🚨 Nashville’s 911 troubles

🏰 May’s Best Events

We’ve got your guide to May on today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, from Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day and our favorite concerts this month. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏠 Nashville’s Unified Housing Strategy

Mayor O’Connell and the Planning Department’s Housing Division director have unveiled Nashville’s Unified Housing Strategy, a 200-page document outlining ways to tackle our housing problem. It lists seven housing strategies, implementation plans, and timelines. [The Tennessean]

• O’Connell will likely address these strategies at his State of Metro Address today at 10 a.m. [YouTube]
• Our discussion of Nashville’s housing crisis with a city planner [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

👩🏼‍💼 Chief of Staff Change

O’Connell’s chief of staff, Marjorie Pomeroy-Wallace, will likely change positions after the budget is passed in June. “We are constantly looking for opportunities to make sure that everybody is in the right role on this team,” O’Connell said. [Nashville Banner]

🚨 911 Employees Describe Unstable Work Conditions

Nashville’s 911 emergency dispatch employees have been reporting volatile work conditions, including a culture of intimidation and inconsistent management. Metro council members have also received an anonymous complaint, though members disagree on the best way to address the problem. [Nashville Banner]

It’s the magical month of May, and in Nashville that means enchanted castles, our Renaissance Festival, Star Wars, and much more. Here’s your guide to making the most out of May in Nashville.

⭐ May the 4th Be With You

Where are my Star Wars fans? Here are some May activities for you:

• Head to Ascend Amphitheater on May 4 for an epic night under the stars listening to the Nashville Symphony play highlights from the “Star Wars” movies.
• Attend the Adventure Science Center’s Family Star Wars Day, with Jedi training and Yoda and lightsaber crafts. Costumes are encouraged!
• If you want a 21+ event, check out the Adventure Science Center’s Way Late Play Date: Science Strikes Back on May 2, with a special planetarium show, a cantina serving ice-cold blue milk, and lightsaber fun.
• Really lean into the stars by attending a spring star-gazing party at the Warner Park Nature Center on May 3.

🏰 The Magical Month of May

• The Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Williamson County is every Saturday and Sunday in May, plus Memorial Day. Tour Castle Gwynn, cheer on jousters, meet Queen Elizabeth I, and laugh with jesters. Heads up: If you haven’t been in a while, alcohol is no longer served, and I’ve heard their dress code doesn’t allow for excessive cleavage! 😱
• Enchanted Castles at Cheekwood runs from May 1 through mid-August, with five locally-crafted castle play structures, like the Flower Fairy Palace and Wizard’s Watchtower. I could not be more excited! Here’s my guide to Cheekwood.

🍣 Asian American Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Here are some ways to support and celebrate our AAPI community.

• Check out The Second Pacific Family Art Show at Fido on May 3.
• The Nashville Sounds has an API Heritage Night on May 9, and Nashville SC on May 10.
• Head to Fait la Force Brewing for an API market on May 10.
• Hear local AAPI writers read their work at the Nashville AAPI Writers Showcase on May 17.
• The Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Arts Festival is May 24 at the Frist Art Museum.
• Eat at some of our favorite Asian restaurants: International Market (Thai), Kisser (Japanese), Sichuan Hot Pot & Asian Cuisine (Chinese), Vui’s Kitchen (Vietnamese), Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine, and Korea House.