Tennessee appeals ruling, looks to uphold Metro Nashville council reduction
(The Center Square) – Tennessee has appealed a ruling blocking a state law that would have forced Metro Nashville to reduce its council from 40 to 20 members.
The appeal was filed on behalf of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins.
The law, subject to several lawsuits and appeals since it passed, was determined to be unconstitutional under the local legislation clause. It would have gone into effect in 2027.
Council members Delishia Porterfield, Judy Cummings, Davie Tucker, Dave Goetz, Quin Evans Segal, Sandra Sepulvada and Zulfat Suara are named plaintiffs in the case along with Metro Nashville government and Davidson County.
“It remains my position that, per the Home Rule Amendment of the Tennessee Constitution, the size of the Metro Council is a decision for the voters of Metro Nashville,” Nashville Vice Mayor Angie Henderson said in a statement. “The Small Government Efficiency Act was advanced through the General Assembly in 2023 purportedly to address the ‘efficiency & effectiveness’ of Nashville’s legislative branch.”
A prior ruling had blocked the reduction from 40 to 20 members from taking place until 2027.
“Over my first 11 months in office, we have accomplished quite a bit of work on that front,” Henderson said. “It is my duty and intent to fulfill the will of Nashville voters and help make our 40-member body work well for all 715,000 Nashvillians residing within our city’s 526 square miles.”
