Tonight, members of the Metropolitan Council voted by a wide majority (29-9) to pass the financing package for Nashville’s new convention center. Though the
Music City Center has been one of the hottest topics of discussion and debate this past year, the conversation began close to a decade ago.
A 2002 tourism summit resulted in an intense strategic planning process conducted by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. Out of that process came the goal of growing the hospitality industry from a $3 billion to a $5 billion industry within five years; key to that growth was improving the city as a convention destination and expanding convention facilities. By 2006, a committee appointed by then-Mayor Bill Purcell published a report, The Music City Center for Nashville’s Future, outlining the need for a new center, a recommended location, funding sources and a process to involve the community in the project’s development.
Because hospitality and tourism is the city’s No. 2 industry, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has continuously monitored the hospitality industry and its needs. Upon the release of the 2006 report, the Chamber announced its official support of the project because of the significant economic impact it would have on the Nashville region.
The Music City Center vote was one of the most important decisions our community has faced in recent years. While the various financing sources garnered much focus and scrutiny, the larger issues surrounding the Music City Center were the subject of 18 studies, numerous legislative votes by both the Tennessee General Assembly and the Metro Council, dozens of endorsements by diverse and broad community groups and more than 200 community meetings.
Thanks to Mayor Karl Dean for his unwavering commitment to the Music City Center as an important economic development project; to members of the Tennessee General Assembly, specifically our Davidson County delegation; and Metro Council, who studied this issue so responsibly. For those who voted in support of the Center, we thank you for taking this position; for those who did not, we commend you for your study and willingness to participate in open dialogue.