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Metro Council Passes FY2026 Substitute Budget Led by Budget Chair Delishia Porterfield
Nashville, Tenn (June 17, 2025) – Tonight, the Metro Council adopted the FY2026 Substitute Budget sponsored by Budget & Finance Committee Chair Delishia Porterfield. The budget, which builds on Mayor O’Connell’s original proposal, reflects weeks of diligent review, collaboration, and public input.
“I want to thank Mayor O’Connell for presenting a strong, values-driven budget that laid the foundation for this substitute,” said Chair Porterfield. “His commitment to employee pay, education, and affordable housing created the path for the progress we’re advancing today.”
Chair Porterfield also extended thanks to Finance Director Jenneen Reed, Budget Officer Aaron Pratt, Council Office Director Margaret Darby, the Council Office staff, and Budget & Finance Vice Chair Kyonzté Toombs for their hard work and support throughout the process.
Key Investments in the FY2026 Substitute Budget Include:
Employee Compensation
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$8.2 million to increase the Across-the-Board (ATB) Cost of Living Adjustment by 1%, bringing the total to 2% for Metro employees.
Maternal Health & Equity
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$250,000 to expand the Health Department’s Strong Babies initiative.
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Supports 10 additional doulas to help address disparities in Davidson County's maternal mortality rate.
Food Assistance & Community Services
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$200,000 to enhance food access through Social Services.
- Expands mobile food pop-ups and provides small home repairs for those in need.
- Includes $25,000 in direct emergency food support to The Branch.
Youth & Education
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$150,000 for Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA) via the Public Library.
- Funds justice-involved youth programs and camp scholarships for students from lower-income families.
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$75,000 to support the Oasis Center’s emergency youth shelters via the Office of Homeless Services.
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$75,000 for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) through Juvenile Court.
- Expands CASA’s capacity by 11%, enabling service for up to 400 children—more than half of all youth in Davidson County foster care.
Affordable Housing Innovation
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$100,000 to hire a consultant to explore public-private housing partnership models.
- Aims to expand Nashville’s affordable housing tools and increase stakeholder collaboration.
Parks & Cultural Investment
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$88,000 for Shelby Golf Course employees supports under Metro Parks.
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$60,000 for a Museum Study to preserve and share Nashville’s unique history.
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$25,000 to support Sister Cities student exchange scholarships, making international travel more accessible for youth from underserved communities.
Community Safety & Access
- Development of a Community-Driven Safety Plan under the Health Department.
- Flexibility for the Office of Youth Safety to reallocate unused funds from the current fiscal year.
- Funding for translation services via the Nashville Fire Department.
- Support for Beat of Life, a songwriting-based rehabilitation program for incarcerated individuals.
A Community-Informed, Equity-Centered Budget
“This budget reflects what we heard from our community,” said Chair Porterfield. “From ensuring Metro employees are valued, to increasing food and housing stability—it is a budget that speaks to the lived experiences and needs of our residents. And we did it without reducing vital services.”
The full FY2026 Substitute Budget Ordinance is available at:
https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7360729&GUID=790CD617-4AAA-4DEA-AF69-148FDE06B279&Options=&Search=
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The Metropolitan Council is the legislative authority of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, the nation’s first, fully consolidated city-county government, established in 1963. The Vice Mayor serves as the president of the Council, which is comprised of 35 district members and five members serving at-large. Metropolitan Council Office | Nashville.gov
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