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Dear Nashville and Davidson County residents,
We are no longer months away - we are just days from the 2025 property tax deadline. To everyone whose tax dollars are improving drive-time experience, supporting public safety, and creating safer, better schools, give yourselves a round of applause for the active role you've played in progressing our city.
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The Office of the Metropolitan Trustee mailed 2025 property tax statements in October. The 2025 balance must be paid in full by Saturday, February 28th, 2026, to remain in good standing.
To increase accessibility to our services before the 2025 property tax deadline, the Trustee’s Office will offer extended in-office and phone hours on select days.
 Extended hours schedule (office and phones):
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Friday, February 13th .............................................. 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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Friday, February 20th .............................................. 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Final week:
Final day:
Residents who wish to pay their balance may do so using any of the following methods.
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Mailing a Check Close to the Deadline Carries Risk
United States Postal Service adjustments to transportation operations may result in delayed postmarks. This means that mailing a payment close to the deadline could result in penalties even if the payment were sent before the due date.
Why is this important for property tax payments?
If a check is placed in the mail on one of the final days of February, but it does not reach the USPS processing facility until March, the envelope would receive a March postmark. In that situation, the payment would be considered late, resulting in delinquency penalties.
Payments by check should be mailed as early as possible to help ensure timely arrival.
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Get real-time updates on legislation, deadlines, and community changes that impact Davidson County households. Follow @NashvilleTrustee for clear, reliable information across all platforms.
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I would love to wave everyone's property tax interest during this time in the aftermath of the winter storm, but here's why I'm not able to.
After the severe winter storm in February 2021, I worked with members of the Metropolitan Council to examine whether interest on late property tax payments could be waived for taxpayers impacted by inclement weather. At that time, Metro’s Department of Finance and Metro Law Department conducted a formal review of both the legal and financial implications.
Metro Law advised that Tennessee state law does not allow a county trustee to waive interest on property taxes paid late due to inclement weather. State statute requires interest to be added to unpaid property taxes beginning March 1st and prohibits public officials from waiving, forgiving, or compromising that interest.
Property taxes are Metro’s largest and most stable source of revenue, making up over 57% of the budget. Each year, the city relies on a predictable payment pattern throughout the October - February tax season to manage cash flow and fund essential public services. A broad waiver of interest for late payments would disrupt that pattern and could create budget shortfalls.
Based on this legal and financial guidance, Metro attorneys concluded in 2021 that waiving interest would not be legally permissible and would place the Trustee in a position of acting outside the authority provided by state law.
While severe weather can cause real hardship, my office must operate within the requirements of Tennessee law. That is why my focus remains on helping taxpayers avoid penalties whenever possible through early outreach, clear communication about deadlines, and access to Tax Relief and Tax Freeze programs for eligible homeowners.
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Avoid Court Costs
2024 Real, Personal, and Utility Property taxes that are not paid in full by Saturday, February 28th, 2026, will result in the property owner being named as a defendant in a delinquent property tax lawsuit.
Additional penalties and costs will be imposed in consequence of the lawsuit being filed, and the property may be sold at a delinquent tax auction.
Until the filing of such suits, taxes may be paid online at by clicking the button below or at the Office of the Metropolitan Trustee, 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 220, Howard Office Building, Nashville, Tennessee 37210.
This notice is not intended for individuals who are in bankruptcy or who have a matter pending before the State Board of Equalization. Individuals with doubts about whether this notice applies, or with any questions, should contact the Trustee’s Office by calling (615) 862-6330.
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Individuals who did not file an appeal have an opportunity to request an appeal hearing with the Nashville/Davidson County Metropolitan Board of Equalization (MBOE) in 2026. Click the button below to view more detailed information on the MBOE's website.
Homeowners who were granted or denied an appeal by the MBOE will receive (or have already received) a letter stating such from the Assessor’s Office. If the Appellant is not satisfied with the decision, they may appeal to the State of Tennessee Board of Equalization within 45 days of the date of that letter as provided therein. If they choose not to appeal to the State prior to the stated deadline, they may again request an appeal hearing with the MBOE in 2026 in the manner prescribed above.
Valuations are often determined by the cost, income, or sales comparison approach, or by some combination thereof. While larger commercial property owners might contract with valuation and tax professionals to represent their interest at hearings, most single-family, primary property owners are less likely to find it practical to do so. Typically upon request, board members inform the taxpayer of additional information they may want to present at the State level to improve their chances of success, keeping in mind that by statute, the burden of proof is on the Appellant. Licensed appraisals may also be compelling in making a fair and equitable assessment.
Successful appeals apply for the current year granted, and going forward until the next mass appraisal year which is currently scheduled for 2028.
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To start the new year, I asked residents to share their top resolutions, and the results are in.
 Wow! Getting healthy in the new year is at the top of everybody's to-do list! Almost 60% of voters are prioritizing exercising more, eating well, and working toward a healthy body weight.
Reducing stress is another big focus in the new year, with 16% working towards a more zen lifestyle.
We're also shifting our focus to save more money and to spend more time with our loved ones. 13% of participants said these are significant areas where they are directing their attention in 2026.
I love it! Our time is one of the most valuable resources there is. It's inspiring to see so many of our residents being intentional about where they are investing their time and energy in the new year.
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Winter Storm Recovery Resources
But the new year hasn't been without it's challenges. Over these last two weeks, our residents have experienced significant disruptions to daily life, and some remain without power as challenges persist. My heart is with those who have been impacted as recovery continues.
Power Outages: Area-Wide Restoration Updates
Nashville Electric Service is now posting estimated restoration ranges based on zip codes twice a day at NESpower.com. Customers can find information on the targeted completion date for their entire zip code on the website.
Residents can check My Outage Tracker for household-level status updates.
Those without internet access can call the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. at (615) 259-4700 for help locating available options.
Power Restoration After Building Damage
If a home or business has electrical or structural damage, power cannot be restored until safety steps are completed.
In these cases:
- Secure a licensed electrical contractor to make all necessary repairs to the electrical system.
- After repairs are completed, the contractor contacts the on-duty Metro Codes Electrical Inspector to request an inspection.
- Metro Codes will immediately conduct a virtual inspection of the repaired electrical work.
- Once the work is approved, Metro Codes issues a required release number to NES, allowing electrical service to be restored.
After the release number has been issued, all remaining steps are handled by NES.
To verify contractor licensing or get help, contact Metro Codes at (615) 862-6560.
Debris Removal
Many residents have downed trees, limbs, and other vegetation on their property. As recovery efforts begin, brush should be moved to the curb for collection. NDOT will provide supplemental countywide residential brush pickup for brush placed at the curb. Do not block storm drains, culverts, or drainage ditches.
NDOT does not clear or remove fallen trees, limbs, or vegetation on private property.
Warming Locations
All Nashville Fire Stations and select Metro Police Precincts are available to the public for warming 24/7 until further notice.
To request transportation to the warming locations, contact (615) 401-1712.
Medical care is available at all the Warming Shelters.
The following additional warming locations are also open 24/7, with overnight accommodation and access to food:
- Southeast Regional Community Center: 5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Suite 202, Antioch, TN 37013
- Madison Community Center: 550 N Dupont Avenue, Madison, TN 37115
- Nashville Fairgrounds: 401 Wingrove Street, Nashville, TN 37203
- Bellevue Community Center: 7638A Highway 70 South, Nashville, TN 37221
Pets are permitted at shelter locations. Pet owners are asked to bring a crate when possible. The Nashville Humane Association is providing pet support at shelters.
Short-Term Rental Discounts
VRBO has created a dedicated page listing local properties with reduced rates, which can be found through the VRBO website.
Hotel Discounted Rates + Business Openings
Dozens of hotels in and around Nashville are offering deeply reduced rates for residents needing longer-term accommodations. This same link also includes updated status information for many local restaurants and attractions, including openings, closures, and adjusted operating hours.
Food Finder Resource
A food finder resource is available through Second Harvest and World Central Kitchen.
Winter Weather Relief Fund
The Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), The United Way and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, announced a Winter Weather Relief Fund for individuals and families affected by the storm to apply for relief.
Connect to Resources
Contact the United Way Greater Nashville's 2-1-1 hotline for available resources and support. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps connect people to local resources available to help in times of crisis and beyond. Those in need of assistance may call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211 to get started.
Stay Updated
Mayor Freddi O'Connell is continuing to share the latest information about conditions on the ground and Metro response to Nashville.gov and through the office's social channels.
Metro Nashville Public Schools closure updates, inclement weather information, and citywide resources for families are available at mnps.org/weather.
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My thoughts and prayers are with all of our community members who've been affected by this horrific weather. If you've lost power, been displaced, faced transportation issues, or struggled in any other capacity due to Winter Storm Fern, click the button below and tell us about your experience.
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When we send our children to school, we expect those places to be safe. Kids and books belong together. Guns and children never should.
My heart is with the Antioch community as we pass the one-year anniversary of the death of 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante - a young life taken in an unexpected and tragic way because we are grappling with the issue of guns in a school environment.
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My heart remains with Ms. Escalante’s family and with the Antioch High School students, staff, parents, and friends as they grieve her loss, honor her life, and carry her memory forward. She is not forgotten.
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 Black History Month is a time to honor the leaders who challenged segregation, expanded access to education and public services, and secured legal and civic protections that still shape daily life.
Some of the groundwork laid right here in Nashville led to desegregated public spaces, stronger voting access, and institutions that continue serving residents today.
That legacy includes economic pioneers like Nashville’s own James Carroll Napier, a statesman and financial leader whose work in banking and public service reached from Nashville to the federal level. As Register of the U.S. Treasury from 1911 - 1913, Napier helped expand representation in the nation’s financial systems. He helped establish civic institutions in Nashville that strengthened the African American business community and expanded educational opportunities for residents.
Another local changemaker was Z. Alexander Looby, a Civil Rights attorney who led court cases that challenged segregation in Nashville and across Tennessee. His legal work directly resulted in the desegregation of public schools, housing, and public accommodations, helping establish enforceable civil rights protections that reshaped daily life for residents.
Following the 1960 bombing of attorney Z. Alexander Looby’s home, Fisk University student Diane Nash led thousands to the Nashville courthouse, where she pressed city leadership and secured the mayor’s public acknowledgment that segregation was immoral. Nash was a central organizer of the city's student sit-ins. Her leadership helped make Nashville one of the first Southern cities to desegregate lunch counters.
These past three years, Nashville has joined me in celebrating Nash at my annual Diane Nash Commemorative Walk, one of the events in my annual Walks With the Trustee series.
Leaders like Z. Alexander Looby, Diane Nash, James Carroll Napier, James Lawson, Kelly Miller Smith, and John Lewis laid the groundwork along with so many others whose impact continues to shape this city. That is the work I carry forward as Davidson County’s first African American and first female Trustee, in a role made possible by generations of Black and female leadership here in Nashville.
They opened the door for Black leaders. I’m working to widen it for future Black and female public servants to build lasting legacies in Nashville.
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People of African ancestry have a higher risk of developing and dying from many conditions and diseases. However, not enough people of African ancestry are included in genomics research studies. This makes it hard for doctors to determine the best way to keep them healthy.
Right here in Nashville's backyard, our very own Meharry Medical College is leading a health study to uncover the genetic clues that can lead to new tests, better treatments, and improved care for people of African ancestry. They're working to enroll over 20,000 African American participants across the U.S. to collect blood samples and health information to better understand how our DNA influences health.
In addition to advancing medical care for the Black community, participants of the Genomic Research Advancing Transformational Health Study will be compensated $70 for their time and participation. I encourage eligible adults to join me in being a part of this study.
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Just as Tax Relief and Tax Freeze programs support residents on an individual level, the Metropolitan Trustee’s Office also administers project-level financing that gives commercial property owners access to up-front capital.
Through Nashville Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency C-PACER, our office has supported multifamily housing, local businesses, hotels and more. By administering this first-priority financing structure, we are empowering our commercial property owners to access long-term funding for eligible energy, water, renewable-energy, and resiliency upgrades.
Our office is nationally recognized for leading innovation with this forward-thinking, clean-energy financing tool. Since introducing the Nashville C-PACER program in 2023, I have injected over $175 million in private capital into the local economy, created 1,700 local jobs, and supported sustainable commercial development.
Most recently, my administration is working with a $13.38 million C-PACER financing deal supporting the construction of a 208-unit multifamily development on Dickerson Pike, which will also include ground-floor retail space.
I encourage commercial property owners to contact the Trustee’s Office learn more about this funding opportunity.
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Beyond advancing homeownership affordability in Davidson County and administering C-PACER financing for Nashville property development, I am helping set the gold standard for government finance practices nationwide. Through my national leadership with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Economic Development & Capital Planning Committee, I’ve helped advance transparent and responsible financial practices for public infrastructure in municipalities across the U.S.
Additionally, through my leadership on the GFOA Working Subcommittee for Stadiums and Major Projects, I have worked alongside municipal finance leaders from across the United States to research and shape best-practice standards for stadium financing and development. I also led a panel discussion focused on funding professional sports facilities, helping governments better evaluate risk, protect public dollars, and strengthen accountability in large-scale capital investments.
Now in my sixth year as Metropolitan Trustee, I’m continuing to drive accessibility, transparency, and efficiency across every level of government.
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  As homeowners plan for the year ahead, rising costs continue to put pressure on household budgets. For many Davidson County residents, Property Tax Relief remains one of the most effective ways to create stability and keep homeownership affordable.
The Tax Relief and Tax Freeze programs provide property tax savings for disabled veterans as well as income qualifying homeowners ages 65+ and disabled homeowners.
These state-authorized programs are designed to reduce tax burden and help eligible residents remain in their homes as costs rise.
Residents still have through April 4th, 2026, to enroll for these savings in our Nashville office located at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37210.
Applicants, please be aware that per state guidelines, Tax Relief and Tax Freeze specialists cannot initiate the application process without appropriate 2024 income documentation listed on the checklist below. (This requirement does not apply to disabled veterans or surviving spouses applying for Tax Relief.)
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This program year, I continued expanding access to the 2025 Tax Relief and Tax Freeze programs through creative, community-centered outreach. From connecting with residents in Antioch at my Gilmore Cares: Community Resource Fair, to sharing savings opportunities with participants of my 3rd Annual Walks with the Trustee series, my administration has been hard at work bringing awareness and accessibility to the people.
I've partnered with the Tennessee Titans to deliver clear, accessible video messaging about the Tax Freeze program. Furthermore, I've amplified these savings opportunities through print, television, and radio. Through our excellent coverage by our media partners including The Tennessean, WSMV, WKRN News 2, NewsChannel 5, Fox 17, and Straight Talk Radio, residents across all corners of Davidson County heard about the relief available to them.
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I didn't stop there! Our office spent 2025 hitting the road, bringing program enrollment accessibility to Goodlettsville, The Nations, East Nashville, Antioch, and Hermitage. Most recently, we brought these tax savings to Joelton this January!
In partnership with my friend, our wonderful District 1 Councilmember Joy Kimbrough, seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled homeowners in the Joelton area were able to enroll for the programs at First Baptist Church.
Hear from Joelton resident Ms. Rebecca Armstrong, whose property has been in the family for generations, as she shares her experience of homeownership in Davidson County amid rising costs.
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State lawmakers shared that they saw a significant increase in correspondence from Tax Relief participants advocating for continued funding. As a result, Governor Bill Lee will include the 2026 Tax Relief program in the Governor’s budget.
This is a huge win made possible by people working together toward a common goal. This is what good governance looks like: residents speaking up, trustees advocating, and state leaders responding. Thank you to every Tax Relief participant who received our postcard and took action by calling, emailing, or writing their legislators.
As Metropolitan Trustee, I will continue keeping kitchen-table issues front and center and working across party lines, demographics, and counties to deliver real help when people need it. Right now, families need financial relief and this moment proves that when we come together, real solutions are possible.
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Thank Your Legislators!
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You're Invited to Our Community Screening
 As Nashville continues to grow, many older residents are being overlooked and priced out of the communities they helped build. Nashville PBS explores these challenges in Aging Matters, a powerful documentary focused on seniors aging in place. It was a meaningful opportunity to share how our Tax Relief and Tax Freeze programs help seniors remain in their homes despite rising property values, while contributing to a broader conversation that centers and elevates the experiences of older Nashvillians.
I invite residents to join our community screening of Aging Matters on Thursday, February 19th, at the Belcourt Theatre from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., hosted in partnership with Nashville PBS and Rebuilding Together Nashville.
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The screening will be moderated by our very own Johari Matthews of the Tennessee Titans.
Following the screening, leaders in Nashville affordable housing welcome attendees to a panel discussion and a lightly catered reception.
This is a free event open to the public and anyone interested in learning more about affordable housing for older adults in Nashville.
I encourage those who would like to come out and join to register sooner rather than later as seats are limited.
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Being able to own and afford a home in Nashville remains one of the most urgent issues facing our residents. I addressed that challenge at the Tennessee Association of Affordable Rural Housing Conference, hosted at Hartman Park. I spoke directly with community members and shared practical housing resources to help residents navigate rising costs and remain in their homes.
Thank you to State Senator London Lamar for hosting this conference on behalf of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus and for your work in bringing these conferences across the state.
I also recognize and appreciate my fellow elected officials, Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry, Circuit Court Clerk Joseph P. Day, Register of Deeds Karen Johnson, and State Representative Harold Love Jr., for joining the conversation, sharing resources, and reinforcing the importance of affordable housing solutions for the Hartman Park community and beyond.
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Read My One-Stop Guidebook
 In a digital age full of information overload, people shouldn’t have to dig to find the financial help that they qualify for. That's why my administration created our 3rd Edition Community Resource Guide - one of the resources our office shared at the Affordable Housing Conference.
This one-stop guide clearly directs Nashville residents to money-saving programs designed to keep homeownership affordable. The programs listed in this guidebook have been the difference for some of our constituents between affording next year’s property taxes or facing displacement.
Residents who have used this resource have shared how much easier of an experience they've had in identifying the resources at their disposal. By utilizing the programs that our community partners and government organizations offer in this guide, residents have obtained new windows, replaced HVAC units, and filed income taxes for free.
Click the buttons below to read online or request a free copy.
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We’ve got some exciting new advancements in the works - but shhh! 🤫 We’re getting ready to launch new work in partnership with Rebuilding Together Nashville as part of Nashville’s Unified Housing Strategy. Stay tuned… more to share very soon!
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Civics 101: The Metropolitan Trustee as a State-Required Constitutional Office
Questions often come up about where the Trustee’s Office fits within Metro government, especially during property tax season. The Office of the Metropolitan Trustee is not a department created by the City of Nashville.
In Tennessee, the Trustee is a constitutional county office. The position exists because Tennessee law establishes a Trustee for each county to manage core public finance duties, including property tax collection and the disbursement of public funds.
 Because Nashville and Davidson County operate as a consolidated Metro government, the Trustee serves the countywide role through the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. In other words:
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In most Tennessee counties, this office is called the County Trustee.
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In Davidson County, due to consolidation, our office is called the Metropolitan Trustee.
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The responsibilities remain county-level public service functions, required by state law.
This structure ensures Davidson County residents still receive the same essential financial services every county must provide, while operating under the Metro form of government.
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This May, voters across Tennessee will take part in county and statewide elections. In Davidson County, voters will elect leaders responsible for public safety, education oversight, court administration, and how Metro’s tax dollars are collected and managed. The primary election will be held May 5th, 2026.
Offices on the ballot in Davidson County include:
- Circuit Court Clerk
- Circuit Court Judge (Division III – Unexpired Term)
- Criminal Court Clerk
- Criminal Court Judge (Division III – Unexpired Term)
- Democratic Executive Committee (Council Districts 1-35)
- General Sessions Judge (Division VI – Unexpired Term)
- Juvenile Court Clerk
- Chief Public Defender
- Davidson County Register of Deeds
- Metropolitan Clerk
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Metropolitan Trustee
- School Board Representative (Districts 2, 4, 6, 8)
- Sheriff
Remember to confirm voter registration, update any information on file, and ensure everything is in order to participate fully in our local democracy.
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I look forward to continuing to provide Davidson County homeowners with clarity about how government works, tools to access financial resources, and support when questions arise. My administration is hard at work as we move into the homestretch of tax season.
At the same time that we are going out into communities to make Tax Relief and Freeze more accessible for our seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled homeowners, we are also administering private capital C-PACER funds to our commercial property owners.
That same commitment extends to my work at the state and federal levels. The inclusion of 2026 Tax Relief funding in the Governor’s budget shows what’s possible when leaders work together. Nationally, with the Government Finance Officers Association, I am advancing transparent and responsible financial practices that support public infrastructure and long-term stability across communities.
At every level of government, I am working for the people. I look forward to carrying that public-service momentum into a strong and successful peak of our 2025 property tax season.
Kind regards,
Metropolitan Trustee Erica S. Gilmore
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