Nashville Metro Council Approves $3.1 Billion 'Choose How You Move' Transit Plan for November Ballot

NASHVILLE, TN — The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County voted 35–3 on final reading to adopt Ordinance BL2026-399, placing Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s $3.1 billion 'Choose How You Move' transportation improvement program on the November 3, 2026, municipal ballot.

Modernizing Transit Corridors and Upgrading Traffic Signals

The comprehensive transportation program will be financed through a dedicated 0.5% local sales tax surcharge, generating matching revenue to construct 54 miles of dedicated All-Access Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along Murfreesboro Pike, Gallatin Pike, and Nolensville Pike. The package modernizes 600 smart traffic signals with AI-coordinated timing and builds 86 miles of contiguous new sidewalks across Davidson County.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell and council sponsors stated that Nashville’s rapid population growth requires modern public transit infrastructure to relieve traffic gridlock and connect working residents to employment centers.

Community Coalitions and Fiscal Accountability

Nashville Chamber of Commerce and civic transportation federations endorsed the ballot measure, highlighting independent taxpayer oversight audit mandates.

Opponents raised concerns regarding sales tax regressivity during periods of elevated consumer cost inflation.

Voter Referendum Schedule

Davidson County voters will formally decide on the transit referendum during the general election on November 3, 2026.