The Tennessee Chapter of APWA was established in 1954 and currently has over 450 members from across the State. The chapter operates as a gateway to the profession by investing in its members through education, knowlege exchange opportunities, and the promotion of individual or organizational accomplishments.

The Tennessee Chapter of APWA is divided into four geographic branches consisting of the West Tennessee Branch, Middle Tennessee Branch, Upper East Tennessee Branch, and the Lower Tennessee Branch. Each branch holds regular meetings featuring lunch and a technical session or social program on subjects relative to the public works profession.

Annually the Chapter hosts the Tennessee APWA Conference in the fall with participation from the Tennessee SWANA chapter. The conference typically features over 50 vendor exhibits and 12 technical sessions with over 250 attendees.

The Tennessee Public Works Institute (TPWI) was established in 2003 to provide educational sessions and certifications to public works employees across the state in every role. TPWI organizes a variety of 4-day schools throughout the year in areas including Maintenance Technologies for Public Works Field Personnel, Public Works Construction Inspection, Public Works Fleet Management, and Public Works Supervision.

Ronnie Hammonds serves as the director of TPWI organizing classes instructed by over 20 professionals in public works and supporting organizations throughout the State.