In 1963, Nashville became the first large U.S. city to adopt a consolidated city-county government. Nashville is now a national model for metropolitan areas, and remains one of the leading examples of full consolidation of city and county into one government.
Our history of shared governance has paved the way for our growth as a city, county and region. Nashville-Davidson County is currently the largest metropolitan area in a five-state region (Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas). Thinking and working cooperatively, sharing city and county resources, has been part of the fabric of our community -- one element that helped lead to the formation of the Chamber's Partnership 2000 initiative in 1990. This 10-county collaboration has been effective because it positions the Nashville MSA to compete as one economic unit, with Nashville-Davidson County as its hub.
On Thursday, June 28, Metro officials will kick off a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the formation of Metro government with two special events. Starting at noon, there will be a press conference and kickoff at Metro Courthouse. All living mayors who have served our city in the past five decades will be present for the event.
Click here for details. On the evening of June 28, Metro will host a panel discussion featuring John Seigenthaler, George Cate, Metro's first vice mayor; Charles Warfield, an attorney and member of the original Charter Commission; and Francis Guess, Nashville businessman and former U.S. civil rights commissioner.
Click here for details.
We hope you can join in the festivities surrounding the launch -- our unique form of government, and the growth it has created, is something to celebrate!