Mayors Wamp, Kelly discuss rising anti-growth sentiment at joint appearance 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- “The growth isn’t going to stop.”

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp appeared together at the third annual “Chatt with the Mayors” Tuesday.

The event, hosted by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, have the mayors speak on a variety of topics dominated by economic growth in the Chattanooga area.

Both spoke about the rising anti-growth sentiment that we have seen across our community, especially after recent developments like the passage of the controversial Plan Hamilton growth plan by the Hamilton County Commission last week.

Mayor Kelly said, “We work to make this a very attractive place for people to come to.”

Mayor Wamp added, “It’s something that we’re adjusting to is how do you prepare and govern for a future where people don’t want the community to grow despite the community continuing to grow.”

Mayor Wamp says that the anxiety over growth in unincorporated Hamilton County has grown to the point that it’s a top issue for many rural voters.

Mayor Wamp said, “It’s more important than party affiliation, education, and social issues at this point, and that’s wild when you think about it.”

Mayor Kelly says that one of those key issues surrounding growth is expanding road capacity, which he says is largely in the hands of TDOT.

He criticized the state’s pay as you go model for road construction, as state leaders refuse to take out any bonds to pay for them.

Mayor Kelly said, “If you were a CFO and ran a company this way, you’d be fired. You wouldn’t run a company this way… It’s admirable if you wanted your own household to be debt free, but to tell voters these are the same things is pandering and not telling them the truth.”

The mayors also discussed education, workforce development, and ongoing initiatives.