Collaborating for Change: Advancing Workforce Transportation in Tennessee

On July 18, Vanderbilt University hosted the TNGO Workshop on Workforce Transportation Solutions for Industrial Hubs, in partnership with the University of Memphis, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and UT Chattanooga. This collaborative event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—from industry leaders and transit agencies to government officials and academic researchers—to explore innovative mobility solutions tailored to Tennessee’s industrial regions.

The workshop is part of a larger initiative supported by innovation grants from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) through the Tennessee Opportunity (TNGO) program. These grants are designed to tackle persistent transportation challenges near major employment centers across the state, with the goal of creating more accessible, efficient, and equitable options for Tennessee’s workforce.

Representatives from leading employers and organizations joined the conversation, including:

• Industry: DENSO, Ford, Nissan
• Transit Agencies: WeGo Public Transit, Knoxville Area Transit
• Government Partners: Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), TNECD, Clarksville Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Nashville Mayor’s Office
• Community and Planning Experts: Professionals in workforce development and mobility planning from across the state

The workshop fostered meaningful dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, setting the stage for scalable solutions that align with the economic and community development goals of Tennessee.

We extend our sincere thanks to the workshop organizers—Abhishek Dubey, Ayan Mukhopadhyay, and Jose Paolo Talusan—for their leadership, and to all who contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas. We’re excited by the momentum and remain committed to building transportation systems that work for all Tennesseans.