This story is exclusive to subscribers.

Updated Hamilton County growth plan map could look different

Staff photo by Abby White / Hamilton County Commissioners Jeff Eversole, left, and Chip Baker speak April 16, 2025, during a commission meeting. Eversole proposed July 30, 2025, changing how the map for Plan Hamilton is divided. Staff photo by Abby White / Hamilton County Commissioners Jeff Eversole, left, and Chip Baker speak April 16, 2025, during a commission meeting. Eversole proposed July 30, 2025, changing how the map for Plan Hamilton is divided.

By Ellen Gerst July 30, 2025 5 min read

The map for unincorporated Hamilton County’s growth plan could soon look slightly different.

Draft documents for Plan Hamilton split the county into 13 areas, five of which largely cover areas outside Chattanooga and surrounding towns.

At a Wednesday meeting, County Commission Chair Jeff Eversole, R-Ooltewah, proposed dividing the plan by commission districts instead.

“For me, all along, it’s kind of been confusing,” Eversole said at the meeting. “Commissioners that sit up here, most have two areas if they’re in the unincorporated area. To me, it didn’t make sense. If you were elected to represent constituents in your area, then why wouldn’t you represent all of those constituents in that area?”