Metropolitan Council - 2026-02-03
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Metropolitan Council meeting on February 3, 2026 was dominated by discussion of Winter Storm Fern's aftermath, with over 13,000 residents still without power on day 10. Council heard extensive pre-budget public comment advocating for $30 million Barnes Affordable Housing Trust Fund funding, $9 million for eviction right to counsel programs, and rental assistance. The council passed an ordinance establishing a voluntary attainable housing incentive program for multifamily developments and adopted a resolution recognizing Metro employees for storm response efforts.
Key Decisions (9)
Voluntary Attainable Housing Incentive Program
Ordinance BL2025-1008 establishing incentives for property owners building multifamily attainable housing with income restrictions for residents earning 80-100% of area median income. Applies only in RL District starting April. Passed 31-2 with 2 abstentions.
Fence Permit Requirements
Ordinance BL2025-1115 amending Metro Code chapters 16.04 and 16.24 to require permits for permanent fences constructed in Nashville and Davidson County. Sponsored by Vaux, Welsh, and Benedict. Passed 30-5.
Metro Employee Storm Response Recognition
Resolution 2026-1784 recognizing Metropolitan government employees for extraordinary efforts during January 2026 inclement weather. Substituted version passed with rule 12.3 applied adding all affirmative voters as cosponsors.
Muslim American Heritage Month Recognition
Resolution 2026-1786 recognizing January 2026 as Muslim American Heritage Month in Nashville and Davidson County. Sponsored by Suara and multiple cosponsors.
Waste Services Surveillance Technology
Resolution 2026-1766 authorizing Waste Services Department to utilize surveillance technology (cameras on garbage truck arms) for fleet vehicles under cooperative master agreement with RouteWare Inc. Budget and Finance voted 10-0, Transportation and Infrastructure voted 7-0.
Liberty University Affiliation Agreement
Ordinance BL2026-1199 for affiliation agreement between Liberty University LLC and Metro Government through Office of Family Safety for social work student field experience. Failed on second reading with 12 in favor, 18 against, 5 abstentions.
Boring Company Tunnel Opposition Resolution
Resolution 2025-1712 opposing The Boring Company's proposed tunnels, condemning lack of transparency and community engagement. Deferred two meetings; special Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting scheduled for February 19 at 4:30 PM.
Access Management Manual Implementation
Ordinance BL2025-1147 amending access management sections of Metro Code to implement access management manual for safer streets. Planning and Zoning voted to defer one meeting 9-0-0.
Buena Vista Pike Mixed Use Rezoning
Ordinance BL2025-1163 and companion BL2025-1164 to rezone 5.29 acres at Buena Vista Pike and Cliff Drive from R8 to SP for mixed use development. Deferred two meetings by Planning and Zoning 9-0-0.
Zoning Changes (1)
2130, 2132A, 2138A, 2138B, 2138C, 2140, 2142 Buena Vista Pike and 3005A, 3005B, 3007, 3009 Cliff Drive
Not specified
Development Activity (2)
Buena Vista Pike Mixed Use Development
5.29 acres at southwest corner of Buena Vista Pike and Cliff Drive, rezoning from R8 to SP for mixed use development with building material restrictions
Pathway Housing Fund Acquisition
First two properties acquired with $30 million private sector funding for affordable housing preservation
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
January 2026 saw 1,350 eviction filings, a 56% increase from January 2025, with 109 landlords filing 183 evictions during the ice storm period alone.
Housing Demand
Habitat for Humanity received 5,000 applications within 15 minutes of opening applications for 12 homes in Antioch, crashing their system.
Housing Demand
Nashville needs approximately 20,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years according to the Unified Housing Strategy, with particular need for households under $32,000 income.
Infrastructure
Winter Storm Fern caused over 200,000 households to lose power with 13,330 still without power on day 10; over 900 water main breaks occurred across the city after ice melted.
Sentiment
Multiple speakers called for rent moratorium and expressed concern that infrastructure is inadequate to support continued rapid development and population growth.
Housing Demand
Nashville has approximately 20,000 units renting for less than $1,000/month but 50,000 households that cannot afford more than $1,000/month rent.