Tennessee has a law known as the IMPROVE Act which permits local governments to seek a dedicated funding source via surcharge to support transportation projects through local referendum. This law establishes required plan elements and procedural steps. Many of these steps occur at the same time while others must occur sequentially.
Step 1: Seek Input from the Public
Any high-quality plan requires early and frequent engagement with diverse stakeholders. Nearly two decades of planning for transportation in and around Nashville has built consensus around what we need to build a modern transportation system. Beyond the significant feedback already received on transportation needs, engagement with the community will be an ongoing activity throughout plan development and the referendum process. Engagement will occur via formation of advisory groups (discussed below), community meetings, and presentations at numerous community and neighborhood events. This engagement also includes coordination with nearby local governments and state partners.
Engagement does not end with a referendum vote. If Davidson County residents approve the dedicated source of funding via surcharge, there will be more opportunities to shape the design of transportation projects and discuss challenges and opportunities with implementation at community meetings, presentations, feedback sessions, and other events conducted by NDOT, WeGo, Metro Planning, and community partners.
Step 2: Develop a Plan
In order to seek a referendum, Metro must develop a Transit Improvement Program (TIP), which outlines proposed transportation projects and a plan for financing them. The TIP must clearly identify the source and amount of revenue that will be generated by the proposed approach forecasted over the life of the program.
Step 3: Engage in Third Party Review
The IMPROVE Act requires that Metro hire a state comptroller-approved public accounting firm to audit the financing plan included in the TIP. The firm will offer a financial feasibility determination. Metro will post this determination and the financing plan for the public to review.
Step 4: Seek Council Approval
The IMPROVE Act also requires that the local governing body adopt the TIP. In Nashville this means that Metro Council will review and then approve the TIP and referendum ballot language via ordinance. This requires three readings to be filed with the Davidson County Election Commission for a vote.
Step 5: Put the Plan to Vote
Once Metro Council adopts the TIP and referendum ballot language via ordinance, the choice is put to a vote. This means that voters will have the option to approve or reject the proposed surcharge at the polls on November 5, 2024.