The Tennessee State & Federal Primary, County General, and Oak Hill Municipal Election will be on August 6, 2026. Early voting runs from July 17 - August 1. Redistricting has changed many of Tennessee's congressional races. The Tennessean has helpful information on the candidates running from Congress.

As we wrap up another League year, I'm incredibly proud of everything we've accomplished together. This year has been filled with meaningful conversations, voter education efforts, advocacy, and opportunities to connect with our community. None of that happens without members who are willing to give their time and talents to this work, and I'm grateful to everyone who helped make this such a successful year for the League.

With elections around the corner and new opportunities to educate, advocate, and engage our community, there's a place for everyone to get involved. Whether you're volunteering at an event, helping register voters, attending a forum, or joining one of our issue committees, your participation makes a difference. Democracy depends on informed, engaged communities, and I'm looking forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead.

Join the League of Women Voters on July 2nd for a FREE webinar as we mark the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — and ask the questions that matter right now.

Our featured speaker is Danielle Allen, one of the nation's foremost voices on democracy and civic renewal, and a Harvard University Professor. She'll lead us in a thought-provoking conversation about whether the Declaration's core ideals — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — still have the power to guide us forward.

The Metro Nashville Planning Department recently launched an 18-month process to develop an Ecological Conservation Strategy for the city. The ECS will focus on balancing the ongoing growth in Nashville with conservation of important landscapes, ecosystems, and a sense of place that makes it unique. This is the first countywide conservation strategy since the 2011 Open Space Plan, and there will be opportunities throughout the process for the public to engage and provide input. You can stay up to date about the process by visiting the website or signing up for project updates.

Voting/ Elections
Resolution 1994 passed denouncing the Tennessee General Assembly for enacting a redistricting plan that divides and dilutes congressional representation for Memphis and Shelby County residents. One councilperson abstained. The rest voted yes.

A spokesperson for Tennessee Senate Republicans said lawmakers are likely to consider legislation to redraw Tennessee House of Representatives and Tennessee Senate districts during the next legislative session. This comes after Republican legislators redrew Tennessee's federal congressional districts in May, and rejected amendments to make repeal temporary of the Tennessee state law, which has since 1972 specifically prohibited maps from being redrawn outside of reapportionment after a census. TCA 2-16-102 Repeal was made permanent during the special session, despite proposed amendments to make it temporary.

Childcare
The version of the daycare bill, 1317, passed on 3rd and final reading. This bill increases access to affordable day care in Davidson County.

Metro Budget
Resolution, 1961, reducing the local sales tax on the sale of groceries was deferred to the 6/16 Metro Council Meeting so that it would track with the budget.

Tennessee’s top Republicans argue that the mayor’s proposal to provide $735,000 to the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) may violate the state’s strict immigration laws. In an emailed statement, the mayor’s office spokesperson, Julie Smith, said the funding is not new. “We've believed for years that helping people maintain or secure legal status is valuable and ensuring that people are on sure legal footing has historically had strong bipartisan support, and Metro has funded these services for years,” Smith’s statement reads. 

Council had an extra meeting on 6/9 to pass needed bills and resolutions for the city’s budget by the deadline.

Infrastructure
Resolution1801, urging the Electric Power Board to terminate the employment of Teresa Broyles-Aplin as CEO of Nashville Electric Service (NES), was deferred indefinitely without discussion,

Resolution 1954, expressing a lack of confidence in the performance and leadership of the Electric Power Board of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for its failures during Winter Storm Fern, was deferred indefinitely without discussion. 

Airport
On May 21, HB2507/SB2473, became law. This bill requires that the boards that run BNA, Memphis International Airport, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport and McGhee Tyson Airport be vacated. Republican state officials will replace them with six of their own appointees. The mayor in each respective city will be allowed to name three appointees. This bill takes effect on July 1. 

Metro Nashville Council passed a resolution opposing the state's attempted hostile takeover of the board. Metro attorney Wally Dietz drafted a sister version of that draft for the MNAA board, and the airport commissioners executed a resolution against the 2026 law. It also grants Metro Nashville permission to communicate that stance to federal officials. Specifically, Dietz wants the Federal Aviation Administration to step in and prevent the state takeover. Dietz plans to send both the Metro Council and MNAA resolutions to FAA officials and appeal to the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, which states that the FAA administrator has "sole legal authority to approve any change in the sponsorship of, or operational responsibility for," any non-private U.S. airport.

Environment
Resolution 1995 passed, urging NES and the Electric Power Board to  
implement a temporary moratorium on recently announced vegetation management changes. Several council members spoke about an increase in complaints. Tree crews are clear-cutting all vegetation within 15 feet of power lines, regardless of species, etc. Several council members read regulations from other cities that specify species of trees to be trimmed. The council wants NES to redefine its policy changes. At the Electric Power Board’s May 27 meeting, NES vice president of engineering Daniel Johnson told
board members doing so would come with a higher risk of vegetation-related outages. Stakeholder feedback has informed several changes to the new policy, like leaving as much vegetation underneath lines as possible and launching a dedicated customer support hotline.

Bill 1391, to add various new data center uses, and related definitions and conditions to the zoning code passed on first reading, and was referred to the planning commission. At the 6/11/26 planning commission meeting, staff recommended continued review of bill 1391 and deferred it to their next meeting on 6/25/26, after giving a summary of what's been discovered so far. The second Metro Council hearing will be during the 7/7/26 meeting. The second hearing is when public comments are heard. Citizens showed up to the 6/11 planning commission meeting, and 5 hours of public comments were heard. All but one comment, from a DC BLOX employee, was against building a data center next to the Zoo. 

Atlanta-based digital infrastructure company DC BLOX recently filed a building permit with Metro Nashville proposing a one-story, 10-megawatt, 69,220 sq. ft. data center at 648 Grassmere Park. Data centers are not currently defined in the Zoning Code. ZA is classified as “General Office.” Existing code does not distinguish between small server rooms and large-scale operations. Bill 1391 aims to amend the zoning code to include data centers and ensure appropriate siting and review based on size and infrastructure demands. Rick Schwartz, Nashville Zoo President and CEO, told news outlets the data center poses a particular threat to the zoo’s endangered clouded leopards, which are sensitive to mechanical noise.

On 6/9, a late-filed bill passed on first reading, an ordinance declaring a temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing, approval, and issuance of zoning, building, or grading permits for data center developments in Davidson County. There was one no vote.

General
1380 passed on third reading: Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) An ordinance adopting the 2026-2027 through 2031-2032 CIB for The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County as the official Capital Improvements Budget of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for Fiscal Year 26-27.

Resolution, 1963, approving the Fiscal Year 2027 Central Business Improvement District Budget failed by one vote on 6/2. The CBID functions through an extra tax paid by property owners in the district, along with an additional fee of 0.25 percent on certain retail transactions, to fund services like litter and trash removal, landscaping and safety patrols — all run via the Nashville Downtown Partnership. Twenty council members, a majority of those present at 6/2 Tuesday night’s meeting, voted in favor of the proposed CBID budget, but Metro law requires budget resolutions to receive 21 votes to pass. Eight council members voted against the proposal, and two abstained. The remaining 10 members were absent. It is likely the same budget proposal will be introduced at the council’s meeting on June 16. Council member Kupin says that because the budget failed by only one vote and 10 council members were absent from Tuesday’s meeting, he believes there is a good chance it will pass if considered again.

Travelers, the insurance company representing the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, has filed a lawsuit against the Nashville Downtown Partnership, Block by Block and SMS Holdings Corporation for $10 million in damages related to last summer’s fire in the Nashville Public Library garage downtown. The suit was filed on June 4. The lawsuit states that, as a result of the fire, Travelers will make insurance payments in excess of $10 million to
Metro. The suit alleges gross negligence and breach of contract by the Nashville Downtown Partnership. According to the suit, the partnership "changed the use of the property from a parking garage to a storage yard ... constructing an impermissible combustible storage shed within the property."

Men’s Health in Nashville: A Public Health Priority
When discussing public health, men’s health is an essential part of creating healthier families and stronger communities. In Nashville and throughout Tennessee, many men experience preventable
health challenges that are shaped not only by individual choices, but also by access to healthcare, economic stability, education, transportation, neighborhood conditions, and community support.

The State of Men’s Health
Men continue to face high rates of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers. Many men are less likely to take part in preventive healthcare visits, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and poorer health outcomes. Expanding access to affordable primary care, preventive screenings, and health education is still an important public health goal.

Mental Health and the Need to Break the Stigma
Mental health is a growing concern among men. Depression, anxiety, stress, social isolation, and substance use disorders often go unrecognized or untreated. Communities can support men by promoting mental health awareness, increasing access to behavioral health services, and fostering environments where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength.

Addressing Health Inequities
Not all Nashville residents experience the same opportunities for good health. Men in underserved communities, particularly those affected by poverty, limited healthcare access, and systemic barriers, may face greater risks for chronic disease and shorter life expectancy. Public health efforts must prioritize fair access to healthcare, nutritious foods, safe spaces for physical activity, and community-based support programs.

The Role of Civic Engagement
Public health extends beyond the doctor’s office. Local policies and community investments influence the conditions in which people live, work, and age. Voters can play a significant role by staying informed about public health issues, supporting evidence-based policies, and advocating for resources that improve health outcomes for all Nashvillians.

Moving Forward Together
Improving men’s health requires collaboration among healthcare institutions, public health agencies, policymakers, community organizations, and residents. By increasing awareness, addressing barriers to care, and promoting health equity, Nashville can build a future where every man can live a long, healthy, and productive life.

Public health is a community responsibility, and improving men’s health strengthens us all.

On Wednesday, September 9, at the Music City Center in Nashville, ThinkTennessee, will bring together state and local elected officials, policy experts, and business and nonprofit partners for a day of meaningful conversation on the issues shaping Tennessee’s future. 

Super Early Bird tickets are available now through the end of May and can be purchased through the link below.

Make plans to join the League of Women Voters of Hendersonville and Sumner County NAACP on Thursday, July 16, for a U.S. Congressional District 7 Candidate Forum. Hear directly from candidates seeking to represent the community and learn more about the issues impacting Sumner County.

On July 16, Sumner County NAACP and LWV of Sumner County will host a Commissioner and School Board Meet-and-Greet. This is an opportunity to meet the candidate running for office. Both events are open to the public.

Co-Presidents: Ophelia Doe and Kathryn Anderson

1st Vice Presidents: Karen Hernan and Ethel Detch

Secretary: Ethel Detch

Treasurer: Susan Mattson

Nominating Committee Members:

Betsy Walkup

Constance Caldwell

Hasina Mohyuddin

June Bond

Brenda Wynn

Portfolio Chairs

Communications: Yolonda Beech

Community Connections: Sabina Mohyuddin & Leona Edwards

Education: Dr. Patricia H. Brock and MaKenzie Mosby

Environment: Kelley Knott-Sandifer, Simone Chhut, Carynton Howard, and Catherine Price

Health Care/Public Health:  Harper-Grace Niedermeyer and Ashudee Kirk 

Membership: Dylan Schlesinger

Metro Government:  Pat McCauley

Voter Services: Sue Johnson

Williamson County Representative:  June Bond

Nominating Committee Chair: Senator Brenda Gilmore 

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS NASHVILLE
Box 158369, Nashville, Tennessee 37215

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CONTACT US

contact@lwvnashville.org

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