02.16.2024

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Today’s Forecast

62º | 94% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:33 a.m. | Sunset 5:29 p.m.

🚍 Nashville is entering its public transit era

Transit referendum to appear on Nashville’s November ballot

Three purple WeGo busses are parked in an empty lot downtown with the Downtown Nashville skyline in the background and clear skies.

Metro is putting a new transit plan in drive for the Nov. 5 election. | Photo via WeGo Public Transit

The wheels are turning to implement a plan aimed at improving Nashville’s public transit by way of new tax revenue. Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced yesterday that local transit funding is expected to appear on the November ballot.

Specifics surrounding transportation projects and the price tag associated with them are forthcoming, likely by March, but this step is the first in the city’s campaign to support its Choose How You Move initiative. Citywide transit improvements were a key focus of Mayor O’Connell’s campaign for office in 2023.

Let’s backpedal a bit

To ensure ballot inclusion, Metro has a few requirements that must be met by August 22. On the checklist is public input (that’s where you come in), in addition to preparation and approval of the financing plan, some of which is dependent on outside parties.

Funding could come from an increase in a combination of local option sales tax, including business, motor vehicle, and hotel occupancy, among others.

Does this feel familiar?

You might remember a similar transit referendum in 2018, which was ultimately rejected with 64% of voters opposing the proposal. Following the vote, critics suggested that officials moved too quickly and didn’t allow for enough public input, ultimately dooming the $5.4 billion plan.

So, what makes 2024’s plan different? Without more details, it’s hard to say yet. However, the 2018 Let’s Move Nashville proposal focused largely on light rails and called for less than the suggested funding recommended for bus service. Previously, Mayor O’Connell mentioned a future transit plan could include funding and improvements for sidewalks, the bus system and transit centers, and service to the airport.

Additionally, plan details will be crafted using WeGo and NDOT’s master mobility study, as well as other citywide and regional plans like NashvilleNext and Connect Downtown.

Asked

Which infrastructure improvements that aid in transit are most important to you?

A. Sidewalks and crosswalks
B. Bus systems and transit centers
C. Commuter rail service
D. Biking and protected lanes

Tell us how you move

Events

Friday, Feb. 16

Silent Disco Emo Night | Friday, Feb. 16 | 7-11 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing, 810 Division St. | $18 | Expect three channels all night, including 2000s era emo and pop-punk, pop, and hip-hop bangers.
Dine Nashville: The Music City Way | Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, March 3 | Times vary | Locations vary | Cost of purchase | Experience Nashville’s diverse food scene through collaborative chef experiences, cocktail specials, Restaurant Week, and deals and discounts.*

Saturday, Feb. 17

Nature’s Journalists | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 1-3 p.m. | Warner Park Nature Center, 7311 Hwy. 100 | Free | Learn how to create a nature journal as you observe the happenings around the park — registration required.
Unleashed: Dinner with your Dog | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 6 p.m. | Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, 2100 West End Ave. | $150+ | Treat your pup to dinner and a runway show at the 15th annual fundraiser for Nashville Humane Association.

Sunday, Feb. 18

Craft Cocktail Workshop | Sunday, Feb. 18 | 2:30 p.m. | Standard Proof Whiskey Co., 219 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | $47 | A one-hour, hands-on mixology experience where you’ll be immersed in the art of crafting and creating the classic espresso martini.

Monday, Feb. 19

Girls Rock Nashville II | Monday, Feb. 19 | 8 p.m. | The Basement, 1604 8th Ave. S. | $10 | An evening of performances by Abby K, Ultraviolet, Brittany Ray, Bella On Bass, and Jane & The Killer Queens.

Tuesday, Feb. 20

Steak & Oyster Night | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 5-10 p.m. | Supper Club on Belcourt, 2000 Belcourt Ave. | Cost of purchase | This dining spot hosts an evening featuring specials on oysters, steak, and wine every Tuesday.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Closed

Downtown rooftop bar Layer Cake has “temporarily closed” this week according to Google. A pop-up message on the business’s website says the team looks forward to sharing “exciting updates on its future” as soon as they can.

List

More congratulations are in store for 12 South’s Locust. Last month, Trevor Moran was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast. Now, the restaurant has landed on USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year roundup. Of note is a changing, yet reliable menu and fun atmosphere.

Edu

Metro Nashville Public Schools ranked among the top in the nation for post-pandemic academic recovery, according to a scorecard by Harvard and Stanford universities. The system was third for math and sixth for reading growth out of the top 100 districts from 2022 to 2023. (The Tennessean)

Sports

Nashville SC has another new player on board. The club signed forward Woobens Pacius through 2025 with options to extend into 2026 and 2027. The 22-year-old joins the team following three seasons with Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League.

Announced

The Williamson County Fair’s 20th anniversary season will take place from Aug. 2 through Aug. 10 at the Ag Expo Park. In other fair news, a round of applause is in order. The event received international and statewide recognition for excellence across multiple categories.

Concert

Let’s Get Loud. Jennifer Lopez is bringing her “This Is Me... Now” tour to Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, Aug. 22. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 23.

Development

You’ll find yourself in This Bar soon

Morgan Wallen to open This Bar in Downtown Nashville

A close up of multiple neon bar signs on Broadway on the exterior of buildings.

Morgan Wallen’s This Bar will have its own neon soon enough. | Photo by Drew Hays via Unsplash

Morgan Wallen is the latest country star, following closely on the heels of Eric Church and Luke Combs, to announce an artist-branded development on Lower Broadway — 107 4th Ave. N.

The six-story bar, restaurant, and live music concept called This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen will pay tribute to his Volunteer State roots and offer plenty of features to raise your whiskey glasses to when it opens this summer:

Six bars and three live music stages
An open-air rooftop
Photos and memorabilia from Wallen’s childhood and career
A food menu featuring southern classics + Wallen family favorites

Stay tuned for an exact opening date and follow This Bar on Instagram for even more updates.

The Buy

The Buy 2.16.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Cute, matte black shower shelves that stick to your shower wall + give you way more room to store products. Our favorite feature: The shelves are 100% rust-proof, meaning they’ll last over time and allow for easy cleaning.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Skylar

From the editor

Good news for all of you who shop our e-commerce site, Six & Main. Nashville brand COCO CADEAUX just launched a website, and its in-home candle making parties are live. Plus, stay tuned — ticketed socials at The Factory at Franklin space are coming soon.

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