A new road map for Chattanooga's housing ecosystem was recently unveiled by Mayor Tim Kelly + Chief Housing Officer Nicole Heyman with the city's first-ever Housing Action Plan (HAP).

The plan will act as a comprehensive policy + program toolkit, addressing the roadblocks in the current affordable housing market in order to advance the city's goals of expanding homeownership in the community. After six months of research, the city has determined five main goals.

The HAP will work toward addressing + managing these housing needs. | Screenshot provided by the City of Chattanooga

Build up housing

The city will work on its Housing Trust Fund that will exclusively aid the creation of affordable units, adopt a public land disposition policy (think: developmental leases, permits, etc.), revise zoning and development processes + include a housing affordability requirement to the local tax increment financing (TIF).

The administration will also scale up staffing + its partnerships to help efforts.

Increase affordable rental units

In order to achieve the expansion of affordable units, the city will work with its partners to reform the PILOT program, support LIHTC development with gap financing + more, and launch the Revolving Loan Fund.

Bonus: Check out the city's new tool for finding affordable housing.

Expand access + protection for homeowners

The city hopes to expand support for homeowners like financial assistance and repair programs, while improving zoning for single-family neighborhoods.

The administration will also advocate for employer-assisted housing from large companies + construction financing from lenders while providing best practices.

Check out the city's current housing programs.

Work to make homelessness "rare"

As a continuation of supporting those experiencing homelessness in the city, the plan will work to open a low-barrier shelter + build permanent supportive housing.

This goal will focus on expanding emergency response resources (like street outreach) and continuing landlord education + outreach to attain more units that accept vouchers.

Make housing equitable

To decrease disparities within the community, the city will work to proactively connect with those who face higher barriers + create a capacity building program for new developers.

Keeping the advisory committee reflective of the diverse communities in the city + engaging with lenders to adapt mortgage products that address barriers are also recommended.

The HAP will have an implementation plan for the city to follow over the next several years. Check out Nicole's abridged version of the plan.