Daniela Trauninger
December 5, 2025
Welcome to the first National Park City in the US
This video is part of: Centre for Urban Transformation
Chattanooga is now the first US National Park City, a title earned through community effort, green innovation, and a bold shift from pollution to sustainability.
Once America’s most polluted city, Chattanooga has rewritten its story. Thanks to decades of environmental effort, it’s now the first National Park City in the United States.
A community-driven green transformation
The city replaced diesel buses with electric ones, built seven new parks, and created 226 hectares of wildlife habitat. Thousands of residents, local businesses, and organizations backed its National Park City campaign, showcasing a shared vision for accessible nature, outdoor recreation, and sustainable growth.
Nature and economy working hand in hand in Chattanooga
Chattanooga now attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the country and has twice been named the Best Outdoor City in the US. By promoting clean industries and nature access for all, it’s become a model of how urban areas can thrive while restoring nature.
A growing global movement
Chattanooga joins London, Adelaide, and Breda as one of just four National Park Cities worldwide. The movement celebrates cities that prioritize sustainability, health, and biodiversity—a mission supported by the Global Urban Restoration Collaborative, an initiative of the World Economic Forum.
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