In a significant achievement during his first 15 months in office, Mayor Freddie O’Connell has successfully filled 286 positions on Nashville’s 81 boards, commissions, and advisory committees. This effort follows the appointment of individuals to the newly established East Bank Development Authority Board and the Metro Council’s approval of nominees to various boards and commissions.
Upon assuming office in September 2023, Mayor O’Connell faced the challenge of addressing 126 vacancies across these critical bodies. Under his leadership, the administration has prioritized ensuring that boards and commissions reflect the diverse Nashville community they serve. The selection process involves reviewing candidates’ expertise, vision, race, gender identity, age, and area of residence, ensuring that each board or commission represents a broad spectrum of perspectives.
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The administration has also worked proactively by seeking potential candidates from the community to ensure qualified nominees are available for each position. Recent legislative improvements have addressed the staggering of terms to prevent simultaneous mass vacancies.
In May, the Mayor’s Office formed a working group to enhance the effectiveness of boards and commissions. This group conducted surveys to gather insights on the operational and structural aspects of these bodies, aiming to improve transparency and support for the volunteers serving on them.
As of now, 32 vacancies remain, and Nashvillians interested in serving can apply through the city’s official website. Comprehensive data on the demographics of serving members and active boards is also available to the public.
For more information on Nashville’s boards and commissions, visit the official website.
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Nashville Receives SMART Grants for Transit Improvements
Nashville has been awarded two SMART Grants from the US Department of Transportation, totaling nearly $12 million, to enhance road and transit infrastructure. The Nashville Department of Transportation will use a $10 million grant to improve safety on Nolensville Pike as part of the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan, while WeGo Public Transit will utilize a $1.9 million grant to optimize bus services on Murfreesboro Pike with advanced technologies.