🤳 Are influencers hurting local small businesses?

🍪 The Cookies Influencers Can’t Get Enough of

Earlier this year, HiFi Cookies owner Sean Newsome posted a plea on social media for influencers to better understand the challenges small businesses face before reaching out to demand a collaboration. On today’s podcast, he’s giving us the lowdown on the problem, and telling us how he came to make some of the best cookies in Nashville. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏠 Property Reviews Lead To $54M in Adjustments

So far, Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite has adjusted the valuations of 49% of the 2,901 parcels Nashville property owners have requested her office reevaluate through an informal review. The reassessments have led to $54 million in adjustments, and lower property tax bills for some. [WPLN]

• Property owners have until June 26 to file a formal appeal of their assessments. [Assessor of Property]
• Check how much your property was assessed for here. [Assessor of Property]
• A lot of Nashville folks have been upset by the increase in the median value of their properties. Listen to our conversation with Wilhoite about how the assessment works, and how people can appeal. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

👮 MNPD Launches Drone Program

The Metro Nashville Police Department has launched its “Drone as First Responder” program in Madison this week. Police will use the three drones stationed on the roof of the Madison precinct for active investigations, missing persons cases, and major crashes. Some Madison residents say the technology will save lives, while others have privacy concerns. [WKRN]

• What do you think? Email me to let me know how you’d feel about MNPD using drone technology in your neighborhood.

🎥 Commission Cut in Proposed Budget

Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s proposed budget fails to include the city’s Office of Entertainment. The office was created in 2023, with advocates hoping it would help Nashville’s entertainment industry thrive. But the office struggled to get off the ground due to hiring difficulties. O’Connell said he had to make some tough decisions due to funding cuts. [Nashville Scene]

Welcome to your neighborhood bulletin board, where we keep you updated on upcoming community meetings we think you should know about, from chatting with councilmembers to discussing traffic solutions. Not sure what district you live in? Check here!

City-Wide

• The Metropolitan Action Commission is providing free breakfast and lunch to local kids from June 1 through the end of July. No documentation required. Here’s a full list of the 90 locations where meals are being served.
• Let councilmembers know how you would like taxpayer dollars allocated in this year’s budget at the June 2 Metro Council meeting. Make sure to bring these documents and follow public comment procedures.
• Many neighborhoods have community and street cleanups this month. Check the calendar to find out when and where.

Antioch

• On May 27, join Councilmember Antoinette Lee for a virtual District 33 community meeting about a proposed rezoning at 878 Preston Rd.
• Councilmember Deonté Harrell is hosting a virtual community meeting on May 28 to discuss the proposed rezoning at 4414 Maxwell Rd.

Bellevue

• Drop off recycling at Bellevue Middle School from 8 a.m. to noon on June 6.

East Nashville

• On June 3, attend a virtual Greenwood Avenue traffic calming meeting.

Hermitage

• District 14 Councilmember Jordan Huffman is holding office hours from 8-9 a.m. at Flour Your Dreams Bakery & Cafe on June 6.

Madison

• Join a virtual traffic calming meeting for Moorewood Drive on June 9.

North Nashville

• Give input on the Jefferson Street Corridor Study at two virtual meetings on June 4 and June 9.

Richland-West End

• Join District 24 Councilmember Brenda Gadd for a second virtual traffic calming meeting regarding Estes Road on June 3.

South Nashville

• On May 27, Councilmember Terry Vo invites District 17 residents to a community meeting regarding development at the intersection of 3rd Avenue South and Mildred Shute Avenue.