As the Metro budget process continues in preparation for an anticipated final vote by the Metro Council on Tuesday, June 19, the Chamber continues to share the
reasons for our board-adopted position in support of the mayor’s proposed 2012-2013 operating and capital budgets with our members, business and community leaders and members of the Metro Council.
The opportunity to educate and involve constituents in the budget process has been extensive -- from public hearings to council district meetings and briefings to speeches by the mayor, and much media and social media coverage.
Nashville has a lower tax burden than Tennessee's other large cities and many of our benchmark cities across the country. According to Chamber research, investing in public services such as education, transportation, public safety and infrastructure has positive economic effects and can accelerate state and local growth.
Mayor Dean has said that the additional $100 million in revenue from the proposed tax increase will go toward investments in schools, public safety and transit, to name a few. Improving public education is the Chamber's number-one priority because the quality of our schools is tied to everything else we do in economic development. Our most recent
workforce study predicts a significant workforce shortage over the next decade. We expect that strong products of our local public schools -- who graduate prepared for college and careers -- will be a significant part of making up this shortfall. In addition, a high-performing school system is an essential ingredient in our efforts to recruit new companies and new jobs to our area.
As evidenced by several recent national
accolades citing the strength of our local economy, Nashville is outpacing the nation in job growth. The potential for continued regional prosperity is high, and we know the investments that will result from the adoption of the mayor’s budgets are critical for our economic health.
For more information about the budget process, please visit the
Citizen’s Guide to the Metro Budget.