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.

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we catch up with Napierra Alexander, public relations coordinator for Community Development. From promoting activities and services for youth to seniors, at community centers, pools, and more, Napierra's job takes her all over Chattanooga. Napierra shares some exciting developments on the horizon for community development, including new services and formats to better serve residents. Napierra also talks about her love of motorcycles, travel, and encouraging civic engagement among young people.

Links:

• Community Centers
  • Spring/Summer Activity Guide
• Community Health
• Family Justice Center
• Office of Family Empowerment

In the latest episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to staff members at the Office of Family Empowerment. Rachel Howard, Rasha Salib, and Taneka Albert discuss the programs offered by OFE, the impact of these resources for people in need in the community, and the unique environment that keeps the small staff engaged in this important work.

Links:

• Office of Family Empowerment
• Strategic Plan

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to Miles Huff, the director of the office of new Chattanoogans. We dive into what makes Chattanooga attractive to those considering a move, how new residents can get involved locally, and the special sauce that makes Chattanooga not just a great city, but a great community. Miles also shares resources for new Chattanoogans and info for city employees on how to help new residents acclimate.

Links:

• Office of New Chattanoogans

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to Katie Mullaney and Aliyah Swilley about the LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group. They discuss a vision of greater inclusion for all kinds of people at the city, as well as in the Chattanooga community more broadly. From allyship to activism, they talk about how everyone can get involved in making One Chattanooga a reality.

On May 28, the group will host a listening session at White Duck Taco from 5-7 p.m. The purpose of the event is to better understand what support looks like right now for LGBTQIA+ people and allies in Chattanooga, where there may be gaps, and what the ERG can do to help. This event, like their monthly meetings, are open to all.

Links in this episode:

• LGBTQIA+ ERG channel on The Landing
• City of Chattanooga Pride shirt
• Register for the event on May 28

Keto, Mediterranean, Carnivore...what's the best diet? Is protein maxxing necessary? And is there a way to make lima beans delicious? In the latest episode of City Chatt, the podcast for employees at the City of Chattanooga, Jaimee Cooper, the dietician at the WellAdvantage Center, discusses the services she offers. From diabetes classes, to monthly cooking demonstrations, to personalized sessions, Jaimee is ready to help employees meet their health and nutrition goals.

Episode Links:

• WellAdvantage