Playbook 2026: How Chattanooga’s business leaders are preparing for what comes next

June 1, 2026 - 07:16

Chattanooga is changing. Some of that change is visible in the new buildings and busy construction sites. Other shifts are harder to see, happening in boardrooms and on digital networks. A new initiative called Playbook 2026 is bringing together the city's top business leaders to figure out what comes next.

The effort is not about guessing the future. It is about preparing for it. Leaders from manufacturing, tech, and logistics are meeting to discuss workforce development, infrastructure, and how to keep the local economy growing. One major focus is talent. With more companies moving into the area, finding skilled workers is becoming a challenge. The group is looking at ways to train people for jobs that do not even exist yet.

Another key topic is technology. Chattanooga is already known for its high-speed internet network. Now, business leaders want to use that advantage to attract more data-driven industries. They are also talking about transportation, both for moving goods and for getting people around the city.

The goal is simple. Keep Chattanooga competitive without losing the character that makes it unique. The playbook is still being written, but the message is clear. The city is not waiting for change. It is trying to lead it.