Hamilton County recorded more than $270 million in property sales and nearly $391 million in mortgage activity in January 2026, according to the latest sales and mortgages report from the Register of Deeds Office.
The county collected about $1 million in conveyance tax from property sales and roughly $446,000 in mortgage tax during the month. A total of 973 deeds and 987 deeds of trust were recorded, along with just over 4,000 documents overall.
The total sale price value of properties where tax was collected topped $270 million, while the total loan value for recorded mortgages approached $391.5 million. The report also highlighted several large transactions, including a top sale of about $11.4 million.
The monthly report is compiled by the Hamilton County Register of Deeds and reflects recorded real estate activity across the county.
UTC sets record with spring enrollment
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga recorded an unofficial spring 2026 enrollment of 11,085 students, marking the first time in university history that spring enrollment has exceeded 11,000.
UTC also posted a preliminary fall-to-spring retention rate of 91.4%, the highest on record.
The 14-day headcount, pending final approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, includes 9,482 undergraduate students and 1,603 graduate students. Overall enrollment is up 2.2% compared to spring 2025.
Chattanooga secures lower bond rates
The city of Chattanooga secured bonds for 16 capital projects at a rate lower than the average municipal rate.
The city received 17 bids for the general obligation bonds, one of the highest numbers on record, with PNC Capital Markets securing the investment.
The $40 million bond issue will fund $5.4 million for fire apparatus replacement, $2.5 million for replacement of Fire Station No. 14, $3.265 million for City Hall Annex renovations in 2025, $3.835 million for pavement management in 2025, $5 million for pavement management in 2026, $1.05 million for a riverfront redesign, $3 million for the Westside Evolves James A. Henry Phase 1 project, $5.1 million for the Wilcox Boulevard bridge, $1 million for parks maintenance, $500,000 for a senior community center, $250,000 for additional City Hall Annex renovations in 2026, $1 million for Walnut Street Bridge improvements, $850,000 for Montague Park, $100,000 for the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway at Dupont, $150,000 for Carver Park and $7 million for a landfill expansion across the 2025 and 2026 budget years.
Lawmakers propose agricultural amendment
State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, has filed a joint resolution with State Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, proposing a constitutional amendment to protect Tennesseans’ right to grow, raise and procure the food of their choosing.
House Joint Resolution 780 and Senate Joint Resolution 610 would amend Article XI of the Tennessee Constitution to establish a fundamental right to save and exchange seeds, grow and harvest food on one’s own land and acquire and consume food of choice, while preserving existing laws related to trespassing, theft, private property rights and controlled substances.
The resolution must pass both chambers of the 114th General Assembly, be approved again by a supermajority of the 115th General Assembly and then receive voter approval in a future gubernatorial election.
Bill targets disruptions of worship services
State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening protections for places of religious worship across Tennessee.
House Bill 2264 would create a specific state offense for intentionally interfering with lawful religious services or activities.
The measure establishes a Class B misdemeanor for conduct such as trespassing, disruptive demonstrations inside a place of worship or other deliberate acts that disturb or obstruct a religious gathering.
The bill is intended to give state and local law enforcement clear authority to respond to intentional disruptions, while preserving individuals’ rights to lawful protest outside religious facilities.
House Bill 2264 applies to churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other recognized places of worship and focuses solely on intentional interference with services or religious activities.
A violation would be punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
The legislation is expected to be heard in committee in the coming weeks and, if approved, would take effect July 1.
Community Police Academy slots open
Applications will be accepted Feb. 2–27, 2026, for the Spring 2026 Chattanooga Police Department Community Police Academy, a free nine-week program offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at police operations and training.
The academy will run Thursdays from March 12 to May 7 at the Chattanooga Police Department, 3410 Amnicola Highway, with classes held from approximately 6–8 p.m. Participants will experience immersive demonstrations, including driving simulators and K-9 handling, and will have opportunities to engage directly with department personnel and discuss current policing issues.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, complete required documentation and pass a background check.
More information and the application form are available online or by emailing completed applications to cpdcommunityoutreach@chattanooga.gov.
Zoo Summer Camp registration open
Registration is now open for Summer Camp at Chattanooga Zoo, with programs available for rising first- through 12th grade students featuring hands-on wildlife encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences and educational activities led by zoo staff.
Summer Camp runs from June 1 to July 31, with weekly sessions priced at $300 for zoo members and $350 for non-members. Space is limited. Register at chattzoo.org/education/camps.
BASF Vhattanooga hosts TECH Academy
BASF’s Chattanooga site, in partnership with Chattanooga State Community College, will host its annual TECH Academy beginning the week of June 8, offering high school students hands-on exposure to technical and craft careers.
The program introduces students to a range of science, technology, engineering, arts and math-related fields through skills classes, workshops and industry tours.
Participants will explore careers such as operator, instrument technician, maintenance technician, lab technician and welder, among others, while learning directly from industry professionals.
Classroom and in-field topics include engineering practices, 3D printing, mechatronics, robotics and welding. Tours will feature BASF’s Chattanooga facility along with other local manufacturing sites.
The program is fully funded by BASF and free to students as part of the company’s STEAM education and workforce development efforts. Applications are open through Monday, April 20, at www.basf.com.
Hamilton schools honored for blood drives
Hamilton County Schools and Blood Assurance have announced the winners of a countywide high school blood drive competition, recognizing students for donating blood and raising awareness about the ongoing need for donors in their schools and communities.
Participating schools were recognized for their impact, and the law firm of Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers presented ceremonial checks totaling $75,000 to support lifesaving blood donation efforts.
Students not only donated blood but also encouraged classmates, families and community members to participate, helping strengthen the local blood supply for Chattanooga-area hospitals. Blood Assurance is the primary blood supplier for hospitals in the region.
Winning schools and award amounts were East Hamilton High School, $30,000; East Ridge High School, $15,000; Ooltewah High School, $10,000; Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, $10,000; Tyner Academy, $5,000; and Chattanooga School for Liberal Arts, $5,000.
ArtsBuild opens grant applications
ArtsBuild is accepting applications for its Mission Support Grants through March 19. The grants are open to local arts organizations that provide year-round arts programs and experiences for the community, with funding designated for the 2027 fiscal year.
Mission Support Grants are awarded annually and provide general operating funds to eligible organizations, helping expand access to the arts while supplementing earned revenue and contributed income. In 2025, ArtsBuild invested $1.5 million in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, including more than $800,000 in grants to local arts organizations.
ArtsBuild currently supports 21 Community Arts Partners across Chattanooga and Hamilton County, representing a broad range of arts organizations, artists and educators. Applications are reviewed by a panel of local community volunteers, with an emphasis on outreach, inclusion and diversity in programming.
More information about eligibility requirements and grant guidelines is available through ArtsBuild’s Grants Portal at artsbuild.submit.com.