Bringing Back the Boulevard’s Future

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County and Chattanooga are working together on a new effort to bring investment and new opportunities to Rossville Boulevard.

The Bring Back the BLVD initiative includes a push for Rossville Boulevard to receive an Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation. 

If approved, the designation would create federal tax incentives designed to encourage private investment in existing properties along the corridor.

City and county leaders say the goal is to support growth where infrastructure already exists and create new opportunities along the boulevard.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly says the corridor has made progress over the years but still needs more investment.

“It was my time down here that inspired me to make actually, my very first campaign ad was about how. How pitiful the boulevard looked and when the federal government did his first round of designations for opportunity zones…Our side, the Tennessee side of the boulevard was left out which was very frustrating to me.”

The City of Chattanooga has designated $500,000 for improvements along Rossville Boulevard as part of the effort.

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp says the county’s focus is on the three census tracts along the boulevard to support industrial, commercial, retail, and residential opportunities.

Wamp says the county is also highlighting education investments in the area, including planned work involving the high school zoned there and Clifton Hills Elementary.

Hamilton County has recommended Rossville Boulevard as its top priority for Tennessee’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 selection process. The proposal now moves forward for consideration by the state.