You're So Right Podcast: Episode 10 with Metro Councilwoman Courtney Johnston

Councilwoman Courtney Johnston and Lonnie Spivak.

In Episode 10, I sit down with Metro Councilwoman Courtney Johnston for a candid discussion about Nashville’s political landscape. From looming tax hikes to council size reductions and zoning controversies, this episode unpacks the challenges and opportunities facing our city. Here’s a recap of the key moments and insights from this engaging conversation.

Metro Council Reduction: A Game-Changer for Nashville

One of the biggest topics was the recent appeals court ruling upholding the state’s 2022 law to reduce Nashville’s Metro Council from 40 to 20 members by the 2027 election. Johnston explained that the ruling, which came down just last week, is constitutional, and Metro now faces a critical decision: appeal to the Supreme Court or start planning for a smaller council. She believes an appeal would be a waste of resources, noting, “Everybody in that room and chambers knows that a reduction is what’s necessary.”

The council must now determine how to structure the new 20-member body—whether it’s 20 districts, a mix of districts and at-large seats (like 17 districts and 3 at-large), or another configuration. Johnston highlighted the planning department’s role in ensuring equitable representation, balancing population, and adhering to racial equity laws. For term-limited council members like herself, it’s unclear whether new districts would reset eligibility to run again, but a legal decision is expected soon.

Lonnie and Courtney also discussed the broader implications. While Lonnie sees the ruling as reinforcing state authority over metropolitan areas, he’s neutral on the council size itself. Johnston emphasized the opportunity to modernize the legislative branch, advocating for full-time legislators with dedicated staff to balance power with the mayor’s office.

Property Tax Hike: A 26-39% Increase Looms

The mayor’s proposed budget, which includes a 26% property tax increase for the General Services District (GSD) and a staggering 39% for the Urban Services District (USD), was a major point of contention. Johnston clarified that the USD, covering most of the county, faces the higher rate due to rebalancing between GSD and USD taxes. She’s filing a substitute budget to lower the tax levy, particularly for GSD residents, by taking a “scalpel” to the proposed increases rather than a “hatchet.”

Johnston stressed that her reductions aren’t cuts but adjustments to the proposed spending hikes. For example, schools would still receive more funding than last year due to state-mandated maintenance of effort, but less than the mayor’s $132-148 million increase. She’s frustrated by the council’s reliance on the mayor’s staff for budget analysis, advocating for independent resources with a smaller council.

The tax hike’s impact on residents and businesses is already palpable. Johnston shared heartbreaking stories of a 101-year-old constituent facing displacement and a 50-year-old Berry Hill business considering relocation. She urged residents to email and call council members to voice opposition, warning, “Silence is deadly.”

Nashville’s Strained Relations with State and Federal Governments

The episode also tackled Nashville’s rocky relationship with state and federal entities, exacerbated by Mayor O’Connell’s handling of ICE enforcement operations. Johnston called the mayor’s actions, including allegedly doxxing federal agents, “irresponsible,” noting they’ve put a “bullseye” on Nashville, drawing scrutiny from Republican state and federal officials. With a deadline for the mayor to submit materials to the Judiciary Committee passing just before the recording, the fallout remains uncertain.

Lonnie traced the tension back to the city’s rejection of the Republican National Convention years ago, which led to state interventions like the council reduction, airport authority changes, and sports authority oversight. State Senator Jack Johnson and House Speaker Cameron Sexton are now preparing legislation to hold officials accountable for doxxing federal agents, signaling more conflicts ahead.

Transit and Zoning: Missteps and Misconceptions

Johnston was vocal about her opposition to the mayor’s transit plan, passed with a half-percent sales tax increase. She argued it over-promises federal funding and under-delivers solutions, calling it a “19th century solution to a 21st century problem.” With Nashville’s sprawl and emerging technologies like self-driving taxis, she believes buses and rail won’t solve congestion. Lonnie suggested the plan was more about affordable housing than transit, predicting it could worsen mobility.

On zoning, Johnston criticized the “Nest” proposals by Councilwoman Quinn Evans Segall to eliminate single-family zoning in the USD. Filed without planning input, the plan faced fierce backlash for ignoring infrastructure limits and threatening neighborhood character. Johnston argued that rezoning her district is her responsibility, not a one-size-fits-all mandate. A recent study reinforced the need for density along transit corridors with adequate infrastructure, not blanket zoning changes. She warned that upzoning wouldn’t guarantee affordability, citing Creve Hall, where splitting lots could drive prices higher due to unrelenting demand from incoming residents.

Nashville’s Financial Health and Future

Despite the challenges, Johnston emphasized Nashville’s strong financial position, boasting one of the highest bond ratings due to policies enacted post-2019. After a budget crisis under Mayor Briley, a 34% tax increase in 2020—though painful—bolstered savings, now protected by strict policies. However, she cautioned that the proposed tax hike could be “the straw that breaks the camel’s back” for residents and small businesses.

Looking ahead, Johnston is undecided about her political future as her term ends. When Lonnie asked about a mayoral run in 2027, she said she’d consider any role where she could win and be effective, but “a lot can change.” For now, she’s focused on serving District 26 and fighting for fiscal responsibility.

How to Stay Engaged

Courtney encouraged listeners to contact her directly at Courtney.Johnston@nashville.gov or follow her on Facebook (CourtneyJohnston26) and Instagram (JohnstonforNashville). To catch the full episode, visit youreusualright.us or subscribe on YouTube, Rumble, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Lonnie invites feedback and hopes Courtney returns for future discussions.

Final Thoughts

This episode of You’re So Right paints a vivid picture of a city at a crossroads. Nashville’s growth brings opportunity but strains infrastructure, finances, and community cohesion. With Johnston’s insights, we see the delicate balance of governance—navigating state mandates, fiscal pressures, and constituent needs. As Lonnie’s outro song reminds us, “In the heart of Tennessee, our voices loud,” it’s clear that resident engagement will shape Nashville’s future. Let your voice be heard, and stay tuned for more episodes!

#NashvillePolitics #MetroCouncil #TennesseeNews #PropertyTax #LocalGovernment