Progress on the One Westside People Plan: Empowering Residents Through Connection, Support, and Opportunity
The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA), in partnership with Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI), is making steady progress on the implementation of the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) One Westside People Plan. As of March 31, 2025, all 350 original target households (100%) have been successfully enrolled in case management services. This milestone represents a strong start toward meeting the plan’s long-term goals: supporting residents through meaningful services that promote housing stability, education, health, and economic mobility.
At the heart of the People Plan is the idea that transformation is about more than buildings. It’s about people: residents, families, and neighbors who deserve access to opportunity and support in every stage of life. Case management is one of the central tools in this work. Each household is paired with a Family Support Specialist (FSS) who listens to their needs, identifies goals, and helps build a pathway forward through personalized services and referrals.
USI, the lead People implementation partner, has hired and trained a team of six professionals based in Chattanooga to carry out this mission on the ground. The current team includes three Family Support Specialists, one FSS Manager, a Workforce Specialist, and an Education Specialist. These team members bring experience, compassion, and a shared commitment to walking alongside residents as they pursue their goals.
Recruitment is still underway to build out the team further. As of late March, USI is actively hiring for a Senior Project Manager and three additional Family Support Specialists. With this expanded capacity, USI will be well-positioned to continue scaling up its work to meet the growing needs of residents as the One Westside Housing Plan moves forward.
To strengthen the foundation for this work, USI and CHA hosted a Service Provider Network meeting on February 18 and 19, 2025. This two-day gathering brought together a wide range of local service providers and organizational partners working across the key pillars of the People Plan: economic mobility, education, health and wellness, and housing stability. The sessions were designed to deepen collaboration between agencies and ensure alignment with the CNI goals. Partners learned more about the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) required for participation and had the opportunity to connect directly with members of the USI team. These connections are critical to ensuring that services are coordinated, efficient, and built around the real needs of One Westside families.
On March 27, 2025, the first in a series of monthly resident meetings was held at College Hill Courts. More than 30 residents attended the session, which focused on two-way communication, building trust, and introducing residents to the newly expanded team. The atmosphere was welcoming and hopeful, with attendees asking thoughtful questions, sharing their experiences, and learning about upcoming programs and resources. These monthly meetings are a key part of the One Westside People Plan’s approach to engagement. They create space for residents to be informed and involved, helping shape the services and priorities that affect their lives. Ongoing dialogue also gives CHA and USI important feedback about what’s working, what’s needed, and how services can continue to improve.
The work happening in the People Plan is grounded in care and designed for long-term impact. As new housing phases begin construction and the neighborhood begins to transform physically, the work of building opportunity from the inside out continues, with residents at the center. Together with USI, CHA remains committed to ensuring that the One Westside vision is more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a connected, thriving neighborhood where every resident has the tools, relationships, and resources they need to succeed.
One Westside made strong progress on Critical Community Improvements, including finishing touches on the James A. Henry Hub, planning the Creative Cultural Innovation Incubator, enhancing green spaces, and advancing public art projects like the underpass lighting and mural.
The Housing Plan is advancing at College Hill Courts, with new housing, improved streets, and community amenities. Phases 1 and 2 are underway, connecting residents to jobs and services, while planning for Phase 3 focuses on future infrastructure.
