Metropolitan Council of Nashville Meeting Summary - November 4, 2025
Metropolitan Council Meeting Summary - November 4, 2025
On November 4, 2025, the Metropolitan Council of Nashville convened for its twentieth regular meeting of the year, addressing the recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Victim Intervention Program, a federal crisis impacting SNAP benefits, and extensive debates over new zoning ordinances for housing affordability. The majority of the evening was dedicated to public hearings on zoning reforms, where residents expressed deep concern regarding infrastructure capacity and neighborhood character, while advocates emphasized the urgent need for workforce housing options.
Consent Calendar
- Unanimously approved the minutes of the October 21, 2025, meeting.
- Approved a list of appointments and confirmations for various boards and commissions, including the General Sessions Judges (Division 6), Metro Board of Health, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Metro Planning, Stormwater Management Commission, and Charter Revision Commission.
- Adopted resolutions recognizing Carol Etherington Fossick and the 50th anniversary of the Victim Intervention Program (RS 2025-1589).
- Passed multiple budget and zoning-related ordinances on the consent agenda after removing one item at the request of Councilmember Cortez.
- Approved a resolution supporting the mayor's food crisis response (RS 2025-1617) and a resolution to resume hiring the Executive Director for the Nashville Office of Entertainment (RS 2025-1618).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Supporters of SNAP/Fare Suspension: Carter Burnett, Manon Hall, Kelly Chang, and Wesley Smith expressed strong support for suspending WeGo bus fares to assist the 60,000 Nashvillians affected by the federal shutdown. They argued that transportation barriers were exacerbating the hunger crisis and that the fare suspension was a necessary emergency measure to connect people to food resources.
- Opponents of Downtown Funding Pools: Mike Lacey expressed opposition to creating a new midtown central business improvement district (CBID), citing concerns about opaque funding pools, lack of accountability, and past mismanagement of the downtown partnership. He argued that resources should be directed toward solving parking garage issues and security violations rather than creating new advisory boards.
- Opponents of Gig Worker Contracts: Daniel Wotrinsky stated opposition to a $100,000 contract with Uber, arguing the City should not choose gig worker labor over employee wages and that the savings would come at the expense of drivers' livelihoods.
- Victims of Domestic Violence: Maivan Verden shared a personal account of system failure, expressing concern that the Family Safety Center offered a "slap in the face" by prioritizing restraining orders over arresting abusers despite clear evidence, leaving victims in danger.
- Critics of Transparency and Services: Mary Byrd expressed concern regarding a lack of itemized budget transparency from Metro departments and opposition to the tax disparity between General Services and Urban Services districts.
- Opposition to ICE/Avelo Partnership: Andrew O'Keefe and Courtney Settler expressed concern and opposition to the partnership between Avelo Airlines and ICE for deportation flights, urging the Council to distance the city from actions that create fear in neighborhoods.
- Zoning Reform Testimony:
- Proponents: Numerous speakers from organizations like Nashville Organized for Action and Hope, the Affordable Housing Task Force, and individual residents expressed support for ordinances BL 2025-1005 through 1008. They positioned the new Residential Neighborhood (RN) and Residential Limited (RL) zoning districts as essential tools to create "missing middle" housing (duplexes, townhomes) to keep teachers, firefighters, and service workers in the city. They clarified that the bills provide options but do not automatically rezone properties or eliminate single-family homes without approval.
- Opponents: A significant number of residents expressed opposition and concern that the zoning changes would destroy neighborhood character, increase traffic, and strain infrastructure (schools, roads, emergency services) that is already at capacity. They argued that the bill does not guarantee affordability, would lead to an increase in property values and taxes, and that an infrastructure study had not yet been completed before this vote.
Discussion Items
- SNAP Crisis and Transportation: The Council debated Resolution 2025-1617 and an amendment to suspend WeGo fares for SNAP recipients. While Councilmember Evans and supporters argued for immediate action to remove barriers to food access during the federal shutdown, the motion to suspend fares was not voted on separately but the resolution was passed in support of the Mayor's efforts. Councilmembers emphasized that the Journey Pass program would not be large enough to meet immediate needs in late November, necessitating the fare suspension.
- Zoning Ordinances (BL 2025-1005, 1006, 1007, 1008):
- BL 1005 (New Zoning Districts): Councilmember Gamble proposed passing the bill on second reading but deferring the third reading to December 4th. This motion passed 24-11 after a lengthy debate where opponents argued for a total deferral until infrastructure studies were complete, while proponents argued for moving forward with community input to shape the details. Councilmember Druffle's motion to defer second reading was tabled 22-15.
- BL 1006 (Height Limitations): The public hearing for this ordinance was deferred to December 4th to await the Planning Commission's recommendation.
- BL 1007 (ADUs): The Council debated the size limits of detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Councilmember Johnston proposed an amendment to reduce the maximum size from 1,200 sq. ft. to 785 sq. ft. based on lot size, which was initially withdrawn to allow for further discussion in committee. The bill was ultimately approved on second reading with the substitute text (including a short-term rental prohibition) and third reading deferred to December 4th.
- BL 1008 (Voluntary Attainable Housing): This ordinance was recommended by committees to be deferred to January 20, 2026, to align with other pending housing legislation.
- Midtown CBID: A resolution to initiate the creation of a Midtown Central Business Improvement District was passed 22-9 with three abstentions. Councilmember Parker opposed the measure, citing concerns that it was a "carbon copy" of the Downtown CBID model without sufficient accountability mechanisms, though the Council concluded it incorporated necessary reporting requirements.
- Specific Zoning Requests: Various specific rezone requests were discussed and voted on, including projects in Antioch (Starwood), Wedgewood-Houston, and near Murfreesboro Pike. Councilmember Bradley moved to rescind the approval of items 1089 and 1090 (Starwood) due to lack of notice, and these items were collectively deferred to the first meeting in December.
Key Outcomes
- Zoning Reform Passage (Second Reading): Ordinances BL 2025-1005 (New Zoning Districts), BL 2025-1007 (ADUs), and BL 2025-1008 (Voluntary Attainable Housing) passed their second reading. BL 1005 and BL 1007 were deferred to the December 4th meeting; BL 1008 was deferred to January 20th.
- ADU Substitute Adoption: The substitute for BL 1007 was adopted, which includes a prohibition on short-term rentals for new ADUs in single-family zones.
- CBID Initiation: Resolution 2025-1594 was adopted, initiating the process for a Midtown CBID with a public hearing scheduled for December 16.
- Food Crisis Resolution: Resolution 2025-1617 was adopted as amended, formally supporting the Mayor's coordination of the food crisis response and including an amendment to suspend WeGo fares for SNAP recipients.
- Rescission and Deferral: The previous approval of BL 1089 and 1090 (Starwood Property) was rescinded, and the public hearing/second reading for these items was deferred to December 4th.
- Deferrals: Several items, including BL 2025-1006 (Height), BL 2025-1101 (Contractor Fees), and BL 2025-1108 (Street Naming), were deferred to future meetings for further committee review or study.
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned shortly after midnight following the approval of BL 2025-1062 (Greenway Commission representation) and the suspension of rules for a late-filed amendment.
Meeting Transcript
Presentation period for today, November the fourth, twenty twenty-five. And starting off, we do have a resolution recognizing Carol Etherington Fossick by Councilmember Nash. This is a resolution RS twenty twenty-five dash fifteen eighty-nine recognizing Carol Etherington Fossig, founder of the Metropolitan National Police Department's Victim Intervention Program, and the fiftieth anniversary of the program. Council Member Nash, you are recognized. Now in its thirty-first year, season continues to follow Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa traditions. Now in its 31st year, season continues to follow Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa traditions and whereas since 2017, the program has also created an altar at the Chico Dia de Dia de los Muertas event, memorializing Hispanic homicider victims. The photographs displayed on an altar have grown from seven to more than 50. And whereas through the ensuing years, the program has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the International Association Chiefs of Police and Okay. Whereas in 2016, VIP merged with the domestic balance division counseling services under the leadership of Heidi Bennett, and is now called the Family Intervention Program. And whereas now in its fifth uh 50th year, fifth 50th year, the program continues counseling and advocacy for victims and crime and training for police recruits, graduate students, other professionals, and the community at large under the leadership of Kim Page. And whereas it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize the family intervention program and its founder, Carol Aetherton Fossick, for their efforts to provide immediate free and professional counseling services to anyone who endures trauma as a result of a crime. And and now, therefore it be resolved by the councils, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davison County. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing and celebrating founder Caroling Etherington Fossick and the 50th anniversary of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department's victim intervention program. And the Metropolitan Office is directed to prepare a copy of this resolution to be presented to Carol Etherington Fossick. And the resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davison County requiring it. I know you have many things to do, so I'll make this very brief. But it is quite an honor for me and for all of the people who were a part of making victim intervention a reality in this city 50 years ago, and especially Mayor Fulton and Joe Casey and a whole host of other people. And it keeps going on because of the counselors, some of whom are here, uh, because of Amy Griffith, who did an extraordinary job of leading and Chief Drake is here, which is quite an honor to have him with us. I just think that um it was really remarkable for Nashville to buy into and for the police officers back then to buy into the concept of bringing in a civilian person to work with victims, but they did it and they did it so wonderfully well. So I want to thank you all for everything that you do, and I want to um thank Bob Nash for bringing this to your attention and may the victim intervention program continue to work with the many, many people who need it desperately. And thank you to you. Thank you so very much, Councilmember Nash. And as they are taking photos, we will go ahead. Oh, I'm so sorry. My apologies, Chief Drake. You're recognized. I'm so sorry. Hey, uh, good evening, everyone. I just want to say uh we're really thankful for a victim intervention program and uh FIP program and all that they've done for victims in our city. Uh, even with sexual assault in the nation, the national reporting is 28 to 32 percent, and here it's right around 72 percent with a victim-centered approach, and all of that started with Miss Etherton. And so just want to say thank you, congratulations on this honor, and we truly appreciate you being recognized. Thank you. Thank you so much, Chief Drake, and again, my apologies. I did not see walking up. Um, as we open up for the announcement period, I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the unceded land of the Cherokee Shiny and UC people and remind you all that no one is illegal on stolen land built by stolen labor. Colleagues, we have several volunteer opportunities over the next two weeks. Uh, we do have opportunities organized by council member Vowe to volunteer with the store, and I have organized opportunities with Second Harvest Food Bank and the branch. You will see a sign-up sheet passed around tonight so that you can sign up to volunteer uh if interested. We also know that uh in the midst of uh everything that's happening with um the lack of access to SNAP benefits, many of our constituents are in need of um food resources. Um, so there are several resources uh that are being shared out. I will open up the announcement period to give council members the opportunity to do their announcements, and then as we close out, I will share out um any additional food opportunities that may not have been mentioned. So with that, I will open it up to our colleagues. If anyone would like to be recognized first in the queue is Councilmember Gay, you are recognized. Thank you so much, Speaker Pro Tem. Um I also uh want to say thank you for distributing um this wonderful flyer that's on council members' desks. Um it's beyond the bridge, a solution to homelessness. It's a snap a screening and panel discussion um for those in the community. Um, come over to District 24. We're really excited to have you at Otter Creek Church.
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