Chattanooga Launches "Seed Drive" for Park and Green Projects

City seeks 100 ideas for place-based, collaborative community initiatives to receive funding and support.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The city of Chattanooga is launching a "seed drive" campaign to generate ideas for park and green-minded civic projects within city limits and throughout Hamilton County. The city is looking for 100 "seeds" - defined as place-based, collaborative projects - and plans to select 5-10 to receive public funding and support to complete the initiatives.

Why it matters

Chattanooga's National Park City designation from an international organization highlights the city's commitment to expanding green spaces and environmentally-friendly community projects. This seed drive aims to further that mission by tapping into grassroots ideas from local residents, schools, and organizations.

The details

To qualify, projects must be actionable within one season, rooted in a specific Chattanooga or Hamilton County neighborhood, faith-based location or school. Pitches should include execution plans, timelines, and community support. Selected "seeds" will receive funding and guidance from the city to complete their initiatives.

  • The seed drive kicks off on March 2, 2026.
  • A project idea kickoff event is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • A project idea workshop is scheduled for 4:30-7:30 p.m. on March 25, 2026.
  • A seed project expo is scheduled for 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on April 11, 2026.
  • The final pitch night to select 5-10 funded projects is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on April 24, 2026.

The players

Chattanooga National Park City

A project of the Chattanooga parks and outdoors department that oversees the city's National Park City designation from an international organization.

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What’s next

The city will select 5-10 seed projects to receive funding and support after the final pitch night on April 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Chattanooga's seed drive campaign taps into community-driven ideas to expand green spaces and environmentally-focused initiatives across the city, furthering its mission as a designated National Park City.