Citizens share wish list for 2018 Chattanooga budget

More than 50 attendees at the city's third and final citizen budget input session, held at the Family Justice Center, break into groups to brainstorm their priorities for the fiscal 2018 budget. Every idea was written down and will be delivered to the results team that will evaluate proposals for funding in the budget. (Contributed photo)
More than 50 attendees at the city's third and final citizen budget input session, held at the Family Justice Center, break into groups to brainstorm their priorities for the fiscal 2018 budget. Every idea was written down and will be delivered to the results team that will evaluate proposals for funding in the budget. (Contributed photo)

East Hamilton residents’ priorities and suggestions

› Green spaces to create more of a feeling of community› More vocational-oriented skill set for students› More visible police presence› More lighting on streets› Better promotion for community meetings› Larger variety of educational programs to fill gaps in Youth & Family Development centers’ programming› Affordable downtown housing for service workers› Support for police departments› Public service liaison/coordinator to survey at-risk neighborhoods for needs› Restored voting rights for felons who want to be active in community› Programs to increase reading levels and test scores in schools› Strategies to ignite community involvement so residents address issues they want city to address› More employment opportunities› Job preparedness courses to prepare adults for available jobs› Better flow, safety for bus stops› More speed control› Reduced traffic congestion› Higher minimum wage› More programs, speakers and mentors to inspire students› Affordable yet high-quality child care to accommodate working parents› More active neighborhood associations› More walkability

East Hamilton residents got to weigh in on how taxpayer dollars should be spent during a budget input session at the Family Justice Center Nov. 30.

The meeting was part of Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke's "Budgeting for Outcomes" process, which will be used to shape the city's more than $210 million budget for fiscal year 2018-19.

The process requires city departments to make the case for spending on specific programs, with metrics to judge whether they achieve their desired goals in five focus areas: smarter students and stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, growing economy, safer streets and high-performing government.

Though the practice was adopted after Berke was elected mayor in 2013, this is the first time the public meetings have been implemented to give citizens a direct role in the decision-making process. The input gathered from the Nov. 30 meeting and the two in Hixson and downtown that preceded it will be used to determine residents' priorities and then focus spending in those desired areas.

"I think this is a fresh start for community policing, awareness and having people involved," said J. P. Abrell, one of the 50 residents present at the East Brainerd session.

Among residents' most common requests were more street paving, more vocational training in schools and job readiness programs for adults, and more public input meetings of the same vein to keep citizens involved in the governmental process.

Residents also suggested innovative ideas, such as appointing a public services liaison who would go out and survey families in at-risk neighborhoods to see what people need, and increasing safe spaces where families can go to learn about all the nonprofits and services available in the area to meet their needs.

"We're are so thankful that we live in a city where we can come together, have these discussions and ultimately build a better place together," Berke told attendees.

The next step in the process will be accepting proposals, called "offers," from city administrators and departments to develop strategies to address the priorities listed by citizens. A results team of selected experts who represent the administration and the public will then evaluate and rank the offers to help develop a final budget proposal.

Daisy Madison, the city's chief financial officer, said the most important part of the process is what comes afterwards: "monitoring, monitoring, monitoring."

"That is what we do all year to make sure those dollars are actually being spent in accordance with the priorities, focus areas and strategies that they developed during this budget process," she said, adding, "We want to make sure it happens - not just say it [will]. At the end of the day, that is really what it's all about, not just putting numbers on the page."

The proposed budget is expected to go before the Chattanooga City Council in May. Once approved, it will take effect July 1.

Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.

Staff writer Judy Walton contributed content to this story.

Upcoming Events