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Commissioners consider $250,000 appropriation to Urban League for workforce and youth programs
Summary
Hamilton County commissioners discussed a $250,000 appropriation from the economic development fund to the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga for workforce development, entrepreneurship and youth programming; commissioners requested a one-page breakdown and timeline for expenditure and reporting.
Hamilton County commissioners on April 1 debated a proposed $250,000 appropriation to the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga intended to support workforce development, entrepreneurship and youth programming.
Chairman Smith and Commissioner Beck framed the measure as a restoration of partnership with the Urban League under new leadership and said the funds would come from the county’s economic development fund. "We come to you asking for your support and support of this great new leadership team at the Urban League," Commissioner Beck said.
Dr. Reginald Floyd Smith II, president and CEO of the Urban League, described programs the organization runs or would expand with funding: workforce pipelines, entrepreneurship and small-business support, Project Ready and LEAPS youth programs, and a large-scale shoes-for-school event. "We want to be that partner with the county to continue the work that we're doing to be able to ensure that we're training individuals to get back into positions that are needing to be filled in Hamilton County," Dr. Smith said.
Commissioners sought specificity on several points: whether the appropriation was budgeted, the source and remaining balance in the economic development fund, and whether any timeline or expenditure schedule would be attached. County CFO Lee Browner said the fund would have approximately $1.1 million remaining after this appropriation (excluding proceeds of a pending land sale) and that some economic development fund revenue has been budgeted in prior years. Browner also noted a potential $2.5 million sale at Enterprise South had not yet closed.
Commissioners asked for a one-page breakdown of how the $250,000 would be allocated and for reporting conditions; Dr. Smith said the Urban League would adhere to any restrictions and pledged to report back. "We’re happy to adhere to any restrictions that the body that awards the funds would like to put on them," he said.
No roll-call vote on the Urban League appropriation was recorded in the recessed meeting transcript; commissioners indicated the item was being presented for consideration and that staff would circulate a program breakdown to the commission ahead of further action.
