Chattanooga City Council Strategic Planning Meeting - 10/20/2026

At the October 20, 2026 Chattanooga City Council strategic planning meeting, CARTA’s CEO and board chair presented a mobility-system plan focused on improving existing service before pursuing major expansion. CARTA said its board had approved a three-year action framework the previous week. Planned investments include new bus-stop signs, about 150 benches, shelters and ADA landing pads, rider-information website and app upgrades, replacement of buses beyond their useful life, software upgrades, and additional drivers to address Care-a-Van capacity and on-time performance. The presentation also identified the need to find a downtown transit transfer-center site. CARTA reported establishing its first capital budget and on-call professional-services contracts, and resolving prior audit findings and renegotiating revenue contracts.

CARTA said it had secured approximately $50 million in competitive grants, including a $25 million BUILD grant, with other grant funding expected to support the planned service and infrastructure improvements. The council discussion focused on developing sustainable, long-term regional funding, including a possible jurisdiction/service-based funding formula, vehicle-registration fees, hotel-motel taxes, and employer contributions; CARTA’s ad hoc funding and finance committee will examine options and bring recommendations forward. No council procurement award or spending vote was recorded. Other items included upcoming committee meetings, a Finley Stadium and skate-park tour, outstanding board appointments, and a planned discussion of the homeless shelter issue.