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A resolution urging the Tennessee General Assembly to reject the redistricting plan splitting Davidson County into three congressional districts.
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WHEREAS, the Tennessee General Assembly adopts a congressional redistricting plan every ten years in conjunction with the federal decennial census; and
WHEREAS, on January 12, 2022, the House Select Committee on Redistricting introduced to its proposed congressional districts to the public and adopted the plan the same day; and
WHEREAS, the redistricting plan carves Davidson County into multiple districts for the first time in 230 years; and
WHEREAS, the three separate districts into which Davidson County has been split gives primarily rural counties undue influence over the urban interests of one of the largest economic drivers of the state; and
WHEREAS, the separation of Davidson County into three districts serves to dilute the voting influence and political voice of Nashville’s minority voters; and
WHEREAS, additionally, the new districts have populations of approximately 767,000 residents, while Nashville’s population is approximately 715,000. It is possible to keep Davidson County wholly within one district due to its population, and its population does not necessitate splitting the county between three districts; and
WHEREAS, the voters of Davidson County should not be faced with the prospect of having its interests overlooked and diluted at the national congressional level of government in which this redistricting plan will result.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as opposing the redistricting plan presented and adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly’s House Select Committee on Redistricting that would split Davidson County into three congressional districts.
Section 2. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record urging the Tennessee General Assembly, its Committees, and the Governor to reject the redistricting plan presented and adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly’s House Select Committee on Redistricting.
Section 3. The Metropolitan County Council hereby requests that the Tennessee General Assembly respect the voters and maintain the integrity of the boundaries of Davidson County in any redistricting plan it adopts and refuse to split Davidson County into separate congressional districts.
Section 4. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Tennessee General Assembly and to Governor Lee.
Section 5. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.