A team of expert firms led by Cincinnati-based McBride Dale Clarion was picked to oversee the crafting of a long-term, strategic plan for the Chattanooga region.

McBride Dale Clarion will oversee the planning initiative that's slated to start next year and involve 16 counties over the tri-state area.

In addition to McBride Dale Clarion the team consists of Clarion Associates, Fregonese Associates, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Brown Pearman Russell, BAE Urban Economics, Opticos Design, Ann Coulter, PlaceMatters, The Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies and Neathawk Dubuque & Packett.