Mayor Freddie O'Connell and his administration in Nashville have been busy this last year, racking up achievements aimed at improving life in the Music City. "All the work we do is designed to make it easier for Nashvillians to stay in Nashville, thrive here, and connect deeply with the community we love," said O’Connell in a statement retrieved by Nashville's official website. This echoes a commitment to addressing the city's pressing needs across public safety, transportation, education, housing, and community support.
In terms of public safety, Nashville saw a decline in crime by more than 700 incidents and a five percent drop in violent crime. The city welcomed 107 new police officers to the force and handed out over 10,000 gun locks at Metro Public Health Centers in a bid to maintain this trajectory. The push for public safety seems to be yielding tangible benefits for its residents.
When it comes to transportation, the O’Connell administration celebrated the approval of the Choose How You Move initiative, with 66 percent voter support for dedicated public transportation funding. Nashville's Department of Transportation (NDOT) also played its part in city cleanup, collecting 145 tons of litter and filling more than 40,000 potholes, according to Nashville's official website.
Education and housing also saw significant developments. Metro Schools boasted their highest recorded graduation rate, while a new permanent supportive housing project, Strobel House, reached between 85%-90% occupancy. The focus on a robust educational pipeline and stable housing promises to undergird a healthier, more prosperous citizenry in the long haul. On top of these efforts, Nashville works to keep their neighborhoods connected and operational, with hubNashville attending to over 286,239 service requests, demonstrating a clear demand for municipal responsiveness and accountability.
Moreover, the administration has made strides in growth and assistance for Nashville's populace. The passage of a master development agreement promises a 99-year commitment to affordable housing, a necessary salve for the pressure of urban gentrification and displacement. In addition, the Catalyst Fund aims to shore up the city's existing housing. On the assistance front, MPHD’s Nashville Strong Babies program expanded countywide, offering support for families from pregnancy through early childhood, while TechTies provides valuable digital inclusion through access to technology and training.
"As we look ahead to 2025, we’ll continue to push for progress in several areas simultaneously," O'Connell stated, emphasizing future commitments to quality of life and affordability in Nashville, as per a report by Nashville's official website. With intentions to further develop the East Bank and commence projects under the Choose How You Move Program, along with enhancing housing options and community safety, the administration appears resolute in creating a thriving Nashville for all.
