Andy Berke unveils plans for restructuring Chattanooga government

photo Andy Berke

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke's plans for streamlined government will eliminate foure departments and create three new ones, he said.

"This is the first major change to city government since the charter was adopted in 1990," he said. "It's bold."

The new administration plans to eliminate the Department of Education, Arts & Culture, the Department of Parks & Recreation and the departments of of neighborhood and human services.

The Department of Youth & Family Development will take over the responsibilities of parks and recreation and human services. The Department of Neighborhood Services and Community Development will be renamed the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Finally, the city is creating its own Department of Transportation, which currently is under the Public Works Department.

Berke said he thinks it is time to look at another direction for city government, and his government will be set up to focus on his three priorities.

"We shouldn't do things just because of tradition," he said.

See Sunday's Times Free Press for complete coverage.

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