City Council targets crime, economic development, vocational education in strategic plan

photo Yusuf Hakeem

Chattanooga City Council Chairman Yusuf Hakeem released a strategic plan outlining the priorities of the council that identified reducing crime, repurposing vacant city property, promoting small business, finding additional revenue sources and supporting vocational education as key priorities.

Seven of the nine-member City Council started their first terms in April and met in a strategic planning session late last year, according to a news release.

"Each City Council is different and it is important that we make the most of our time together as a legislative body," said Hakeem said in the release. "Through the process of developing a strategic plan, we have focused our attention on the issues that matter most to our individual districts and how those interests affect the City as a whole."

The City Council adopted a new mission statement: "To promote an ethical, inclusive environment which enhances and sustains the well-being of the people," as well as a shared vision statement: "To be the regional center for economic development accomplished through innovation, sustainability and partnerships, creating a dynamic environment in which to live, work and play," according to the news release.

Mayor Andy Berke noted that the council and his administration are committed to improving all aspects of Chattanooga.

"Whether it's ensuring safer streets, smarter students, a growing local economy, stronger neighborhoods, or a high perfoming government, we each have a role to play in the success of our great city," the mayor said in the release.

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