I first met Kim White during the three years I attended City Council meetings from 2010 to 2013. In her capacity with River City Company, Kim would occasionally speak with and make presentations to the Council concerning River City’s developments in downtown Chattanooga. My experience knowing Kim continued during my term on the Council from 2013-2017.
During these seven years I became aware of how Kim White navigated the ins-and-outs of dealing with developers, the city government (and its bureaucracy), and the potential political, business and public relations minefield of any city. I believe Kim’s accomplishments are unrivaled by any of the other candidates running for mayor. Let’s take a moment to consider what Kim was able to achieve.
Kim became president and CEO of River City Company in 2009. During the 11 years Kim served in that capacity she was responsible for guiding approximately $1.1 billion of development in the downtown. What was the impact of her efforts?
First, consider the planning, financing, development and construction jobs this created. Second, these developments brought new businesses and residents into the downtown. This revitalization also created the lure for local and regional residents to come into the downtown for dining, shopping and recreation. This generated even more jobs while also increasing sales tax and property tax revenues. Finally, this increased influx of urban residents and visitors to downtown created the need for the wide variety of support services needed to support the growth. Look at the new grocery stores, restaurants, shopping and all types of other businesses which moved into the downtown area in the past 11 years! For example, one of my family members opened her own successful hair salon on South Board Street. Another family member relocated his small business into Alton Park.
Kim White’s accomplishments have had a tremendous ripple effect throughout Chattanooga. It also created a multiplier effect of the initial $1.1 billion in development. Her accomplishments have, and will continue to, generate revenue, jobs, tourism, our enjoyment of the downtown, and even more growth for Chattanooga. Why wouldn’t the voters of Chattanooga, in fact all the residents of Hamilton County, want to see this type of leadership by Kim White as the next mayor of Chattanooga?
In the over-crowded field of candidates I encourage the voters of Chattanooga to elect Kim White outright as mayor on March 2. Let’s get Kim White to work as soon as possible for all the people of Chattanooga.
Larry Grohn