Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga equally shared in matching funds totaling $230,000. Read more about the trail (new tab).

Freight Rail Network Improvements

Hamilton County has applied for a $5.6 million in funding from the United States Department of Transportation Federal Rail Administration to provide for the crucial expansion of the railways to handle the potential increase in volume from local manufactures. The railroad capacity improvements will cost $14.3 million. More on the Freight Rail

Sheriff’s Justice & Mental Health Initiative - FUSE

The Community and Economic Development Department is currently managing a “frequent user” initiative designed to reduce the number of people with mental illness in the Hamilton County Jail and Silverdale Correctional Facility. Sheriff Hammond launched the initiative in January 2017. The frequent user project is part of the Sheriff’s Office Justice and Mental Health initiative.

(Photo by Robin Rudd, Chattanooga Times Free Press Story).

Homemaker Services

Homemaker Services are provided to Hamilton County adults who have been referred by Adult Protective Services, and is funded through a State of Tennessee DHS Social Services Block Grant. The client receives a one-hour weekly home visit by a qualified Homemaker, who may assist with daily living activities such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, mail, grocery shopping, or doctor visits. Currently around 85 Hamilton County residents are receiving services with current funding levels. If you know someone who may need these services, please contact Partnership for Families, Children and Adults Elder Services at 423-755-2870 to learn more.

Adult Daycare Services

Adult daycare services are provided to Hamilton County residents, ages 18 and over, funded by a State of Tennessee DHS Social Services Block Grant. The program offers supervised care and activities on weekdays at Signal Centers Adult Center, for those adults with disabilities who cannot stay alone. This program assists with Medicaid costs by reducing the need for full-time institutional care. Hamilton County’s program can serve 18 clients with current funding levels. If you know of someone who may need these services, please contact Signal Centers Adult Services at 423-698-8528.

In School Mentoring and Positive Reinforcement Program

Hamilton County received a three year Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) through the State of Tennesse Office of Criminal Justice Programs to provide funding for a Community Crime Prevention Project. The Sheriff’s Office Division of Student Resource Officers is working with On Point, Inc., a 501c3, to provide this evidence-based curriculum. It serves (4) four schools: Tyner Academy, Tyner Middle School, Central High School and Brown Middle School. The program aims to provide: Small group mentoring to 450 students, youth development presentations for 1600 students, 40 mentors with training and background checks, and 6 experiential learning events.

Learn about how 11 counties are working towards being smoke free.

A vision for responsible and inspired growth in the Chattanooga area.

Be a part of quicker CPR response rates by providing real time information on CPR crises and up-to-date information on the location of Automated External Defibrillators.

An initiative to promote opportunities for better nutrition and more exercise for all ages.

Learn how we are improving literacy using stories, and how you can help by donating your time and books.

An initiative to decrease littering through improved education.
See the results of our billboard design competition.

Southeast Tennessee Pathways
A regional effort to prepare students for the industries of the future. Both the Information Technology track and the Advanced Manufacturing track are available in Hamilton County.

Tennessee Promise and
Tennessee Reconnect
Learn about initiatives that are helping Tennesseans pursuing higher education regardless of age.
High School Seniors: Go to the Tennessee Promise and Adults: Go to Tennessee Reconnect.