Mayor Freddie O’Connell outlined his proposed $3.8 billion operating budget at the State of Metro on Thursday, May 1.
Here’s what could be in store for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1:
- Education: MNPS would receive 37% of the budget, a 13% increase from last year. Some of the funds will support college and career readiness, nurses in every school, and 23 new school resource officers.
- Housing: The budget earmarks $45 million for affordable housing and to launch the city’s new Unified Housing Strategy.
- Transit: As part of Choose How You Move, Nashvillians may see increased frequency on bus routes + WeGo Link and WeGo Access expansion. The budget also funds a 29-officer division focused on transit security.
- Safety: First responder agencies could see $49.6 million in new funding, with some directed toward improving fire response times and expanding EMS personnel.
- City services: The proposed budget calls for a new standalone Department of Waste Services.
- Taxes: O’Connell recommends a combined property tax rate of 2.814 (down from the 3.254 rate), though he said rising property values may result in higher tax bills for some homeowners.
What’s next? Metro Council will hold public hearings and departmental meetings before voting in June to approve, amend, or adopt a substitute budget — review how the process works.
