Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced the appointment of Robert L. James Jr. as the Director of Nashville’s Innovation Team (i-team) for the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative. This initiative aims to develop transformative programs that address climate action and racial wealth equity.
James, a graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School and Alabama A&M University, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has previously served as the Assistant Director in TennCare’s strategic planning and innovation department and has worked in Meharry’s Office of General Counsel.
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“Robert James’ background has created the right blend of expertise to help us create a better future together,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “Our goal is healthier and safer communities, and the work that Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities enables us to do will address longstanding inequities in our community.”
The three-year initiative, funded by Bloomberg, allows for the hiring of James and two additional team members. They will focus on building relationships in historically disadvantaged communities, emphasizing resident engagement and collaborative design processes to drive ambitious programs. These efforts aim to mobilize investments and establish a foundation for long-term equity, sustainability, and resilience.
“I am tremendously excited to work with the Mayor’s Office and direct the Nashville i-team’s work on the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative,” James stated. “The i-team will partner very closely with residents, community organizations, city government colleagues, and other community stakeholders to co-create and implement bold, innovative solutions that jointly drive progress on climate action and promote equitable outcomes, using an evidence-based and equity-centered design process.”
Nashville’s grant application proposed developing a residential clean energy initiative that also trains and upskills Nashville’s Black communities for jobs and business ownership in the clean energy workforce. The innovation team aims to engage communities not just for input but to actively participate in the design processes.
The city plans to deploy this workforce and associated businesses to reduce energy burdens among renters and homeowners in the North Nashville, Bordeaux, and Southeast Nashville communities.
James began his new role with Metro Nashville on Monday, September 9.
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Community Meeting on Cumberland Park Renaming
The Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation is holding a community meeting on September 25 to discuss renaming Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park. The meeting will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Nashville, and attendees can share their opinions. Input can also be provided via mail, email, phone, or at a board meeting on November 5. The department oversees over 15,000 acres of parks and greenways, promoting health and quality of life through various recreational and conservation activities.