On Thursday, Mayor John Cooper outlined his priorities for the upcoming fiscal year during the 58th State of Metro address.

Mayor Cooper's proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget will be released later today, but in the meantime, here are a few key issues he will seek to prioritize during this year's budget cycle. As a reminder, Metro Council is expected to approve the final version of the budget by June 30.

Education + teacher pay

“My proposed budget includes an additional $81 million for Metro Schools. We are fully funding the school board’s budget request, and we’re investing $50 million to make our teachers the best paid in Tennessee. Under our proposal, the average teacher will see a salary jump of $6,924.”

Transportation

“We’re proposing to restore WeGo’s funding with $25 million in this year’s operating budget ... We will create a Traffic Management Center to manage congestion, and we will double our capacity for traffic calming, bike lanes, and capital projects.”

Affordable housing

“I am proud of the work that our Affordable Housing Task Force did this year. This budget and our pending American Rescue Plan funds will bring Metro’s investment in affordable housing to $37.5 million.”

Public safety

“We’re proposing a 49% increase in the Office of Emergency Management’s operating budget. The Nashville Fire Department will receive an additional $9.3 million to hire 40 new firefighters and 20 new EMTs.”

Climate + sustainability

“Metro’s goal is to reduce our carbon emissions by 70% by 2050. We’re also committed to sourcing 35% of our energy from renewable sources by 2025 with a long-term goal of 100% renewable within 20 years … Delivering on one of the Sustainability Advisory Committee’s recommendations, this budget will include every-other-week residential recycling.”

Poll

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