In 1986, our community came together to re-imagine and rebuild Chattanooga for future generations. River City Company was created out of that visioning process which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders throughout the city to share ideas, listen to concerns and to create community. Bold initiatives and aspirations brought new energy to our city. We were intentional about those revitalization efforts, and we were successful.

We must now be intentional and responsive to the economic and social divisions in Chattanooga. We have fallen woefully short on perhaps the boldest aspiration of all, creating a downtown for ALL Chattanoogans. A city where everyone feels and sees themselves in a developing story.

We have strived to create critical partnerships, representative of members of color in our community and to recognize the diversity and inclusion in all our efforts. The murder of George Floyd reminds all of us here and across the country that there is much more to be done.

We join with others in our business and community organizations in condemning racism, hatred and injustice. We are committed to putting our words today into actions long term.

River City Company is committed to development projects that enhance belonging for all Chattanoogans. With the current ONE Riverfront planning, we will ensure that diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of a successful planning outcome.

We will continue to engage and create diverse partnerships. Being involved in the Miller Park redevelopment, a primary objective was to promote community building discussions and experiences. This past week, the community has used Miller Park as a gathering place for those wanting to express their voices.

River City Company will convene and participate in the challenging conversations that impact minority investment, business opportunities and affordable housing in our downtown. We will be an active engaged partner, re-energizing public private partnerships to move from conversation into action.

As an organization, River City Company will review our training approaches for staff and board on racial bias, gender equity and social justice. We will be part of finding solutions and having tough, challenging conversations.

River City Company will be an active engaged partner, striving to ensure that Downtown Chattanooga is welcoming and representative of all Chattanoogans.