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Last week’s Budget Conversation investigated the way we fund public safety in our community. After this discussion with our six panelists, I was reminded that public safety comes in many forms, and from many different sources. That being said, each panelist had their own perspective on how we should be allocating our resources and where public safety measures should originate. However, one thing rang true for all our guests: Nashville needs a better mechanism through…
Read MoreLast week’s budget conversation was focused on an issue of great importance to me: our children. For the first time ever, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has a proposed budget that exceeds the $1 billion mark. That’s right, $1 billion. I was excited when the mayor announced at the state of metro that his proposed budget fully funds our schools. As someone who ran on fully funding our school, regardless of the zipcode, this is…
Read MoreFor last week’s Budget Conversation, I was joined by the Assessor or Property, Vivian Wilhoite, and SEIU Local 205’s Political Director, Jason Freeman. Together, we spoke about the reappraisal process and the implications of the referendum. Below are the main takeaways from our discussion. Breaking Down the Reappraisal Process WHAT IS REAPPRASIAL? Reappraisal is a four-year cycle required by the State Board of Equalization (SBOE) that serves to reestablish equity of property values. It is…
Read MoreLast Saturday, I kickstarted this year’s Budget Conversation series with help from Councilmember at Large Bob Mendes. Because it was our first conversation about the FY 22 budget, we stuck to explaining what is outlined in Mayor Cooper’s proposed budget, not what should be included. Below is a summary of our conversations. Highlights from the Mayor’s Budget GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE BUDGET: Without a doubt, the past year has been extremely challenging to navigate for…
Read MoreIt’s official! The metro council voted last Thursday, November 5th, 2020, to rename Fifth Avenue from Jefferson Street (North side), through Broadway/Downton and all the way to Nashville City Cemetery (South side) as Rep. John Lewis Way. Congressman John Lewis began his lifelong crusade for civil rights and civic justice in Nashville while a student at the American Baptist Theological Seminary and later at Fisk University. He was a leader in the historic lunch counter…
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