Courtney Johnston

Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston criticized the dismissal of three traffic citation dockets in Davidson County, stating the dismissals stem from Metro Legal no longer staffing the court sessions. Johnston argued the dismissals hinder Metro Nashville Police's traffic enforcement and contradict Nashville's Vision Zero initiative aimed at improving road safety. She urged Metro Legal and Judge Robin Kimbrough Hayes to resolve the issue to prevent further dismissals.

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.

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.

The Metro Board of Ethical Conduct found Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston violated two ethical rules by failing to disclose her volunteer board position with Music City Children’s Museum and by conduct that could create an appearance of undue influence. The board issued a warning instead of a more severe punishment after Johnston updated her disclosure and resigned from the museum board.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell plans to use eminent domain to block a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo, citing community and zoo supporter concerns. DC BLOX, the company behind the project, claims the facility will address community concerns and will proceed despite new restrictions. The Nashville Zoo supports the mayor's move, calling it a 'huge win' for families.

Metro Councilwoman Courtney Johnston received a written warning for two ethics violations related to undisclosed board membership and voting on a zoning change for a potential museum location. The Metro Board of Ethical Conduct found she failed to disclose her role on the Music City Children’s Museum board and deliberated on a zoning request tied to the museum's interests.

The Nashville Metro Planning Commission recommended two data center bills, one establishing zoning rules and another imposing a moratorium on new permits until regulations are set. The bills face community opposition, particularly regarding proposed data centers near the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University, and will undergo further council review in July.

Metro Council in Nashville is considering two proposals to stop a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. Council Member Rollin Horton's zoning bill would restrict data center size, location, and operations, while Council Member Courtney Johnston's moratorium would pause all data center construction until new regulations are passed. The project by Atlanta-based DC Blox faces legal delays and potential regulatory changes.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell supports a temporary moratorium on large data centers while legislation is developed, aligning with Councilmember Courtney Johnston’s proposal. Two council bills—one for a moratorium and another for permanent zoning—remain pending. Activists criticize the mayor’s executive order as insufficient, arguing it lacks enforceable measures.

Tennessee communities are enacting moratoriums on new data centers amid construction booms and public backlash. Nashville's Metro Council is considering a temporary ban to update zoning laws, following protests against a zoo-adjacent project by DC BLOX, while the state promotes data center incentives.