Statements
Mission
CRT supports and advocates for quality of life in Middle Tennessee. We believe that how communities grow and develop has a tremendous effect on the day-to-day lives of residents -- their homes, their health, the schools their children attend, the taxes they pay, their daily commute, the natural environment around them, economic growth in their community, and opportunities to achieve their dreams and goals. What, where, and how communities build will affect their residents' lives for generations to come. Throughout its history CRT has worked to educate the region's local leaders and decision-makers across about how the region is growing and the steps they could take to ensure that that growth enhances, rather than detracts from, the beauty, vitality, and character of our communities. We have produced studies and reports that have projected future growth patterns and outlined alternate scenarios. In 2018 CRT produced the Open Space Study, which provides specific information about the region's open, natural, and working lands, including the economic benefits they provide. CRT is committed to convening engaged citizens and leaders to share best practices from around the nation, better understand the region, and shape efforts to address concerns. Our annual Power of Ten Summit, which convenes up to 400- 600 people to discuss issues, is a great example of these efforts.
Background
Cumberland Region Tomorrow was established in 2000 to provide private sector, citizen-based leadership for growth and development concerns in our ten-county region. The first stage of work from 2000 to 2003 was to define the region's future growth trends through the CRT Regional Visioning Project and to begin a regional discussion on growth issues and opportunities. Through the Regional Visioning Project along with 200+ community presentations, CRT was able to gather information on what residents of the region value and how they think growth should be guided. This effort led to the creation of the CRT Quality Growth Toolbox, released in 2006, which is still used today as the innovative source for planning and for implementing Quality Growth and Sustainable Communities Principals. With support, encouragement, and some additional resources from CRT, almost every local town or jurisdiction in the region now has adopted a comprehensive growth plan. Our success comes from building local leadership's acceptance of and investment in Quality Growth principles rather than pushing new land use regulations. This model has been particularly well-suited to Tennessee traditions and culture. CRT helps community leaders recognize quality growth as a practical pathway toward becoming stronger and avoiding the consequences of unplanned growth and unsustainable development.
Impact
IMPACT
1. POWER OF TEN SUMMIT & FORUM SERIES: Due to COVID CRT hosted the Power of Ten Summit online once again in 2021. The summit brought together nationally recognized leaders on waterfront development to discussed the impact that thoughtful, inclusive riverfront development can have on a city and region. In addition, CRT hosted several online forums as part of the Power of Ten Series. The webinars addressed some of the region's most pressing challenges and shared best practices and insights from leading experts from across the Nashville region. More than 500 people participated in these discussions.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH: In 2021 CRT was able to bring on some great new people to our Board of Directors. We made a conscious effort to increase the breadth of knowledge directors bring to the organization, as well as to ensure a greater diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. In addition, we contracted with a development consultant to help grow and expand our funding resources.
3. OUTREACH: CRT continued its outreach through its newsletter and social media activity.
GOALS
1. POWER OF TEN SUMMIT & FORUM SERIES: In 2022 we will continue to build and grow these educational programs.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH: In 2022 we look forward to continuing our efforts to build a strong, diverse, and knowledgeable Board.
3. OUTREACH: CRT plans to grow its outreach efforts.
Needs
CRT is a small organization with big results. We work hard to be efficient and keep our expenses low. In addition to administrative support, CRT needs funds for (1) Power of Ten Summit (Estimate $100,00) (2) Power of Ten Forums (Estimate $60,000) (3) Outreach (Estimate $24,000)
CEO Statement
Cumberland Region Tomorrow works to ensure Middle Tennessee remains a place that people want to live -- a place where communities are vital and full of character, where the environment is healthy, and people have housing and mobility options. Our region's rapid growth makes CRT's work more important than ever. Development can either enhance our communities or scar them for generations. The decisions we make today have tremendous ramifications. We are looking forward to continuing and expanding our efforts to ensure our continued effectiveness and influence in the region.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Community Improvement, Capacity Building - Alliances & Advocacy |
| Secondary Category: | Environment - Land Resources Conservation |
| Tertiary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Citizen Participation |
Areas Served
All towns in the 10-county region of Middle Tennessee, which includes Ashland City; Kingston Springs; Pleasant View; Pegram; Columbia; Mt Pleasant; Spring Hill; Dickson; Franklin; Nolensville; Brentwood; Fairview; Goodlettsville; Hendersonville; Gallatin; Cottontown; Westmoreland; Lebanon; Mt Juliet; Watertown; Springfield; Greenbriar; Cross Plains; Cedar Hill; Lebanon; Mt. Juliet; Clarksville; Murfreesboro; Smyrna; LaVergne; Eagleville; and Nashville.
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
