The Policy & Systems Change Compass: NLC Virtual Policy Sprint Workshop Wednesday Sept. 30th & Friday Oct. 2nd | 12pm–2:30pm CT

This discussion topic was requested by Council Member Zulfat Suara regarding NLC Virtual Policy Sprint Workshop.

From CM Suara:

Colleagues,

I want to highlight the email Director Wilson shared on September 23 about the upcoming Compass training offered by the National League of Cities. I strongly encourage you to take part in this two-part workshop.  it’s a unique opportunity to strengthen how we, as a Council, develop policy solutions that truly meet the needs of our residents.

Many of you will remember that funding for the PILOT program was discussed during our budget work sessions. Thanks to the Vice Mayor’s efforts, it was ultimately included in the current budget. This training is part of that investment.

 The idea to pursue the Compass came from a colleague who wished she understood more about our policy development process, and I suspect most of us have felt this way at some point. Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, Director Wilson, Ms. Harrell, and I have since worked closely with NLC to bring this resource to Nashville. It’s something we haven’t had available before, and it will benefit all of us, as well as future council members.

The workshop aims to:

• Offer training or a refresher for current council members.
• Serve as a PILOT that will help shape what becomes part of the onboarding process for new members.

I truly hope you’ll participate. As the legislative arm of Metro Government, our core responsibility is developing policy that serves our residents well. This workshop gives us a chance to come together, deepen our understanding of the policy process, and strengthen how we work. For colleagues who are term-limited or not seeking re-election, your experience is especially valuable. Your insights into what works well and what doesn’t will directly shape a stronger program for the next cohort of council members.

Serving on the Metro Council is uniquely challenging and uniquely rewarding. Very few people outside this body understand the work the way you do. This workshop is a rare chance to learn, reflect, and share your expertise with one another.

Please find the links to an event flyer and the registration form.

Workshop Description from NLC:
Local policy development requires balancing competing priorities, navigating complex systems, and turning ideas into action. The National League of Cities and the Urban Institute developed the Compass to help local policymakers identify the right policy approach at the right moment. In this interactive workshop, you’ll apply the Compass framework through hands-on activities with fellow Council Members.

Thank you all for all that you do!