In October of 2022, the local government of Chattanooga began removing public benches from bus stops and parks because business owners complained that Chattanoogans experiencing homelessness were utilizing them. A group called the Chattanooga Urbanist Society was formed and began building their own benches to replace what the city had taken away. They continued pushing forward with the help of other community organizations like ChattaTransit in placing multiple benches every month throughout 2023. In May 2024, both organizations collaborated with their volunteer networks to deploy 21 new benches in a…
