Nashville, Tennessee Leaders Contemplate on East Bank Development Authority

The city and state officials of Nashville, Tennessee are on their way to establish the new East Bank Development Authority (EBDA), that will oversee the development of the city’s new neighborhood around Nissan Stadium. The plan aims to transform the currently under-utilized region into a bustling haven of transportation and urban living.

Approval from The Tennessee General Assembly and Metro Council

The Tennessee General Assembly had already given the green light for the creation of the EBDA earlier this year. However, for actual realization, a supermajority of Nashville’s Metro Council must consent to the same legislation with a minimum of 27 votes. The upcoming reading of the legislation is poised to take place on Tuesday, July 16.

Integral Role of the East Bank Development Authority

The EBDA, once established, will have direct influence over critical decisions relating to the area’s development that surrounds the new Nissan Stadium. This includes all the land lying East Bank of the Cumberland River and extending across more than 300 acres towards Interstate 24. The new Authority will focus majorly on infrastructural expansion and development of Metro-owned East Bank land.

Despite the creation of this new Authority, Metro Nashville Sports Authority will continue to be in charge of the development and operations of Nissan Stadium. The primary function of EBDA is to foster the most productive development of the East Bank, thereby ensuring professional management of the project.

Similar Precedent Authorities in Metro Nashville

These types of metropolitan development authorities are not a novelty for Nashville. The city had previously charted similar initiatives for managing major city districts and venues like Bridgestone Arena, First Horizon Ballpark, Geodis Park, and Nissan Stadium. Taking a leaf from these precedents’ books, the EBDA will also have a board of directors and a salaried chief-executive officer.

Management of the East Bank Development Authority

The governance of the East Bank Development Authority will be in the hands of nine uncompensated voting members, with expertise in fields such as law, business, and community development. Out of these, five will be installed by the Nashville mayor’s office, two by the Metro Council, and the remaining two being state Senate and House of Representatives speakers or their appointed representatives.