The City of Chattanooga is currently in the process of soliciting proposals from qualified firms to undertake the development of an ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan to bring the City into compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will further the City’s mission of breaking down barriers to accessibility and help ensure that all Chattanoogans, including those with disabilities and the aging population, have the resources to build an equitable, authentic, and inclusive community through prosperity and a high quality of life. Bringing the City into compliance with Title II of the ADA will make the city more livable and age-friendly. The City of Chattanooga currently has several councils that serve the purpose of informing and advising the Mayor and City Council, including the Women’s Council, Mayor’s Council on Disability, and Mayor’s Youth Council. However, Mayor Berke has plans to announce a new council, the Mayor’s Council for Seniors, at the upcoming Town Hall in April. The Mayor’s Council for Seniors will be an advisory group of citizens who can speak firsthand on issues the aging population faces in Chattanooga, in an effort to develop programs, practices, or policies that will better enable older people to live a successful life in our city.

Mayor Andy Berke is establishing a Mayor’s Council for Senior Citizens. The Council will work with the Mayor’s Office to make program and policy recommendations to City Government, which will support Chattanooga seniors and make our city a great place for all ages to live, work, and play. The City of Chattanooga aims to be a city where every citizen can live comfortably regardless of age, race, pr economic status.