Today, Chancellor Anne C. Martin ruled that Choose How You Move, Nashville's transit improvement program, complied with all elements of state law. Sixty-six percent of Nashvillians voted in favor of the referendum on the November 5 ballot. Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Director of Law Wally Dietz offered the following statements after issuance of the chancellor's opinion:
Statement of Mayor Freddie O'Connell
"On November 5, Nashvillians made an overwhelming statement that it's time to take action to improve our transit and related infrastructure. The court's ruling, today, stands with the will of Nashvillians and confirms the referendum complied with all elements of state law. I'm excited for all of us to be able to move past legal distractions and get to doing the work that people expect of us and asked us to do."
Statement of Law Director Wally Dietz
"Throughout 2024, the Department of Law worked closely with the mayor, his staff, and multiple department heads to ensure the components of the transit improvement program complied with state law. While we were confident all along, the Court's decision in Metro's favor confirms that the elements of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the process run by the mayor complied in every way with the law. We appreciate the Court's careful consideration of the issues raised and prompt ruling."
Mayor Freddie O'Connell is in the process of hiring a Chief Program Officer to oversee implementation of the program.