The Sycamore Institute

08/19/2026

Workforce development touches nearly every stage of Tennesseans' educational and career journeys, from K-12 and postsecondary education to job training and employer partnerships.

Our newest report provides an overview of the state's workforce development landscape, including the programs, agencies, and federal laws that shape workforce efforts across Tennessee.

Learn more: https://sycamoretn.org/workforce-in-tn/

08/17/2026

Ten years ago, Sycamore Institute was just an idea: that Tennessee would be stronger if more people had access to trusted, impartial information about the issues shaping our state.


Today, that idea has become an organization with a decade of research, partnerships, and impact behind it.


To mark our 10th anniversary, we asked the people who helped build, guide, and support Sycamore to tell the story in their own words. Their reflections remind us where we've been, why this work matters, and what keeps us moving forward.

Ten years ago, Sycamore Institute was just an idea: that Tennessee ...

08/14/2026

Since today is National Financial Awareness Day, we’re shining a spotlight on our analysis of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Tennessee. Did you know that as of January 2026, nearly 700,000 Tennesseans receive SNAP benefits each month? Scroll through to learn more about SNAP funding and how it's changed. Learn more: https://sycamoretn.org/snap-in-tn/

08/13/2026

Meet our 2026 policy interns: Audrey Damis, Abigail Mammo, and Ana Mims! We’ve enjoyed watching them grow as they’ve dived into the ins and outs of Tennessee policy. Scroll through to learn more about who they are and the interests they’ve brought to the team this summer.

08/11/2026

The 2026 midterm elections will be here before we know it, and we've got something new in the works to help you get ready. Introducing our upcoming Election Issue Primer series! From asking "Who are Tennesseans?" to unpacking Tennessee budget basics and policy topics from health to housing, we'll be breaking down some of the biggest issues the next administration may have to tackle—and why they matter. We'll be rolling these out over the next few weeks, so stay tuned.

08/10/2026

Thanks Nick Beres and NC5 for having us on MorningLine! Our EVP, Mandy Spears answered lots of questions to help viewers understand Tennessee’s state budget. You can watch the full interview at the link in bio.

08/07/2026

Have you heard? Our 3rd annual Policy Summit will take place on Friday, November 6, at the Southwestern Conference Center in Nashville.

This year’s theme is Tennessee’s Fiscal Future: Challenges & Opportunities for State & Local Government. We'll explore the emerging fiscal pressures facing Tennessee's state and local governments and consider best practices and lessons learned.

Last year's event sold out, so don't wait! https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thesycamoreinstitute/event/2026policysummit/

08/01/2026

Join us on August 18 at 1 pm CT for the Rural Housing Webinar.

This event will feature a deep dive into Tennessee’s housing landscape—why it matters, how it got so expensive, and the federal, state, and local policies shaping the market. Join Tennesseans to engage in solutions-focused conversations about the specific levers and best practices to address the unique housing needs and goals of Tennessee’s rural communities.

Speakers include:
Blair Brown, West Tennessee Home Builders Association
Brooxie Carlton, Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development
Josh Suddath, AICP, CFM, University of Tennessee Center for Local Planning

Registration is free but required: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DCMYLoXvRMiLwH_sh6EEPA #/

07/28/2026

We’ve loved looking through your 10-year timeline submissions! From our first major event at Belmont University to our first national recognition at the Governmental Research Association’s (GRA) annual conference, we’re grateful to our supporters for being with us every step of the way. Explore our story (and share yours!) at sycamoretn.org/history.

07/23/2026

We've been in Chicago this week for the 2026 Governmental Research Association (GRA) Conference, and we are “reel” excited to take home the award for Best Digital Communications: State Government Issue for our Instagram Reels.

We’re a tiny team with an iPad and a dream to make state policy issues approachable. Thanks for going on this journey with us, and we hope you'll join us on Instagram!