CHATTANOOGA — On June 16, 2026, Chattanooga City Council Vice Chairman Ron Elliott proposed restructuring the city council committee system. The proposal would reduce the number of standing committees from nine to six.

Elliott stated that the restructuring aims to improve legislative efficiency. He said, "There will also be a lot more transparency for the community." Each proposed committee would consist of three council members selected by the council chairman. Unassigned members could attend but not count toward a quorum. Currently, all nine members serve on every committee.

Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley stated the proposal would reduce the vice chairman's workload while increasing duties for others. She noted the restructuring would merge the Affordable Housing and Community Development committees she chairs. Dotley argued bi-monthly committee meetings are impractical during low legislative activity. She predicted the chairman would assign positions based on anticipated voting behavior.

Dotley asked, "How does any of this improve services to the citizens of Chattanooga? It puts power in the hands of a select few." Councilwoman Marvene Noel stated the proposal concentrates authority. Noel said, "This seems like it's about power and control. It's taking away collaboration. It feels really cliquish."

Elliott stated losing a chairmanship should not prevent legislative duties, citing prior work on senior tax relief and litter patrol. The proposed committees are Budget and Finance, Planning, Zoning and Housing, Economic and Community Development, Public Safety, Public Works, Parks and Infrastructure, and Government Infrastructure.