General Forum, 2023-2027 Term

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Thom Druffel. Please find below the text of a letter CM Druffel has sent to Mayor O'Connell and Vice Mayor Henderson: 

RE: Let's make youth our top priority in 2025!

Mayor O'Connell and Vice Mayor Henderson,

We see and hear, almost daily, of the violence committed in our youth community.  The events in Bellevue are only the most recent.  The consequences to our youth, and their families, are catastrophic. The lost futures are incalculable. We see the growing career opportunities in Nashville and need to match equitable pathways for our youth to those opportunities.

As Councilmember Suara said, after the shooting in Red Caboose Park, we cannot watch one more young person suffer in these dire situations.  We know the causes of violence are diverse, and solutions must also be diverse and flexible.  A youth group called “Why We Can’t Wait” reflects the urgency in solving the problem.  We need to be urgent, but it is especially important that we can provide sustainable long-term solutions. 

MNPS has worked to move the needle, and there are several Metro programs that are committed and focused on programs for our youth that include NAZA, Power Youth, MNPS, Juvenile Court, MNPD, Metro Parks, and Metro Arts. In referring to the detailed history from the past 15-20 years, (See Context & History listed below), there have been interests for youth development by each administration. However, inconsistent programs and governance models have prevented a stronger coordinated approach. Momentum gained in one administration can be lost or redirected in successive administrations. 

Councilmember and Budget Chair Porterfield did an artful and passionate job putting together funding for a department for Youth Safety in the substitute budget. It is a powerful start and is an important part of developing broader solutions. There are additional opportunities such as summer and after school programs that improve wholistic youth development and success in careers and in the classroom.

I am recommending that we expand that organizational framework to a comprehensive permanent Department of Youth Services. A permanent coordinating department of all youth services will provide sustainable strategic solutions, and that can scale against the needs of our youth for years to come. The Department of Youth Services would also be able to leverage numerous funding sources against youth programs. 

As the next step, I am recommending that we put together a transition team to form a permanent Department of Youth Services on a timeline that would include it in the 2025 budget season. Attached is a blueprint and recommended timeline. We can’t wait!

Listed below is a detailed background and context for the needed change and attached is a blueprint for moving forward.

Thom

 Detailed City Context & History

·       Child and Youth Master Plan: Established in 2010 under Mayor Dean, focuses on holistic youth outcomes including education, health, safety, and family environment.

·       Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA):

·       Started in 2009, coordinates afterschool and summer and mentorship (for justice-involved youth) programs citywide focusing on equitable access to positive and holistic youth development.

·       Has built centralized systems of coordination, including youth program provider portfolios, student attendance management, training and coaching for providers, data collection and sharing with the district, contracting and accountability procedures in line with Metro Finance requirements.

·       Grew from $400,000 to $5.5M city funding, benefiting 2500+ youth annually.

·       Currently operates under Nashville Public Library.

·       Opportunity NOW (ON) / Power Youth:

·       Launched in 2016 by Mayor Barry to scale youth employment.

·       Connected over 7,500 youth to employment opportunities since then.

·       Has built a centralized system of connecting youth and employers.

·       Has developed a system of youth training and onboarding, including financial literacy.

·       Transitioned to Power Youth under Mayor Cooper's administration.

·       Currently operates under Metro Action Commission.

·       Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS):

·       Offers after-school (with 21st Century funds) and youth employment programs (work-based learning) funded by federal grants.

·       Piloting work-based learning programs, aiming for district-wide expansion.

·       Metro Departments and Nonprofits:

o   Metro Parks, Metro Arts, and others collaborate on youth development and offer programming as well. Metro Parks receive funding from NAZA for 7 locations. There is a potential to grow.

o   Nonprofits offer diverse after-school and summer programs, 20 of them are funded by NAZA.

o   MNPD operates youth programs with a federal grant funding.

o   Juvenile Court offers/funds youth programs, some in partnership with NAZA.

Current problems:

1.      Too many programs, very little coordination, consistency and ability to create a strong wholistic approach. 

2.      Metro funded youth programs scattered across departments without effective coordination.

3.      Employers and youth employment opportunities lack coordination.

4.      Programming and resources are not equitably distributed as various departments use data in an uncoordinated manner.

5.      The fluctuations of city demand and supply of youth programs have created difficulty planning a coordinated approach.

Existing Assets

·       Business Plan for Youth Career Exploration: Created in 2023 by a task force to align youth development and career initiatives. The task force included 30 community, nonprofit, government and business leaders. The plan reviewed research, peer city programs, best practices in 6 key areas with specific recommendations.

·       Vision for Holistic Youth Development: In 2018-2020, NAZA and Vanderbilt co-led a research project with a stakeholder task force, culminating in the development of Nashville's Vision for Holistic Youth Development. This framework guides youth outcomes in the out-of-school time space.

·       Industry Support: Nashville has a strong diverse group of industries that can provide invaluable career training and support. The Pencil Foundation has over 750 partners already engaged in career support for our MNPS students. 

·       Colleges and skill programs: Nashville State, TCAT and programs such as Music City 3 provide the next level of opportunities to train and develop careers for our youth.

·       Legislative base: The Office of Homeless Services model can be replicated to create an entity to coordinate and govern youth initiatives in the city.

Please find more information at the following link: Youth Recommendations

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Sheri Weiner to discuss RS2024-556 – “A resolution supporting an end to violence between Israel and Palestine”.

From CM Weiner: 

Colleagues,

I share considerable angst for my Jewish and Muslim friends and for those who I don’t know who have family in Israel and in Gaza.  I hurt with Z, Jacob, Clay, Brenda and Quin.  I hurt with my Muslim client who has immediate family in Gaza with whom I cried on October 9.    

Let’s talk process.  When I review legislation I read it first at face value, then I put myself in the shoes of those who may be impacted…if zoning, I consider the neighbors. In this case, I read it again asking “how would I, as a hostage or family member, react?”.  And again asking “how would I, as a resident in Gaza or family member, react?”   And again “how would I, as the grandmother who was raped and tortured on Facebook or as her family, react?”   Finally I asked myself this: What does this solve?  What message does this send?  How does this help?

Does this address the horror faced by the Israelis who were mercilessly raped, tortured, murdered and kidnapped?  The continued torture and death of the hostages?  

Does this resolution mention that we stand for peace all over the world? That we stand against leaders of countries that attack peaceful nations and that we stand in solidarity with the citizens of Israel and Gaza?

While this addresses the impact of the bombing of Gaza on their residents, does it clearly address the current fate of the hostages who need to be home?  Alive?   For those who have died?

Does it address hundreds of thousands of lives or the millions in the Middle East who are at risk of escalation until all of the hostages are returned, humanitarian aid is delivered without delay and an end to the war is achieved?

We should all pray for the citizens of Gaza and Israel who have no say in the actions of their governments – those who ran for their lives, gave their lives and are continuing to endure unimaginable suffering. All of them.

We were elected by our constituents to do the work of Nashville.  We should honor the pain our constituents are living.  Those suffering from this war need so much more than we can offer in a resolution.  Let’s consider supporting area charities that will support the rebuilding on both sides of the border…broken families, neighborhoods, and broken spirit.

I ask that you ask yourself these questions before you vote on this resolution.  I ask that you consider that we can do better than this for all of our constituents, for the hostages and their families, for those living in Gaza stuck in the middle of the fighting.

Let’s consider a deferral until we can be complete in our support of everyone impacted recognizing the scars, pain, and suffering being unleashed in the Middle East and beyond.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best Regards,

Sheri Weiner, Councilmember 

Metro Nashville and Davidson County, District 22

This discussion topic was requested by Council member Tasha Ellis to discuss RS2024-392, which approves a contract between the Metropolitan Government and Rite of Passage, Inc. for operation and management services for the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Facility. 

From CM Ellis: 

Has there been any follow up or report back from Rite of Passage addressing the high risk items flagged in the final audit report on Feb 7, 2024? Here's a a link to that report for reference:   https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/Audit-Report-Davidson-County-Juvenile-Court-240207.pdf?ct=1707333595

This discussion topic was requested by CM Sepulveda to discuss Board and Commission Disclosures.

From CM Sepulveda: 

Colleagues I have an ordinance up that would require people serving on boards and commissions to file disclosures. This ordinance is very broad. It's meant to get the conversation going. I plan to defer. The amendment I have in mind would require them to state any conflict of interest. It was also suggested that this be limited to boards who approve loans or money. I think it's a good suggestion. Wanted to get feedback from everyone else.

This discussion topic was requested by CM Sepulveda to discuss Board and Commission Appointments.

From CM Sepulveda: The Rules Committee is currently in the process of discussing procedures and processes for confirmation hearings. Here's a summary of the key points that were addressed during the special called meeting:

1. Two-Week Time Change: A proposal was made to implement a two-week time change in the confirmation process. Under this suggestion, individuals would attend the Rules Committee for their confirmation hearings but the final vote by the entire council would be deferred until the subsequent meeting. Attendance at the following meeting would not be mandatory for nominees, providing council members with the opportunity to review confirmation hearings. This allows for a more thorough consideration of nominees.
2. Board Priorities:  We will be sending out a communications to board and commission chairs, as well as department heads, to ensure the accuracy of data and to gather insights into their priorities. This approach aims to familiarize council members with the ongoing work of these entities, enabling us to make well-informed decisions when confirming nominees.
3. Data and Questionnaire: Efforts are underway to obtain more accurate data, which will be further segmented by individual boards and commissions. Your input is welcome, and we are open to incorporating additional information or feedback on the questionnaire to enhance the overall quality of the confirmation process.

This discussion topic was requested by Vice Mayor Angie Henderson to discuss missing middle housing. 

From Vice Mayor Henderson: Missing Middle Housing. Why is it important; what does it look like; and where can it go? Nashville needs more diversity of housing types in more places. This is a forum for talking about triplexes, townhouses, cottage courts, and more.

This discussion topic was requested by Vice Mayor Angie Henderson to discuss stormwater policy. 

From Vice Mayor Henderson: Stormwater challenges are on the minds and lips of residents and homebuilders across the city. We have legislation pending regarding stormwater fees, and the results of a stormwater complaints assessment being presented to the Council on January 30. This is the forum for stormwater policy questions & suggestions.