Tennessee County Voice

In this episode of Tennessee County Voice, host Wes Doyle sits down with Jennifer Tourville, Executive Director of the UT SMART Initiative, to explore how the program is helping Tennessee's 95 counties navigate one of the state's most pressing public health challenges: the opioid crisis.

Jennifer traces SMART's origins back to a statewide summit launched under UT System President Randy Boyd, explaining how a grassroots policy network evolved into a full-fledged initiative housed within the Institute for Public Service — chosen for its unmatched reach into every county and municipality across the state.

The conversation digs into the practical side of the work county officials care about most:

• Funding structure — how SMART operates through grants, contracts, and partnerships rather than state appropriation, including its role administering technical assistance funded by the Opioid Abatement Council
• Settlement fund management — the complex rules, restrictions, and reporting requirements tied to opioid settlement dollars, and why "spend money to save lives" should guide every decision
• Building local committees — real examples of how counties are bringing together sheriffs, EMS directors, school officials, physicians, and nonprofit leaders to make funding recommendations that reflect community needs
• Getting help — how any county official can reach SMART directly through CTAS consultants or a simple email, and where to find additional resources like the Johns Hopkins spending principles and NACO's Opioid Solutions Leadership Network

For more information about the SMART Initiative at IPS, please visit https://smart.ips.tennessee.edu/. 

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

📢 In this episode of the Tennessee County Voice, host Wesley Doyle talks with Brett Howell, executive director of the Tennessee County Highway Officials Association (TCHOA), about one of the most essential—and often overlooked—functions of county government: keeping Tennessee’s roads and bridges safe, reliable, and connected.

• Brett discusses the history and mission of TCHOA, how county highway departments are funded, and the growing challenges facing counties as fuel-tax revenues remain largely stagnant while the costs of materials, construction, and maintenance continue to rise. He also explains why one-time state funding allocations can help address immediate needs but make long-term transportation planning difficult.
• The conversation breaks down the differences between county roads, state-aid roads, and state routes, as well as the critical partnership between county highway departments and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Brett also addresses the everyday challenge of potholes and deferred maintenance, the estimated $4.1 billion in long-term county transportation infrastructure needs, and what growing communities mean for Tennessee’s future transportation demands.

✍️ For incoming county officials, Brett closes with an important piece of advice: learn your county’s story. Understanding the unique needs and challenges of your local highway department—and being able to communicate that story—is essential to advocating for your community at the state level.

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

The UT Impact: UT CTAS, Its History and Impact on Tennessee County Governments

What does it take to effectively serve Tennessee’s 95 counties—and who’s helping make that happen behind the scenes?

In this episode of Tennessee County Voice, host Wesley Doyle sits down with Jon Walden, Executive Director of the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS), to explore the history, mission, and statewide impact of this essential resource for county government.

🏛️ Established in 1973 at the request of county officials, CTAS has become a trusted, nonpartisan partner—providing expert guidance, training, and real-time solutions to local governments across Tennessee. From budgeting and public safety to legal guidance and emergency management, CTAS equips county officials with the tools and expertise they need to serve their communities with confidence. 

• The origin story of CTAS and its role in fulfilling UT’s land-grant mission 
• How personalized, county-by-county consulting sets CTAS apart 
• The wide range of services supporting daily county operations 
• The evolution of training programs like COCTP and CCFO 
• How technology, AI, and data will shape the future of county support
• Practical advice for new and experienced county officials navigating today’s challenges 

📚 Walden also shares insights from his decades of service, emphasizing the importance of continued learning, strong professional networks, and staying grounded in public service.

💡 Whether you’re a newly elected official, a seasoned leader, or simply interested in how local government works in Tennessee, this conversation offers valuable perspective on the people, partnerships, and resources driving success at the county level.

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

In this special edition of Tennessee County Voice, we step away from the studio and into a packed breakfast session from this year's TCSA Legislative Conference. The panel, "Legacies in Leadership," brings together three county executives with a combined century of experience: Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters, Tipton County Executive Jeff Huffman, and Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial — all set to retire when their terms end on August 31, 2026.

TCSA Executive Director David Conner leads a candid, often funny conversation covering how county government has transformed from a handful of staffers to multimillion-dollar operations, why collaboration beats command in the "weak mayor" system, the toughest unexpected challenges of their careers — from industrial booms to wildfires — and the one piece of advice each of them is leaving behind for the next generation of county leaders.

Whether you're a county official, a community member, or just curious what it takes to lead a Tennessee county for decades, this episode is a rare, unscripted look at what real public service looks like over the long haul.

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

Welcome to the very first in-studio episode of the Tennessee County Voice — the podcast centered around county officials across the Volunteer State! This podcast will share valuable insight for new and long-serving county officials in Tennessee. Stay tuned as we release monthly episodes highlighting the issues and solutions across all 95 wonderful Tennessee counties!

In this episode, we're laying the foundation: What exactly is the Tennessee County Services Association (TCSA), and why does it matter to you as a county official? Whether you're a longtime officeholder or brand new to county government, this episode is your essential introduction to one of Tennessee's most valuable resources for local leaders.

We break down the mission and purpose of TCSA, explore the wide range of services and support it provides to county governments statewide, and discuss how membership translates into real, practical benefits — from legal guidance and legislative advocacy to training, research, and networking with peers facing the same challenges you do.

If you've ever wondered how TCSA fits into the larger picture of Tennessee county government — or how to get more out of your membership — this episode is the place to start.

In this episode we discuss:

1. An overview of TCSA and its role in supporting Tennessee's 95 counties
2. The key services and resources available to county officials and staff
3. How TCSA advocates for counties at the state level
4. Why connecting with TCSA can make your job easier

The Tennessee County Voice is a production of the Tennessee County Services Association. New episodes release regularly — subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by NACo EDGE HPLA and Amazon Business Prime for Counties.

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

Tennessee County Voice – Capitol Update | April 24, 2026

✍️: https://tncounties.org/tcsa-capitol-update-week-of-april-20-2026/

In this episode of Tennessee County Voice, we break down a chaotic final week of the 2026 Tennessee General Assembly, which adjourned Thursday night after suspended rules, frayed tempers, and a last-minute rush of legislation. TCSA staff were at the Capitol tracking fast-moving developments and pushing back on proposals that posed serious concerns for county governments.

We take a closer look at late attempts to expand Tennessee’s school voucher programs beyond the legislature’s approved limits, including a proposal that would have shifted students into the older ESA program and extended vouchers into Knox County—potentially redirecting both state and local education dollars away from public schools. You’ll also hear how Senate concerns and behind-the-scenes negotiations ultimately derailed those efforts. 

For more details on these issues—and other end-of-session legislation affecting county budgets, education funding, and property taxes—visit the TCSA Capitol Update blog at www.tncounties.org. 

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

In this week’s TCSA Capitol Update, the General Assembly prepares to finalize the state budget as the 2026 session nears its end. We break down key issues still in motion, including the proposed expansion of the Education Freedom Scholarship program and what it could mean for local school funding.

We also cover legislation impacting county governance, updates on 911 funding, and the status of a bill affecting nuisance lawsuits. With final votes approaching, now is a critical time to stay engaged.

Get the latest insights on the issues that matter most to Tennessee counties. Visit www.tncounties.org for more information. 

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

This week’s Capitol Update covers a fast-moving stretch of legislative activity with significant implications for Tennessee’s counties—particularly in education funding, land use authority, and local governance.

📚 We begin with developments surrounding Senate Bill 2247 and House Bill 2532, which would expand the state’s Education Freedom Scholarship program. Lawmakers are weighing competing versions of the proposal, with key differences in the number of additional scholarships and changes to protections for public school funding. As budget negotiations ramp up, these details will be critical to watch.

🏛️ In the Senate State and Local Government Committee, several bills impacting county operations saw action. A proposal to eliminate rollback penalties on greenbelt properties failed, while legislation addressing development restrictions was sent to summer study. Meanwhile, a bill establishing a state-funded training incentive for local correctional officers moved forward, and another proposal that would prohibit county employees from serving on county commissions advanced with a delayed implementation date.

⛰️Land use and growth management also remain a central focus. Lawmakers continue to refine legislation that would impose timelines on development approvals, while a separate bill granting local governments more authority over quarry and digital asset mining locations is expected to see floor action soon.

Finally, we cover legislation that would require local governments to obtain approval from the attorney general before entering contingency fee agreements for legal services—adding a new layer of oversight that could impact how counties pursue complex litigation.

As always, stay tuned—final decisions on many of these issues will come down to budget negotiations and upcoming floor votes.

👉 Visit https://tncounties.org for more information.

Note: Due to the holiday schedule, this episode was recorded earlier in the week and may not reflect late-breaking developments. For the latest updates, visit tncounties.org.

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

County officials made their voices heard—and it made a difference.

In this week’s TCSA Capitol Update, we break down a pivotal week at the State Capitol, where coordinated outreach from county leaders helped halt major threats to local government authority. The proposed property tax cap was taken off notice after lawmakers acknowledged it lacked the votes to advance, preserving counties’ ability to manage their own budgets—for now.

We also cover the defeat of a sweeping land use proposal that would have exposed counties to costly claims from property owners, along with key developments from a packed Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar.

Plus, we highlight what’s still moving—including legislation that could impact growth management, infrastructure requirements, and local decision-making—and share a few positive updates advancing through the legislature.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected to the issues shaping county government across Tennessee. Please visit www.tncounties.org for more information. 

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org

TCSA Capitol Update – Week of March 16, 2026

This week’s Capitol Update highlights a pivotal moment for Tennessee counties, as major legislative proposals advance that could significantly impact local governance, budgeting authority, and land-use regulation.

At the forefront is renewed momentum behind property tax cap legislation (HB 1873 / SB 2064), now scheduled for key committee votes next week. With leadership support signaling increased likelihood of passage, county officials are urged to engage legislators immediately and communicate the potential consequences of limiting local revenue authority without corresponding relief from state mandates. Meanwhile, a separate proposal to impose flat property tax limits was deferred, effectively ending that effort for the year.

Land-use policy also took center stage, with legislation (HB 1837 / SB 1908) that could expose counties to costly financial claims tied to zoning and development decisions. The proposal would allow property owners to seek compensation for perceived reductions in property value—raising significant concerns about the future of zoning, growth management, and local decision-making authority.

Additional development-related legislation continues to move forward, including a bill imposing strict timelines on local governments to approve or deny development applications, with automatic approval penalties for missed deadlines. At the same time, a measure granting counties more authority over the siting of quarries and digital asset mining facilities remains in play.

Despite these challenges, several positive developments emerged. Lawmakers advanced a new grant program for rescue squad equipment, moved forward legislation shifting autopsy costs from counties to the state—potentially saving counties over $1 million annually—and approved measures related to jail intake procedures and emergency communications funding.

With multiple high-impact bills scheduled for action in the coming days, this episode underscores the urgency for county officials to stay informed, engaged, and proactive in shaping outcomes at the Capitol.

For a full breakdown of legislation and ongoing updates, visit tncounties.org.

©️ 2026 Tennessee County Services Association

For more information, visit www.tncounties.org