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It’s December, and we just released our top five research findings of the year. Wondering what they are? The answers may surprise you—and they could change the way you think about the year ahead.
Sycamore Than You Knew
- Year in Review ~ Yesterday, we published our year in review. We spoke to more than 2,500 Tennesseans, won two awards, and were cited more than 150 times by media outlets. See all we accomplished!
- Q&A ~ Last week, Mandy Spears and Robin Yeh took questions from our audience about Tennessee policy topics. In this video, they answer questions about improving health outcomes, state revenues, incarceration, and more.
- Full House ~ In September, Sycamore hosted a sold-out Housing Policy Summit in Nashville featuring panels on housing policy levers and limits, local tools like zoning, and the intricacies of financing affordable housing. We published a summary of the event along with photos and key takeaways.
- Welcome! ~ This month, we announced that Christiane Buggs, President & CEO of the PENCIL Foundation, has joined our Board of Directors. Join us in welcoming her!
Not From Around Here
As we wrap up 2025, we’ve asked each of our staff to share two things they loved or discovered in Tennessee this year. As we head into 2026, consider these suggestions as you venture around our state.
- Brian Straessle, our president, reveled in a peaceful oasis just off the main strip in Gatlinburg when he toured Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and hopes to take a woodworking course there next year. He also fondly recalls a delicious lunch at Hog and Hominy in Memphis.
- Executive Vice President Mandy Spears recommends Porter Flea, a bi-annual market focused on modern handmade goods. She also co-creates the art that guests see when they arrive!
- Director of External Relations Grace Baron highlighted two outdoor adventures in Tennessee. First, Rock Island State Park has a beautiful waterfall worth seeing. The park also sits near the Rock Island Trolley Stop, where guests can grab a sweet treat after visiting! She also enjoyed rafting down the Hiwassee River, a trip she takes at least once a year.
- Policy Director Robin Yeh loved hiking the Hen Wallow Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She also recommends the Turkey and the Wolf’s seasonal tomato sandwich, calling it the best sandwich she’s ever had!
- Last but not least, Josiah Hoss, Sycamore’s policy analyst, recommends the Tennessee State Museum. It’s free, and he thinks more people should visit it. If you enjoy good food, he suggests Barrel Proof in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville.
Rated G for Graph
Dusting Off the Archives
- Earlier this year, Sycamore updated a report on private schools in Tennessee, explaining the different school categories, requirements, and private schools by county. It also provides information about the enacted version of the Education Freedom Scholarship Act.
