Council Member Burkley Allen April Update

[Allen, Burkley (Council Member)]

Happy Spring to HWEN and  BHN!

Early Voting starts on April 15 for County Primary Elections, School Board Elections, and some unexpired judge positions.  County offices that are on the ballot include Public Defender, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, Trustee, and County Clerk. The only contested positions are Circuit Court Clerk, and  County Clerk (where people get car tags, business licenses, marriage licenses, etc).  Candidates for County Clerk are Sharon Hurt, Pam Murray, and Freda Player. 

School board races are for even numbered districts only.  Only two are contested.  District 4 (the Donelson Hermitage area) has two candidates Jennifer Bell and incumbent Berthena Nabaa-McKinney.  District 6 (Antioch area) has three candidates Fran Bush, incumbent Cheryl Mayes, and Mary Bernice Polk

While judge elections take place every eight years, there are several unexpired terms to fill in different courts.  Circuit Court Division III has three candidates Audrey Anderson, incumbent Bethany Glandorf, and Corletra Mance.  Circuit Courts of Davidson County serve as the primary trial courts for civil cases. They handle a broad range of matters including contract disputes, civil tort claims, workers’compensation, domestic relations, condemnation proceedings, and estate administration.  Division III is specifically designated to see domestic relations cases.  Circuit Court Clerk is also up for election.  The clerk administers all the divisions of the circuit court. There are two candidates for Circuit Court Clerk, incumbent Joseph Day, and Howard Jones.

Criminal Court Division III in Nashville handles felony cases and misdemeanor appeals.  There are three candidates for Criminal Court Judge Division III, Dawn Deaner, Ronald Dowdy, and incumbent Jim Todd.

The General Sessions Court hears civil, misdemeanor, felony, traffic, environmental, and Metro ordinance violations. This Court is served by eleven judges that are elected to an eight-year term. There are a number of specialty courts including domestic violence, eviction, mental health, environmental, and  addiction. There are two candidates for General Sessions Division VI, incumbent Jodie Bell and Michael Robinson. 

There are informative interviews with most candidates in recent issues of the Tennesseean and the Nashville Banner.  Because this is a primary, voters will need to specify which primary they are voting in. For this election, there are NO candidates for any position listed in the Republican primary.  A voter does not currently have to officially belong to a party to vote in either primary. Voters who want to vote for county officials, school board members, and judges, will therefore need to ask for the Democratic primary.  The general election in August will include the winners of this primary.

April 25 is the last day to request an absentee ballot, and  early voting ends  April 30.  Early voting locations have changed in some areas. The Green Hills Library is closed for renovation.  This election’s locations are:

 

Election Day is May 5. On election day, voters have to go to their assigned precinct.  A few voting day locations have changed.  Voters assigned to 1-4, 3-1, 13-4, 15-3, and 16-3 will vote at  NEW locations, which  can be found on the Davidson County Election Commission website.  https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/Election_Day_Voting_Location_Changes_Beginning_May_5_2026_County_Primary_Election.pdf?ct=1774560462  The general election for those county positions is combined with the state and federal primary on August 6. Finally state and federal general elections are November 3.  More information is available on the Davidson County Election Commission website.   https://www.nashville.gov/departments/elections/services/find-2026-election-information

 

The Property Assessment appeal process is underway. By law, the 2025 Mass Reappraisal values were based on 2024 real estate market activity and reflect the opinion of what a property would have sold for as of January 1, 2025, as if placed on the open market. Property owners who disagree with that value can ask for an informal review at http://www.padctn.org/review-appeal/informal-review-request/  .   The Property Assessor can prorate taxes for residents and businesses that are out of their homes or offices for more than 30 days due to natural disasters.    The deadline for informal appeal is April 17. Informal Review decisions will be mailed by mid-May.   If your Informal Review decision results in a change of property value, it is important that you be aware that it will not affect your 2026 tax billing, but will be effective for the 2027 assessment year. There are also further appeals options at the formal and state level.  Property owners with  questions can call the Property Assessor’s office at (615) 862-6080 or visit padctn.org . 

 

 

Regular scheduled Brush Pick-up  is being suspended until storm related pick-up is complete.  County-wide residential storm-related vegetation debris collections are ongoing. Residents are encouraged to continue placing their vegetation debris at the curb for collection. Metro does not collect brush on private streets or in satellite/self incorporated cities such as Forrest Hills, Berry Hill, and Belle Meade. Residents of those areas should contact their city officials for the services available.

• Residents are asked to place all vegetation out for collection by the end of the day on Sunday, April 19. Collections will continue in the weeks after April 19.
• There are currently no size guidelines for storm-related vegetation brush piles, but piles should not block utility infrastructure, culverts, storm drains, or drainage ditches, fire hydrants, sidewalks, bike lanes, or travel lanes.
• NDOT is suspending regular residential brush collection services until further notice.

 

IF it does resume later in April, here is what should be coming up. 

Area 11 (Joelton, Whites Creek, Marrowbone, Scottsboro, Bells Bend, Bordeaux, Haynes Heights, Haynes Manor ) on April 16

Area 12 Goodlettsville, Dalemere, Bellshire on April 21

Area 1   West Madison, Capital View, Douglas Park, Cleveland Park, McFerrin Park, Highland Heights          on April 28

 

A map and schedule are available at  https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/2025-2026_BrushFlyer.pdf?ct=1748025359

 

April is Transit Month.  WeGo is inviting everyone to ride transit each week and to join them at the end of the month on May 1 for the 12th Annual Ticket to Ride. Hop on at the Downtown Station at 4 pm for a FREE ride aboard the WeGo Star Train to Donelson Station, then join WeGo at Party Fowl on Lebanon Pike for complimentary appetizers, great conversation, and a chance to connect.

April is Earth Month, and all kinds of activities are taking place through the month to increase awareness of the amazing planet that houses and nurtures us. 

The Cumberland River Compact is thrilled to be leading Nashville’s No Mow Month https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/event/no-mow-month-2026/ campaign for its third year. Throughout April, Davidson County residents are encouraged to refrain from mowing their lawns to preserve local ecosystems and mitigate stormwater. Allowing grass to grow taller reduces stormwater runoff and fosters healthier habitats for wildlife. At no cost, participants in No Mow Month will receive a distinctive yard sign to display their commitment to environmental stewardship throughout April. The Compact is partnering with Metro Nashville on this initiative, so residents who display a yard sign and make sure their grass remains under 12” tall will not be subject to relevant code violations.  The partnership is a joint effort to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of traditional lawn care practices. Traditionally manicured lawns generate more stormwater runoff when it rains. This runoff carries pollutants like pet waste, fertilizers, and motor oil into nearby waterways. By letting grass grow taller, homeowners allow it to establish deeper root systems which break up the soil, allow more water to be absorbed, and filter pollutants before they reach our creeks and streams.

The mission of the Cumberland River Compact is to enhance the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and its tributaries through education, collaboration, and action. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, please visit https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/.

 

 

International Dark Skies Week is April 13-20.  This is an opportunity to reduce unnecessary lighting to help migratory birds navigate better, to save energy, and to bring back the night sky.  Look for star parties and activities in local parks and the Adventure Science Center. The Barnard Seyfert Astronomical Society (BSAS) and  Beaman Park Nature Center  https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/nature-centers-and-natural-areas/beaman-park-nature-center   and BSAS are  hosting a star party on May 3. Interested neighbors can learn about constellations, see cool astronomical phenomena (like the moons of Jupiter) through telescopes, and learn about how light pollution affects bird migration this time of year.  

All Metro Parks Nature Centers have great educational programs this time of year. From springwildflower to birdwatching to organic gardening, there is something for everyone and all ages.  More information is available at   https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/nature-centers-and-natural-areas.  

 

Metro Parks offers a variety of free and low cost music, theater, dance, enrichment, and sports camps during the summer.  The Summer Enrichment Program for 2026 begins June 3. Sign-ups for the very popular Summer Enrichment Program begin April 11  at all neighborhood and regional community centers. Programs fill up quickly.  Information about regional centers is here. https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/community-centers-and-recreation/summer-program-registration

 

The St. Jude Rock and Roll Marathon is taking place Saturday, April 25 starting at 7:20 at Broadway and 8th Avenue.  The event benefits St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.   Multiple distances are included so everyone can participate. Choose from Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1 mile.  Register at  https://www.runrocknroll.com/nashville-register . The route is similar to past years, going out Music Row,  12th South, Clifton, Belmont, the Gulch, Rosa Parks, Metro Center, Woodland St S 5th,Davidson St, Shelby Park, finishing at Nissan Stadium.  Information about street closings is at https://www.runrocknroll.com/community-impact .  Runners can buy a shuttle ticket with their registration to be picked up ahead of time.  taking the official Old Town Trolley shuttle. The shuttle will pick them up from Opry Mills Mall (North Lot between Gaylord Opryland and Regal Cinema), Holiday Inn Vanderbilt, Airport Center, Sheraton Music City Airport or Loews Vanderbilt, take them to the start of the race and return them to their original location after the race.   WeGo Public Transit will run the Music City Star to transport runners and supporters from Wilson County and Donelson to the marathon.  The train to the marathon is a collaborative effort between WeGo, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Wilson County. All ticket proceeds will benefit St. Jude. Tickets cost $15 plus a $2 processing fee and may be purchased with a credit card through TicketsNashville.com.    https://www.wegotransit.com/community/upcoming/Tickets will be on sale until 24 hours prior to departure or until tickets are sold out, whichever comes first. The train will depart Lebanon Station at 5 am, stopping at others along the way and arrive at the Riverfront Station at 6 am.  The return train to Lebanon leaves Riverfront Station at 12:30. Please note, the return trip is subject to change if inclement weather causes a delay to the start of the marathon.

 

 

The Metropolitan Action Commission has paid work experiences, internships, and peer leader opportunities available for Davidson County youth between the ages of 14-22 years old. 

The deadline to apply is April 24.  The agency’s POWER Youth Summer Employment initiative partners with employers within Metro Government, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations to provide seasonal, part-time, year-round and career preparation experiences.  To access the portal, applicants should go to https://www.nashville.gov/departments/metro-action/power-youth.  The youth summer opportunities are coordinated by age-appropriate groupings.      

• Ages 14-15. Experience Work participants make $12 per hour while working on art or community development projects.
• Ages 16-19. High School Interns make $15 per hour work independently at private, public, non-profit, and university job sites, and receive pre-program training and coaching to ensure they have the skills needed on the job.
• Ages 14-22. Direct Hire opportunities with local businesses are posted on the site for all ages up to 22.

All positions, except for the year-round positions, will begin June 1 and end July 17. Applicants must have a Davidson County address to be eligible for the POWER Youth Summer Employment program.   For questions regarding the POWER Youth Summer Employment programs or how to apply, call 615-862-8860  or visit https://www.nashville.gov/departments/metro-action/power-youth 

 

General Sessions Judge Lynda Jones is accepting summer internship applications from high school students who have an interest in legal careers   Parking and lunches are provided for 2 weeks while students are exposed to both criminal and civil litigation. Please call 615-880-3672 for an application. The deadline for submission is April 30.

 

Metro has over 70 Boards and Commissions that help implement the goals and policies of the Metro Departments.  These are made up of citizens from all over the county who bring their diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure good decision making.  Board members are appointed by the mayor or vice-mayor and approved by the Metro Council.  The Mayor’s Office is always looking for good people to serve.  The Farmer’s Market Board, Historic Zoning Commission, Transit Authority, Entertainment Commission, and Parks Board  have terms ending in May and June that might present opportunities for new members. Anyone who is interested in being considered can look through the different Boards and Commissions pages at https://www.nashville.gov/boardslist   and sign up through the application link at the bottom of each page.

Let me know what's on your mind.

Burkley

Burkley Allen
Metro Council At-Large

615-383-6604

Council Committees - Budget and Finance - Past Chair

                               Planning, Zoning, and Historic- Past Chair

                               Transportation and Infrastructure - Solid Waste Subcommittee Chair

Barnes Housing Trust Fund Commission

Sustainability Commission

Tax Abatement Study Committee - Chair

Women's Caucus - Past Chair