New census figures put Chattanooga on pace to become Tennessee's third largest city sometime in the 2030's.
An initial estimate by the federal government showed a slight decline in residents, from 155,554 in 2000 to 155,190 in 2006. Chattanooga challenged that estimate, based on a substantial increase in residential building permits.
The U.S. Census Bureau revised Chattanooga's population, putting it at 168,293, marking 8.2% growth since 2000.
The new figures will help Chattanooga attract new grants and change the business climate perception. David Eichenthal with the Community Research Council says "It wouldn't make sense to a retailer or supermarket to go into an area where it appeared the market was declining, the news here is whereas in the 1990's Chattanooga was turning around from decades of population decline, it is now becoming a strong vibrant market."
So, where is everyone coming from? Utility bills show a growth in residents from out of state. Also, a tripling of latino students in the school system points to immigration.
Mayor Ron Littlefield also points out, no significant annexation took place to boost the numbers.
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