Metropolitan Council Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Historic Metro Courthouse. The meeting covered appointments, confirmations, public comments, a rule amendment, several resolutions, and numerous zoning ordinances on second and third reading. Key actions included approval of a sign code update, adoption of two Commercial Compatibility Overlay Districts on Buchanan Street, approval of a mixed-use development in Wedgewood-Houston, and deferral of a water bill credit ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of March 3, 2026.
• Confirmed 17 appointments to various boards and commissions (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Civil Service Commission, Board of Equalization, Planning Commission, Public Library Board, Traffic and Parking Commission) by unanimous voice vote.
• Approved a consent agenda containing numerous resolutions and ordinances on second and third reading, including grants, contracts, and zoning changes, with a vote of 31-0 (items removed: RS2026-1829, BL2025-1168, BL2025-1169, BL2026-1266, and others as noted).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Todd Horn (Ridgemont neighborhood) opposed item 77 (West Campbell Road development), stating 98% of the neighborhood is against the project due to lack of infrastructure studies and desired design changes.
• Paul Pleeman (speaking on item 77) addressed his ethics complaint against Councilmember Gamble, claiming false allegations of racism and public safety concerns; he urged the council to consider the impacts.
• Michael Lacey spoke in support of item 16 (homeless services funding), citing a case of a couple evicted from interim housing and questioning the Office of Homeless Services' practices.
• Michael Hodge (District 31) supported the Barnes Housing Trust Fund, noting that for every dollar from the fund, nonprofits generate nine additional dollars, and urging $30 million allocation.
• Elliot Perry (District 21) opposed items 57 and 58 (Buchanan Street overlays), arguing that pending state legislation (HB 1837) could provide compensation protections that would not apply retroactively, creating unfairness.
• Andrew O'Kiki requested a resolution against ICE cooperation, citing a recent case of a journalist allegedly abused by ICE.
• Valeria Lopez (business owner on Buchanan Street) asked for deferral of the overlays until after the state legislative session to avoid preemptive impact.

Discussion Items

• Rule 50 Amendment: A proposed amendment to election procedures for boards and commissions was deferred for one meeting after discussion. The substitute by Chair Cash would allow a two-thirds vote to postpone elections. Councilmembers Parker and Sepulveda raised concerns about maintaining review of recorded interviews.
• RS2026-1829 (Youth Villages grant): Approved 32-0 with one abstention (Kupin).
• RS2026-1832 (MOU with Vanderbilt for emergency medication dispensing): Approved 32-0 with one abstention (Bradford).
• RS2026-1833 (Data use agreement with TN Dept. of Health): Approved 33-0. Councilmember Welsh questioned whether fetal death data could be used for abortion tracking; administration clarified it is one-way data for health research.
• RS2026-1840 ($1.5M to Hospitality Hub of Memphis for interim housing): Approved 31-2 (Bradford and Welsch opposed). Councilmember Welsh expressed concerns about transparency from OHS; others praised the organization.
• RS2026-1846 (Music City Walk of Fame sign): Withdrawn by sponsor.
• BL2026-1255 (Sandwich board signs): Deferred one meeting by rule.
• BL2026-1295 (Community meeting requirements for leasing Metro property): Deferred one meeting by rule.
• BL2025-1148 (Sign code update): Passed third reading as substituted, 31-0.
• BL2025-1168 and BL2025-1169 (Buchanan Street Commercial Compatibility Overlay Districts): Both passed third reading with votes of 31-1 (Ellis no) and 1 abstention (Welsch). Welsch abstained citing insufficient information.
• BL2026-1248/1249 (Wedgewood-Houston mixed-use development SP): Passed third reading as amended, 31-0.
• BL2026-1266 (Murfreesboro Pike rezoning): Deferred one meeting at sponsor's request.
• BL2026-1291 (KIPP Nashville Global Mall redevelopment agreement): Passed third reading 30-1 (Bradford no) with one abstention (Lee).
• BL2026-1294 (Winter storm water/sewer credit): After extensive discussion, a motion to defer one meeting and re-refer to Budget and Finance Committee passed by voice vote. Councilmember Johnston proposed a substitute targeting relief via ARPA funds to MAC, but withdrew it after learning $930,000 was already allocated. The deferral motion carried.

Key Outcomes

• Confirmed 17 appointments to boards and commissions.
• Adopted RS2026-1827 (beer permit exemption for Sally's Stay Awhile) after public hearing.
• Approved consent agenda with 31-0 vote.
• Passed multiple resolutions and ordinances individually, including youth services grants, health department agreements, and zoning changes.
• Deferred Rule 50 amendment, BL2026-1255, BL2026-1295, BL2026-1266, and BL2026-1294.
• Withdrew RS2026-1846.
• Noted that $930,000 in ARPA funds is already allocated to Metro Action Commission for rent, mortgage, and utility assistance for storm-affected residents.