Mayor Freddie O'Connell submits $527 million Capital Spending Plan with continued investments in schools, parks, and transportation

Mayor Freddie O'Connell submitted his second Capital Spending Plan (CSP) to the Metro Council today which again prioritizes schools, parks, and other infrastructure important to Nashvillians' day-to-day lives.

The $527 million plan is the second CSP of O'Connell's tenure and reflects an investment amount on par with the administration's first CSP.

"Since taking office, we have prioritized investments in improving our quality of life by implementing the vision of how Nashville moves, works, and grows," said Mayor O'Connell. "Our neighbors overwhelmingly told us this month that they want a better transportation future, and the investments in this capital spending plan prepare us for the work to come from Choose How You Move. Also setting us up for a more successful future is a $98 million investment in Metro schools and our next generation of leaders. These investments are designed to improve quality of life for all of us."

The $527 million plan includes investments in:

• $103.6 million for infrastructure improvements to bridges, roadways, bikeways, sidewalks, signals, and safety:
  • $42.7 million for ongoing infrastructure maintenance across the county, including paving, bridges, sidewalks, and other critical system repairs.
  • Another $17.3 million that includes $6.8 million for safety initiatives like Vision Zero and traffic calming; $6 million for sidewalks in the Walk N Bike priority network; $4 million for bikeways in the Walk N Bike priority network; and $500,000 for the transportation management center and initial traffic signal upgrades.
    • The CSP funding supports projects not scheduled for dedicated funding through the Choose How You Move program and delivers on the mayor's promise to use annual funding to amplify needed transportation infrastructure work.
  • $33.5 million for foundational infrastructure improvements on the East Bank. Infrastructure costs on the East Bank are shared between Metro, development partner The Fallon Company, Oracle, the Tennessee Titans, and other stakeholders.
• $98.4 million for Metro Schools including:
  • $10 million for the first phase of Glencliff High School renovations.
  • $87 million for district-wide maintenance projects, allowing Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) to jump start work on a series of deferred maintenance projects. In addition, MNPS will install turf fields at more schools, and solar at Inglewood Elementary, Overton High School, and West End Middle School which will reduce ongoing energy costs to MNPS over the long-term.
• A $5 million investment in a new Hadley Park Library in North Nashville for design and initial construction.
• $27.8 million in investments in Metro Parks to improve facilities, increase accessibility, and address ongoing safety, maintenance, and energy efficiency needs, so more Nashvillians can access and enjoy Metro Parks facilities and feel safe in their local communities.

Mayor O'Connell's proposal makes strategic investments in neighborhoods while also bolstering Metro's day-to-day essential services and chipping away at needed maintenance and infrastructure, including $89 million in investments with General Services managed facilities, and in the city's fleet of vehicles, such as new firetrucks. Another $21 million for WeGo will, in part, fund the replacements of paratransit and transit vehicles. The CSP also invests $31 million in information technology upgrades and $12 million in the waste services department to lay the foundation for its work.

Meanwhile, solar installations at Metro Schools, The Fairgrounds Nashville, and Metro Parks properties provide a return on investment that benefits the city's financial standing long-term. Those installations begin to pay for themselves within the first three years and will provide savings to Metro in perpetuity.

Metro Finance is closely monitoring federal and state funding streams and broader economic changes for any downstream pressures on local governments.

"Many of our capital projects are connected to federal and state funding sources, including grants and cost-sharing arrangements, for education, transportation, and overall community development," said Director of Finance Kevin Crumbo. "It is our goal to ensure transparency and maintain a balance between advancing capital project priorities and safeguarding Metro's financial stability."

The city's fund balances and bond ratings are strong, providing the foundation to address its many opportunities and challenges.

The CSP now moves to the Metro Council for consideration and approval.