Nashville Appoints Robert L. James, Jr. to Lead Innovation Team for Sustainable City Initiative

Nashville Welcomes New Leadership for Innovation Team Focused on Sustainable Futures

Nashville has some exciting news on the horizon! The city has recently appointed Robert L. James, Jr. as the head of its Innovation Team (i-team), a pivotal role within the ambitious Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative. This initiative stands at the intersection of climate action and racial wealth equity, aiming to build transformative programs that promise a brighter, more equitable future for all Nashville residents.

A Background to Build Upon

James isn’t just a name on a resume. He brings a wealth of experience and education to the table, having graduated from both Alabama A&M University and Vanderbilt University Law School. His previous roles, including serving as the assistant director in TennCare’s strategic planning and innovation department and working in the Office of General Counsel at Meharry, provide him with a strong foundation to make meaningful changes in Nashville.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his confidence in James’s abilities, stating, “Robert James’ background has created the right blend of expertise to help us create a better future together.” The mayor emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to create healthier and safer communities, addressing long-standing inequities through the lens of sustainability.

What’s in Store with the Bloomberg Initiative?

The Bloomberg initiative is a three-year program designed to fund the hiring of James and two additional team members. Together, they will work closely with historically disadvantaged communities, encouraging active resident engagement and involvement throughout the design process of new programs. This approach sets the stage for ambitious programs that aim to mobilize investment and build a strong foundation for equity and sustainability in Nashville.

James expressed his excitement about his new role, stating, “I am tremendously excited to work with the Mayor’s Office and direct the Nashville i-team’s work on the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative.” He passionately outlined his vision: a collaborative effort with residents, community organizations, fellow city colleagues, and other stakeholders to co-create solutions that not only tackle climate challenges but also ensure equitable outcomes.

Focus on Clean Energy and Community Engagement

One of the notable proposals in Nashville’s grant application highlights a plan to develop a residential clean energy initiative. This initiative aims not only to improve access to clean energy but also to train and upskill Nashville’s Black communities for jobs and business ownership within the clean energy sector.

This suggests that James and his team won’t just be seeking input from the community; they will actively engage community members in the design processes. The aim is to empower residents, ensuring they have a real stake in how projects unfold in their neighborhoods.

The innovation team is also poised to tackle the energy burden faced by renters and homeowners in specific areas of Nashville, particularly in North Nashville, Bordeaux, and Southeast Nashville. By utilizing the talents and resources within these communities, the initiative could significantly improve living conditions and overall well-being.

A New Journey Begins

Robert James officially started his role with the city on Monday, September 9, and the buzz around Nashville is palpable. With a mission to improve the lives of residents through innovative climate solutions and increased equity, it’s clear that Nashville is on an exciting path. We can’t wait to see how these initiatives unfold and what positive changes they will bring to the community.

What’s evident is that Nashville is committed to building a future that aligns with the values of sustainability and equity, making sure that every resident has a voice and a stake in their community’s future.