RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-716

A resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of an economic development incentive grant agreement between The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and Music City Productions, Inc., the company which produces the television show, Nashville.

WHEREAS, The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (the "Metropolitan Government") is vitally interested in the economic welfare of the citizens living within the area of the Metropolitan Government (such area, the "City") and wishes to provide the leadership necessary to enhance this area's capabilities for growth and development; and,

WHEREAS, the provision of quality jobs to area citizens by local business is both necessary and vital to the economic well-being of the Metropolitan Government; and,

WHEREAS, Music City Productions, Inc. (the "Company") production of the Nashville television show on the American Broadcasting Company network (“ABC”) and the Country Music Television network (“CMT”) provides a tremendous benefit to the citizens of the City both due to the unprecedented promotional value it provides and the economic boon to the local economy; and,

WHEREAS, the production of the Nashville television show is a once in a generation promotional vehicle and business recruitment tool for our city and is watched by over 5 million Americans each week; and,

WHEREAS, the Nashville television show, critically acclaimed and recipient of both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, showcases the sights, sounds and people that make our City unique and is sold into over 20 major countries from UK through continental Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Australia & Latin America; and,

WHEREAS, for the duration of Season 4 and Season 5, the production spent over $40 million in this region on both Tennessee resident labor and on goods and services at over 400 local vendors including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, caterers, and florists; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 5-9-101(26), the Metropolitan Government is authorized to use available funds to make grants for economic and community development purposes; and,

WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. BL2015-1122, five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) and Resolution No. RS2015-1572, three hundred, seventy five thousand dollars ($375,000.00), for a total of eight hundred, seventy five thousand dollars ($875,000.00), were appropriated to department number 01101637 related to Music and Entertainment Economic Development Initiatives for the specific purpose of funding the Economic Development Incentive Grant for Season 4 of the production of Nashville; and,

WHEREAS, because the Company did not request disbursement of the grant funds prior to the end of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016, the unencumbered and unexpended grant fund appropriation was carried forward in the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017; and,

WHERAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. BL2016-232, one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) was appropriated to department number 01101637 related to Music and Entertainment Economic Development and Film Initiatives for the specific purpose of funding the Economic Development Incentive Grant for Season 5 of the production of Nashville; and,

WHEREAS, it is in the interest and welfare of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government to approve and execute the Economic Development Incentive Grant Agreement with the Company (the "Grant Agreement") in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

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

Section 1. The terms and provisions of the Grant Agreement by and between the Metropolitan
Government and the Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A are hereby approved.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Mayor of the Metropolitan Government (the "Metropolitan Mayor") is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to execute and deliver the Grant Agreement in the name and on behalf of the Metropolitan Government in the form now before this meeting. From and after the execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement, the officers of the Metropolitan Government or any of them, are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to do all such acts and things and to execute all such documents as may be necessary to carry out and comply with the provisions of the Grant Agreement as executed.

Section 3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Metropolitan Government’s obligation to make any payments hereunder is contingent upon the appropriation of funds for such purpose by the Metropolitan Council.

Section 4. Any amendment(s), change(s), or extension(s) of the Grant Agreement shall be approved by resolution of the Metropolitan Council receiving twenty-one affirmative votes.

Section 5. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government requiring it.

Sponsored by: Nancy VanReece, John Cooper

If you would like a copy of the attachment to any ordinance or resolution, please email your request to the Metro Clerk's Office at metro.clerk@nashville.gov

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Budget & Finance Committee Convention, Tourism, and Public Entertainment Facilities Committee
Introduced:	June 6, 2017
Adopted:	June 6, 2017
Approved:	June 7, 2017
By: