Department of
Economic & Community Development
Matthew Kisber, Commissioner

A robust state economy is built not merely on growing urban areas, but on strong, livable communities of all sizes. Governor Bredesen understands that to keep Tennessee on the right track, we need to make strategic community development a priority from Memphis to Mountain City.

ECD’s Community Development Division offers guidance and resources for all aspects of strategic development and growth, from historic downtown development to infrastructure installment and improvement. Regional Economic Development Specialists (REDS) across the state work with local leadership to formulate and implement action plans to improve quality of life, achieve growth readiness and recruit new industry.

Not sure
where to start? Contact your REDS to find out more about ECD programs like Three-Star, Main Street and Retire Tennessee.

Community Development also houses Tennessee’s Office of Energy Policy, which works closely with Governor Bredesen’s office to both improve the state’s use of energy and recruit renewable energy-related jobs, and the Grants and Loans Division, which allocates state and federal money for projects like infrastructure development and workforce training.