As it stands, Nashville does not have a “unified housing strategy.” While there are several existing reports and plans offering assessment of the city’s housing, there’s no single roadmap for Nashville’s affordable housing goals.
But that’s about to change. Earlier this spring, Metro began developing their Unified Housing Strategy. As the name implies, the UHS will offer a singular outline for the direction of Nashville’s affordable housing.
In May, Metro began conducting market and policy analyses. Now, it’s looking beyond formal reports and, instead, turning to residents themselves.
Last month, the Housing Division kicked off a series of four listening sessions, inviting members of the public to learn more about the effort and share their housing experiences — including how they secured their current housing, the challenges they faced, and their wishes for the future. The office is also partnering with more than 10 local organizations (including AgeWell, The Contributor and the Urban League) to hold sessions with target populations.
Tuesday marked the second session. While a number of residents gathered at the Main Library for the midday discussion, many were associated with Metro or housing efforts in some way.
Moderator Kia Jarmon acknowledged these affiliations, and asked attendees to look beyond them.
“I recognize that many of you in this room are professionals in this work. You also are human and a neighbor,” Jarmon said. “Please bring both hats to this conversation.”
After a brief presentation, the session quickly turned to what it was intended for: listening. As Jarmon invited residents to share their housing priorities and observations, many spoke up.
District 3 Councilmember Jennifer Gamble spoke about her 31-year-old son, who would like to purchase a home but is unable to afford to. An affordable housing developer said he has struggled to win support from the Barnes Fund because he wants to build for-sale units rather than rental ones. A local Nashville Organized for Action and Hope organizer shared fears of falling into homelessness, after experiencing it years ago. And former Councilmember Nancy VanReece said she is an owner of “pre-existing affordable housing.”
“I think if I was moving to Nashville now, I don’t think I could find a place to live,” VanReece said. “That’s what motivates me to try and make a difference.”
Two more listening sessions are on the calendar this month: one at the East Park Community Center on Thursday and another at the Bordeaux Branch Library on July 18. Metro is also inviting all residents to fill out a survey to share their housing experience.
The Housing Division plans to finalize their Unified Housing Strategy by the end of the year.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM