We have a growing city, and that's what we want. But we have to be careful about how we plan for the future.
There’s no disputing Chattanooga’s success as an outdoor community.
The city was voted Outside Magazine’s “Best Town Ever” for a second time in 2015, and events like the Head of the Hooch rowing regatta and Ironman showcase the city’s revitalized downtown, natural beauty and hospitable spirit on a large scale. Those events also bring in an important revenue stream.
Benefits of a thriving outdoor culture
› In 2013, the outdoor industry generated $8.2 billion in spending in Tennessee, $2.5 billion in wages, supported 83,000 direct jobs and generated $535 million in in state and local tax revenue.› Routine, moderate levels of physical activity are robust preventers of physical illness.› Time spent outdoors has been tied to lower levels of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.› The average adventure tourist to the Chattanooga region has a household income of over $110,000 and spends $430 a day while in the area.Source: Chattanooga Forward’s Sports and Outdoors Committee report
But local leaders who helped build that outdoorsy persona still see room to improve it – particularly with the city’s residents.