Metropolitan Council - 2026-02-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Metropolitan Council meeting on February 17, 2026 focused heavily on winter storm recovery efforts following the January 2026 storm that caused the worst power outage in NES history. Council passed multiple resolutions including urging federal FEMA assistance for storm victims, supporting General Sessions Court's special eviction docket for storm-affected residents, and authorizing waiver of permit fees for storm-damaged property repairs. The council also approved a water bill credit for storm-affected users and recognized Lunar New Year 2026.
Key Decisions (16)
Resolution Urging Federal FEMA Assistance for Storm Victims
RS2026-1798 urging the President to approve federal individual assistance through FEMA for individuals affected by winter storm Fern. Sponsors: PrepT and Ewing.
Resolution Supporting General Sessions Court Eviction Docket
RS2026-1799 as substituted, supporting the General Sessions Court's special docket providing wraparound services for individuals facing eviction due to storm hardship. Changed from requesting eviction pause to supporting judges' existing special docket. Sponsors: Suara, Parker, Porterfield, and others.
Waiver of Permit Fees for Storm Damage Repairs
Late resolution authorizing waiver of certain permit fees for repair or rebuilding of property damaged as result of January 2026 winter storm. Sponsors: Toombs, Weiner, Huffman, Coopin, Allen.
Water Bill Credit for Storm-Affected Users
Late ordinance authorizing one-time bill credit to water and sewer users as result of January 2026 winter storm. Passed first reading. Sponsor: Toombs and GAD.
Civil Service Commission Grievance Process Update
RS2026-1783 as substituted requesting Metropolitan Civil Service Commission to update grievance procedures to allow electronic filing with read receipts and time stamps. Sponsor: Styles.
Nashville Public Library to Assume NCCAT Operations
BL2026-1253 amending Metro Code to allow Nashville Public Library to assume operations of Nashville Education Community And Arts Television Corporation (NCCAT). Passed second reading. Sponsors: Toombs, Vaux, Hill, Welch, Ewing, Soiree, Gamble, GAD.
Landscape Architects Permitted for Infill Development Plans
BL2026-1256 as amended permitting landscape architects to prepare and stamp plans for tier one and tier two residential infill development. Passed second reading. Sponsors: Evan Siegel and GAD.
Brick Church Pike Park Property Acceptance Amendment
BL2026-1204 as amended allowing Metro Board of Parks and Recreation to waive requirements for completion of specific improvements before accepting parcel at Brick Church Pike. Passed third reading. Sponsor: Toombs.
Public Housing Solutions Study Request
RS2026-1800 requesting Metropolitan Planning Department and MDHA to study and implement innovative public housing solutions for affordable housing. One meeting deferral by rule. Sponsors: Dreffel, Johnston, Nash, Gamble, Bradford, Allen.
Resolution to Terminate NES CEO
RS2026-1801 urging electric power board to terminate employment of Teresa Broyles Aplin as CEO of Nashville Electric Service. One meeting deferral. Sponsors: Benedict and Johnston.
Access Management Manual Implementation
BL2025-1147 amending access management sections to implement access management manual for safer streets. One meeting deferral on third reading. Sponsors: Toombs, Horton, Evan Siegel.
Employee Survey Requirements
BL2025-1114 as amended requiring departments, boards, and commissions to conduct annual employee surveys. One meeting deferral on second reading. Sponsors: Stiles, Evans, Ellis, Webb.
Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Requirements
BL2026-1254 requiring retailers using algorithmic pricing to disclose it to customers at checkout. One meeting deferral. Sponsors: Cortez, Harel, Bradford, GAD, Sepulveda.
Sandwich Board Signs in Public Right of Way
BL2026-1255 amending regulations for sandwich board signs in public right of way. Two meeting deferral. Sponsors: Huffman and Horton.
Resolution Honoring Walter Hunt Senior
RS2026-1802 honoring life and legacy of former council member Walter Hunt Senior. Rule 12.3 applied so all voting in affirmative listed as cosponsors. Sponsors: Gamble and others.
Lunar New Year 2026 Recognition
RS2026-1803 recognizing Lunar New Year 2026 and the year of the fire horse. Sponsors: Voe, Porterfield, GAD, Huffman, Evans, Benedict, Ewing, Allen, Weiner, Toombs, Lee, Swara Webb, Coopin.
Development Activity (1)
Fort Nagley Park Renewal
Phase one groundbreaking scheduled for Thursday February 19 at 11AM after many years of work
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
January 2026 winter storm caused worst power outage in NES history affecting over 200,000 people, with Metro mobilizing extensive recovery resources including $2M+ winter storm recovery fund.
Housing Demand
Council deferred resolution requesting study of innovative public housing solutions, indicating ongoing focus on affordable housing challenges using Faircloth Amendment allocations.
Sentiment
Council passed resolution supporting special eviction docket for storm-affected residents, reflecting concern about housing stability following natural disaster.
Infrastructure
Mayor announced Winter Storm Response Commission to assess response and make recommendations, with vice mayor and pro tem participating.