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A resolution expressing the endorsement of the Metropolitan Council for the Connect Downtown Action Plan.
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WHEREAS, due to population growth in Nashville between 2013 and 2023, including a 365% increase in the downtown residential population, downtown Nashville is experiencing transportation challenges including traffic congestion, limited travel options, slow and unreliable transit service, limited loading space, special event closures, disconnected sidewalks and bike lanes, and High Injury Corridors; and,
WHEREAS, traffic modeling has clearly shown that doing nothing to address these transportation challenges is not an option; and,
WHEREAS, to address these transportation challenges, the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) has been leading a joint project in partnership with WeGo Public Transit (WeGo), the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and the Nashville Downtown Partnership (NDP) to improve mobility and improve traffic congestion in the downtown core ("Connect Downtown") for the past two years; and,
WHEREAS, the goals of Connect Downtown are the following:
* Safe and Comfortable: Create transportation networks that enhance the quality of life for all Nashvillians, especially the city's most vulnerable travelers;
* Connected and Convenient: Develop an integrated mobility system that seamlessly and efficiently connects downtown Nashville with easy-to-use and reliable travel options;
* Equitable and Accessible: Ensure equal access to mobility options that meet the needs of everyone traveling to, through, and around downtown Nashville;
* Sustainable and Resilient: Address the climate crisis to create a more resilient downtown Nashville and Middle Tennessee region;
* Vibrant and Inviting: Maintain a prosperous downtown by providing a transportation system that makes it easier to do business and encourages people to spend time here;
* Balanced and Reliable: Expand and enhance mobility cho...
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