Legislation changing how Tennessee tracks population to more accurately distribute shared revenue to cities and counties was approved by the General Assembly.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation changing how Tennessee tracks population to more accurately distribute shared revenue to cities and counties was approved by the General Assembly.
House Bill 780, sponsored by State Rep. Robert Stevens, R-Smyrna, requires the state to use annual population estimates from the University of Tennessee’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, rather than relying on U.S. Census data every 10 years.
“As Tennessee’s population increases, this legislation ensures fast-growing counties like Rutherford receive a timely and equitable portion of state-shared revenue,” Stevens said. “Cities and counties will no longer have to wait on federal census updates or incur the expense of a special census to get their fair share.”
Two of the fastest growing municipalities in Rutherford County, Murfreesboro and Smyrna, were in the middle of conducting special censuses to justify receiving more shared revenue from the state.
The idea was brought to Stevens by Smyrna Town Manager David Santucci. He previously held a similar role in Florida, where the process for updating population totals for shared revenue annually was the state’s policy.
“This additional funding helps local governments keep up with the costs of growth while maintaining essential services to residents. Best of all, it doesn’t raise taxes or create new ones. We’re simply getting a more appropriate share of existing state funds based on our growing population. Over time, this will bring in millions of new dollars to Rutherford County and its municipalities.”
Data from the UT Boyd Center shows Rutherford County has grown about 2.15% annually since 2019. The 2020 census estimated the county’s population at 339,261, and the Boyd Center projects it could reach 421,070 by 2030.
The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature and is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Robert Stevens represents House District 13 which includes part of Rutherford County.
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