IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM N2N

Nashville is at a crossroads, and the decisions made today will shape our city for generations to come. Right now, Metro Council is debating a major structural change, a proposal to merge the Metro Historic Zoning Commission and the Metro Historical Commission into the Metro Planning Department. Supporters argue it streamlines processes, while critics warn it could weaken historic protections at a time when development pressures are at an all-time high.

At Neighbor 2 Neighbor (N2N), one thing is certain, your voice matters. As Nashville grows at breakneck speed, we must ask: How do we honor our past while building for the future? Preservation isn’t the enemy of progress, and development shouldn’t mean erasure. Both are critical to our city’s identity.

Councilmember Brenda Gadd has urged caution, emphasizing that public input is essential before making such sweeping changes. Meanwhile, Ellen Hurd, president of Historic Nashville Inc., didn’t mince words: “Our city will suffer as a result.” Even Mayor Freddie O’Connell has noted that pending state legislation could complicate historic protections, making this restructuring even more complex.

Despite these concerns, Metro Council has advanced the proposal to a second reading, with more debate and potential public hearings ahead. This is the moment to engage.

What You Can Do

✔ Stay Informed – Read the latest updates and understand what’s at stake. (Nashville Banner Coverage)

✔ Engage Your Neighbors – Talk about how this change could impact your community.

✔ Speak Up – Attend council meetings, contact your representatives, and make sure your perspective is heard.

Nashville’s past and future deserve equal respect. This isn’t just a bureaucratic reshuffle, it’s about who gets to decide what our city looks like tomorrow. Growth and preservation must coexist. The question is: How do we get it right?

Find your Metro Council representative and share your thoughts!