Community Development

Community Development

Using grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the State of Tennessee, and City General Funds, the Community Development Division is dedicated to the revitalization of low-to-moderate income neighborhoods and the economic improvement of its residents. The department funds affordable housing initiatives, employment and business assistance, public facility and infrastructure improvements, and social services to assist the community as a whole.

Grant Funding Opportunities

COVID-19 Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program

The City of Chattanooga is offering assistance for those directly impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Qualifications for assistance are as follows:

• Must be a City of Chattanooga resident
• Must be a renter
• Rental unit must be within the city limits of Chattanooga
• Must have had your employment income directly impacted by COVID-19
• Household income must be at or below 120% area median income 

More specific information can be found on the website for COVID-19 Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance. 

Preservation and Production of Affordable Housing Programs

Through the following programs, the Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) seeks partners to assist with the preservation and production of affordable rental and owner-occupied housing units in Chattanooga.

The City accepts applications from qualified entities to produce and or preserve affordable housing using funding the City receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which includes: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME), and Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grant funds.

Funding for a project can range from $12,000 to $40,000 per unit. All assisted projects must serve households meeting income eligibility guidelines and be located within the city limits of Chattanooga.

There is no application deadline. Applications for funding are accepted on a rolling basis and funds awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all grant funds are allocated.

Interested entities or potential partners are encouraged to submit an Intent to Apply prior to submitting a full application. 

HOME Affordable Housing Program

This program is for for-profit and non-profit developers who wish to develop or preserve affordable housing. 

Learn more about the HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) 

Learn more about applying for funding under the HOME Program

Minor Home Repair Program

This program is designed to assist homeowners with minor home repairs who live inside the Chattanooga City limits. These repairs are completed through partnerships with selected non-profit organizations at no cost to the applicant. However, repairs are subject to approval by the City of Chattanooga, partnering agencies, and available funding.

This program is temporarily closed and not accepting applications. 

Learn more about the Minor Home Repair Program

Landlord Renovation Program

This program assists landlords with the renovation of vacant, substandard rental units. Landlords can receive a grant to cover 50% of renovation costs, up to $15,000. Actual amount depends upon the number of bedrooms and cost of renovation.

Learn more about the Landlord Renovation Program

Chattanooga Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Grant

The City of Chattanooga Office of Community Development administers a Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program that provides grant funding to prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning and improve health and safety conditions for low (owner-occupied homes) and very-low (landlord owned/tenant occupied homes) income families residing in homes built prior to 1978, within the City of Chattanooga zip codes. Homeowners, tenants in rental units, and rental property owners can apply.

Learn more about the Chattanooga Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Grant

Residential Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program

The Residential PILOT Program is a financial incentive, which is designed to encourage multi-family rental development by freezing property taxes at the predevelopment level for a predetermined period of time.

2018 PILOT Application

Review the Scoring for the PILOT Program Application

Chattanooga Affordable Housing Fund

The Chattanooga Affordable Housing Fund leverages Federal, State, and private dollars for the preservation and production of affordable housing for target households earning up to 80% of area median income. The application process is ongoing, and projects are presented to the Health, Educational and Housing Facilities Board (HEB) for consideration.

Chattanooga Affordable Housing Fund Guidelines and Application

Housing Resources

Fair Housing Program

Learn more about the Fair Housing Program, objectives and goals, activities, how to file a complaint, and contact info.

Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Find out more about tenant and landlords laws in Tennessee.

RentWise (in English)

Rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Hamilton County

Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise

CNE provides homebuyer down payment assistance, homeowner rehabilitation loans, and housing counseling.

Chattanooga Community Housing Development Organization (CCHDO)

CCHDO provides newly constructed affordable homes, affordable rental units, and roofing repair. Learn more about their roofing program.

Chattanooga Housing Authority

Chattanooga Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Program and maintains a list of affordable rental units.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat provides newly constructed affordable homes and homeowner rehabilitation.