Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Bill Lee has released a summary of Tennessee’s accomplishments in 2024, emphasizing the state’s commitment to providing opportunities, enhancing security, and ensuring freedom for its residents. Governor Lee expressed pride in Tennessee’s culture and traditions while highlighting the state’s focus on growth and prosperity.
Tennessee’s economy thrived in 2024, with the state ranking as one of the best places for business due to its low tax burden and rapid economic growth. Companies invested over $2.7 billion, creating more than 9,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate remained below the national average, reaching a historic low of 3.1% in July 2023. The state budget allocated significant funds to encourage economic development, including contributions to the Rainy Day Fund, which now exceeds $2 billion.
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Tourism remained a vital economic driver, with Tennessee securing its first Major League Baseball game, the MLB Speedway Classic, set for August 2025. The Special Event Fund, created to attract high-profile events, played a key role in this achievement.
In workforce development, Tennessee became a leader by addressing artificial intelligence’s impact on the music industry. The ELVIS Act, signed into law by Governor Lee, expanded protections for music professionals against AI misuse.
Education also received a boost with an additional $261 million investment in K-12 education through Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA). The Education Savings Account (ESA) program provided more school choice for families, reporting high satisfaction rates and academic gains.
Infrastructure investments focused on accommodating population growth and addressing traffic concerns. A historic transportation plan included replacing the I-55 Bridge over the Mississippi River, the largest transportation investment in state history.
Rural Tennessee saw success, with over 51% of job commitments located in rural areas, totaling 9,400 jobs and $2.7 billion in capital investments.
The state’s response to Hurricane Helene included the Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program, a $100 million fund to support affected communities.
Public safety improvements included funding for additional State Troopers and expanding mental health resources in schools. Tennessee also enhanced support for families with initiatives like the Tennessee Strong Families Grant Program, which provides maternal healthcare and covers diaper costs for TennCare beneficiaries.
The Tennessee Disability and Aging Act merged two departments to create the new Department of Disability and Aging, aiming for more efficient state services.
National security efforts included deploying Tennessee National Guard troops to the U.S. Southern border amid ongoing security concerns.
Conservation initiatives focused on balancing economic growth with environmental protection, including creating new state parks and investing in water resource management.
Governor Lee’s administration also continued to support energy innovation, with projects like Orano USA’s new uranium facility in Oak Ridge, marking the state’s largest economic investment.
First Lady Maria Lee’s Tennessee Serves initiative highlighted community service efforts, providing backpacks to students in distressed counties and organizing volunteer challenges for children.
For more information on these achievements, visit the Governor’s news page or view the photo highlights from the year here.
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Tennessee State Parks Host New Year’s Day Hikes
Tennessee State Parks will kick off the New Year with their annual First Day Hikes on January 1st, offering a range of hikes suitable for all ages and abilities across most of the state’s 59 parks. Information about each hike can be found on the Tennessee State Parks website, with featured hikes including historical and scenic trails. The initiative encourages outdoor activity and exploration, aligning with common New Year’s resolutions. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and bring essentials, with options for overnight stays available.