Tennessee Town & City - Tennessee Municipal League

TML Board of Directors holds June meeting in Nashville

The TML Board of Directors convened today to further the mission of strengthening Tennessee’s cities and towns.

West Tennessee cities highlight cooperation as key to new wastewater agreement

A new, historic wastewater agreement between the municipalities of Atoka, Brighton, and Munford is positioning all three cities for growth and showcasing local collaboration.

Gov. Lee signs law to cut administrative fees and boost local government revenues

Gov. Bill Lee has signed into law a new measure that will deliver nearly $19 million in annual savings to local governments across Tennessee by reducing administrative fees on locally collected taxes.

Elections held in 10 municipalities

Elections were held in 10 municipalities in May and Jun

News Across Tennessee

Kingsport cuts ribbon on temporary library location

Officials cut the ribbon on the Kingsport Public Library's new, temporary location in the Fort Henry Mall on June 6, officially opening the space to the public. The library is utilizing 15,500 square feet of space in the mall for the next 18 months while a contractor works to renovate the entirety...

Columbia to purchase new recycling truck from TDEC grant

The city of Columbia has been awarded a Waste Reduction Grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) for the purchase of a new recycling truck, enhancing the city’s waste management and sustainability initiatives. The $425,200 purchase of the truck includes the grant...

Harriman cuts ribbon on digitially inclusive playground

The city of Harriman has opened its new inclusive and digitally connected playground and learning center at the Michael Dunn Center. The space offers both inclusive, outdoor play and space for digital learning opportunities through the use of fiber internet, accessible desktops, and iPad tablets for...

Chattanooga Airport lands three new nonstop flights

The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) now has nonstop flights available to Newark, N.J.; Orlando, Fla.; and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; via Spirit Airlines. Flights to Newark and Orlando will take place four times weekly while flights to Ft. Lauderdale will take place three times weekly. This is the...

Middle Tennessee company expands to Morristown

Summertown Metals officials announced the company will expand for the first time outside of Southern Middle Tennessee, locating additional distribution and manufacturing operations in Morristown. Summertown Metals will invest $22.6 million and create 170 new jobs in Morristown, bringing the total...

Air compressor manufacturer to expand Jackson operations

MAT Industries, LLC, officials announced the company will expand its manufacturing operations in Jackson, Tennessee, investing at least $9 million and creating 30 new jobs. The project comprises the addition of multiple production lines and upon completion, will bring the company’s total headcount...

People

Kellye Murphy

Kellye Murphy, director of tourism and marketing for the city of Columbia, has been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in the Greater Nashville Area for 2025 by The Women We Admire. This prestigious honor highlights Murphy’s impactful leadership, longstanding commitment to the tourism industry...

Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund selects new chair, member

Portland Mayor Mike Callis has been selected as the new chairman of the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund after Morristown Councilwoman Kay Senter’s term as chairman ended June 30.

Callis was first elected to the Portland Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 2016, serving as vice mayor. He was then elected...

Deputy Governor, TDOT Commissioner Eley to step down in third quarter

Deputy Governor and Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Butch Eley will leave his role in the third quarter of 2025 after seven years in Governor Bill Lee’s cabinet.

Eley has been a key figure in advancing statewide infrastructure, financial stewardship, and government...

Jason Bellamy

Jason Bellamy has been selected as the new chief of the Kingsport Police Department, succeeding Dale Phipps who retired at the end of June after nearly 37 years of service. Bellamy most recently served the department as deputy chief, a role he took in April 2021. He joined the department in 1998...

Kevin Hackler

Kevin Hackler has been promoted to public works director for the town of Spring City. Hackler has been with the department since 2017, starting as a laborer and quickly demonstrating exceptional skills and leadership. In 2022, he was promoted to public works supervisor where he managed many day-to...

Patrick Jaynes

Patrick Jaynes has been appointed the new state director of Tennessee Rural Development by the USDA. As senior consultant for Nashville-based Jigsaw Consulting, Jaynes engaged in local, state, and federal government relations. Prior to his work with Jigsaw, he served for 18 years as deputy chief of...

State Briefs

Tennessee second-most researched state for potential movers

Tennessee is the second-most researched state for potential movers. according to a recent analysis by U.S. News and World Report. In the first quarter of 2025, U.S. News tracked migration interest among U.S. residents via online searches and found South Carolina was the most researched followed by...

Tennessee top state for FAFSA completion

Tennessee now ranks No. 1 in the nation for FAFSA completion, according to the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), marking a major milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to increase access to higher education. Tennessee achieved a 75.7% FAFSA completion rate among Tennessee Promise...

Tennessee April revenues $117.6M less than budgeted

Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson announced that revenues for April were $2.7 billion, which is $117.6 million less than budgeted estimates and $316.9 million less than April of last year.

General fund revenues were $114.0 million less than the April estimate...

Tennessee Governor, First Lady visit troops in Kuwait

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee traveled to the Middle East to visit more than 700 Soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment. The task force, comprised primarily of soldiers from the 278th’s 2nd Squadron, is serving a year-long deployment in...

Tennessee April unemployment holds steady

Tennessee’s April unemployment remained steady at 3.5%. The seasonally-adjusted employment rate remained unchanged from March but was up from the 3.2% rate in April 2025. The national unemployment rate was 4.2% in April, unchanged from the previous month and up from 3.9% in April 2024. The trade...

Gov. Bill Lee announces historic investment in transportation

Gov. Bill Lee joined the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in Memphis to announce a historic investment in infrastructure.

For the first time in history, the state’s annual budget includes additional dedicated recurring General Fund dollars for transportation. The unprecedented $80...

TML Updates

TML is Accepting Applications for a Senior Director of Communications

Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Levitt Foundation announce grant for outdoor concert grants

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program

Restore Return Relief Advocacy