A proposed local preference measure that has sharply divided the City Council also is drawing clashing reviews.
“It’s very subjective,” said Roger Tuder, chief executive of the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee, adding it could cost the city potential business projects and lead to the layoff of Chattanooga workers.
But April Eidson, a spokeswoman for the group Hire Here, called the proposed ordinance “a very good awareness measure.”
“It will bring awareness to a legitimate problem,” Ms. Eidson said.
Last Tuesday, the City Council voted 5-4 in favor of the proposal.