What happened at the Metro Council: first-ever pre-budget public comment period, Community Oversight Board License Plate Reader bill passes 3rd reading.

 

by @startleseasily, The Nashville Scene, March 17, 2022 - Tuesday’s meeting included the first-ever pre-budget public comment period, the last-minute brainchild of CM At-Large Burkley Allen, who currently serves as the council’s Budget and Finance Committee chair. It was capped at two hours, ... Since we don’t actually have a proposed budget on which to comment, this was more of an open-mic night. ... Housing vibes were high on the list, with multiple speakers and organizations requesting that Nashville do more to support its most vulnerable residents — instead of spending time negotiating sports deals ... Education vibes also got top billing. 

CM Mendes’ bill to ensure that the Community Oversight Board has the same kind of LPR access as the district attorney and public defender — to ensure the COB is able to investigate complaints of misuse or abuse of LPRs — passed on third and final reading Tuesday night. (read more)

Nashville residents call for next budget to prioritize affordable housing and raises

The Tennessean, March 17, 2022 -Nashville residents and advocacy groups took advantage of a first-of-its-kind opportunity Tuesday night to voice their priorities for the city before the budget is released. 

Metro Council members heard remarks from more than 25 people and organizations during the two-hour comment period, with most asking for the next budget to prioritize affordable housing, cost-of-living wage increases, food insecurity, public infrastructure and support for Nashville General Hospital. (read more)

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