RESOLUTION NO. RS2012-201

A resolution opposing all state legislation that would remove or inhibit local government powers of self-governance.

WHEREAS, several legislative items currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly would negatively impact the ability of local elected officials to make decisions they deem to be in the best interest of their constituents; and

WHEREAS, such legislation would, in part, prohibit local governments from rezoning private property without the express written consent of the property owner, would prohibit new local zoning regulations from ever applying to existing nonconforming commercial properties, regardless of the period of inactivity, and would further restrict local government decision-making authority regarding procurement standards and policies; and

WHEREAS, city and county governments in Tennessee should have the freedom and authority to make decisions that are solely applicable to the Metropolitan Government without state interference; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council believes the City of Nashville has prospered due in large part to the effective local regulations it has in place; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County wishes to maintain this prosperity and to be competitive from an economic development standpoint; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council believes that many of these state bills would have a detrimental effect on how the Metropolitan Government operates, would negatively impact its competitive position from an economic development standpoint, and may be financially detrimental; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council wishes to make its position known publicly and to the Tennessee General Assembly.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as opposing all state legislation that would remove or inhibit local government powers of self-governance.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council requests that the State of Tennessee respect the ability of local governments to make decisions and take action they deem to be responsive to its citizens.

Section 3. In the spirit of the above mentioned concerns, the Metropolitan Council specifically opposes the proposed legislation listed in Exhibit A, a copy of which is attached to this Resolution. The attached list of proposed bills is by no means exclusive. The Metropolitan Council understands that bills will continue to be introduced and amended. The Council will look at each new bill and amendment to assess its impact on the citizens of Nashville.

Section 4. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, and to each member of the House and Senate State & Local Government Committees.

Section 5. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Anthony Davis, Phil Claiborne, Sandra Moore, Fabian Bedne, Peter Westerholm, Scott Davis, Brady Banks, Ronnie Steine, Lonnell Matthews, Frank Harrison, Walter Hunt, Bo Mitchell, Chris Harmon, Sean McGuire, Jason Holleman, Buddy Baker, Karen Bennett, Bill Pridemore, Doug Pardue, Erica Gilmore, Darren Jernigan

Attachment(s) on file in the Metropolitan Clerk's Office