Friend, 

It has been a historic couple of weeks in our city celebrating and honoring a true American hero and one of our own: Vietnam War pilot and Medal of Honor Recipient Captain Larry Taylor.

On September 5, President Joe Biden awarded Captain Taylor, a Chattanooga native, with the Medal of Honor. It's the highest possible honor in our country's military - and there is no one I can think of who is as deserving of this distinction as Captain Taylor.

If you haven't heard the story yet, I would encourage you to spend some time reading about how Captain Larry Taylor's valor and courage transformed the lives of four American families. It's a remarkable story. I can assure you that when you finish reading it, you won't have any doubt that a real hero is living in our community.

I had the good fortune to know Captain Taylor from my life before politics at my car business. I can honestly say that although his character always shone through, I knew nothing of his extraordinary courage and his life-saving actions - and he certainly was not going to advertise it, either.

Like many of you, I was moved by Captain Taylor's story and by the subsequent spirit of support and pride it has brought to the fore across our community. That pride was on full-display during Monday's parade.

It's a reminder that the values that unite us are far stronger than the differences that often try to tear us apart.

As always, if my office can be of any assistance to you or if you have questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate  to email me at mayor@chattanooga.gov.

Sincerely,

Tim Kelly

Mayor, City of Chattanooga

Thank you, Captain Taylor

What an honor. Ginny and I were fortunate to join Captain Taylor and a host of other community leaders at the White House as he received his recognition, and I continue to be struck by the profound humility he has displayed throughout this process.

I hope that each of us, especially our young people, learn from Captain Taylor’s example. We have a responsibility to give the next generation the foundation to be able to pick up the torch and carry on Captain Taylor's legacy.

It's never too late to recognize valor. Captain Taylor's efforts were extraordinary and awe-inspiring. I'm glad he's finally getting the recognition he so rightfully deserves.

A patriotic celebration of our own hometown hero. Every day is a great day to be a Chattanoogan. But on Monday, it was even better. I'm proud to serve as your mayor.

What's New in Chattanooga

Have questions for your local government? I'm holding my next set of open office hours on Friday, September 22 from 1:00 - 4:30 pm at the South Chattanooga Community Center. Sign up for an appointment.

Here's the hard truth: Chattanooga's housing environment is strained. Our housing team presented our Market Value Analysis, a tool to help us identify and understand the elements of our real estate market. We can use this data to tackle housing head-on.

#CityInAPark: We're on a journey to becoming the first National Park City in North America - a distinction awarded to cities globally that prioritize complementing our green spaces with our way of life. Sign the petition today.

Upcoming Opportunities

• Get your first look at Chattanooga's next Central Park. We will be unveiling our plans to build up Montague Park to be a place that works with and connects our downtown core. Join us at 5:30 pm ET on Wednesday, September 27 at Montague Park for the big reveal.
• Need help navigating the path to stable housing? Our next Housing Resource Fair will be at 5:00 pm on Monday, October 2 at the Chris Ramsey Community Center.

• Join the City of Chattanooga, Erlanger, and Safe Kids Southeast TN at the FUNFAIR Festival on September 30 from 9-1pm at Chattanooga Green, 140 Riverfront Pkwy. The event will entertain and inform as The Basics Chattanooga shares fun, simple, and powerful ways families can help every child have a great start in life. Learn more at chattanoogabasics.org.

Follow us on social media!

Spot a pothole, litter, or something else that needs attention?

Submit a request to 311