The voice of the rural community in Hamilton County is unheard. As property owners in the Rural Hamilton County areas, we have seen first-hand the disregard for our unique needs and wishes of our communities.

The Regional Planning Authority (RPA), operating under the mandate of the city of Chattanooga, has consistently prioritized the interests of developers, home builders and urban dwellers over the rural community's wishes.

Home to multiple cities, Hamilton County calls for a planning and zoning arrangement that catifies to its diverse demographic needs, not just those of Chattanooga. It's not just the difference in requirements that matter, but the fact that our unique rural concerns, lifestyle and safety are at stake.

When planning decisions are made that DO NOT account for our area's infrastructure and services, they put our communities at risk, as has been seen with emergency services issues in the past and new zoning changes to MASS DENSITY HOUSING creating massive FIRE RISK!

This is a call to have a more representative planning authority. One that stands for all in Hamilton County rural citizens and not just one city within it or setting up rural for annexiation/take over by the City of Chattanooga.

Dissolving the RPA or disassociating it from the city's influence will ensure more equitable planning decisions across the county.

Let your voice be heard now. Advocate for a planning process that respects your rights and takes into account your unique needs as a rural citizen of Hamilton County.

Sign this petition to request the dissolution or reformation of the Regional Planning Authority. It's time we took control of our rural planning.