The Sycamore Institute

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The Sycamore Institute

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Impartial, data-driven research and policy insights for a thriving Tennessee TERMS OF USE

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We welcome your contributions to a thoughtful dialogue about public policy in Tennessee. Please keep in mind that comments posted by users do not necessarily reflect the views of The Sycamore Institute. We reserve the right to 1) delete comments that include profanity, name-calling, threats, personal attacks, or other inappropriate content at our discretion and 2) block users who repeatedly violate these guidelines.

10/13/2026

The Sycamore Institute is an External Relations Associate!

We're looking for someone who enjoys connecting Tennesseans with clear, impartial information about the issues shaping their communities. This role will help grow our audience, coordinate events, support media outreach, and communicate complex public policy issues in ways people can understand and use.

Our team is small, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and focused on providing clear, impartial resources that strengthen policymaking and civic life in Tennessee.

If that sounds like a fit, or if someone comes to mind, check out the role and apply here: sycamoretn.org/jobs

10/09/2026

Who’s speaking at the 3rd Policy Summit? We have some great panels lined up! You won’t want to miss this. Learn more: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thesycamoreinstitute/event/2026policysummit/

10/06/2026

Meet Katja Vinha, Sycamore Institute’s new Senior Policy Research Analyst! 👋

After living and working on five continents, Katja has called Nashville home since 2020. She joins Sycamore with more than 15 years of experience in applied international development research and looks forward to applying her experience to issues affecting Tennesseans.

Katja is excited to see firsthand how Sycamore’s research and data analysis can make a difference in the lives of her neighbors.

When she’s not working, you can find Katja hiking, trying new restaurants, reading or gardening. Join us in welcoming Katja to the team!

https://sycamoretn.org/meet-katja-vinha/

10/05/2026

Happy Child Health Day! Today we're highlighting Sycamore's research on child mental health programs and services in Tennessee. This analysis examines how the state's behavioral health system supports children and families and identifies opportunities to improve access to care.

Learn more: https://sycamoretn.org/child-mental-health-services/

10/02/2026

We made a playlist describing Sycamore and our work, created by Policy Director, Robin Yeh.

Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts ⬇️ Playlist is linked in bio.

P.S. The playlist includes the Old Crow Medicine Show recording of Wagon Wheel!

09/30/2026

Our newest Spotlight 2027 brief offers five trends to watch on criminal justice and incarceration in .

1. Tennessee’s crime rates rose during the pandemic but have fallen sharply since 2023.

2. Tennessee’s incarcerated population is growing again after a sharp pandemic-era decline.

3. Incarceration costs are a significant state and local expense.

4. The financial impact of policies affecting incarceration can take years to materialize.

5. Fees and fines help fund the justice system but can be hard to collect and prolong involvement for people who cannot pay.

Learn more: https://sycamoretn.org/incarceration-criminal-justice/

09/24/2026

Announcing our first panel for our 3rd Annual Policy Summit! Tennessee has enjoyed years of strong revenue growth, but what comes next?

Join Senator Raumesh Akbari, Mandy Spears, Peter Muller, and Senator Bo Watson on November 6 as they discuss the state's fiscal outlook and the road ahead.

Early bird ticket sales end tomorrow (9/25), so don't wait!

🎟️ https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thesycamoreinstitute/event/2026policysummit/

09/22/2026

One month away! What does housing look like in Montgomery County — and what comes next?

Join Sycamore and the Clarksville Association of REALTORS Attainable Housing Community Coalition on October 20 in at Civic Hall for a region-focused discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping local housing.

We’ll hear insights from:

◼️ David Buck Dellinger, Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council
◼️ Shelly Hazle, Alliance for an Affordable Nashville
◼️ Bryce Powers, Providence Builders

This event is free, but registration is required.

🔗 https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thesycamoreinstitute/event/clarksvillehousingsummit/

09/18/2026

K–12 education is Tennessee’s largest state-funded expense. So where does all that funding go? Our recent Spotlight 2027 brief takes a closer look at K–12 education funding in Tennessee. Learn more: https://sycamoretn.org/6-insights-about-ed-funding/

09/17/2026

The income a Tennessee family needs to pay for necessities such as food, housing and childcare far surpassed the federal poverty threshold, according to an analysis by The Sycamore Institute, a nonpartisan think tank.

Address

315 Deaderick Street , Suite 1100
Nashville, TN
37238

Telephone

+16156800047

Website

https://www.sycamoretn.org/

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