On January 25, Mayor Freddie O’Connell unveiled his 2024 Capital Spending Plan (CSP) that prioritizes investments in several key areas:
- Education: Schools represent the largest group of investments in the plan, which funds further work at Lakeview Elementary, Paragon Mills Elementary, Percy Priest Elementary, and invests $47 million in MNPS properties across the city. The plan also initiates solar installations at two schools which will lower costs and increase energy security.
- Neighborhoods: Investment in neighborhoods around the county far exceeds limited, early East Bank investment. The plan advances parks in areas that have chronically lacked great amenities and includes investments at Mill Ridge Park and the new Mariposa Park.
- Transit and transportation infrastructure: The CSP continues investment in neighborhood transit centers, traffic signal coordination, and a better bus fleet.
- · Metro facilities and equipment: Investment in Metro’s assets like fire stations, and a new Nashville Youth Center for Empowerment (replacing the current juvenile justice facility) allows the city to stay safe and plan for its future. The plan also expands Metro’s heavy fleet, ensuring reliable trash collection and snow removal capacity.
- · Customer service: Investment in systems that will enable Metro to respond quickly and accurately to the needs of Nashvillians. Plus, renovations to facilities such as libraries and public health.
- · Sustainability: Green solutions underlie most projects, including a waste diversion pilot as the city rebuilds 2nd Avenue.
- “This capital spending plan reflects my priorities that I laid out upon taking office. We are putting our money where our people are, in our neighborhoods, and taking more steps to ensure that Nashvillians know their government is responsive to their needs,” Mayor O’Connell said. “Our libraries, parks, schools, and roads are community assets that bring us together, enriching a shared pride we have in our home. I’m proud to take a big step toward our shared goals.”
Metro is in its best financial position in recent history. The city’s fund balances and bond ratings are strong, providing the foundation to address its many opportunities and challenges.
“The mayor’s proposed $514 million CSP demonstrates a commitment to investing across the city while living within our means. This plan provides for the replacement of aging assets and technology, as well as investing in new infrastructure, without changing our stable financial position,” said Metro Finance Director Kevin Crumbo.
Across nearly every department, the CSP chips away at ongoing and deferred maintenance, a key step to ensuring the city is well-prepared to keep up with its growth.
Mayor O’Connell is proposing a $10 million investment in sidewalks, a $4 million investment in neighborhood transit centers like the soon-to-open Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr. North Nashville Transit Center, and $2.5 million to coordinate traffic signals, so traffic flows better throughout the city.
“The proposed capital spending plan funding will allow for WeGo to continue advancing service expansion, bus stop upgrades, and transit center projects,” said Steve Bland, CEO of WeGo Public Transit. “These are key items, as identified in the nMotion plan, to better serve our community.”
