A Celebration of Diversity Part One: Racial and Ethnic Demographic Growth Prepared by: Howard-Hill Consultants, Dr. Jean Howard-Hill, Chief Consultant

INTRODUCTION Chattanooga is a unique city, with many cultural offering which provides an inviting atmosphere community life to families, and businesses. Being the fourth largest city in Tennessee, it also has a unique ability to retain its quaint and rich historical value, while also embracing economic and ethnic growth.

The Chattanooga metro area is composed of the Georgia counties of Catoosa (12.8% of the MSA population in 2006), Dade (3.4%), and Walker (13.4%), and the Tennessee counties of Hamilton (64.7%), and Marion (5.8%). Chattanooga Metro

City of Chattanooga’s 2007 Population Growth In 2007, Chattanooga saw an 8.4% increase in its population with a Growth spur of 13,103 residents, which brought its estimated population up to 168,293. Chattanooga’s growth has outpaced Nashville’s Growth of 1.5% Knoxville’s Growth of 4.9% Memphis’s Growth of 3.2%.

Chattanooga’s Growth Over the past eight years since the last U.S. Census, Chattanooga also has experienced varying degrees of racial and multiethnic growth. With that growth, it also has increased the diversity of its population.

1980 to 2000 Population Growth We begin with comparing the Racial and Ethnic Population Growth from 1980 to 2000.

What is the Present Growth of Racial and Ethnic Group Population?

African American Population Growth Black or African American 56, % Source: U.S. Census

Hispanic or Latino Population Hispanic or Latino % Mexican % Puerto Rican % Cuban % Other Hispanic or Latino % Source: U.S. Census

Asian Population Asians Indian % Chinese % Filipino % Japanese % Korean % Vietnamese % Other Asian % Source: U.S. Census

Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Population Native Hawaiians % Guamanian or Chamorro % Samoan % Other Pacific Islander % Source: U.S. Census

Explanation of International Population Growth According to the 2006 Census Bureau estimate, the Chattanooga MSA 's population had increased since 2000 because of net domestic migration (an annual average of about 1,405 more native- born residents arriving than leaving), natural change (an annual average of about 1,175 more births than deaths), and net international migration (about 595 more foreign-born residents arriving than leaving). Therefore, immigration was the smallest component of population increase, but it accounted directly for more than one- fifth (20.2%) of the metro area’s population increase over this period. The 2000 Census recorded 465,161 residents in the Chattanooga metro area. That was 9.6 percent larger than the 424,347 residents in During the previous decade, the MSA population increased by 1.5 percent from 417,935 residents in Source: Federation for American Immigration Reform and 2000 U.S. Census

International Population Growth Projections Metro Area Data 2006 Census Estimated Population: 483, Census Population: 465, Foreign-born Population Estimate: 14, Census Foreign-born Population 11, Share Foreign Born Estimate: 3.1% 2000 Census Share Foreign Born: 2.4% 2025 Foreign Population Projects: 585,200 Source: Federation for American Immigration Reform and 2000 U.S. Census

Chattanooga’s Population Projections in Comparison to Other Cities in Tennessee Source: Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovrenmental Relations Center for Business and Economic Research

WHAT THIS MEANS TO CHATTANOOGA What this means to Chattanooga is that it must make projections as to its ethnic growth, while also maintaining and managing current growth as it strives to balance economic success with the quality of life and community relations among diverse cultural groups.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO OMA It means there is an even greater need to continue the work of the Office of Multicultural Affairs in carrying out its mission to……

TO…. Create and foster an environment that reflects the equal treatment and participation of all segments of the Chattanooga community in the economic, educational and social development of Chattanooga.

TO…. Continue to research, provide advocacy and work towards public policy implementation.

TO…. Serve as the primary liaison with the Chattanooga City Council, Office of the Mayor and community on matters affecting the African American, Hispanic and other socially, economically disadvantaged groups.

TO…. Ensure expedient and effective response to public policy and related response to issues facing these communities.

So that we Can Celebrate the Magnificent Diversity of Chattanooga As It Grows!

Prepared by: Howard-Hill Consultants, Dr. Jean Howard-Hill, Chief Consultant