With federal funding having run out, the city is downgrading its Office of Sustainability. Its director, former City Councl member David Crockett, is retiring.
Mayor Ron Littlefield noted that Mr. Crockett came out of retirement to launch the office, which sponsored such initiatives as innovative street lighting, green roofs, porous paving and bicycle programs.
The mayor said the program "has restored us to prominence nationally in terms of environmental programs in Chattanooga.
The initiatives we have started will pay off for years to come."
The program has had a budget of between $1.8 million and $2 million. Mr. Crockett had proposed an upcoming budget of over $1 million.
Instead, the office will become a part of the Regional Planning Agency with a $100,000 budget.
Heather Adcox, the top aide to Mr. Crockett, will lead the program. Deborah Maddox will continue on staff.
The program had been started with a federal energy bloc grant, but it was discontinued by Congress.