Nashville Metro Council

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.