ThinkTennessee

Driving evidence-based policy solutions that strengthen the voice of voters, support working families and move Tennessee forward.

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

TN midterm turnout has averaged 45.1% this century vs. 64.7% in presidential years, and in 2022 we ranked last in the nation. Will 2026 break the pattern? Early Voting starts Oct. 14. #TNvotes

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

@UTKnoxville Without government grants, 72.5% of grant-receiving Tennessee nonprofits would face an operating deficit. Recent changes in government funding put the financial stability of nonprofits in jeopardy.

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

In our new analysis with @UTKnoxville Boyd Center, we found that Tennessee nonprofits support 725,000+ jobs, generate $59.0B in income, and contribute $2.9B in state and local tax revenue every year. https://t.co/9SwqsDsVXZ

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

@UTKnoxville Nonprofit operations reach every Tennessee county. Outside the largest metros, their per capita presence is most notable in rural counties like Grundy, Pickett, and Humphreys.

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

2 weeks left to register to vote in TN before the Oct 5 deadline.

On the Nov. 3 ballot: new governor, all 9 U.S. House seats, 1 U.S. Senate seat, every state House seat, half the state Senate, 3 constitutional amendments. Our latest blog digs in:
https://t.co/8P6IMdo8v5
📋Register at https://t.co/J979d674P2

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

What a day. 🎉 Thank you to everyone who joined us in Nashville for ThinkTennessee's 2026 Policy Forum — a full day of honest conversation on housing, energy, transportation, workforce & civic engagement in TN. See our recap video to relive the day with us!

[ETSUProvost @EtsuProvost]

It has been a pleasure to attend the 2026 ThinkTennessee Policy Forum in Nashville today. The UT Baker School for Public Policy and Public Affairs kicked off the event, followed by a panel of mayors from across the state including Mayor Woodby from Carter County.

[Mandy Young @MandyYoung5]

@ThinkTN Policy Forum was well done! Panelists were knowledgeable and I learned some new information today! #Transportationneeds #TNHistory

[Zach Amos @Zach_C_Amos]

Honored to be an addition to @ThinkTN Housing Panel today in Nashville.

Affordable housing is important for folks now, and it is a total game changer for children. We can work to make it easier to build, easier to buy, and easier to simply be.

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

📣 Announcing our 2026 Policy Forum opening keynote: Dr. Marianne Wanamaker, Dean of @UTBakerSchool, opens the morning with "A Tennessee Economic Update" — followed by an all-county mayor panel.

📅 Sept 9 | Nashville
Register → https://t.co/EmBqcpRSRK

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

New panel for the 2026 Policy Forum: "Same Problems, Different Zip Codes." Moderator Karl Dean w/ Mayors Wes Golden, Andy Marshall, AJ Massey & Patty Woodby talk growth, workforce & infrastructure. Sept 9, Music City Center. https://t.co/EmBqcpRSRK

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

New panel for the 2026 Policy Forum: "Powering Growth: Energy Demand and Affordability." Moderator Matt Kisber w/ Evann Freeman, Brad Gibson, Madison Crooks Haynes & Betsey Kirk McCall. Sept 9, Music City Center. Register: https://t.co/EmBqcpRSRK

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

How can Tennessee manage its data center growth without shifting the costs onto households?

Our new policy brief, Powering the Boom, Part II, outlines 4 strategies to meet rising energy demand while protecting ratepayers:

⚡Treat data centers as grid partners
⚡Maximize existing grid capacity
⚡Invest strategically in transmission upgrades
⚡Empower communities to guide development in their own neighborhoods

Read the full brief: https://t.co/YI3UzMGy3H

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

New panel announcement! “Workforce Development: Funding the Pipeline from Child Care to Career” ft. Krissy DeAlejandro (tnAchieves), Steven Gentile (THEC), Candice McQueen (Lipscomb University), & Sen. Bill Powers at #TNPolicyForum on 9/9.

Tickets 👉 https://t.co/D0CEAl2Uw7

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

New #TNPolicyForum panel announcement! “Meeting the Housing Need: Tennessee's Toolkit for Today and Tomorrow” ft. Dwayne Spencer (Habitat Memphis), Jennifer Horne (Urban Campus & Core), Rep. Ryan Williams, & Ben Bentley (KCDC). Early bird tix end 8/12 👉 https://t.co/D0CEAl2Uw7

[Knoxville Chamber @knoxchamber]

Join Tennessee Business Forum and @ThinkTN at Covenant Health Park for a conversation on the future of energy. Hear from representatives from ORNL, KUB, and other leaders in the energy sector.

Register today: https://t.co/XDiqGVu1ED

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

Housing affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing Tennessee. Our "Meeting the Housing Need" panel at the 2026 #TNPolicyForum explores the tools & partnerships to help TN meet this moment.

Sept 9 | Nashville | Register:
https://t.co/kt1GrR57kE

#TNHousing

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

We are now accepting applications for a Research Assistant for Fall 2026! This intern position is open to graduate students in public policy or political science. Applications due by August 7. Find the full job description on our website: https://t.co/jeBtGAzM6I

[ThinkTennessee @ThinkTN]

We are hiring! ThinkTN seeks a Policy Director who will lead the organization’s policy strategy, serve as the primary expert on key issue areas, and produce the high-quality policy work that drives ThinkTennessee’s impact. Apply by August 14: https://t.co/jeBtGAzM6I.