🛣️ Will I-24 displace South Nashville residents?

🛣️ New Toll Road to Pass Through South Nashville

Federal officials have approved the controversial I-24 Choices Lanes project, which will add toll lanes between Nashville and Murfreesboro. But this will have significant impacts for some South Nashville homeowners. [NewsChannel 5]

• The $5 billion state project will add two toll lanes in each direction over 26 miles. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Choice Lanes are price-managed lanes that can improve travel reliability and reduce congestion. [TDOT]
• The state, not the city, is driving the project, Metro Councilmember Ginny Welsch told NewsChannel 5, “This is not something that Nashville asked for. This is not something that Nashville feels like it needs.”
• TDOT has sent a “limited number” of letters to South Nashville residents whose properties may be affected. The contents of those letters have not been released. [WKRN]
• Community members and Metro councilmembers are concerned about the potential loss of dozens of homes and several businesses. CM Welsch is urging those who received letters to carefully consider their options before signing anything official.
• Construction is planned to begin in 2027, with an estimated completion of 2032, though final plans may change after a developer is selected.

👀 Nashville’s COO Resigns

Kristin Wilson, Nashville’s chief of operations and performance, has officially resigned, citing a need to “take a pause.” Former Mayor John Cooper hired Wilson in 2019, who in her role was responsible for managing all Metro departments and offices. She previously served as the deputy chief operating officer for the City of Atlanta. [Nashville Banner]

• In a statement to City Cast Nashville, Mayor O’Connell said, “I'm grateful to Kristin for her service to Metro over the last seven years. She has guided operations for two mayors, overseeing the city's response to some of our most profound tragedies and crises while also guiding us through a considerable era of growth in our city that impacted operations. Metro is better for her committed diligence.”
• Councilmember Ginny Welsch, a frequent critic of Wilson's work with the Offices of Emergency Management and Homeless Services, said in a statement to CCN, “While I wish Ms. Wilson the best in her next endeavors and appreciate much of her work, I think it is good that we will now have a chance to reset and address some of the issues that were negatively impacted by her role."

🚴 Another Hurdle in Opry Mills Greenway Funding

The project to facilitate walking and biking to the Opry Mills area is delayed due to a $5 million budget shortfall. On Monday night, Metro Parks said that despite previous grants and matched funds, the project is now more expensive due to design costs. Officials say they hope to begin work in the next 10 months, if the budget comes through. [WZTV]

• Plus: Does Metro Parks have the resources to implement its ambitious 10-year plan? [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

⚖️ Nashville Sues Trump Administration ... Again

Nashville filed a lawsuit in federal court Monday, suing the Trump administration over a Department of Homeland Security policy that withholds first-responder funding unless cities change their election procedures. These changes would include switching to hand-marked ballots. The city is arguing that this violates state authority and could jeopardize millions in emergency preparedness grants. [Nashville Banner]

🤓 Get Your Nashville History On This August

August is officially Nashville History Month, according to local historian Betsy Phillips! Today, she joins host Rachel Iacovone to explain why Nashville needs a history month and expand on her recent article for the Nashville Scene, sharing 10 weird and wonderful ways to explore our city’s history. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]