Community Indicators - The US Census Bureau administers the American Community Survey annually to select households.  This survey gives a wealth of information in terms of community health on topics such as employment, benefits, income, cost of living, insurance, among many others.  The City of Chattanooga actively uses this data for targeted programs within the community to help create more resilient Students and more resilient Families.

Youth and Family Development Recreation - We track activity occurring at Youth and Family development centers as well as participation in classes and community courses. YFD education and recreation programs are used to prepare youth to learn, recognize their potential, improve their physical and psychological health, improve their ability to avoid and/or resolve conflict and motivate them to stay in school and pursue post-secondary education

Chattanooga Public Library - We maintain four unique branches and in the coming months will open a fifth, all strategically located throughout the City. All locations provide access to programs and materials; we also serve as locations for community meetings, job skills training, and classroom instruction. We partner with local community organizations, and support small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. In FY18, the Library welcomed over 450,000 visitors, checked out more than a million items, logged more than 100,000 public computer sessions, and offered programs attended by over 65,000 individuals. 

In order to support stronger students and smarter families, the current education levels and community health must be assessed.  Utilizing data from the American Community Survey (ACS), the City of Chattanooga tracks a multitude of community indicators.  By tracking this indicators, the City can implement programs aimed at individuals and families to increase their resiliency.

According to the ACS, there are several census tracts within downtown Chattanooga where over 40% of households are receiving SNAP benefits.  Access to SNAP benefits as well as nutritional education are linked to increased household food security and educational outcomes.

The Department of Youth and Family Development's top priority is providing a better quality of life for the citizens of Chattanooga, through education, recreation, social services, leadership and career development. Chattanooga YFD offers a large variety of programs, activities, classes, and opportunities for youth, adults and seniors at numerous locations all across Chattanooga.  The department is divided into six areas designed to build stronger families and enhance Chattanooga's students.  These areas are Education, Early Learning, Leadership, Career Development, Recreation, and Family Empowerment.  Combined, these areas provide services to enhance the lives of Chattanoogans and help break down the barriers that prevent them from living the lives they want to.

The Chattanooga Public Library established in 1905 is more than just a place for books.  Though a key metric is circulations, it includes more than just books on paper.  Library customers have access to audiobooks, research databases, online education lessons, tools and hardware, a recording studio, a makers space, among much much more.  As the function of the library evolves, it is imperative we continue to offer the most beneficial services to make the community more resilient, families stronger, and students smarter.

Click on any of the below dashboards to go more in depth on the data and visualizations above.