Chattamatters update: We’re launching an independent newsroom

This is a note from Mary Helen Montgomery, the editor of Chattamatters.

We have news to share about the future of Chattamatters — we’re taking an ambitious step forward: establishing an independent nonprofit newsroom. For now, we have mostly paused publishing, but we are gearing up to serve you in a much bigger way in 2027.

Chattamatters started as a program of The Enterprise Center in 2022 and evolved into a trusted source of civic information. After a strong response in our early years, we started dreaming bigger. In early 2025, we conducted listening sessions, interviews, and surveys, and we heard from hundreds of you in the process. We learned that in addition to the explainers and community highlights that you love, you also want us to ask hard questions and hold leaders accountable. You asked for more information to help you navigate local systems and build community. 

We hear you, and we’ve got a plan. 

We’re adopting a business model for nonprofit news that will make us financially sustainable over the long haul, without a paywall. We’re also creating an editorial policy that will ensure our independence. And we’ll be choosing a new name — stay tuned for updates! 
I’m unreservedly grateful for our time at The Enterprise Center, which has now come to a close, and for your support over the years. As we enter this new chapter, we need you more than ever. 

Here’s how you can help:

1. Become a member here
2. Share this post with a friend who loves Chattanooga and cares about making a difference
3. Get in touch and tell me what you’d like from a nonprofit newsroom! My email is maryhelen@chattamatters.com

Over the next several months, I’ll post periodic updates as we transition, fundraise, and prepare to launch with momentum in 2027.