About Choice
CNI = Choice Neighborhoods Implementation
What is the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant and what does it mean for Chattanooga?
The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to revitalize distressed public housing and transform struggling neighborhoods into vibrant, sustainable communities. The program provides funding to cities, housing authorities, and community partners to improve housing, neighborhood conditions, and opportunities for residents through a comprehensive, community-driven approach.
In July 2024, the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and the City of Chattanooga were awarded a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to support the transformation of College Hill Courts and the surrounding Westside neighborhood. This historic investment will bring new housing, economic development, infrastructure improvements, and essential services to the community.
How will the grant be used?
The One Westside Plan, developed by CHA, the City of Chattanooga, and community stakeholders, focuses on three key areas:
Housing: Modern, Mixed-Income Living
- Redevelopment of College Hill Courts, Chattanooga’s oldest public housing community, which was built in 1940.
- Construction of over 1,000 new mixed-income apartment homes, replacing 497 severely distressed public housing apartments with high-quality, energy-efficient homes.
- New housing designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood, with access to green spaces, retail, and essential services.
- Community amenities, including a fitness center, business center, playgrounds, and public gathering spaces.
- Lead developer Columbia Residential will oversee the design and construction of all new apartment homes, infrastructure, and on-site amenities.
Neighborhood: A Thriving, Walkable Community
- Revitalization of the Westside into a walkable, sustainable extension of downtown Chattanooga.
- Cleanup and redevelopment of underutilized land and industrial sites to create new commercial, retail, and public spaces.
- Investment in public safety, lighting, and infrastructure to improve neighborhood conditions.
- Creation of the James A. Henry Hub, which will include a new Head Start early learning center with 117 seats for local children.
- Expansion of job opportunities through new economic development initiatives and partnerships with local businesses.
- Connection to the 90-acre “The Bend” redevelopment project, which will bring 3,700 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs to the area.
People: Empowering Residents with Opportunities
- Personalized case management to support residents in achieving their housing, employment, education, and health goals.
- Workforce training, digital literacy, and job placement programs to connect residents with high-paying career opportunities.
- Access to on-site healthcare services, counseling, and substance use treatment programs.
- Expanded early childhood education and after-school programs, including a new Boys & Girls Club clubhouse at the Hub.
- Partnerships with over 20 service providers to offer a range of childcare, healthcare, training, and financial empowerment programs.
Why was Chattanooga awarded this grant?
Despite its prime location between downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River, the Westside has struggled with disinvestment for decades. The construction of Highway 27 during urban renewal isolated the neighborhood, cutting off residents from job opportunities, businesses, and the riverfront. As a result, the Westside has experienced:
- Lack of investment in housing, infrastructure, and businesses.
- Growing poverty and a limited job market.
- Rising crime rates and public safety concerns.
- Limited access to quality schools, healthcare, and grocery stores.
The One Westside Plan, backed by the CNI Grant, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reverse this trend and create a balanced, sustainable future for the neighborhood.
A Community-Driven Transformation
The transformation of the Westside is guided by residents, local leaders, and community partners to ensure that investment in the neighborhood respects and benefits the people who call it home. With over $509 million in leveraged public and private funding, the One Westside Plan will reconnect the Westside to downtown Chattanooga and the waterfront, ensuring that all residents—both current and future—can thrive.
