Nashville Metro Council

Nashville Metro Council advanced a bill to restrict police drone use, requiring council approval and public hearings for routine operations. The proposal follows a recent case where a drone helped locate a mother and child, sparking debate over public safety and privacy. MNPD Chief John Drake opposes the bill, arguing it could hinder emergency responses, while supporters advocate for privacy protections.

Nashville’s Metro Council authorized using eminent domain to purchase land from DC Blox, halting its plan to build a data center near the Nashville Zoo. The move could cost taxpayers up to $37 million and may lead to legal disputes, as DC Blox previously paid $23 million for the property. Community opposition cited the zoo’s proximity, lack of community outreach by DC Blox, and non-compliant permits.

Nashville's Metro Council will vote on using eminent domain to block a data center near the Nashville Zoo and hold a public hearing on zoning changes for Vanderbilt University's 'innovation neighborhood.' The data center legislation has 14 sponsors and passed a second reading 27-3, while concerns about cost and legal challenges were raised.

Nashville Metro Council is considering a proposal to ban most right turns on red within the Urban Services District to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. The initiative, sponsored by Council Members Sandra Sepulveda and Ginny Welsch, is part of Nashville's Vision Zero program. Residents like Jen Swanlund support the change for safety, while others worry about traffic delays.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s administration filed a measure for Metro Council to consider a $368K federal grant to support the Nashville Strong Babies program. The program, run by the Metro Public Health Department, provides maternal and child health services from conception through 18 months of age and will be reviewed on Aug. 4.

Nashville's Metro Council passed its first data center regulations, including a moratorium on new permits until December 1, in response to public opposition against DC BLOX projects near the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University. The legislation imposes restrictions on facility size, energy use, noise, and fossil fuel generation, while the city may explore eminent domain to block DC BLOX's proposed development.

Nashville's Metro Council approved new data center regulations and a permit moratorium until Dec. 1, responding to public opposition. The legislation includes zoning rules for data centers, environmental restrictions, and a moratorium extension to allow further review. Mayor Freddie O’Connell's bill aims to use eminent domain for a DC Blox data center near the Nashville Zoo.

The Nashville Metro Council will vote on three data center bills during its July 21, 2026 meeting, including a moratorium on new permits and zoning regulations. Amendments to the legislation, which received strong public support, may add requirements for notice, distance from schools, and restrictions on power generation. The council will also consider Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s bill using eminent domain to acquire a property near the Nashville Zoo for a data center project.

A new bill in Nashville aims to increase transparency in 'AI price gouging,' a practice where retailers track online activity to set tailored prices. The bill is moving through the Metro Council for consideration.

Nashville's Metro Council will use a free, ticketed queuing system for public hearings on two data center bills at a July 7 meeting. The system aims to manage increased attendance as the council considers restrictions on data center construction, including a proposed ban on large facilities and a temporary moratorium. The legislation is linked to efforts to block a DC Blox data center near the Nashville Zoo.

Nashville's Metro Council voted to reduce the city's grocery tax by 0.5% starting July 1, saving the average family $72 annually. The tax cut, which lowers the local grocery tax to 2.25%, will cost the city $9 million, requiring budget adjustments for other services.

Nashville's Metro Council approved a $3.8 billion budget with a minor reduction in the local grocery tax and additional funding for programs like eviction counseling, homeless services, and affordable housing. The budget included $9 million in changes proposed by Budget and Finance Chair Kyonzté Toombs, though some councilmembers criticized the limited tax cut and urged more focus on property tax relief.

Nashville Metro Council is considering a substitute budget that allocates $23 million to the Barnes Housing Trust Fund for affordable housing and includes additional funding for eviction counseling, homeless services, fire department programs, and workforce development. The proposal reflects community feedback and aims to improve housing stability and quality of life, with examples like the Drakes Creek Cooperative highlighting the benefits of co-op housing models.