A Message from Governor Bill Haslam and ECD Commissioner Bill Hagerty:
Dear Economic Development Partner:
The state of Tennessee recognizes the importance
of successful community development best
practices and its impact on sustaining economic growth. The Three-Star program helps rural and
urban Tennessee communities achieve excellence
in community development by emphasizing foundational steps and targeting community
strengths to improve quality of life and grow jobs.
The following pages describe the Three-Star
program requirements for becoming a certified
Three-Star community. The program sets high
standards and incentives like no other state-run program in the nation. It helps communities focus on their strengths and address areas of concern to better prepare their area for economic growth.
The Three-Star program is an important component of the state’s economic strategy that helps communities set strategic goals that will truly make a difference today and well into the future. We appreciate your support and dedication to the growth and success of Tennessee’s economy.