SUMMARY: Portland has experienced significant growth, with its population increasing by 15% since 2010. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, driven by the development of new residential areas and Nashville’s growth. Housing in Portland remains 53% below the national average, making it an attractive option for new residents. Despite this growth, locals hope to maintain a small-town feel, avoiding large-scale commercial developments. To manage this change, the city launched the “Preserve Portland” plan, which will guide zoning and development. Officials remain optimistic about the future, especially with anticipated decreases in interest rates in 2025.

The city of Portland has seen substantial growth in recent years and that’s not expected to slow down in 2025.

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SUMMARY: A hotel developer is considering a parcel of land in Alcoa’s Springbrook Farm, which is situated on the site of a former aluminum plant. The Planning Commission recently approved the land sale, although details about the hotel remain unclear. Planning for the hotel will begin next year. Meanwhile, Springbrook Farm is bustling with new businesses, including the Chop House, Covenant Health’s planned facility, and local favorites like Swig soda shop and Just Love Coffee, which believe the area’s growth makes it a prime location. Leaders aim for a walkable community with sidewalks connecting various establishments.

Restaurants, a coffee shop and other businesses are already open for business at the development.

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SUMMARY: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is promoting school choice through a new television ad for the American Federation for Children. Alongside state legislators, he introduced a bill to expand a school choice program, currently piloted in Davidson, Hamilton, and Shelby counties. Lee emphasizes that “freedom” is essential for education in Tennessee, supporting the Education Freedom Act that empowers parents and invests in public schools. However, the Hamilton County Board of Education opposes the bill, citing a lack of demonstrated student outcome improvements and recommending the retention of pilot program limitations to assess effectiveness and accountability for private schools and homeschool programs.

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