Tonight's Nashville's Agenda meeting had low turnout, but it was just the first step in what should be a very long dialog about the future of Nashville.
The group I helped facilitate discussed issues related to economic development, downtown development, and transportation. We had a diverse group in this small breakout session, and there were some great ideas that surfaced:
- Build a thoroughfare linking north Nashville to West End
- Economically develop Jefferson Street to better serve nearby residents and universities
- Promote Nashville's intellectual capital more
- Better market and promote existing public transportation options
- Offer a light rail system to all surrounding counties
- Offer a light rail system between downtown and the airport
- Support diversity in business within the city
There were lots of other terrific ideas as well. It truly is amazing when you get folks in a room to talk about how to improve the city they love. Other ideas that came up:
- Place defibrillators in Section 8 housing
- Develop a network of senior citizens concerned about their neighborhoods
- Come up with a strategy for law enforcement to address 'gang villages
- Build a park downtown
- Develop a fund for affordable housing initiatives
Your idea could be the next big thing, so consider taking a hour or so out of your day to come to a future meeting. Locations and dates are here.