News Summary
Dan Reuter has resigned as Chattanooga’s City Planning Administrator following an administrative leave due to employee complaints about his conduct. A human resources investigation found multiple workplace violations, including abusive behavior. The interim administrator position has been filled by Karen Rennich. Reuter’s tenure has faced scrutiny beyond the complaints, raising questions about his prior voting activities. As the city addresses these concerns, there is an emphasis on maintaining a professional work environment.
Chattanooga – Dan Reuter has resigned from his position as the City Planning Administrator of Chattanooga following a period of administrative leave triggered by employee complaints regarding his conduct. Reuter had also held the role of Executive Director for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Authority (RPA).
Reuter’s resignation follows a human resources investigation that concluded he had committed several workplace violations, including abusive behavior and a lack of professionalism. Employees reported feeling uncomfortable in the work environment under Reuter’s management, describing him as “hot-headed and mood-swinging,” which led to staff members expressing that they felt like they were “walking on eggshells” daily.
The turmoil began with an incident on May 15, where Reuter reportedly displayed an angry demeanor during a meeting. His reaction came in response to challenging questions raised by a former city planning employee. Accounts from employees indicated that he appeared visibly agitated, described as “angry and very red-faced,” and exhibited loud behavior that was intimidating. He ultimately left the meeting abruptly, escalating concerns about his conduct.
Beyond his aggressive behavior, some colleagues raised concerns about a perceived pattern in how Reuter interacted with female employees, particularly younger women or those who challenged him. The results of the city’s HR investigation stemmed from interviews with several employees and an analysis of relevant documentation regarding the complaints lodged against him.
In the wake of Reuter’s departure, the city confirmed that Karen Rennich has been appointed as the interim administrator for both the Department of Planning and the RPA. Rennich brings over 14 years of experience in city planning, having previously served as deputy administrator within the department. The process for selecting a permanent executive director for the RPA will be conducted by the RPA Executive Committee in due course.
Despite the administrative leave, the planning agency continued its operations without indicating that Reuter’s absence had hindered functionality. A city spokesperson clarified that paid administrative leave is typically a non-disciplinary measure meant to facilitate an investigation without interrupting an individual’s employment status.
Dan Reuter’s background includes a notable appointment as the city planning administrator in January 2022. His tenure has faced scrutiny not only for the recent workplace complaints but also due to earlier reports suggesting that he was involved in voting activities in DeKalb County, Georgia, while asserting residence in Tennessee, an action contradicting Tennessee voting laws.
The resignation marks a significant change in leadership for the Department of Planning, an entity critical to shaping Chattanooga’s development and growth. As the city takes steps to address the issues raised against Reuter, the administration emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a professional and supportive workplace environment as well as upholding the integrity of its planning operations.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s Top Planner Resigns After Report
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- NewsChannel 9: Investigation Shows Why Chattanooga Official Is Now on Leave
- Google Search: Chattanooga Planning Department
- Chattanoogan: Planning Agency Administrator Placed on Leave
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Urban Planning
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s Top Planner on Administrative Leave
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- Local 3 News: Tennessee Valley Prepares for Trump’s Deportation Plans
- Google News: Dan Reuter Chattanooga
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
