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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

Axios Nashville Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Majority of residents say Nashville is "on the wrong track" after ice storm

That's a stark reversal from last year's Vanderbilt Poll.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Optimism in Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/04/optimism-right-direction-vanderbilt-poll" data-vars-content-id="284ea409-d087-4f99-803e-9e208b3ce827" data-vars-headline="Majority of residents say Nashville is &quot;on the wrong track&quot; after ice storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/04/optimism-right-direction-vanderbilt-poll" target="_self">Optimism in Nashville</a> cratered in a new Vanderbilt University poll released Thursday, with a majority of respondents saying the city is on the wrong track.Why it matters: Music City&#x27;s mood has soured in the aftermath of the devastating ice storm that left <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly half the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/25/nashville-electricity-power-outages-ice-storm" data-vars-content-id="284ea409-d087-4f99-803e-9e208b3ce827" data-vars-headline="Majority of residents say Nashville is &quot;on the wrong track&quot; after ice storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/01/25/nashville-electricity-power-outages-ice-storm" target="_self">nearly half the city</a> without power at its peak.<ul><li>Approval for city leaders sank in the following weeks, according to the poll results.</li></ul>

Analysis: Nashville could be in for a competitive mayor's race

Contradicting polling data gives a mixed sense of where things stand for Mayor O'Connell.

Politics

Four years ago at this time, a slate of serious candidates surveyed the political lay of the land in Nashville and decided to challenge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor John Cooper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/31/mayor-john-cooper-nashville-wont-seek-reelection" data-vars-content-id="0135be9f-d739-4d90-bf62-55618a3e7cb3" data-vars-headline="Analysis: Nashville could be in for a competitive mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/01/31/mayor-john-cooper-nashville-wont-seek-reelection" target="_self">Mayor John Cooper</a> for the city&#x27;s top job.Why it matters: There&#x27;s increasing chatter among Metro insiders that another hotly contested mayoral election could be coming in 2027.

82% of Nashvillians say they can't afford to buy a house in Nashville

A growing share of Nashvillians are pushing for progress on affordability.

Real Estate

The vast majority of people who live in Nashville say they can&#x27;t afford to buy a house in the city, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new poll from Vanderbilt University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/26/vanderbilt-poll-majority-nashville-wrong-track" data-vars-content-id="a165775d-23c4-467d-9764-bc192956e735" data-vars-headline="82% of Nashvillians say they can&#x27;t afford to buy a house in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/26/vanderbilt-poll-majority-nashville-wrong-track" target="_self">a new poll from Vanderbilt University</a>.Why it matters: Affordability remains a deep concern across the city, the poll shows, and residents want to see leaders do more to ease the cost of housing.

Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste

The move is expected to reduce plastic waste by about 1 metric ton per year.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Nashville Zoo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/12/nashville-zoo-welcomes-southern-pudu-fawn" data-vars-content-id="4bdbc35f-c72c-4036-ba29-35ab2fe1c4ca" data-vars-headline="Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/12/nashville-zoo-welcomes-southern-pudu-fawn" target="_self">The Nashville Zoo</a> announced this week it would no longer sell one-time use plastic water bottles at its concession stands, switching instead to aluminum cans of water.Why it matters: The zoo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/nashville-zoo-eliminates-single-use-plastic-water-bottles" data-vars-content-id="4bdbc35f-c72c-4036-ba29-35ab2fe1c4ca" data-vars-headline="Nashville Zoo stops plastic water bottle sales to avoid waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/nashville-zoo-eliminates-single-use-plastic-water-bottles" target="_blank">reports</a> the move is expected to reduce plastic waste by about 1 metric ton per year.

Tennessee Republicans' plan would push Metro elections by a year

State legislation would overhaul when local governments, including Metro, hold their elections.

State Republicans are pushing a plan to force Metro and other local governments to hold their elections in even-numbered years to coincide with presidential or gubernatorial cycles.Why it matters: The plan, from state Rep. Scott Cepicky and Sen. Joey Hensley, stands to stir up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more political chaos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/07/25/metro-faces-major-shakeup-as-city-waits-for-supreme-court-ruling-in-council-size-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="5fe78ed2-9274-476a-a329-6b0008078600" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Republicans&#x27; plan would push Metro elections by a year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/07/25/metro-faces-major-shakeup-as-city-waits-for-supreme-court-ruling-in-council-size-lawsuit" target="_self">more political chaos</a> in Nashville.<ul><li>Metro currently holds elections for mayor and council in odd years.</li></ul>The big picture: If this new law is adopted, the current terms of Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell and Metro Council members would apparently be extended until 2028 instead of 2027, when they are currently supposed to expire.What he&#x27;s saying: Cepicky argues his plan would increase voter turnout in local elections and save the cost of holding off-cycle contests.<ul><li>The legislation has cleared committees in the Senate and House. It needs additional committee approvals in both chambers before advancing to floor votes.</li></ul>The other side: State Rep. Jason Powell, a Nashville Democrat, called the proposal &quot;one of the most consequential threats to the Metro Nashville charter.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;Nashvillians did not elect a mayor or council to serve five-plus years in office,&quot; Powell tells Axios. &quot;I have heard very little from Metro opposing these bills, but I can assure you the people of Nashville do not want to extend terms past 2027 or change the date of our elections.&quot;</li></ul>Zoom in: Powell also worried about ballot fatigue. Under the plan, local offices would be placed below federal and state positions on the ballot, requiring voters to scroll down to several pages to make their selection for mayor.<ul><li>In presidential election years, voters already drop off and don&#x27;t vote in down-ballot races.</li><li>Under current Metro law, runoff elections are held about six weeks after the general election. Under Cepicky&#x27;s bill, the general election would be held in August and the runoff in November.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: The city is already bracing for the size of the Metro Council to be reduced from 40 to no more than 20. A state Supreme Court ruling on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="law to cap the size of council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/03/new-ruling-effort-cut-metro-council-in-half" data-vars-content-id="5fe78ed2-9274-476a-a329-6b0008078600" data-vars-headline="Tennessee Republicans&#x27; plan would push Metro elections by a year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/03/new-ruling-effort-cut-metro-council-in-half" target="_self">law to cap the size of council</a> is expected any day now.

State plan to cap local property tax increases stalls

Tennessee Republicans' plan to require voter approval for most property tax increases has stalled.

A Tennessee bill that would radically overhaul how local governments set <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="property tax rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/01/nashville-budget-mayor-oconnell-tax-increase-in-38b" data-vars-content-id="9b9b6724-e0c3-457c-b5cf-d57d5b54e021" data-vars-headline="State plan to cap local property tax increases stalls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/05/01/nashville-budget-mayor-oconnell-tax-increase-in-38b" target="_self">property tax rates</a> seems to be dead for the session.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The bill" data-vars-click-url="https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2607" data-vars-content-id="9b9b6724-e0c3-457c-b5cf-d57d5b54e021" data-vars-headline="State plan to cap local property tax increases stalls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2607" target="_blank">The bill</a> would have limited local governments&#x27; ability to raise rates by requiring voter approval for any property tax rate increase over 2%.

State plan would send convention hall money to East Bank, Super Bowl recruitment

Speaker Cameron Sexton wants to tap into convention hall money to fund the East Bank and other projects.

New details emerged Tuesday about state House Speaker Cameron Sexton&#x27;s plan to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redirect tax money dedicated to the Music City Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/22/tourism-taxes-could-help-defray-east-bank-infrastructure-costs" data-vars-content-id="689b7753-2024-470e-87a2-5005cc4eaf9d" data-vars-headline="State plan would send convention hall money to East Bank, Super Bowl recruitment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/12/22/tourism-taxes-could-help-defray-east-bank-infrastructure-costs" target="_self">redirect tax money dedicated to the Music City Center</a> to pay for East Bank construction and recruitment of major events like the Super BowlWhy it matters: Sexton&#x27;s plan would ease a major burden on the city budget while positioning Nashville to also host events like the NCAA Final Four and Wrestlemania.

Speaker Sexton proposes $10M toward ALS research at Vanderbilt

Tennessee Speaker Cameron Sexton proposed new state funding to help grow the Vanderbilt ALS Research Center.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton earmarked $10 million for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Vanderbilt ALS Research Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/11/28/als-fundraiser-nashville-vumc-livelikelou" data-vars-content-id="12be071f-1015-40f2-b1df-281e36cb1cf6" data-vars-headline="Speaker Sexton proposes $10M toward ALS research at Vanderbilt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/11/28/als-fundraiser-nashville-vumc-livelikelou" target="_self">the Vanderbilt ALS Research Center</a> in a proposed state budget amendment.Why it matters: The state funds could position Tennessee to level up as a nationally recognized hub for ALS research.

Tennessee lawmakers want to legalize pot to help pay for roads

Two Democrats are pitching a "pot for potholes" plan to solve the state's road budget shortfall.

State Sen. Heidi Campbell wants to legalize cannabis in Tennessee to help fund critical road repairs.Why it matters: Campbell and her partner in the House, state Rep. Aftyn Behn, both Democrats, are calling the plan &quot;pot for potholes.&quot;

Metro Council scrutinizes O'Connell plan for water bill relief

The council delayed final approval of a plan to provide residents with relief on their water bills.

The Metro Council delayed a vote earlier this week on legislation to provide residents with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="relief on their water bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/10/financial-relief-plan-residents-ice-storm" data-vars-content-id="6181c9e9-03cd-4211-b1bd-9adc58553c67" data-vars-headline="Metro Council scrutinizes O&#x27;Connell plan for water bill relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/10/financial-relief-plan-residents-ice-storm" target="_self">relief on their water bills</a>.Why it matters: The legislation, part of Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell&#x27;s slate of bills aiming to provide financial relief after the January ice storm, would give residents a credit of approximately $25.51 on a future water bill.<ul><li>Commercial businesses would receive a $23.37 credit. The total price tag is between $6 million and $7 million.</li></ul>

Tennessee lawmakers pitch plan for safer parks and greenways

State lawmakers are pushing legislation to create a comprehensive safety plan for Tennessee parks and greenways.

Two state lawmakers from Nashville are pushing a plan they hope will make parks and greenways in Tennessee safer.Why it matters: The legislation is named in honor of Alyssa Lokits, who was murdered while running on a greenway in Antioch in 2024.

Nashville councilmember wants increased transparency from NES

Nashville Councilmember Courtney Johnston wants NES to post its contracts online like other city agencies do.

Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston introduced legislation this week that would require the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville Electric Service to share its contracts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/18/nes-hires-consultants-after-ice-storm" data-vars-content-id="131a5f95-72e3-432e-9a86-67c723e51aee" data-vars-headline="Nashville councilmember wants increased transparency from NES" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/18/nes-hires-consultants-after-ice-storm" target="_self">Nashville Electric Service to share its contracts</a> on a searchable online database.Why it matters: NES has been under scrutiny for the political consultants it hired following the ice storm.

NES failed to follow its own communication plan after ice storm

Plans obtained by Axios directed agency officials to tell customers quickly about when they could expect total restoration.

In the thick of January&#x27;s ice storm, when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of thousands of residents wanted to know when their power would be restored" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/02/nashville-mayor-ratchets-up-criticism-of-nes-following-power-outages" data-vars-content-id="fb6d6ba0-5bf8-4b74-908d-742c7e855ae3" data-vars-headline="NES failed to follow its own communication plan after ice storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/02/nashville-mayor-ratchets-up-criticism-of-nes-following-power-outages" target="_self">hundreds of thousands of residents wanted to know when their power would be restored</a>, the Nashville Electric Service failed to follow its own storm response communication plan that called for speedier answers.Why it matters: NES has been hammered by public officials and residents who have accused the utility of slow-walking information after over 230,000 customers lost power.<ul><li>The utility has acknowledged its shortcomings. But newly acquired public records show the scale of the communication breakdown.</li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

Tennessee Republicans' plan would push Metro elections by a year

Analysis: Nashville could be in for a competitive mayor's race

State plan to cap local property tax increases stalls

State plan would send convention hall money to East Bank, Super Bowl recruitment

Speaker Sexton proposes $10M toward ALS research at Vanderbilt