Chattanooga Board Granted Developer Tax Agreement Extension
The Industrial Development Board provided Jimmy White with more time to avoid a default on a major tax agreement.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Remote Work
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Chattanooga's Industrial Development Board has granted developer Jimmy White a 90-day extension to address concerns regarding project control at The Bend. This decision provides the developer until early 2027 to submit required documentation and avoid defaulting on a tax reimbursement agreement.
Why it matters
The extension allows the developer to clarify whether an unauthorized change in project control occurred after he bought out his partners. The outcome of this process will determine the status of a significant tax increment financing deal intended to support local infrastructure.
Developer Jimmy White increased his equity in the 120-acre project from 19.25% to 90.5% earlier this year. The tax agreement provides up to $115 million in infrastructure reimbursements.
The players
Jimmy White
He is the developer who currently owns a 90.5% equity stake in the 120-acre project known as The Bend.
Industrial Development Board
This Chattanooga entity is responsible for managing the $115 million tax revenue reimbursement agreement for infrastructure upgrades.
The details
The board issued an initial default notice in August after identifying concerns regarding the change in ownership of the site, formerly known as the Combustion Engineering and Alstom site. Jimmy White has proposed future additions to the development, including a $300 million amphitheater and a $350 million retail district.
Timeline
2019: Site officially renamed as The Bend.
2024: The original tax agreement was executed.
August 2026: The board issued an initial default notice.
October 5, 2026: The board approved the 90-day extension.
January 4, 2027: Deadline for developer to provide documentation.
Market Landscape
This development follows standard urban revitalization patterns often seen when cities leverage tax increment financing to repurpose former industrial zones. The situation highlights the complexity of private control within large-scale public-private partnerships as developers seek to maximize equity in massive districts.
Local residents and businesses should monitor the project's status, as the potential $650 million investment in an amphitheater and retail district depends on resolving these tax agreement issues. Any changes to the development's scope or timeline could impact future economic activity in the area west of downtown.
The takeaway
Developers must maintain strict transparency with municipal boards when modifying project ownership structures that rely on public tax incentives. Providing clear documentation by the January deadline will be critical to securing the future of this high-value development site.
Further reading
Learn more about local economic growth at Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Timesfreepress.
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