RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1516

A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and support an amendment to T.C.A. § 66-35-102 to allow the Metropolitan Government to enact inclusionary zoning legislation to ensure sufficient affordable rental housing units are available in Davidson County.

WHEREAS, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, more than 58,000 renters in Nashville and Davidson County pay in excess of 30% of their household income for housing; and

WHEREAS, due to the steep rise in property values in Davidson County, many residents are priced out of the rental market and are unable to find adequate affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, monthly rent for apartments in Nashville has risen 75% from 2000 to 2010 while vacancy rates have decreased 20% over the same time period; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-35-102 prohibits local governments from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential property; and

WHEREAS, this state law provision could act as an impediment to the Metropolitan Government’s ability to enact meaningful affordable and workforce housing legislation; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the residents of Davidson County that Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-35-102 be revised to expressly allow the Metropolitan Government to enact inclusionary zoning legislation that will help increase the supply of affordable and workforce rental housing units in Davidson County.

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 requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and support an amendment to T.C.A. § 66-35-102 to allow the Metropolitan Government to enact inclusionary zoning legislation to ensure sufficient affordable rental housing units are available in Davidson County.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. 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: Ronnie Steine, Anthony Davis