CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 2025) – Mayor Tim Kelly has promoted Karen Rennich to the role of interim administrator of the Department of Planning and interim executive director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency (RPA).
Rennich has served as deputy administrator of the Department of Planning for more than 14 years. She replaces Dan Reuter, who has resigned. A permanent executive director of the RPA will be selected by the RPA Executive Committee at a later date.
“When it comes to affordable housing, land use and public transit, the Department of Planning is on the front lines,” Kelly said. “Their work helped to re-imagine the city’s zoning for the first time since the 1960s, along with updating the sign ordinance and mapping out an urban tree canopy. I’m excited for Karen and her team to continue producing tangible results for Chattanoogans.” “The Department of Planning works hard to move the One Chattanooga plan forward and help to ensure we have responsive and effective government,” Rennich said. “I want to thank Mayor Kelly for the appointment and look forward to continuing the great work of the department.”