Tenn. Code Ann. § 9-14-105: City and county economic adjustment departments

Cities and counties, singly or jointly by contract with each other or with state government, in initiating an economic adjustment project or program, shall create a department within the local government to carry out such projects or programs over a multi-year period. Such department shall be staffed by competent professionals, and headed by a director responsible to the local government as determined by ordinance, resolution or contract agreement.