IDB approves $1.5 million to Chattanooga Housing Authority for James A. Henry hub renovation

The Industrial Development Board approved two resolutions Monday to support the Chattanooga Housing Authority's James A. Henry Hub renovation. The first resolution authorized allocation of $1,500,000 from the IDB renewing Chattanooga account NR17 to the Chattanooga Housing Authority to fund phase 1 renovation and expansion at 1241 Grove Street. The board approved a second resolution transferring $1,500,000 from the IDB pilots fund account NR14 into NR17 to fund that allocation. City staff said the $1.5 million provides part of the local match for the city's successful $50 million Choice Neighborhoods implementation grant tied to the 1 Westside transformation plan. Staff cited state statute “section 7 5 3 3 0 2 8 8” as authorizing the board to make the allocation. The Housing Authority representative told the board phase 1 renovation is expected to be completed by December, with the Head Start program scheduled to move in February 2026. Staff also summarized expected incoming receipts that staff said would replenish the IDB account over the next 12 months—about $1,348,037 total—breakdown provided in the meeting: roughly $459,000 from pilot economic development fee receipts, $538,000 returning from funds at Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, $331,000 in repayments to the neighborhood reinvestment loan fund that have already been repaid, and $200,000 from a Hamilton County match for a high-growth jobs initiative. Board members voted to approve both resolutions by voice vote after motion and second. Staff and the Housing Authority said the renovation includes workforce-development programming and that the city will operate a one-stop career center component under a city-run brand after changes in state funding.