Writer: Jerrica DuBois
3 min read May 2024 — Middle Tennessee is growing, and it is more than just Nashville.
For instance, Murfreesboro and Clarksville are among the 25 fastest-growing cities in the U.S., ranking No. 16 and No. 22, respectively, according to a study conducted by financial information firm SmartAsset. As the region is known for a higher quality of life and growing job opportunities, new residents are drawn to the Volunteer State’s most active economic corridor. The rapid growth of the region, and the state, may also add to its national influence. With the population hitting over 7 million in 2023, Tennessee is now on track to acquire a 10th seat in the U.S. House of Representatives during the next redistricting cycle. It is duly noted that most of the population increase since the 2020 census count has occurred in Middle Tennessee.
Invest: caught up with regional leaders to discuss what has contributed to the growth the area is experiencing. From quality of life, education, booming business sectors, and the importance of balance, they examined what is making Middle Tennessee boom.
Buck Dellinger, President & CEO, Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council
We are putting our efforts into improving quality of life, quality of place, and placemaking. Those are key to attracting and retaining talent and equally important to the people who call Clarksville home. Montgomery County has good jobs and has plenty of land that we can continue to build out. We’re shifting our focus to address quality of life issues by working on attainable housing that fits the budget of the jobs and wages locally, and we will have an 800-slot childcare facility in our industrial park. If you attract a population that wants to stay here, but they cannot get to work because there is no available childcare or because they cannot afford to rent or to buy a house, then you have attracted a financially constrained population. It is all about thinking forward rather than making child care an afterthought.
As our community grows, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving quality of life and setting the stage for significant transformations over the next ten to twenty years that will drive Clarksville-Montgomery County to the next level.
Rogers Anderson, Mayor, Williamson County
When we made public education priority No. 1 about 30 years ago, it was because we knew that as our community grew, we wanted to be able to provide quality education that attracted parents and businesses. When we partner with businesses that come to town, we are able to show them innovation centers that encompass vital vocational training for those that do not go the traditional college route. Those technical schools fill the gaps in welders, electricians, plumbers and more necessary skill sets. We also fill the gap in between this vocational training and college by partnering with our community college to recruit young people to pursue nursing. There are many opportunities on a county level, but at the end of the day, we have to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money and demonstrate that we are willing to help our employees where we can. As a result, we have prioritized public safety and emergency response. All of our schools now have enhanced safety measures to ensure no one is able to get in unless they are permitted to do so. All schools have cameras, and we have a control center that monitors them. It is all about safety and security for our children, teachers and the staff in every school.
Wil Evans, President & CEO, Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance
As we look to the short term, we anticipate significant growth in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The global push for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation has driven tremendous momentum in this industry. Our region has seen substantial investments from major players like General Motors and Ultium Cells, positioning us to be a significant contributor to the burgeoning EV industry. This growth will have a cascading effect on various related sectors, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
As we evaluate our economic pipeline, we recognize a diversification of opportunities. While metals remain a robust sector in our county, we are also actively looking to expand our footprint in business services. The broad spectrum of services in this sector can cater to various industries, offering more room for growth. Furthermore, manufacturing services, particularly the production of components for different manufacturing processes, is a segment we are keen to nurture. This type of manufacturing is integral to various industries and holds considerable potential for growth.
Randall Hutto, Mayor, Wilson County
Many want to move here, but as soon as they get here they don’t want others to follow. For us, it is all about balance. We do the best we can to control density to allow for smart growth. Handling and strengthening our infrastructure is a top priority of ours; in fact, we are issuing bonds to build new schools and are working on expanding our public services. Growth means we have to keep up with services for those who keep moving here while also supporting those that are already here. Most people are happy with new arrivals because more rooftops means more restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Top image via Wilson County Visitors & Convention Bureau
For more information visit:
https://clarksvillepartnership.com/
