Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly today announced the joint appointment of current Hamilton County School Board Chairman Joe Smith as chairman of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission. Smith succeeds Ethan Collier, whose term as chairman expired May 31.

“With growth and infrastructure related issues continuing to be the primary concern of our citizens, the Chairman of the Regional Planning Commission will have an opportunity to build consensus and restore confidence that planning decisions do not simply reflect the interests of the construction industry,” said Wamp. “Over three consecutive terms as Chairman of the Hamilton County School Board, Joe Smith has led by listening, demonstrated a deep understanding of the neighborhoods of Chattanooga and Hamilton County, and shown a commitment to treating every citizen with respect. Those are the qualities we were looking for in a chairman whose primary responsibility is serving the public, and I’m confident Joe will bring a new spirit to Planning Commission meetings.”

“Joe has been a dedicated public servant on the school board and will certainly continue that in his new role as Chairman of the Regional Planning Commission,” said Kelly. “While he’s transitioning from the school board, he undoubtedly brings the perspective of how our schools are impacted by planning decisions. Our region needs to manage smart growth as families grow and we attract more people to our community.”

Smith received state approval on July 29 to serve a four-year term on the commission. He will complete his term as chairman of the Hamilton County School Board on August 31 and assume his new role as Planning Commission chairman at the commission’s September 14 meeting. Chris Anderson will serve as interim chairman until then.