On Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at the Hamilton County Commission meeting, representatives from Urban Story Ventures made a presentation to the commission requesting that the county lease the building at 601 Walnut St. (formerly the Hamilton County Jail) to them for them to repurpose the building for their film and music production companies. They claim this will be a completely private venture requiring no taxpayer dollars. So, what's the catch? Their plans include creating data centers within the complex in partnership with tech giant, Oracle. Data centers are known to have serious impact on their surrounding environment and create very few jobs. As America's first National Park City, our environment is extremely important to us. We must protect the our land, our people, and our culture from ventures that are not in our best interest.

Though briefly mentioned in the meeting, the environmental impacts of the data storage facility were largely glossed over and dismissed by the representatives. We demand that the Hamilton County Commission create a public input opportunity to allow the public to get more information about the data center piece of this project, ask questions, and discuss the implications of data center presence in our community.

The presenters touted Chattanooga as the new frontier for big tech operations due to its high-speed internet capabilities and innovative quantum technology, so this venture is just the beginning. The presenters also mentioned that the word is spreading to huge companies like Oracle and Apple, who are interested in having a presence here. Hamilton County residents need to take a strong stance starting now that we are not interested in data centers and we will be scrutinizing any tech developments hoping to set up shop here. For most Chattanoogans I know, rapid growth is not palatable, and we are not interested in becoming the next Silicon Valley.

Urban Story Ventures' presentation was full of celebrity name-dropping, and other techniques hoping to wow the commissioners. It seems to have worked (see commissioner comments & reactions in linked video below). I will make sure this petition is seen by the county commissioners. With your signature, you will help show the commissioners that there is a large block of citizens and voters who are concerned about this venture.

The resolution allowing Urban Story Ventures to proceed with the lease is prepared and ready to be presented as early as next Wednesday, January 14th.

Whether this endeavor succeeds or fails, I hope this petition will at least spread the word that big tech is coming for Chattanooga and we need to be ready to meet it.

You can watch the presentation here: January 7, 2026 - Hamilton County Commission - Agenda Session and Regular Meeting.

Urban Story Ventures' presentation & subsequent discussion spans from 05:36-50:54.

The highlights, time stamped:

• Data center reference: 27:50
• Commissioner question regarding environmental consequences: 39:50-41:02
• Apple's interest and Oracle's intent to build in Chattanooga: 44:40-45:32
• Oracle representatives flying in to Chattanooga to meet with commissioners: 50:00

Local reporting:

Former County Jail On Walnut Street Set For "Billion Dollar" Film, Music, Tech Complex - Chattanoogan.com