Mayors Propose Chattanooga Company Tourism Entity

Chattanooga and Hamilton County mayors seek a tax-funded body to consolidate tourism, sports events and Convention Center booking.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in City Hall

Mayors Propose Chattanooga Company Tourism Entity

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Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp have proposed forming the Chattanooga Company, a tax-funded entity that would replace the Chattanooga Tourism Co. and the Sports & Events Corp. The mayors sent a joint letter to members of the City Council and County Commission.

Why it matters

The proposal would combine tourism, sports events and Convention Center booking under one body to promote the city's brand and integrate Convention Center sales and marketing. It is presented as a way to evaluate how Chattanooga can better position itself for economic development opportunities.

The proposal would consolidate two existing entities, the Chattanooga Tourism Co. and the Sports & Events Corp., into a single tax-funded body. The stub does not specify the funding amount or the proposal's legislative timeline.

The players

Tim Kelly

Tim Kelly is the mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a co-proposer of the Chattanooga Company.

Weston Wamp

Weston Wamp is the mayor of Hamilton County, Tennessee, and a co-proposer of the Chattanooga Company.

Bob Corker

Bob Corker is a former U.S. senator and former mayor of Chattanooga who led the effort and would chair the Chattanooga Company's board.

The details

Mayor Tim Kelly and Mayor Weston Wamp sent a joint letter to members of the City Council and County Commission proposing the Chattanooga Company. The proposal was developed over nine months of collaboration between elected officials and business leaders and was led by former U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, who would chair the board.

Nov. 12, 2026: Mayors publicly proposed the Chattanooga Company.
2001 to 2005: Bob Corker served as mayor of Chattanooga.
Past year: Corker increased his involvement in city leadership.
Nine months: Collaboration on the proposal between officials and business leaders.

Political Context

The proposal would replace the Chattanooga Tourism Co. and the Sports & Events Corp. with a single entity, departing from the existing two-organization structure. The stub does not record opposition or counter-arguments from council or commission members.

If adopted, the consolidation would change which organization handles tourism, sports event and Convention Center marketing in Chattanooga. The stub does not specify any change to taxes, fees or service levels for residents.

The takeaway

Local government reorganizations often hinge on funding and governance details that are not yet public, so residents should watch for the council and commission's response to the joint letter. Early proposals can change substantially before any vote.