Equity office reorganization discussed as ECE lead announces retirement; Builder's Blueprint program eyed for different departmental home

Council members and staff discussed possible reorganization of the Equity & Community Engagement (ECE) functions after Tony announced he will retire June 26. The administration said it is exploring budget‑neutral reorganization options and will bring proposals to the council by ordinance within 60 days to confirm administrators and the organization of government.

Tony told the council that the Builder's Blueprint workforce pilot grew from a National League of Cities collaboration and was housed in ECE because that department led the initial work. Council members questioned whether builder‑training and apprenticeship functions might be better aligned in economic and workforce development or under Chattanooga State partnerships. Staff said final program budgets remain under development and that the city is seeking partnerships to reduce costs and expand cohort size beyond the pilot.

The administration said any reorganization would be preceded by consultation with council and would aim to be budget neutral while seeking efficiencies. Council members asked for details on the Builder's Blueprint total cost, cohort size and timeline; staff said the pilot served five individuals, the next cohort is planned for 15 participants starting in September and the administration was finalizing the requested $320,000 addition tied to expanding program length and supports.

Council members also asked for clarity on charter obligations: the city must retain a chief equity officer even if administrative housekeeping moves ECE functions into another department, staff noted.