Council Member Burkley Allen Metro Update

[Allen, Burkley (Council Member)]

METRO COUNCIL UPDATE

June 2026

 

EVENTS

 

The Metro Budget has officially been proposed for FY2027.  There are two parts – the Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) and the Operating Budget.  These will be on public hearing at the council meeting Tuesday, June 2.  The certified tax rate of  $2.814/ $100 will also be on the agenda.   Anyone can speak for up to two minutes on any of these three items. 

The Capital Improvements Budget, Bill BL2026-1380 is essentially a “wish list” of all the items that any department or council member has asked to be constructed in the next five years. These are long term expenditures on physical structures that are expected to last at least 10 years and cost more than $50,000.   Items have to be included in the CIB to get funded, but this legislation does not actually allocate any money.  That happens later in the year through the Mayor’s  Capital Spending Plan.  Details of the CIB can be found at

https://www.nashville.gov/departments/planning/long-range-planning/capital-improvements .    The CIB will be voted on by the council at an adjourned meeting on June 9.

 

 BL2026-1377, the operating budget, was filed by the Mayor’s Office after holding hearings with all the Metro Departments about what they needed to provide basic services for the city.  Because revenue is expected to be generally flat in the upcoming year, each department has been asked to reduce their spending by 1.5%.  The proposed budget is $3.85 billion which includes the $1.4 billion school budget and generally maintains existing city services.  The property tax rate remains at 2.814.  Grocery sales tax is reduced by a half cent. The budget incorporates updates to the employee pay plans.  These changes include a 1.7% across the board increase to all employees, and 2% step or merit increases to all eligible employees.  The budget continues new funding made possible by the transit referendum for Choose How You Move (CHYM) improving traffic signalization for cars and buses, improving bus stops, building more  bike lanes, and ensuring all infrastructure is in good repair. This accelerates WeGo’s Better Bus plan to run buses more frequently and later into the night.   The full operating budget can be reviewed at https://www.nashville.gov/departments/finance/management-and-budget/citizens-guide-budget . The council will hold a public hearing at our meeting on June 2.  The Mayor’s proposed budget is traditionally substituted with a Council version developed by the Budget Chair in collaboration with the Budget and Finance Committee members.  This substitute process is currently under way based on Council department hearings and public input.  Because Metro is required by charter to have a balanced budget,  increases in one area will have to be accompanied by a reduction somewhere else.  By charter the council must pass some version of the operating budget by June 30, or the mayor’s budget will stand as proposed.  The council is on schedule to pass a substitute budget at our June 16 meeting.  Information on the whole budget process is available on the Metro Finance website at https://www.nashville.gov/departments/finance/management-and-budget/citizens-guide-budget and on the Metro YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/metronashville

 

 

Metro Trustee Erica S. Gilmore invites residents, faith leaders, and community partners to join her at her 4th Annual Faith Leaders Walk on Tuesday, June 9, for a 30-minute walk celebrating Nashville’s diverse faith communities. Over the last three years, friends from the Islamic Center, Catholic Charities, Nashville’s Protestant churches, and our Jewish community have joined the walk.

This year Participants will meet outside the Hillsboro Village Kroger, located at 2201 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212. The 30-minute walk will begin at 11:00 a.m. The Faith Leaders Walk follows Trustee Gilmore’s 4th Annual Diane Nash Commemorative March as the second installment in her Walks with the Trustee series.

Participants can register through the Metropolitan Trustee’s website, nashville.gov/trustee.

Urban Green Lab is hosting a Free Workshop on Living Sustainably in Nashville

 

People who are ready to save money, cut waste, and feel better about their everyday choices  can  join a fun, practical workshop on June 6th, for simple ideas that fit real life in Nashville. Participants will explore easy swaps for shopping, cooking, and daily routines, connect with others who care about making a difference, and leave with tips to start using the very same day. No pressure. No judgment. Just doable steps toward a healthier home and community.  June 6 - 10:00–11:30 AM CST.  Sign up on the Urban Green Lab website.  https://urbangreenlab.org/event/complimentary-training-living-sustainably-in-nashville-jun6/?sm_guid=OTczOTUyfDg0NjkxMzY5fC0xfGJ1cmtsZXkuYWxsZW5AbmFzaHZpbGxlLmdvdnw4NzI2MzgyfHwwfDB8MzE3MTI1MDczfDIzMjB8MHwwfHwxODAyNTkwfDA1

 

 

County General Elections and State and Federal Primary Elections will take place Thursday August 6.  Early Voting begins July 17.  County offices that are on the ballot include Public Defender, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, Trustee, School Board, several judge position, and County Clerk. Most of these are uncontested.  State positions include Governor, Tennessee State Senate, and Tennessee House of Representatives. 

 Federal positions include US Senate, US House of Representatives Districts 4,6, and 7.  Because of the recent redistricting of the congressional districts, the information on the Davidson County Election Commission Site is not reflective of the newly drawn maps, and a number of candidates are shown in districts that may change if legal challenges are not successful.   Voters will need to check the Davidson County Election Commission website https://www.nashville.gov/departments/elections/services/find-2026-election-information   before early voting states to see what district their address is in and who is running in that district.  State and federal general elections will be November 3.  More information is available on the Davidson County Election Commission website.   https://www.nashville.gov/departments/elections/services/find-2026-election-information

 

ISSUES

 

 

Metro Water Services (MWS) has issued its annual Consumer Confidence Report showing how the quality of Nashville’s drinking water compares to required health standards.  There is a wealth of information on where our drinking water comes from, how it is treated before it comes to each home, and what is measured to ensure that it is always safe and healthy.  This year’s report includes information on PFAS, a class of “forever” plastics that has become a new concern because of its prevalence and persistence.  MWS has been testing pro-actively since 2015.  The latest tests in 2023 found no reportable levels.  There is also information preventing  lead from home piping from leaching into drinking water.  Read the full report on the MWS website.  https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/2025_Consumer_Confidence_Report-FINAL.pdf

 

 

NES will begin sending letters to customers with past-due accounts beginning in June.  After the January ice storm, both NES and Metro Water instituted policies to work with customers who experienced financial hardship because of the storm and provided extended flexibility to catch up on bill payments. Since January 28, NES has implemented temporary recovery measures, including waiving late fees and suspending disconnections for nonpayment. Four months later, it is expected that customers have recovered from the storm’s effects and can return to timely bill payments.  NES communications address payment support, the transition back to standard policies in July, and aim to keep everyone informed about what’s ahead.

 

 As NES prepares to resume normal operations, their goal is to ensure customers are aware of the change and the support available to them. NES remains fully committed to assisting customers individually. NES will be offering payment arrangements, providing details about community assistance programs, and connecting people with resources to help manage their bills and reduce energy use.

To get help with bills, customers can  call or visit NES at 615-736-6900, Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to midnight; Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. or come in person  to the Customer Lobby, 1214 Church Street, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Community assistance programs may also be able to pay part of the bill for customers who  qualify. Some programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early matters. Programs can be found at www.neshelps.com .

 

 

Metro Parks Music and Creative Parks Nashville, with the support of Centennial Park Conservancy, are excited to return to the Centennial Park Event Shelter this summer for the 2026 Big Band Dance Series.  The community is invited to dance and listen to over a dozen local swing and jazz Big Bands from June 13th to August 15th. Free dance lessons will be provided at 7:00pm. Dance styles covered include Rhumba, Cha-Cha, Swing, Waltz, Foxtrot, and Two-Step. The band show times start at 7:30pm.  This is great for dancers from 1 to 99 years old.

Locations will alternate between the Parthenon Ellipse and the Centennial Arts Center.  Bring a picnic or visit the vendors. There will be water and food trucks available. Find information here https://www.conservancyonline.com/events/bigbanddances

Metro Parks also hosts the Full Moon Pickin’ Party bluegrass music series at Percy Warner Park during the summer. Admission fees benefit Friends of Warner Park.  In addition to a full line up of main stage blue grass entertainment, impromptu pickin’ circles pop up all around the perimeter.  Bring banjo, fiddle, or guitar and take advantage of the chance to play with many of Nashville’s great blue grass musicians.  Grab supper from a large selection of food trucks including the Loveless Café, Hurt’s Hot Chicken, Lolly Gourmet Pops, and Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream.   The series runs June 5(rescheduled due to rain), June 26,  July 24, August 14, and September 25. Gates open at 5:30 and the music plays till 10.   Buy tickets on-line ahead  at https://warnerparks.org/event/full-moon-pickin-party-july-2026/  .

 

 

The Nashville Transit Citizen Leadership Academy is gearing up for another informative session.  The TCLA is an eight-session program on regional transit issues led by industry experts and leading professionals. Participants synthesize vital information through presentations, panels, discussions, homework, and reports. Industry-leading experts lead compelling and fact-based conversations and give participants the knowledge and tools to become thought and policy leaders on the vital role of transit in the region today and into the future.

TCLA participants learn about the following:

• the process of funding transit and infrastructure;
• the impact transit has on our economy, health, environment, and equity;
• the responsibilities of local, state, and federal players;
• the importance of regional, corridor, and other studies and plans; as well as 
• the emerging mass transit options that can address our mobility needs today and well into the future.

Registration for TCLA is now open through June 10.  Class sessions are held Wednesdays, 4-6:30 PM, August 11 through October 7. Classes are in-person in Downtown Nashville, with some being experiential–meaning students WILL be riding the bus and the train.  More information is available at https://www.thetransitalliance.org/transit-citizen-leadership-academy .

 

 

 

 

 

Brush pick-up begins for

Area 5 (Antioch, Cane Ridge, Paragon Mills)  on June 5

Area 6 (Brentwood, Crieve Hall, Grassmere, Abbay Hall, Sidco, WeHo)  on June 16

Area 7 (Edgehill, 12th South, Battlemont, Green Hills) on June 25.

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

 

Trash and recycling will not be picked up on Juneteenth (June 19) because it is a Metro  holiday.  Instead it will be picked up on the Monday before the holiday, June 15.  All other day pick-ups will be on their regular day..

 

 

 

 

 

Openings on Metro Boards and Commissions.  Metro has over 75 boards and commissions that help the government operate and interpret regulations fairly.  These are composed of volunteer citizens with interest or expertise in the particular subject.  Board members are nominated by the mayor or vice-mayor and confirmed by the Metro Council.  When current members’ terms expire, and they decide not to continue, there is the opportunity to add new members to the board.   Terms are expiring, and spots may be opening up on the Electric Power  Board, Fire and Building Codes Board, Regional HIV Planning Council, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Historical Commission, Short Term Rental Appeals Board, and Contract and Compliance Board.   Anyone who is interested in serving can fill out a nomination form at the bottom of the web page for the specific board https://www.nashville.gov/boards

 

Summer is mosquito season.   In addition to making you itch, mosquitos can also transmit disease, so it is good for your health to try to avoid them.  To effectively control mosquitoes, it's crucial to understand their life cycle, as each stage presents a unique opportunity for intervention. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, and regularly emptying out any water standing in flower pots, gutters, or  toys  and keeping bird baths clean, can eliminate options for reproducing.  Mosquito larvicides like “dunks” use a natural microbe known as BTi to stop mosquitoes before they mature into adults.   Putting dunks in bird baths or a “bucket of doom” can control mosquitoes naturally without harming bees, bugs, or butterflies.  Find out how to create your own mosquito bait and kill station at  https://sidewalknature.com/2022/05/08/mosquito-bucket-of-doom/

 

 

Happy Summer and Happy Palindrome Days (6/2/26 and 6/22/26, and 6/26/26)!.  Kids can learn to learn math in the summer, too.   Let me know what is on your mind at burkle...@nashville.gov or 615-383-6604.  Sign up for my newsletter at burkley.org.

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