Announcing the next Causeway Challenge question!

The 37404 zip code includes some of Chattanooga’s most diverse and fastest changing neighborhoods like Orchard Knob, Glenwood, Highland Park, Ridgedale, and Oak Grove. As those neighborhoods change, how can we make sure everyone’s voice is heard, and that the growth is benefiting people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses?

A common space is defined as any area available for use by more than one person. How can common spaces — like sidewalks, bus stops, front porches, local businesses, and parks — be used to strengthen the neighborhoods in the 37404 zip code? Community Impact was a neighborhood initiative that existed in Chattanooga from 1999 to 2011. They measured neighborhood strength based on four factors: community leadership, neighborhood safety, real estate market health, and social fabric among neighbors. We are looking for projects that fall into one of those categories.

The Causeway Challenge exists to empower grassroots leaders to create the change they want to see in their own communities. We go one step beyond asking for resident feedback, by actually giving individuals the money and hands-on coaching to test their project. Through six rounds of past Causeway Challenges we have seen that this not only results in creative new projects, but also in a new group of empowered and experienced community leaders who continue to step up and use their voice for change long after the Challenge is over.

Thanks to a collaborative group of local foundations, we have a second round of funding that will be available to the winners who show the most promise in their pilot phase, allowing for more longevity and bigger impact from these resident-led projects in the 37404 area.

If you are someone who lives, works, or plays in the 37404 area, we want to know how you think your neighborhood could be strengthened using common spaces. Applications will be open for the month of July. Learn more at causeway.org/challenge.