'People have the power': A conversation with Council Chair Dotley
Raquetta Dotley explains how much of an impact the public can really have in local government and how she spends her time outside of her elected role.
Raquetta Dotley has represented District 7 on Chattanooga’s City Council since her election in 2021, and earlier this year, she became the chairwoman of the council. Chattamatters sat down with Dotley to discuss her life outside City Council, how residents can get involved in local government, and the importance of making your voice heard through elections and conversations with your Council representatives.
Q: Are there any common misconceptions about how City Council works?
Dotley: People think that we can save things, like save the city or save whatever. We can’t. We’re just people, too. It’s just nine of us (on City Council), but there are 181,000 of you, and we’re included in that number. The people have the power. I don’t think they realize it as much as they should. They do. … Working in my neighborhoods as much as I did, I did a lot of voter engagement, voter empowerment, and people just don't realize how much power they have in that vote.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you when there’s no City Council meeting?
Dotley: I am working, because (City Council) is a part-time job. I work at the Westside (Missionary Baptist) Church, it’s out in South Chattanooga actually, and I work there as a church administrator. And we also have a nonprofit Net Resource Foundation — I work as the executive director for that. All those jobs are part-time, very fun, and they’re all community based. So, it keeps me in the community, keeps my ear to the ground, and I continue to serve through those organizations.
Q; What is the best way for someone to get involved in city government or advocate for community issues?
Dotley: The best way to do that with the neighborhood is to get involved with your neighborhood association. If you don't have one, I would encourage you to start one. Having a collective voice in a community is very, very important.
Related: Neighborhood Association list and how to start one
If they wanna get involved with city boards, you can reach out to your City Council representative and see what's available or just go onto the city website and go to city boards and governances and you can see what's available and apply for those things that interest you the most. Then let your representative know. … That way we can go and advocate for you.
Related: See openings on city boards
Q: Why do you think voter turnout has been so low in City Council elections?
Dotley: In some ways, I think people have felt their voice has been devalued by the lack of change. And I think that’s a space where people are in. … I want them to know their voice really, really does matter. It matters more than they know. Like when we hear from people, (we’re) like ‘Man, we heard from three people!’ That's exciting because we don't hear from people a lot about issues.
Reach Raquetta Dotley at rdotley@chattanooga.gov or (423) 643-7180.
Mailing Address:
1000 Lindsay Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402-4233
- Compiled by William Newlin. Email him at william@chattamatters.com.
Get involved: How to run for City Council
The next Chattanooga City Council election will take place in March 2025. Here are some key pieces of information if you'd like to consider running.
To run for Chattanooga City Council, you must:
Be at least 21 years old
Be a resident of the district you’re running in for at least one year preceding election (Find your district here)
Gain signatures from 25 qualified voters on a petition for your candidacy
File with the Hamilton Council Election Commission 30 days before the primary
There are nine City Council members representing nine districts across Chattanooga. City Council members serve four year terms, and elections coincide with mayoral elections.