[Thrive’s collaborative] approach requires looking at the "big picture," Massengill explains. But in Hamilton County — where the public transportation ridership for commuters is only at 1 percent and nearly 83 percent of commuters drive solo to work, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures — convincing employees and employers could be difficult.
The Ripple Effect of Jobs in Arts and Culture
According to an analysis published by the Economic Policy Institute, the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry is the second highest in job creation for every $1,000,000 invested. The ripple effect shows how even the intangible enjoyment of arts and culture bolsters the balance of our economy.
Crow Creek: A Birder's Paradise in Alabama
One of the best spots for birding in the Chattanooga region is Jackson County, Alabama’s Stevenson City Park. About 45 miles southwest of downtown Chattanooga, the park is located on a peninsula in Crow Creek, and is part of the 3,346-acre Crow Creek Refuge. Stevenson City Park is a stop on the North Alabama Birding Trail and largely consists of a mixture of trees and grassy areas, along with easily accessible shoreline.
Seeing Green in the Scenic Chattanooga Region
Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the surrounding region have some of the best outdoor recreation areas in the southern United States. With the population growing, the number of visits to scenic vistas such as the Tennessee River Gorge and Lookout Mountain have gone up. Traffic also has increased on the area’s trail networks. To sustain the region’s natural treasures—from trails to caves and forests to wetlands—local organizations work together using a geodesign approach to plan the conservation of these areas.