A team of MTAS staff conducted an evaluation of the digital assets made available to the community in each city across the state of Tennessee. The purpose of this study was to identify and document digital assets and resources being made publicly available in Tennessee municipalities, as well as to  identify any trends and municipalities who may require further assistance in this area. Cities were asked about assets and services such as free Wi-Fi in public buildings; public computer labs and kiosks; and computer training classes.

A total of 126 cities/towns responded to the survey. Respondents were evenly mixed across all three Grand Divisions of the state and included a range of populations from under 100 to over 150,000.

Historically, Tennessee's fire mortality rate for civilians has been among the highest in the nation. During 2002-2010, the time period for this study, the national fire mortality rate declined, but the rate in Tennessee increased. The purpose of this study is to provide the analytical foundation for an informed plan of action to help reduce and prevent fatalities that occur in residential structures which is the type of incident that accounts for about three-fourths of all civilian fire deaths in the state.

Twenty-one municipalities responded to an MTAS survey regarding training and development positions. The survey began by asking whether the municipality has any dedicated positions for staff training and development. Respondents were then asked to provide details on those positions, such as whether they are full-time or part-time, their salary range, and in which department the positions are housed. Position descriptions for relevant positions were provided by Chattanooga, Farragut, and Gatlinburg.

The researcher, supported by the Municipal Technical Advisory Service, interviewed 41 municipal elected officials in East Tennessee to determine what they learned about during CY2015 in order to fulfill their role as a mayor, vice-mayor, or city councilmember/alderman.