The First Tennessee Development District is pleased to announce that three communities in our region—Johnson County, the City of Elizabethton, and the Town of Greeneville—have each been awarded $540,000  through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s (THDA) HOME Homeownership Rehabilitation Program. This significant investment will support vital housing rehabilitation efforts designed to strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life for local residents. The HOME Ho

Lottie Ryans and Sasha Johnson Food often makes an event truly memorable — and at the First Tennessee Development District, several of our signature events, including CareerQuest VIP and E2E, have become known for the exceptional dishes prepared by our regional high school culinary programs. When CareerQuest TN launched in 2017, the vision extended beyond providing career exploration for students. There was also a desire to thank regional leaders and sponsors for their contin

We held our 59th Annual Board Meeting on November 13, 2025, at the beautiful Farm at Grace Meadows. Department Directors shared updates highlighting many of the projects, partnerships, and accomplishments achieved throughout the past year. The event celebrated the collaboration and progress that continue to strengthen communities across Northeast Tennessee. During the meeting, Mayor Mark DeWitte of Hawkins County was recognized for his outstanding leadership and service as Bo