We’ve continued to increase it and we’re about $1.7 million, close to $2 million that we’re investing in our infrastructure for our streets, for our residents.” Major arterial improvements target traffic flow around key economic assets. Miller explains the current priority: “We’re widening North Mac Smith Road over towards I-75 and Ringgold Road, but we’re also close to going out to seek bid proposals for the widening of the roadway and intersection improvements on Spring Creek Road in front of Parkridge Hospital.” The Spring Creek Road project addresses a threeyear planning effort to accommodate growth at the city’s largest employer. Parkridge East Hospital has expanded substantially creating traffic demands that require infrastructure upgrades. “The hospital has added an additional emergency, additional maternity and other features. So, we need to widen the road to be able to get people in and out of there in a safe manner,” Miller notes. The project serves dual purposes, providing secondary access to the Gateway development while supporting the hospital that employs the largest workforce in East Ridge. LIVE, WORK, PLAY East Ridge’s leadership operates from a philosophy that municipal government should create conditions for prosperity while minimizing resident tax burden through diversified revenue streams. The approach prioritizes excellent services funded by visitor spending rather than property tax increases, creating a sustainable model for growth. Mayor Williams articulates this vision: “It’s just being able to provide a trustworthy government that is citizen focused to provide benefits to the community, alleviate as much burden on the citizens by bringing in businesses and economic development creating multiple streams of taxes that provide the services.” The strategy leverages tourism and retail spending to fund police, fire, and infrastructure improvements without burdening residents.“If you can alleviate the tax burden on the property owners and the residents ©2025 First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC. Brian Williams, Mayor 171 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 EAST RIDGE, TN
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