The Problem
Maury County is Tennessee’s fastest-growing county, while the state loses 240 acres of farmland every day. By 2040, more than 1 million acres are projected to disappear, placing Tennessee third in the nation for farmland conversion. This threatens our agricultural heritage, family legacies, and the county’s long-standing agricultural integrity.
- No Comprehensive Growth Plan: Rapid development continues in the absence of a county-wide plan to guide reasonable and sustainable growth.
- Outdated Ordinances: The current zoning ordinances are antiquated – forcing approvals even in the face of strong citizen opposition – and have not been reconciled with the newly enacted Tennessee Farmland Preservation Act.
- Strained Infrastructure: New subdivisions are overwhelming water systems, roads, and emergency services—leaving some areas with NO FIRE PROTECTION COVERAGE FOR MILES.
- Loss of Rural Character: Sprawling development is consuming farmland, erasing family legacies, and undermining the county’s agricultural economy.
A Community at a Crossroads
The pace of development in Maury County is accelerating. Without decisive action, we risk losing the farmland, open spaces, and rural character that make our community unique. As citizens, neighbors, and stewards of this land, we must demand a smarter path forward—one that balances growth with preservation.
What We Stand For
- Preserving our heritage: Safeguard rural character, agricultural farmland, and historical legacy through robust zoning ordinances built on a comprehensive land use plan.
- Responsible growth: Ensure development does not outpace the infrastructure we depend on—roads, water, schools, and emergency services.
- Protecting our economy: Agriculture remains a powerful economic engine. Maury County’s direct agricultural output reached $389 million in 2021. With multiplier effects, the total impact was $475.9 million – meaning every $1 in direct output generates $1.22 for the local economy. Agriculture directly supports 2,124 workers, and with multiplier effects, that rises to 2,734 jobs—each direct job creating 1.29 jobs countywide.
- Transparent leadership: Demand thoughtful policies that put citizens – not developers – at the center of decision-making.
The Time to Act is Now
Urban sprawl will not stop on its own. Together, we can press for growth that respects our values, safeguards farmland, and secure the future of our community.
Call to Action
- Join the mailing list to stay informed.
- Sign the petition.
- Contact your County Commissioners and ASK for the following:
- ***Enactment of a Temporary Moratorium – a strategic pause to the rapid pace and pressures of new development***
- Commission a comprehensive land use plan, prior to a wholesale adoption of the proposed new zoning ordinances – including an agricultural impact assessment
- Conduct an independent review of zoning ordinances, incorporating State of Tennessee farmland-preservation laws and proven Southeastern models.
- Facilitate a joint dialogue between city and county mayors to establish an Urban Grown Boundary
- Require full disclosure of financial interests by Commissioners tied to development
- Spread the word to your neighbors, friends, and co-workers to SHARE THIS WEBSITE.
- Attend all board of commissioners and zoning meetings and demand to be heard. Arrive early and sign up to speak.
Sign the Petition