Nashville’s “Choose How You Move” Plan Launches with Community Engagement
Nashville is buzzing with excitement this week as Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office unveiled a detailed timeline for the implementation of the city’s new transportation plan, aptly named “Choose How You Move.” This plan, which received an enthusiastic nod from voters during the recent election, promises to bring major changes to how residents get around town.
Key First Steps on the Horizon
The first order of business? Appointing a new chief program officer to help kick off this ambitious initiative. Mayor O’Connell emphasized at a Wednesday meeting that community engagement will remain a key focus throughout the rollout process. To aid in this engagement, an advisory committee will be formed, allowing residents to have a say in how the plan evolves over the coming years.
“Today we’ll get really moving on an issue that impacts us all, no matter where you live in the city or what you earn,” O’Connell shared with a sense of enthusiasm. He continued, “And we’re moving forward together. Thank you, Nashville, for your trust.”
Funding the Future of Transportation
How does Nashville plan to fund all this? The answer lies in a half-cent sales tax surcharge dedicated to Davidson County. This new tax will see the sales tax rate increase from 6.25% to 6.75% for groceries and up to 9.75% for other goods, set to take effect in February. While the full implementation timeline stretches across 15 years, improvements are expected to get underway as soon as next year!
Aims of the “Choose How You Move” Plan
So, what can Nashville residents expect to see first? O’Connell mentioned that initial efforts will likely focus on enhancing public transportation accessibility, particularly for the WeGo bus system. This includes creating a reduced fare program for low-income users to ensure that everyone has a chance to utilize the buses. There are also plans to improve the city’s sidewalk network and upgrade some traffic signals to make getting around safer and easier.
While the vision for a 24/7 WeGo service sounds fantastic, O’Connell did note that it may take longer to fully come to fruition. The transit authority will need time to hire new drivers and expand its fleet, but rest assured, steps are being taken to make it happen!
Transparency and Engagement are Paramount
Alongside the hiring of a chief program officer, the mayor’s office is also set to collaborate with Metro Council members to draft new legislation. This will outline how the city plans to keep its promise of ongoing communication and financial transparency during the implementation of this plan.
O’Connell assured that quarterly updates will be provided to several committees of Metro Council members to keep everyone in the loop. Additionally, there will be informational sessions with Metro’s procurement team for vendors interested in partnering with the city to bring this plan’s many facets to life.
A Step Towards Progress Together
The “Choose How You Move” transportation plan is more than just an exciting initiative; it’s a commitment to improving the daily lives of all Nashville residents. As we look forward to the changes coming our way, O’Connell’s emphasis on unity, community involvement, and transparency assures us that the journey ahead will be an inclusive one.
With our city gearing up for this transformative project, it’s clear that Nashville is not just talking about making improvements; it’s ready to take action. So, buckle up, Nashville—better transportation options are indeed on the horizon!
