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One week prior to Mayor John Cooper’s announcement that he would not be running for reelection, Cooper dropped another big piece of news — the 2023 capital spending plan.
Unlike the capital improvements budget (think: a project wish list), the capital spending plan formally determines what infrastructure projects will be funded. It must first be approved by Metro Council.
We’re breaking down the $475 million plan, including what three investment areas will take top priority.
What’s going where?
💰 $155 million+ | Education initiatives, primarily MNPS
💰 $140 million+ | Public safety
💰 $97 million+ | Infrastructure and stormwater management
✏️ Public education
Where the money’s going
- $27 million directed to upgrades, repairs, and maintenance across MNPS
- Proposal to fully-fund three new elementary schools — Lakeview, Percy Priest, and Paragon Mills
🦺 Public safety
Where the money’s going
- $92 million toward Phase 1 of a new Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment, including a 24-hour assessment center, meeting rooms, and a safe exchange facility
- $11 million directed to a new fire department headquarters, Old Hickory barn for MNPD mounted patrol, new emergency personnel vehicles, and a gun range
🏗️ City infrastructure
Where the money’s going
- Nearly $79 million to NDOT — think: resurfacing projects, traffic calming, and Vision Zero initiatives
- $13.8 million to expand sidewalk construction
- $18.5 million for stormwater management