Local advocacy group CALEB (Chattanoogans in Action for Love, Equality and Benevolence) will host a community forum on housing policy, bringing together city council candidates and residents ahead of the March election.
The event, titled “The Decisions We Make–Housing and Housing Policy,” was held on Tuesday, Feb.18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Historic, located at 1601 Rossville Ave.
Attendees heard a presentation on local housing challenges and policy options before engaging directly with candidates running in the upcoming city council election. The timing is particularly relevant as early voting began Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 27, with Election Day set for March 4.
CALEB, which describes itself as “a coalition of faith-based, labor, and other community organizations,” aims to amplify community voices in public affairs. Organization officials emphasize that housing affordability impacts a broad spectrum of Chattanooga residents.
“Housing costs are rising, families are being priced out, and too many in our community are struggling to find a stable place to call home,” CALEB Communications Manager Jessica Bonham pointed out.
The organization frames housing policy as crucial to the city’s future, connecting it to Chattanooga’s broader development goals.
“The vision is not a mere aspiration; it is a call to action for all residents to engage with the question of housing access,” officials noted, emphasizing that current decisions will have long-term consequences.
“The path to affordable housing in Chattanooga is a collective journey. We must dispel the myth that affordable housing is an issue exclusively for those on welfare or those receiving housing vouchers. It’s affecting a substantial majority of us and growing every month.” For further information on CALEB, visit calebcha.org.