In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk all things accessibility and inclusion with Vanessa A. Jackson, Community Program Manager for the Office of Community Engagement. In her 26th year as a city employee, Vanessa knows the path to serving our neighborhoods effectively. She shares her strategies to engaging with all Chattanooga residents to provide great service. Vanessa also offers insights into the Mayor’s Council for Disability and what improving accessibility looks like for Chattanooga.

• Office of Community Engagement
• Mayor’s Council for Disability
• ADA Celebration
• Community Outreach Day

Discover why Chattanooga is more than just the "Scenic City"—it’s a canvas for connection. In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, host Chrystal Houston sits down with Kate Kirnie, the city’s manager of public art, to explore how murals, sculptures, and creative spaces are transforming our local landscape.

From the vibrant new mural being installed on the City Hall annex building to innovative, multipurpose sidewalk projects, Kate breaks down the process behind “creative placemaking.” They discuss how public art serves as a vital antidote to digital stress, offering us a chance to pause, engage our senses, and foster social well-being. Whether you’re curious about how art tells the stories of our past or how it helps us imagine our future, this conversation highlights the community pride built into every piece of the collection. Listen in to learn how public art is turning ordinary spaces into destinations where we can all linger, connect, and thrive.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Links:

• Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy
• Chattanooga Public Art
• Artwork Archive

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, Sgt Robin Davenport, Supervisor of Youth Programs at the Chattanooga Police Department, talks about his dream job, getting local youth engaged in positive ways with the department. Davenport plans regular activities like Cops and Bobbers and the Police Activity League competitions to connect kids and teens to officers.

"The premise of it is to connect our officers and young people through friendly competitions, shared challenges, mentorship, hands-on learning so that the kids can see the human side of the badge and get real opportunities to grow," Davenport explained.

Listen to the episode here or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, reach out to Sgt. Davenport at rdavenport@chattanooga.gov. You can also see details about PAL on CPD's Facebook Page.