Let’s Put a Cap on I-40 to Reconnect North Nashville

The interstate highway system built in the 1950-60s connected U.S. cities, but it also cut through and destroyed many predominantly Black neighborhoods. Decades later, planners are looking at “caps” and “stitches” projects to reconnect the neighborhoods once destroyed...

Decades-Old Zoning Paved Way for Downtown Nashville’s Residential Growth

There are 14,000 people living in downtown Nashville today with a housing occupancy that is higher than our peer cities. We have certainly come a long way since the first residents began moving downtown in the early 2000s. Nashville Downtown Partnership’s annual study...

Sharing an Evening with Nashville’s Emerging Leaders

I recently participated in a panel discussion of Nashville’s past, present and future for Nashville Emerging Leaders. We had a lively conversation, and I came away from the evening convinced our future is in great hands with these rising leaders. Other panelists for...

Second Avenue: Now the Rebuilding Begins

(Above: 1897 Market Street, now 2nd Ave, looking north from Broadway) The Christmas morning bombing was a tragedy for Nashville’s historic Second Avenue, destroying businesses and displacing residents. As the repairs begin, how should the district be rebuilt?...

Let’s Use Our Success to Lift Up Community

Each of us has the power to make a positive impact. We also have a responsibility to help others. When we work together as a community to lift up others, our bearing has a far greater effect on the place we call home. As the new year approaches, this mindset is even...

Homebuyers Seek Investment and Quality of Life in Nashville

This has been a challenging year in so many ways, but there’s good news on the real estate front. Home closings in the Nashville area for the third quarter are up double-digits (12 percent) from the same time last year. Some of these closings can be attributed to...

Pivoting to Celebrate Nashville Entrepreneurs’ Success

In 2012, I wanted to further my involvement in the Nashville community, so I joined the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. That membership has rewarded me with valuable friendships and a safe environment to share all aspects of my business and life. A peer-to-peer support...

Uncle Bob Joined Trouble and Fought for Civil Rights

Rev. Robert S. Graetz, a civil rights activist who dedicated his ministry to fighting poverty and discrimination, died at the age of 92 on Sept. 20. With his passing, the nation lost a social justice giant. I lost an uncle. Uncle Bob was sweet, empathic, gentle,...

Community Building Doesn’t Stop for the Coronavirus

A big part of community building is developing, growing and nurturing relationships. This is a challenge during COVID-19 when in-person meetings and gatherings have gone virtual or been postponed. Stepping up to help organizations you believe in is also part of...

Charting a Path for Health and Resiliency

Early this year, Mayor John Cooper appointed 48 Nashville community members to his Sustainability Advisory Committee to address climate change and alternative energy challenges for our city. I am honored to be one of those appointees. Our committee is co-chaired by...