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A resolution directing the Metropolitan Council Office to develop scenarios and recommendations for potential amendments to the Metropolitan Charter regarding the size, structure, compensation, and support resources of the Metropolitan Council, in anticipation of a judicial ruling that may require a reduction in Council membership.
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WHEREAS, in 2015, the voters of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County approved an amendment to the Metropolitan Charter affirming their preference for a forty-member Metropolitan Council, consisting of thirty-five district members and five at-large members; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted Public Chapter 21, providing that in any metropolitan form of government, the legislative body shall consist of no more than twenty members; and
WHEREAS, the Tennessee Supreme Court is currently considering issues related to the validity and enforceability of the state legislation; and
WHEREAS, regardless of the outcome of that proceeding, prudent governance requires the evaluation of potential scenarios to ensure continuity of governance and effective representation, should any change be required; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council is committed to transparency and public engagement and intends to present any potential scenarios to the public to ensure meaningful input in the development of any revised representative structure; and
WHEREAS, delaying the review of potential changes to the size and structure of the Council would limit the public's ability to provide substantive feedback; and
WHEREAS, amendments to the Metropolitan Charter may be necessary to bring the size and structure of the Metropolitan Council into compliance with state law; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Charter amendment process requires sufficient preparation to place a referendum before the voters of Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, the public must be informed of the composition of its legislative body...
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