Hamilton County Mayor seeks $400K youth employment grant to support local interns

The Hamilton County Commission Committee meeting on April 9, 2025, focused on two significant resolutions aimed at enhancing youth employment and improving court transparency in the county.

The first resolution, 425-31, authorizes the county mayor to apply for a $400,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development for a youth employment program. This initiative, which has been running since 2023, has successfully provided internships to 130 young people aged 14 to 24, with 20 interns currently working in county government. Deputy County Mayor Tucker McClendon highlighted the program's focus on low-income and foster care students, emphasizing its positive impact on the community. Commissioners expressed strong support for the resolution, noting its economic benefits and the importance of providing opportunities for local youth.

The second resolution, 425-32, seeks to accept a $100,000 award from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to fund an administrative position for Hamilton County civil courts. This position will help implement new processes aimed at increasing transparency in civil debt collection, following a law passed last year that requires debt buyers to provide more information in court. Megan Jones, CEO of the Community Foundation, attended the meeting and discussed the importance of this initiative in enhancing fairness within the court system.

Both resolutions received enthusiastic backing from the commissioners, who acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various departments in securing these grants. The meeting concluded with a recognition of the positive changes these programs are expected to bring to Hamilton County, particularly in supporting youth and improving judicial processes.