ThinkTennessee

Crime and incarceration in TN have declined in recent years, but the state still ranks poorly on key public safety and criminal justice outcomes. Our new brief highlights real progress -- and the structural gaps that persist. Read it on our website: buff.ly/5F49Wwt

We’re hiring! ThinkTennessee is seeking an External Relations Associate to provide communications, event, and fundraising support for our dynamic team. Find the full job description and how to apply on our website at buff.ly/PqtQ3em. The application deadline is February 16.

In Tennessee, people lose their right to vote after a felony conviction, though in some cases they may be able to get those rights back. Part 1 of our new report series on voting rights restoration takes a closer look at how many Tennesseans are affected. buff.ly/GnknM5o

It’s #GivingTuesday, and all donations to ThinkTN today get matched up to $5k! Help us fuel civic and economic policy research and advocacy in Tennessee. buff.ly/Avos9Rp

📣 Calling all residents of TN's 7th Congressional District -- have you made a plan to vote? Early voting for the Special Election starts TODAY November 12 until November 26, with Election Day on December 2.

Find information on polling locations, dates, and times at govotetn.gov.

One year from today, Tennesseans will head to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections. Our latest blog post highlights what we can expect to see and the potential challenges that could affect voter turnout: buff.ly/nZYTNev

The Road Ahead: Steering Tennessee’s Auto Manufacturing Growth and Workforce Challenges | Think Tennessee Tennessee is home to several of the nation's leading manufacturing firms, helping to make the state’s manufacturing sector the second-largest contributor

To keep pace with its growing auto manufacturing industry, Tennessee must confront a critical workforce training gap by making strategic investments that prepare its workforce for these high-skill, high-wage careers. Read our latest blog post for more:

In Nov. 2024, 66% of Nashville voters approved the city’s transportation improvement plan. But funding is only the first step to success – our latest report dives into lessons from Austin, Indianapolis & Phoenix to guide Nashville's next steps toward a world-class transit system.💡 buff.ly/L4C8pCB

Applications are open for our Spring 2026 internship program! If you're an undergrad, grad student, or law student interested in public policy, nonprofit management, or communications, consider our spring opportunities. Apply at buff.ly/2t8sUDD. Application deadline 11/7.

Last Tuesday, nearly 400 Tennesseans joined us from across the state for our first-ever Policy Forum: Driving Tennessee’s Prosperity! From housing & child care to transportation & workforce development, the message was clear: our future depends on collaboration, innovation, and action.

Franklin voters – save the date(s) for your municipal election! Make sure you’re registered to vote by September 29. Visit buff.ly/rxp2P1v for voter registration forms, polling locations, and sample ballots.

We're thrilled to introduce the experts joining us for the housing panel at the ThinkTN Policy Forum on Sept. 30! Stay tuned for more speaker announcements soon! Early Bird ticket prices END TONIGHT (Sept. 5), so register now to secure your ticket: buff.ly/Vb9xV5s

ThinkTN is seeking a Director of Strategy & Development to join our leadership team. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in fundraising, operations, & organizational leadership. Application deadline is Sept. 25. Learn more: buff.ly/9D4fDIu.

New speakers added! Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, business leaders Janelle Reilly & Ralph Schulz, and Mayors Gary Davis & Craig Fitzhugh join our Policy Forum speaker lineup. Check out the rest of our agenda and purchase your early bird tickets: buff.ly/khez26Z

buff.ly/exeLBBO

We're excited to introduce our new Research Director, Chris Candelaria! With extensive experience from Vanderbilt University and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Chris will lead research projects for both our Working Families and Strengthening Democracy initiatives. Welcome, Chris!

The National Housing Crisis Task Force, convened by Accelerator for America and Drexel University, has released its State and Local Housing Action Plan to boost and support the housing ecosystem. 15 tools across land, capital, construction, regulation & governance: buff.ly/GwJOZ80

One year from today, Tennesseans will vote in primary elections to choose party candidates for governor, all 9 U.S. House, 1 U.S. Senator, all 99 state House, and 16 state Senate seats. Our latest blog analyzes what we can expect based on historical trends. buff.ly/4WcCrLM

Lexington, TN residents – save these dates for your upcoming municipal election! The deadline to register to vote is August 12. Visit hendersoncoec.com for more information.

To take a short break from a busy summer, the ThinkTN team recently toured the Tennessee State Museum! We had a great time exploring the museum’s extensive collection showcasing our state’s rich history. Thank you to the Tennessee State Museum for hosting us!

Speaker announcement! Business leaders Bill Dunavant III & Matt Kisber, former Governors Bredesen & Haslam, and Mayor Ken Moore join our Policy Forum panels on economy, bipartisan leadership & regional growth. More announcements coming! Early bird tickets available buff.ly/eJPduQ4

Last week, ThinkTN traveled to West Tennessee to meet with community leaders & regional partners in Memphis & Jackson. Grateful to UW Mid-South & MidSouth Development District for hosting and our local board members for productive conversations about regional priorities!

Knoxville residents – save these dates! The deadline for voter registration for the primary election is Monday, July 28th. Visit buff.ly/tAkygrM for polling locations, sample ballots, and voter ID info.

#KnoxVotes

Church-Owned Land Could Help Fill Affordability Gap The need for affordable housing is driving efforts to partner with churches and religious-based organizations to utilize available church-owned land

A new movement called YIGBY (Yes in God's Backyard) seeks to create 800k+ housing units on unused land owned by churches & religious groups. @Forbes.com discusses how 2.6 million acres of faith-based land can be used for affordable housing:

The ThinkTN office will be closed today in celebration of Independence Day. We hope everyone has a great (and safe) weekend!

Report: Tennessee voter turnout trends upward, lags behind other states Davidson County among lowest turnout rates in state for 2024

Check out @nashvillepost.com's coverage of our After Action Report analyzing Tennessee's 2024 election cycle. Article by @julianneakers.bsky.social

It's July 1st - several laws from this year's legislative session take effect today! Flip through the slides for highlights & read our full #TNLeg summary on our website for more insights into 2025's bills.

#TNLeg #votingrightsrestoration #childcare #transportation #paidfamilyleave

Report: Tennessee voter turnout trends upward, lags behind other states Davidson County among lowest turnout rates in state for 2024

While Tennessee voter turnout saw a decrease in the 2024 election cycle compared to 2020, the state’s voter engagement is following an upward trend overall, according to a new report from @thinktn.bsky.social.
www.nashvillepost.com/politics/ele...

2025 ThinkTennessee Policy Forum ThinkTN's policy forum will bring together leaders, advocates & community members to engage in meaningful dialogue around TN's most pressing policy issues.

Registration is open for @thinktn.bsky.social's first-ever policy forum on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at Music City Center in Nashville. Civic leaders, experts and community members will engage in meaningful dialogue around some of the most pressing issues facing Tennesseans today. Join us!

July is #NationalParksandRecreationMonth! ThinkTN’s research shows that Tennesseans suffer from some of the highest rates of chronic diseases in the country. Making time for outdoor physical activities can be extremely beneficial in combating these illnesses.