Climate priorities of Nashville’s next mayor — with some context

In three weeks, the mayoral election may decide whether Nashville takes significant climate action. But first, some context.

Climate intersects with everything 

In 2023, cities have witnessed some uncomfortable, dangerous and apocalyptic stuff. People suffered life-threatening burns after falling on asphalt in Phoenix, which hit at least 110 degrees for 31 days this summer. Beijing got 29 inches of rain in three days, while regional flooding displaced a million people earlier this month. Nashville experienced rolling blackouts during an Arctic storm in the city’s third-warmest winter to date. 

Climate change affects every aspect of a city, including housing, infrastructure and the livelihood and health of its inhabitants. In Nashville, a warmer climate has caused annoyances, like more potholes, but also unearthed new threats like landslides.  

So, how is Nashville’s next mayor going to confront the challenges and opportunities of the climate crisis?

What are the top three climate priorities of Nashville’s mayoral candidates? 

Alice Rolli

1. Trees.
2. Clean Water.
3. Electric vehicles in local government. 

 “I do believe that conservation can live alongside commerce,” Rolli said. 

Freddie O’Connell

1. Non-car transportation, like buses, bikes and walking. 
2. Solar in the city. 
3. Climate lens on all policies. 

“There are a lot of different ways to fold in energy efficiency and emissions thinking into what we’re doing from day-to-day city operations,” O’Connell said. 

Mariana Proença Unsplash

The Tennessee Valley Authority limits local power companies, like the Nashville Electric Service, to self-generating 5% of their power from renewable sources.

Will they address fossil fuel use?

Alice Rolli

In response to this question, Rolli again mentioned electric cars in local government. 

Freddie O’Connell

O’Connell emphasized building more non-car infrastructure, such as e-bikes, to give people “the option not to be doing things that require the use of fossil fuels.”

Rachel Iacovone WPLN News

E-bikes have begun to spread in Nashville, and a decision last year allows them on the city’s greenways.

Do they have infrastructure goals?

Alice Rolli

Rolli mentioned water mains, electricity lines, pipes and road culverts. 

“The city does have infrastructure that needs to be upgraded, right?” Rolli said. “We see it and we feel it.” 

Freddie O’Connell

In addition to updated mass transit, the council member mentioned sidewalks, bike lanes, the electricity sector and stormwater. O’Connell also said as the city grows, attention should be given to systems and neighborhoods instead of single development projects. 

“As we watch severe weather patterns increase around, not just the world, but certainly in the United States and right here in Nashville, it is important to be making sure that our infrastructure choices are resilient while also being cost-effective,” he said.

What does ‘business-minded’ mean, and how do we learn from history?

Alice Rolli

Rolli said she wants a “business-minded government” in the context of environmental progress. When asked to clarify, Rolli pivoted to why she would not sign the global Compact of Mayors, which is a commitment by city leaders to reduce planet-warming emissions and adapt to climate change. 

“I think there’s a great leadership in saying ‘no’ sometimes,” Rolli said. “I think we have to be so aggressively Nashville first in all things.” 

Freddie O’Connell

O’Connell wants more partnerships and to build on the work of previous administrations that brought people together on climate, sustainability and resiliency. He committed to pulling out the best ideas and implementing them. 

“It’s actually one of the things that I’m excited about,” O’Connell said. “This opportunity is restorative in a lot of ways.”