We are delighted to welcome you to the inaugural issue of the Journal of Urban and Regional Perspectives.
This first issue represents the culmination of a collective effort to create a platform that bridges the gap
between scholars and practitioners, offering insights and solutions to some of the most critical challenges
facing Tennessee.

The Journal of Urban and Regional Perspectives is uniquely positioned as a conduit between academia and
practice. Our mission is to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and offer actionable guidance that addresses
pressing regional issues. We aim to bring together diverse voices—from academic scholars providing
in-depth research to local practitioners offering on-the-ground insights. Through this exchange, we hope to
build a repository of knowledge that serves as an in-depth discussion of the challenges we face and as a
source of innovative solutions and strategies for future growth and sustainability.

To achieve this mission, the journal will focus on five key areas:

• Applied Academic Scholarship: Publishing rigorous and relevant research that directly informs urban
  and regional policies.

• Perspectives from Local Practitioners: Providing a platform for local experts to share their experiences
  and best practices.

• County Snapshots: Featuring in-depth profiles and data-driven analyses of specific counties, highlighting
  their unique challenges and opportunities.

• Public Policy Guidance: Offering evidence-based recommendations to policymakers to support informed
  decision-making.

• The Voice of the Citizens: Amplifying the perspectives of community members to ensure that policy
  discussions reflect the realities of those most affected.

We are excited to embark on this journey with you, our readers, contributors, and partners, and look forward
to the critical discussions and collaborations that will emerge from these pages.

Click the cover to read the first issue.