State Briefs | Tennessee Town & City - Tennessee Municipal League

TBI details most commonly found drugs

Methamphetamine is the most commonly found in criminal cases in Tennessee, according to a recent report from TBI. The list is the result of the 393 Initiative, which brings together TBI and District Attorneys to better target and disrupt drug trafficking in the state. While meth was the most...

New area code coming to East Tennessee

Portions of East Tennessee will be receiving a new area code due to growth in the region. The Tennessee Public Utility Commission said the current 423 area code will run out of numbers by the end of 2025 and as a result, a new 729 area code will soon be issued. Existing customers will keep their...

Tennessee unemployment lower than previous month, just above record

The state of Tennessee saw 3.3% unemployment in April, 0.1% lower than the previous month and just above the all-time lowest rate of 3.2%. This is the second month in a row the state's jobless rate has dropped, according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). Tennessee...

TDOT, Keep TN Beautiful release litter study

The Tennessee Department of Transportation(opens in a new tab) (TDOT) and Keep Tennessee Beautiful(opens in a new tab) (KTNB) released data from its 2022 Tennessee Statewide Litter Study.

Engineering firm Burns & McDonnell conducted the study to provide a comprehensive understanding of quantity, composition, and sources of litter along...

Juneteenth becomes official state holiday

Juneteenth will become an official state holiday following the passage of a bill that will change the state’s recognition of the day from a “Day of Special Observance” to a paid holiday for state employees. Gov. Bill Lee initially put the bill forward, stating it was ““appropriate to commemorate...

Tennessee hits record $27.5B in travel spending

The state of Tennessee set a record $27.5 billion in travel spending in 2022, according to preliminary data(opens in a new tab) from U.S. Travel and Tourism Economics.

Among the top 25 states, Tennessee is the fastest-growing state in travel spending since 2018 and has risen from 14th to 11th in the nation for travel...

Tennessee ranks third best state for business

The state of Tennessee is ranked third best state for business in the nation, according to Chief Executive’s annual CEO survey. Manufacturing, tech, and the electric vehicle industry are the top sectors for the state. Tennessee earned its ranking for its low unemployment rate and its low corporate...

Tennessee agencies raise awareness about flood preparedness

National meteorologists are forecasting above average rainfall across a large portion of the U.S. this spring including most of the Mississippi and Cumberland river basins, which could include significant portions of Tennessee.

In an effort to help Tennessee homeowners prepare for potential flood...

More than 80 municipalities to share in $232.7M in ARP funds

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has announced more than $232.7 million in state ARP funds divided among 102 projects with more than 80 municipalities receiving grants or benefiting from grant projects.

Of the 102 total projects, 17 were collaborative grants and 85...

Tennessee unemployment down slightly in March

Tennessee’s unemployment rate slightly decreased to 3.4% in March after holding steady at 3.5% for five months. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) said the decrease put the seasonally adjusted rate for March just 0.2 of a percentage point away from Tennessee’s all-time low...

Community Tree Planting Program applications now open for municipalities

Communities can optimize the benefits of trees with funding from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry. Applications are now available for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Community Tree Planting Program to increase and improve urban tree populations.

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Wireless upgrade project beginning at Neyland Stadium

The University of Tennessee has partnered with M.S. Benbow and Associates Neyland Stadium to improve wi-fi service at Neyland Stadium. The project will extend through 2024 with service in the stadium gradually improving throughout the 2023-24 season with wi-fi being extended by sections in the...