Went back through Chattanooga July Industrial Development Board Monthly Meeting Minutes, Theres a fair bit happening, its also in local media the big push for growth over the next few years. I attached a small section, where this company gets a mention. The IDB is trying to re-structure the Pilot & Procedures, theres been public hearings on this, they were hoping to have it finalised by this month as they feel its costing investment. It's also very clear that they are really targeting EV investment.
The 182 acres got a quiet motion carried early June, I find it interesting, noticing clearing activity back in April.
As we think about economic development, Mr. Freeman reports to the Mayor of the City
and has counter-partnered the reports to the County Mayor. Those are the Chief Economic
Development officials for the City and County.It is their mission that we are often looking to
execute and implement. We want policies that are also supportive by the City Council, we want
policies that are also aligned with the objectives of the Chattanooga Climbs Campaign which Mr.
Wood can speak to more, and we want PILOT policies that are streamlined to facilitate growth in
key industries and sectors that have been identified.
Some of the key sectors will include: manufacturing, especially advanced manufacturing;
especially in the automotive sectors and when it comes to electric vehicles,headquarters and office
projects in the tech and innovation companies; logistics; and financial services. This Board has
already done PILOTs that fit into both of these categories when the Board did the Novonix PILOT
which Novonix is a company that manufactures components that go into batteries for electric
vehicles. When the Board did the Steam Logistics PILOT, which is a company that uses office
space, needed to expand its office space to create a regional headquarters in the John Ross
Building. Distribution companies such as Amazon and commercial office and companies that are
a part of the industry clusters. One of the reasons again that The Bend, One Westside TIF is an
attractive prospect as a project for the City is because it will bring on the commercial office space
and help us to attract and improve companies.
As part of the additional considerations for the PILOT policy, we also want to focus on the
number of jobs being created under the policy, and the average wages of jobs and capital
investment. Additional considerations could also be environmental sustainability, hire than
average wages location in disinvestment areas, as well as the commitment to use to the greatest
extent possible local hires, contractors, and partnerships with work force development and
education. We also value companies that are providing additional benefits like health, dental, paid
sick leave, etc. for companies because we believe that these things are beneficial to employees.
RESOLUTION
On motion of Mr. Sharpley, seconded by Mr. Floyd,
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT BOARD CHAIR OR VICE-CHAIR TO
EXECUTE A SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE
AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED,
WITH VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA
CHATTANOOGA OPERATIONS, LLC.
Mr. Jermaine Freeman stated that this resolution calls for the release of an approximately
182 acre site located at Enterprise South Industrial Park. That parcel is part of a block on Lot 34.
Lot 34 is a 182 parcel area that had previously been property that was optioned to Volkswagen.
The release of this property does allow for the Chamber as well as the City and County to work
together to continue to pursue economic development activity on this parcel. Mr. Ian Leavy and
Mr. Charles Wood were present if there were any questions.
Mr. Jim Floyd asked if this resolution just releases this property and basically puts it back
into the management of the IDB. Mr. Freeman stated that is correct.
The motion carried.
ADOPTED-6/5/2023
https://chattanooga.gov/city-council-files/ind_dev_board/agenda/2023/07-10-2023.pdf
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2023/aug/19/chattanooga-growth-plan-calls-for-boosting-air/
(20min delay)