Empowering Voters,
Supporting Working Families,
Moving Tennessee Forward

Our Priorities

Strengthening Democracy

Empowering all Tennesseans to be civically engaged and trust in a transparent and effective state and local government.

Building economic security by ensuring all Tennesseans can earn enough to support themselves and their families, afford their basic household expenses, and build their savings rather than fall into debt.

Building Knowledge Through Data

Providing relevant best practices and accessible research to help Tennessee leaders make informed decisions and drive positive change in our state.

Research // News

Times Free Press staff photo by Matt Hamilton / On Sept. 10, 2025, work at the intersection of East Main and Polk streets in Chattanooga continues. Despite Tennessee's growth in population, jobs and economic output over the past decade, not everyone in the state is benefiting, according to a report by a nonpartisan think thank.

Coverage in “Report: Tennesseans may not be sharing in state’s success” (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

September 11, 2025

ThinkTennessee President Erin Hafkenschiel was quoted in a Chattanooga Times Free Press article about findings from our State of Working Tennessee report. Read the full article here.

website image thriving state brief - Think Tennessee

NEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS TENNESSEE’S UNEVEN PROSPERITY: MANY HOUSEHOLDS STRUGGLING DESPITE ECONOMIC BOOM

September 11, 2025

Think tank’s report identifies opportunities to leverage the state’s economic growth to improve Tennesseans’ economic security, ensure access to high-quality, high-wage jobs NASHVILLE – While Tennessee continues to experience tremendous economic growth, many residents are struggling to make ends meet, according to a new policy brief Thriving State, Strained Households released today by nonpartisan think […]

website image memphis downtown - Think Tennessee

LESSONS FROM PEER CITIES PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON HOW MEMPHIS CAN REBUILD TRUST IN ITS TRANSIT SYSTEM

August 19, 2025

Think tank’s report includes takeaways from six peer cities that have successfully recovered from transit agency crises, recommendations for rebuilding public trust NASHVILLE – By hiring a CEO who is committed to transparency and empowered to make hard decisions, partnering with transit champions in the community, and improving service reliability and efficiency, Memphis can begin […]

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Tennessee needs data-driven, evidence-based ideas that will give more Tennesseans a voice in the decisions that shape their lives and ensure our economy works for everyone. Through research, engagement, and advocacy, we work to connect and empower leaders from across the state and both sides of the aisle to tackle our toughest challenges.

Together, we can move our state forward. Will you join us?

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Empowering Voters, Supporting Working Families, Moving Tennessee Forward