District 17 Town Hall Highlights - May 2024

Residents of District 17 gathered at Trevecca University on the morning of May 18th for the quarterly Town Hall meeting hosted by Council Member Terry Vo. The well-attended session provided updates and details on several key initiatives impacting our neighborhoods.

Upcoming Neighborhood Programs

Two programs were highlighted that residents should be aware of in the coming months:

1. Citizens Water Academy: This interactive 5-session program in September/October allows participants to go behind-the-scenes to learn about Metro Water's facilities and operations. Applications are open until September 13th for this free educational opportunity.

2. Traffic Calming Program: The Department of Transportation will accept applications from September 3-16 for traffic calming measures like speed humps on neighborhood streets. Applications require approval from a local neighborhood association or multiple property owners.

City Budget Process Underway

As the city develops next year's budget, Council Member Vo outlined some of the key elements in the Mayor's proposed budget:

1. Flat projected revenues due to inflation impacts

2. $30 million for affordable housing initiatives

3. Minimum wage increase to $20/hr for city workers

4. 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment for employees

5. 1.4% budget reduction targets for most departments

6. Residents can attend upcoming public Budget & Finance Committee hearings on May 22nd and 23rd to learn more. The Council will also hold work sessions through early June to finalize any amendments to the proposed budget.

Major Transit Improvement Plan Unveiled

A centerpiece of the Town Hall was the city's expansive new "Choose How You Move" Transit Improvement Program that will go before voters on the November 2024 ballot.

If approved, the $1.6 billion plan would:

1. Upgrade nearly 600 traffic signal intersections

2. Add 86 miles of new sidewalks across neighborhoods

3. Establish 54 miles of dedicated bus lanes on major corridors

4. Dramatically expand transit service hours, frequency, and routes

5. Redesign 25 high-injury intersections for improved safety

6. Install 35 miles of enhanced bike lanes and facilities

The ambitious plan aims to vastly improve transportation options and connectivity for all residents, whether driving, taking transit, walking, or biking. It would be funded by a 1/2 cent sales tax increase, with 62% of the revenue projected to come from non-resident visitors to Nashville.

Residents can learn more about the plan's proposed improvements at:

https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/04/22/oconnell-unveils-nashville-transportation-plan

Election Reminder: The Town Hall closed with an important reminder about the upcoming State/Federal Primary election on August 4th. The voter registration deadline is July 2nd, with convenient early voting available at Cass Park in District 17 from July 12-27.

Be sure to check your inbox for Council Member Vo's next monthly newsletter with additional updates on community news and events across District 17.

Be on the lookout for the next monthly District 17 newsletter with additional updates on local happenings and initiatives. Thank you to all the engaged residents who took time to attend this informative quarterly Town Hall session!