Research, Livability, & Policy

Through reports, studies, and custom research, the Chamber’s Research Center provides valuable insight into Middle Tennessee’s economy while the Policy & Livability team advances public policies and community initiatives that support business growth and regional quality of life. Together, they equip businesses with data to guide decisions, engage members in legislation, and drive solutions impacting Middle Tennessee.

Research Highlights

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Business Conditions Council Meetings Held
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Cost of Living Data Submissions Completed
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Surveys Administered
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External Data Requested Fulfilled
Economic Impact Analysis completed for Nashville Soccer Club

Metro Highlights

On June 17, Metro Council approved a $3.8 billion budget that maintains the 2.814 property tax rate while funding new investments such as affordable housing partnerships, workforce programs, infrastructure coordination, a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, and support for maternal health and emergency services.
The Metro Council approved the expansion and merger of the CBID, a special assessment district that funds enhanced services like safety, cleaning, beautification, and marketing to keep downtown vibrant. The Chamber supported the initiative, submitting a letter of endorsement and offering live testimony to underscore community backing.

State Highlights

The Tennessee General Assembly reconvened January 14 with 12 new legislators, followed by a special session on school vouchers, disaster recovery, and immigration reform. Chamber priorities included reallocating $40 million in FastTrack funding for innovation, $10 million for nuclear research, expanding short-term workforce credentialing, and reforming childcare licensing and early childhood services.

Livability Highlights

Nearly 200 business, nonprofit, and government leaders gathered on May 13 for a forum co-hosted by the Chamber and the Alliance for an Affordable Nashville, featuring Charlotte housing experts and focusing on unit production and public-private financing strategies to address Middle Tennessee’s housing challenges.
Davidson County voters approved Mayor O’Connell’s Choose How You Move transit plan with 66% support. The Chamber helped fundraise, integrated transit messaging, and produced bilingual campaign materials.

Most Notable Events

The Chamber convened two Government Relations Roundtables, fostering alignment with members and leaders on policy goals ahead of Metro’s 2025 legislative session.
Across four sessions in August, October, February, and June, Intro Nashville featured dozens of storytellers from business, civic, and creative sectors. More than 90 participants took part, strengthening alumni ties and connecting new professionals to Nashville’s leadership network.
The research team partnered with the Partnership planning team and EY to develop metrics for the next phase of Partnership 2030. The goal is to rank in the top three among peer metros (Austin, Charlotte, Denver, Raleigh, and Tampa) for the first seven measures, and to improve the final two by at least 10 percent over the next five years.
On March 4, the Chamber hosted Governor Bill Lee for the annual Governor’s Address presented by Frost Brown Todd Attorneys, where he highlighted economic, workforce, and budget priorities. Commissioner Tommy Baker of the Department of Veterans Services also recognized CAT and HCA for their leadership in hiring Tennessee veterans.
In April, a 130-member Leadership Study Mission delegation traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, to study the city’s approach to housing, transportation, livability, and workforce development. The visit, presented by Forvis Mazars, gave Nashville leaders the chance to connect with peers, exchange best practices, and bring back strategies to address similar challenges at home.

Member Spotlight Feature

JE Dunn Construction

“JE Dunn’s purpose statement is: We Exist to Enrich Lives Through Inspired People and Places. That sentiment perfectly captures our partnership with the Chamber and our shared commitment to building a better Nashville.”

Grounded in over a century of experience and three decades in Nashville, JE Dunn Construction builds structures and community. With operations in 26 U.S. cities, we focus on markets with diverse, growing economies. Middle Tennessee offers economic opportunity and quality of life for our employees, making it a natural choice for long-term investment and growth. JE Dunn serves markets like healthcare, higher education, aviation, industrial manufacturing, civic, office environments, hospitality, and multifamily housing. 

Joining the Nashville Chamber reflects our commitment to investing in our employees’ communities and supporting Nashville’s growth. We view construction as an industry built on trust and relationships, working with clients to understand and create spaces that help businesses thrive. Chamber membership reinforces this approach by fostering connections with civic leaders, business partners, and community organizations. These relationships, including collaborations with groups such as the Downtown Partnership, have deepened our role in shaping Nashville’s future and shown how quickly an introduction can lead to lasting impact. 

Workforce development and livability are Chamber initiatives that align with JE Dunn’s mission, reflecting the belief that a healthy workforce and vibrant city are critical to success in design and construction. The Chamber has increased our visibility through events, programs, and connections that showcase our values and foster partnerships. As JE Dunn joins the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, we remain focused on aligning our work with community needs and ensuring Nashville’s success for future generations. We recommend Chamber membership to organizations seeking to expand their impact and help shape the city’s future.