Friend, 

Two weeks ago, the city of Chattanooga lost a legend. Kevin West dedicated his life to service, and his voice defined our community for decades. After a lifetime of serving his country and his community, Kevin passed away suddenly on September 18, at the age of 61. 

Kevin West was a familiar voice for many Chattanoogans. For over thirty years, he served as a reporter and anchor for WGOW Talk 102.3, and his voice became part of so many of our daily routines. Throughout his career, he was a calming voice, one of reason, on some of our city's darkest days - telling us what we needed to hear, not always what we wanted to. He was a spectacular journalist and a household name, but his legacy lasts far beyond his time in media. 

Kevin epitomized what it means to be a leader. In addition to his reporting work, Kevin served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years, retiring as Captain two years ago with several recognitions for outstanding service. He was also a dedicated family man as a father of five. As mayor, I often think about building community - and I'm always looking for Chattanoogans who understand that. Kevin understood what it means to be a true community leader and made Chattanooga his home from the moment he stepped foot here.

For those of us that work at the City of Chattanooga, this loss was impactful for another reason — just two months before his passing, Kevin West joined our team as Public Affairs Director for the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD). That role is no easy feat — much like the role of an officer, it requires long hours and an unrelenting passion for public service — but Kevin excelled at it. His time with us in local government was short but impactful, and for that we're forever grateful. 

In lieu of flowers, West's family requests that Kevin's legacy be remembered through donations to the Sea Cadets, Bridge Refugee Services, or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

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

What's New in Chattanooga

Congratulations to the winner of this month's Mayoral Award! 🏆Alicia Benjamin made a winning proposal to supply every CPD officer and sergeant with trauma kits AND she identified grants to fund them! That's the type of innovative problem solving that makes Chattanooga special. Thanks, Alicia!

Chattanooga Named the Best Southern Place to Retire by Southern Living and Investopedia. But why wait until retirement? 😉 Chattanooga is also the best city to work, play, and raise a family!

That's a whole lot of trash that's NOT going into the Tennessee River, thanks to the Litter Boom on Chattanooga Creek. But we aren't JUST collecting litter. With the help of Osprey and our community partners, we're tracking data to figure out the sources and to come up with solutions. Stay tuned!

In the Community

As Mayor, I'm committed to preserving and enhancing our public green spaces. In honor of National Public Lands Day, will you join us in these efforts? Sign the petition to help make Chattanooga the first National Park City in North America!

I recently welcomed some very young Chattanoogans to City Hall! Thanks to the teachers and staff of Normal Park for bringing 1st grade students for a meet and greet. 

Want me to attend an event? Request an appearance here.

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent Open Office Hours! Chattanoogans from across our city joined us to discuss their concerns, issues, and ideas. Candid feedback like this is how we create a responsive, effective government. 

Upcoming Opportunities

• Help create generational change. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Family Justice Center is hosting a resource fair for parents and students. Learn more and sign up here.
• Looking for affordable housing? Join our upcoming Affordable Housing Resource Fair on Monday, Oct. 2nd from 5-7 p.m. at Chris Ramsey Community Center.
  
• Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us in celebrating on Sunday, Oct. 15th from 4-9 p.m. in Miller Park!

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