NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — As Nashville grapples with rapid growth, top concerns for Nashvillians include transportation and affordable housing. According to a newly released study from Imagine Nashville, a group of local stakeholders hoping to better the community, a majority of Nashvillians believe growth is making things worse.
72% of Nashvillians see “a growing divide between rich and poor,” and 72% believe “leaders in Nashville are investing too much money in the wrong things” rather than “the people that live here.”
Traffic congestion, lack of affordable housing, and public transportation are emerging as critical concerns through online surveys and interviews from Imagine Nashville.
“We’ve been trying to build an agenda that leans into that, that is focused on reducing household costs of transportation,” says Mayor Freddie O’Connell, “constantly adding to an affordable housing toolkit, which we’ve done multiple times this year with continued investments in the Barnes Housing Trust Fund, setting up a Catalyst Fund for the first time.”
FOX 17 News brought these issues to O’Connell on Thursday, who met with entrepreneurs to discuss his $3.1 billion transportation plan, set to appear on the November ballot.
“You can save on gas, ” O’Connell argues. “If you can save a little bit on how much you’re putting into that cost of car, pay to park, and you get to shave that cost off your week a little bit. It has a big impact on rent.”
The mayor’s plan prioritizes public transit with new centers and extended WeGo service hours. It also aims to enhance 86 miles of sidewalks and upgrade 600 traffic signals. Funding will come from federal grants, debt, and a 0.5% sales tax increase.
“I think the mayor and his team have put together a really thoughtful approach that balances how this is paid for,” says entrepreneurDan Hogan. He supports the transportation plan, not everyone shares his enthusiasm.
FOX 17 News asked, “Some don’t want a tax increase like this. Not everyone rides the bus or consistently walks and bikes around, so how do you sell this multi-billion dollar plan to critics?”
The mayor responded saying, “The reality is if the only thing you’re gonna consider is whether or not you pay an extra quarter on every $50 you spend, you should probably vote no.”
The mayor says you should vote yes if you want your family to walk around safely.
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