The City Council will consider on Tuesday whether to pursue a study to evaluate inequalites that divide Chattanoogans in regards to opportunities or quality of life.
So far, the body has not determined how broad or narrow such a disparity study would be, althought disadvantages in accessing jobs, starting businesses, obtaining educations and securing health care have all been discussed. Nor has it been decided how any such study data would translate into government actions.
In a recent strategic planning session, several council members called for a business outline to spell out objectives, costs and administration of any study proposal the council might authorize.
Members should decide whether a study will make recommendations and “logical steps” need to be taken regarding the study’s criteria and staffing, said Councilman Moses Freeman.
“I think we probably need to move it from the generality of a disparity study to come down to some specifics as to what kind of disparity study you want to do,” said Freeman.
The study needs to have some kind of focus or objective so it can be put to use once it is published, said Councilman Chip Henderson, emphasizing that it is “absolutely useless” to have a study what will only be filed away.
Councilman Yusuf Hakeem said he sees the study as an opportunity to make data-based decisions concerning poverty, education, crime and jobs.
“I’ve been associated with city government since 1990, and we’ve never had factual information [available] to justify taking an action on X or Y,” said Hakeem. “I am of the opinion that a disparity study would give us baseline data going forward.”
Chairwoman Carol Berz asked how a disparity study commissioned by the city would differ from disparity studies published by organizations such as the Urban League and the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies.
The study ought to determine the “bits and pieces” that government can champion as well as initiatives that should be handled by charitable organizations, said Hakeem. The concept of a city performing a disparity study is not a new thing, he said, citing similar measures taken by Atlanta, Nashville and Memphis.
“Do we see that the council should have anything to with [disparity issues] or do we say leave that to the charitable community when it comes to access to jobs and business opportunities?” asked Hakeem. “In my view, there is still great disparities when it comes to jobs, businesses, health care and other areas.”
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@timesfreepress.com.