Should Nashville raise the local sales tax to fund a citywide transit program?
Nashville voters weighed a half-cent sales tax for buses, sidewalks and signals. See the arguments for and against, and how the 2024 referendum ended.
Local government directory
Nashville, TN: council, meetings and contacts
Nashville is the 20th largest city in the United States with about 721,074 residents, in Davidson. Here is who governs it, when they meet in public, and where the agendas are posted.
City government at a glance
- Form of government
- Consolidated city-county (mayor-council)
- Governing body
- Metropolitan Council — 40 members
- Regular meetings
- Generally first and third Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Historic Metro Courthouse, 1 Public Square
- City Hall
- 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201
- Main information line
- 311 or (615) 862-5000
- Population (2025 est.)
- 721,074 (2020 census: 689,447)
- County
- Davidson
- Planning body
- Metro Nashville Planning Commission
40-member Metropolitan Council (35 district, 5 at-large) governs consolidated Nashville-Davidson County.
Official links
- Nashville official website
- Metropolitan Council
- Agendas, minutes and meeting video
- Metro Nashville Public Schools
The bodies that decide things in Nashville
| Body | What it decides | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Council | Ordinances, the city budget, zoning changes, contracts, police and fire funding | Official page |
| Metro Nashville Public Schools board | School budget, boundaries, calendar, curriculum adoption, superintendent | District website |
| Metro Nashville Planning Commission | Rezonings, site plans, variances and long-range land use recommendations | City website |
Questions people ask about Nashville government
When does the Nashville Metropolitan Council meet?
Generally first and third Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Historic Metro Courthouse, 1 Public Square Always confirm the date and location on the official agenda before you attend, because meetings can be cancelled, moved or continued.
How do I contact Nashville city government?
The main information line is 311 or (615) 862-5000. City Hall is at 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201, and the official website is https://www.nashville.gov.
How do I speak at a Nashville public meeting?
Find the agenda for the meeting, check the sign-up deadline (many cities close the list before the meeting starts), prepare remarks for the posted time limit — usually two or three minutes — and state your name, your district and your specific ask.
Open debates in Nashville
Start here if you are new to this
Guides
How to File a Public Records Request: FOIA and State Laws
How to file a public records request: federal FOIA vs. state laws, finding the records officer, a sample request letter, fees, deadlines, appeals, and MuckRock.
Guides
How to Write to Elected Officials: Letters, Emails and Calls That Work
How to write to your congressman or city council: email, letter, and call templates, what staff actually do with your message, and a clear do/don't table.
Guides
How to Find Your Representatives by ZIP Code or Address
Find my representative by zip code: official tools for your U.S. House member, senators, state legislators and council district — and why ZIP codes mislead.
Guides
How to Start a Petition: Local and State Rules Explained
How to start a petition in your state or city: informal vs. legally binding petitions, initiative states, signature validation, and a step-by-step checklist.