OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting - January 20, 2026: Budget, Zoning, and Police Funding Decisions

Metropolitan Council — Tuesday, January 20, 2026
BodyNashville, Tennessee
SessionMetropolitan Council
DateTuesday, January 20, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:19:59

Transcript — Verbatim
1:39

And I would like to welcome everyone to the Metropolitan Council.

1:43

Happy New Year to you all, and I want to open this meeting by acknowledging that this meeting is being held on the unceded stolen land of the Cherokee Shiny and Yuchi people, and remind you that no one is illegal on stolen land that was built by stolen labor.

2:01

Before we start our announcement period presentations for today, uh, I do want to acknowledge that we do have the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta with us today for their third Delta Day at the Metropolitan City Council.

2:15

These are the members of the Nashville Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sority Incorporated and its Social Action Committee.

2:39

Thank you all for joining us today, and thank you all for your service.

2:49

Thank you so very much.

2:50

And our first uh resolution we have today is a resolution recognizing human trafficking awareness month by Council Member Gadd.

2:59

This is a rec resolution recognized in January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Nashville and Davidson County.

3:24

Councilmember Gay, you are recognized.

3:52

Whereas human trafficking is a high heinous act that involves the exploitation of adults and children for sex or labor and harms public safety and health.

5:00

And whereas the treatment court was formed in January 2016 as cherished hearts at the suggestion of assistant district attorneys Tammy Meade and Deb Smith, who returned to Nashville after a conference with the idea of starting a treatment court for justice involved survivors of human trafficking and whereas the program's strategic approach allows victims of sexual trauma to reduce the psychological harm of traditional court processes, connects participants with services and provides an opportunity for victims of sexual trauma to leave their exploiter and whereas Athena's Court, now presided over by Judge Anna L.

5:44

Escobar will celebrate his 10th anniversary on February 2026.

5:49

And it's fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize the treatment court for its decade of conscientious service to Nashville and David County.

5:58

And oh well that much happened.

6:02

Thank you.

6:05

Whereas Human Trafficking Awareness Month provides an opportunity to recognize the critical partnership, state and local governments, victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations, along with the role of all Nashville and Davison County residents to prevent and respond to these crimes and to serve victims and survivors.

6:27

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record.

6:35

It's recognizing January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Nashville and Davidson County and recognizing the 10th anniversary of Athena's Court and the Davidson Davidson County General Sessions Court.

6:52

This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption.

6:56

The welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

7:02

Well done, welcome.

7:06

Speaker Pro Tem, I would like to invite uh just for a moment, uh Judge Escobar and Amala Amanda Clellan from Thistle Farms to share just a brief word and then we'll gather for a photo and we'll appreciate our colleague for taking that photo.

7:20

So thank you so much to the Metro Council and especially for uh council lady uh Brenda Gadd and all of you for supporting us.

7:34

Um we are deeply grateful for your continued support of our treatment court and for taking the issue of human trafficking seriously.

7:42

Your commitment sends a powerful message that survivors matter and they deserve a real pathway to safety and independence.

7:51

I also want to thank my incredible staff and team that are all here.

7:56

Um they work around the clock 24-7 to ensure our participants feel supported, seen, and never alone.

8:04

Their dedication is the heart of Athena's court.

8:07

I especially want to thank Grace Gera, who applied for our current grant.

8:13

Because of her work, we've been able to hire this outstanding staff and team and provide our participants with the critical benefits that helps them take their first step forward into independent living.

8:26

And finally, I want to thank all our community partners for the last 10 years.

8:31

Your daily collaboration helps us maintain safety and support for our participants as they work towards stability and independence.

8:39

We could not do this work without you.

8:42

So thank you again for believing in this mission and the people we serve.

8:54

On behalf of Thistle Farms, we are grateful to the Metro Council for once again recognizing human trafficking awareness month.

9:01

It is an issue that is so often misunderstood, dramatized, and stigmatized, and can be perceived as a moral failing or a choice.

9:09

But as Thistle Farms founder Becca Stevens puts it, if you think prostitution was a choice, what do you think were the options?

9:17

That's because people are often trafficked by intimate partners and by their own family members.

9:23

They can be exploited by a trafficker taking advantage of someone who is vulnerable after experiencing a trauma.

9:29

And people can be trafficked as a result of food and housing insecurity and by the failure of the very systems that were meant to provide support and options in the first place.

9:40

Human trafficking is a community issue that demands a community response.

9:45

The Nashville I know and love is known for coming together during moments of crisis and disaster, so I know we can rise to the occasion and look out for one another in this too.

10:02

Thank you again.

10:05

Again, thank you so much.

10:07

And um, for anyone like to take a photo, we'll take a photo now, and I will also grab your proclamation copies.

10:15

Thank you so much, Councilmember Gayett.

10:16

We'll do a real quick photo.

10:18

We do have another resolution um uh immediately after do it like this, and then if you guys so much.

10:48

Thank you so much.

10:49

And next we have a resolution honoring the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center.

10:54

Uh, Council members Sorora and Alan, and this is a resolution recognizing the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center for its 25th anniversary.

11:04

Expired.

11:09

And council members, you are recognized.

11:15

Waiting for my honorees to come forward.

11:19

Here we go.

11:19

Well, I invite other council members to join us.

11:23

Whereas the conflict resolution center, NCRC, was founded as a volunteer organization by members of the Nashville Bar Association in 2000 to provide people with efficient, cheap, and stress-free access to justice and whereas since its founding, the NCRC has provided access to free and low-cost mediation for low-income residents, nonprofits, and small business owners of Nashville and Davidson County.

11:53

Through mediation, NCRC has helped their participants to retain control of their cases outcomes by creating realistic and sustainable solutions quickly and cost-effectively and whereas in its 25th year, NCRC continues to achieve results for their participants.

12:13

NCRC has managed a 73% agreement rate, serving 2,067 individuals through 1,134 hours of mediation.

12:22

The organization's dedication to the people of Nashville and Davidson County has resulted in 349 completed parenting cases, 229 completed civil cases, and 35 completed victim offender cases in 2025.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████27%
Public Safety█████████████████████████25%
Zoning and Land Use██████████████████████22%
Community Engagement██████6%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Affordable Housing████4%
Public Engagement███3%
Public Health██2%
Mental Health Awareness█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting - January 20, 2026

The Metropolitan Council convened on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Historic Metro Courthouse for its first regular meeting of the year. The meeting included approval of appointments, public comment, a rules change, public hearings on numerous zoning and land-use items, and divisive debate over several resolutions accepting state grant funds from the Nashville Downtown Partnership for police equipment. Key outcomes included the passage of a voluntary attainable housing incentive program, the adoption of a fence permit ordinance, and the final approval of the TPAC development agreement on the east bank.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the minutes of the December 16, 2025 meeting.
  • Confirmed appointments (F1-F6) with a voice vote, except for Campbell West (Arts Commission) which was voted separately with 2 noes and 4 abstentions.
  • Approved a consent agenda containing 36 resolutions and 6 ordinances on second and third reading, all by unanimous vote (36-0-0). Items included:
    • Lease amendments for Washington Square Building (RS2025-1689) and Joslin Sign (RS2026-1726)
    • Notary public elections (RS2026-1720)
    • Rivergate Mall economic impact plan amendment (RS2026-1721)
    • Grants for public health, police, and environmental programs (e.g., RS2026-1722, RS2026-1728, RS2026-1729, RS2026-1746, RS2026-1747)
    • Settlement approvals (RS2026-1724, RS2026-1737, RS2026-1758)
    • Intergovernmental agreements for signal maintenance (RS2026-1738) and Tusculum Road resurfacing (RS2026-1739)
    • Contracts for engineering services (BL2026-1206 through BL2026-1235)
    • Greenway conservation easements (BL2025-1157, BL2025-1158, BL2025-1191)
    • Official street and alley centerline layer adoption (BL2025-1159)
    • Water and sewer infrastructure acceptances (BL2025-1160, BL2025-1194)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Carline Dowell (District 31, NOAH) urged increased funding for the Barnes Fund for affordable housing, noting the Unified Housing Strategy recommended $55 million but only $16 million was allocated.
  • Paul Pleeman spoke in opposition to a rezoning at 0 West Campbell Road, citing policy conflicts and lack of acknowledgment from council members.
  • Iman Mened (Metro employee, NOAH) opposed the downtown public safety grant MOU (RS2025-1659), citing concerns about surveillance and militarization in the context of federal immigration enforcement.
  • Terry Ann O'Neill (NOAH) opposed the armored rescue vehicle purchase (RS2026-1734), arguing the grant skewed toward surveillance and militarized equipment over community safety investments.
  • Ashley Crownover (U.S. Army veteran) opposed the armored vehicle, stating it would militarize police and could be used against residents.
  • Lydia Yusuf opposed the surveillance and police equipment resolutions, highlighting the impact on immigrant communities and the lack of funding for arts and schools.
  • Macy Fluharty (Black Lions for Peace Solidarity Network) opposed the MOU and police militarization bills, citing the downtown partnership's failure to submit annual reports and its use of a shadow police force.
  • Michelle Flynn opposed the police equipment resolutions, warning that state legislation could allow the police department to be taken over by ICE and Homeland Security.
  • Loriani Rodriguez (District 27, NOAH) argued that surveillance undermines safety and freedom, and urged the council to reject fear-based policies.
  • Lisa LeClair (Greater Nashville Hospitality Association) spoke in support of the grant money, stating it is specific to downtown safety and cannot be used for other purposes, and that she trusts the police to use it lawfully.
  • Several other residents spoke during public hearings on specific items, including support for the beer permit exemption at 1824 Kitchen + Kocktails and opposition to the Glencliff Road rezoning (BL2025-1161/1162).

Discussion Items

  • Rules of Procedure Amendment (Rule 9.3): Council Member Evans-Segall moved to adopt a rule change allowing a single member to pull an item from first reading for the purpose of abstaining, resolving a conflict-of-interest issue. Approved by voice vote.
  • Voluntary Attainable Housing Incentive Program (BL2025-1008): Council Member Allen presented the ordinance, which creates a state-enabled program to offer density bonuses for developers who provide 10% of units at 80% AMI for 30 years in the RL zoning district. Passed second reading (voice vote, with 2 noes and 2 abstentions).
  • Fence Permit Ordinance (BL2025-1115): Council Member Vo sponsored a bill requiring permits for opaque fences. After debate, a late amendment was accepted to clarify that opaque means more than 50% solid. The bill passed second reading as amended by voice vote.
  • Police Equipment Resolutions: Four resolutions (RS2026-1733, RS2026-1734, RS2026-1735, RS2026-1736) accepting donations from the Nashville Downtown Partnership for police equipment (cameras, armored rescue vehicle, mobile command post, tactical support post) were heavily debated. Critics argued the funds would militarize police and could be used for immigration enforcement; supporters said the equipment is needed for special events and replaces aging items. The camera resolution (RS2026-1733) failed 15-20-3. The armored rescue vehicle (RS2026-1734) passed 19-16-2. The mobile command post (RS2026-1735) passed 20-14-3. The tactical support post (RS2026-1736) passed 18-14-4.
  • TPAC Development Agreement (BL2025-1150): Final reading of the ordinance authorizing the development of a performing arts facility on the east bank stadium campus. Passed third reading 28-2-1.
  • Zoning and Land-Use Items: Numerous bills on public hearing were passed on second reading or deferred. Deferrals included the Buchanan Street Commercial Compatibility Overlay (BL2025-1168/1169) to March 3, 2026, and the Green Hills Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (BL2025-1175/1176) to May 7, 2026. Several rezoning and specific plan ordinances were approved on second reading, including the Glencliff Road 80-unit multifamily development (BL2025-1161/1162) with 2 noes and 7 abstentions, and the Buena Vista mixed-use development (BL2025-1163/1164).
  • Charter Amendments (RS2024-559): Council Member Weiner moved to defer indefinitely, citing uncertainty about potential future charter revisions. Approved by voice vote.
  • Boring Company Resolution (RS2025-1712): Deferred automatically to the next meeting by committee recommendation.

Key Outcomes

  • Voluntary Attainable Housing Incentive Program (BL2025-1008): Passed second reading (voice vote, 2 no, 2 abstain).
  • Fence Permit Ordinance (BL2025-1115): Passed second reading as amended (voice vote).
  • Police Equipment Donations:
    • RS2026-1733 (cameras): Failed 15-20-3.
    • RS2026-1734 (armored rescue vehicle): Passed 19-16-2.
    • RS2026-1735 (mobile command post): Passed 20-14-3.
    • RS2026-1736 (tactical support post): Passed 18-14-4.
  • TPAC Development Agreement (BL2025-1150): Passed third reading 28-2-1.
  • Rule 9.3 Amendment: Approved, effective at the first meeting in March 2026.
  • Beer Permit Exemption (RS2026-1719): Adopted 32-0-0.
  • Meridian Barriers MOU (RS2026-1730): Adopted 36-0-1.
  • Violent Crime Intervention Fund Grants (RS2026-1731, RS2026-1732): Both adopted (36-0-1 and 36-1-0 respectively).
  • Safe Streets for All Grant Amendment (RS2026-1740): Adopted 34-0-0.
  • Charter Amendments (RS2024-559): Deferred indefinitely.
  • Numerous Zoning Bills: Approved on second reading, including BL2025-1100, BL2025-1116 (as substituted), BL2025-1132/1133, BL2025-1143/1144, BL2025-1147, BL2025-1161/1162, BL2025-1163/1164, BL2025-1165, BL2025-1166, BL2025-1167, BL2025-1170, BL2025-1171, BL2025-1172, BL2025-1173, BL2025-1174, BL2025-1177, BL2025-1178/1179 (as amended), BL2025-1180/1181, BL2025-1182/1183, BL2025-1184/1185, BL2025-1186, BL2025-1187, BL2025-1087.
  • Deferrals: BL2025-703/704 (to April 7, 2026), BL2025-1168/1169 (to March 3, 2026), BL2025-1175/1176 (to May 7, 2026), BL2025-1188 (to February 3, 2026), BL2025-1192 (to February 3, 2026).
  • Withdrawals: BL2025-1072 (sandwich board signs), BL2025-1145 (Meadow Road rezoning), BL2025-1063 (NDOT fee changes), RS2025-1659 (downtown public safety grant MOU), RS2026-1759 (charter study).
  • First Reading Items: All bills on introduction except BL2026-1195 (bar/nightclub removal from shopping centers) were approved collectively. BL2026-1195 passed first reading and was deferred to April 7, 2026 for second reading.

Meeting Transcript

And I would like to welcome everyone to the Metropolitan Council. Happy New Year to you all, and I want to open this meeting by acknowledging that this meeting is being held on the unceded stolen land of the Cherokee Shiny and Yuchi people, and remind you that no one is illegal on stolen land that was built by stolen labor. Before we start our announcement period presentations for today, uh, I do want to acknowledge that we do have the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta with us today for their third Delta Day at the Metropolitan City Council. These are the members of the Nashville Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sority Incorporated and its Social Action Committee. Thank you all for joining us today, and thank you all for your service. Thank you so very much. And our first uh resolution we have today is a resolution recognizing human trafficking awareness month by Council Member Gadd. This is a rec resolution recognized in January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Nashville and Davidson County. Councilmember Gay, you are recognized. Whereas human trafficking is a high heinous act that involves the exploitation of adults and children for sex or labor and harms public safety and health. And whereas the treatment court was formed in January 2016 as cherished hearts at the suggestion of assistant district attorneys Tammy Meade and Deb Smith, who returned to Nashville after a conference with the idea of starting a treatment court for justice involved survivors of human trafficking and whereas the program's strategic approach allows victims of sexual trauma to reduce the psychological harm of traditional court processes, connects participants with services and provides an opportunity for victims of sexual trauma to leave their exploiter and whereas Athena's Court, now presided over by Judge Anna L. Escobar will celebrate his 10th anniversary on February 2026. And it's fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize the treatment court for its decade of conscientious service to Nashville and David County. And oh well that much happened. Thank you. Whereas Human Trafficking Awareness Month provides an opportunity to recognize the critical partnership, state and local governments, victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations, along with the role of all Nashville and Davison County residents to prevent and respond to these crimes and to serve victims and survivors. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record. It's recognizing January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Nashville and Davidson County and recognizing the 10th anniversary of Athena's Court and the Davidson Davidson County General Sessions Court. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption. The welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it. Well done, welcome. Speaker Pro Tem, I would like to invite uh just for a moment, uh Judge Escobar and Amala Amanda Clellan from Thistle Farms to share just a brief word and then we'll gather for a photo and we'll appreciate our colleague for taking that photo. So thank you so much to the Metro Council and especially for uh council lady uh Brenda Gadd and all of you for supporting us. Um we are deeply grateful for your continued support of our treatment court and for taking the issue of human trafficking seriously. Your commitment sends a powerful message that survivors matter and they deserve a real pathway to safety and independence. I also want to thank my incredible staff and team that are all here. Um they work around the clock 24-7 to ensure our participants feel supported, seen, and never alone. Their dedication is the heart of Athena's court. I especially want to thank Grace Gera, who applied for our current grant. Because of her work, we've been able to hire this outstanding staff and team and provide our participants with the critical benefits that helps them take their first step forward into independent living. And finally, I want to thank all our community partners for the last 10 years. Your daily collaboration helps us maintain safety and support for our participants as they work towards stability and independence. We could not do this work without you. So thank you again for believing in this mission and the people we serve. On behalf of Thistle Farms, we are grateful to the Metro Council for once again recognizing human trafficking awareness month. It is an issue that is so often misunderstood, dramatized, and stigmatized, and can be perceived as a moral failing or a choice. But as Thistle Farms founder Becca Stevens puts it, if you think prostitution was a choice, what do you think were the options? That's because people are often trafficked by intimate partners and by their own family members. They can be exploited by a trafficker taking advantage of someone who is vulnerable after experiencing a trauma. And people can be trafficked as a result of food and housing insecurity and by the failure of the very systems that were meant to provide support and options in the first place. Human trafficking is a community issue that demands a community response. The Nashville I know and love is known for coming together during moments of crisis and disaster, so I know we can rise to the occasion and look out for one another in this too. Thank you again. Again, thank you so much. And um, for anyone like to take a photo, we'll take a photo now, and I will also grab your proclamation copies. Thank you so much, Councilmember Gayett. We'll do a real quick photo. We do have another resolution um uh immediately after do it like this, and then if you guys so much. Thank you so much. And next we have a resolution honoring the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com