Now that Mayor Dean has introduced his proposed 2012-2013 budget, what are the next steps?
The Metro budget process continues, with the Metro Council conducting its own department operating budget
meetings between now and June 15. The second reading and public hearings for both the capital improvement and the operating budgets are scheduled for June 5 at the Metro Council chambers. The budget must be enacted in time for the new fiscal year, which begins July 1. For more information about the budget process, we encourage you to visit the
Citizen’s Guide to the Metro Budget, which links you to the proposed budgets and other pertinent material about this important community process.
As shared in a
previous blog about the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s board support of the budget, the Chamber is continuing to communicate with our members and the community about the budget and why these investments in our city’s future are critical. The Chamber’s support position has also been echoed by other business groups in the community – including the
Greater Nashville Association of Realtors and the
Greater Nashville Hospitality Association.
Those groups, along with the Chamber, stand with a community coalition called
Moving Nashville Forward, a grassroots movement in support of the proposed budget. The effort is co-chaired by Erik Cole, former District 7 Metro councilmember; Michael Joyner, pastor of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church; and Francie Hunt, an education advocate who previously headed the Nashville chapter of Stand for Children. For more information about the Moving Nashville Forward coalition, contact
movingnashvilleforward@gmail.com or visit
www.facebook.com/MovingNashvilleForward.
It is important for community leaders and our members to understand the “processes behind the policy” as legislation is considered that impacts our community and business environments. The annual Metro operating budget – this year proposed with a tax adjustment – is a process that invites public discussion. The Chamber board felt that the proposed budget was one that aligned with Chamber priorities established by our members and warranted support. We encourage you to be involved in the discussion.