The community is invited to celebrate with a virtual public launch on September 17!

The city of East Ridge on the Tennessee/Georgia state line, has joined 15 other communities across the tri-state region in the Thriving Communities creative placemaking network, facilitated by Thrive Regional Partnership. 

The community of East Ridge is invited to join the journey, beginning with a virtual public launch and engaging asset mapping activity to kickstart the program. The virtual event is scheduled for September 17 at 7:00 PM Eastern via Zoom. Register in advance for the free event here.

Thriving Communities is a community accelerator program designed to enhance leadership and community development throughout the greater Chattanooga region through creative placemaking. Participating volunteer teams learn strategies to leverage their local arts and cultural assets to spark economic vibrancy and growth from within their communities. 

The location of East Ridge, Tennessee (population 21,024) at the convergence of two major interstates on two state lines, is economically attractive. In the hotspot of greater Chattanooga’s growing metropolitan area, East Ridge has recently seen the addition of widely recognized recreation and dining businesses, a newly introduced city soccer team, and major infrastructure projects underway. With accelerated growth comes a locally-driven desire to ensure the authentic character of a community- its sense of place- is preserved for residents and visitors alike. 

The local Thriving Communities steering committee members include Mayor Brian Williams of East Ridge; Debbie and Danny Lance of East Ridge Creative Arts; Justin Robinson of State Farm; Mary Chastain of Heritage Financial Planning; artist Michelle Jackson; and Dick Cook of East Ridge News Online.