If I can be of assistance in any way, please reach out to me at brenda.gadd@nashville.gov. 

Hello Neighbors,
 
As the days grow longer and the cold of winter begins to loosen its grip, we welcome the arrival of spring — a season that brings light, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. After months of colder days, this shift reminds us of the resilience of our community and the beauty of gathering again in shared spaces.
 
March is a month that carries so much meaning — a time of reflection, renewal, and honoring the many traditions and histories that make our community so rich.
 
As Ramadan draws to a close this week, I want to extend my deepest respect and warm wishes to our Muslim neighbors who have spent this holy month in fasting, prayer, and community. Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating Eid al-Fitr in the coming days — may it be filled with joy, togetherness, and peace.
 
Our family is also looking forward to Passover, which begins the evening of April 1. It’s a season of preparation and reflection in our home — and a reminder of the enduring power of freedom, family, and faith. Wishing an early Chag Sameach to all who will gather around the Seder table. For those wanting to share, please join me at the Avi Poster Social Justice Seder at the Gordon JCC.
 
This month is also Women’s History Month — a time to celebrate the contributions of women who have shaped our history, our neighborhoods, and our civic life. As a woman in public service, I carry the legacy of those who came before me and remain committed to making sure women’s voices are centered in the decisions that shape our city.
 
And with the Spring Equinox arriving on March 20, we welcome a new season of light, growth, and possibility. Our Hindu neighbors will also celebrate Holi on March 24 — the beautiful festival of colors marking spring’s arrival and the triumph of good over evil. Nashville is made greater because of the diversity of cultures, community, and faiths. I was raised in a Christian household, and with the upcoming Easter holiday, it is a special time of rebirth and family togetherness.
 
I also want to be clear: there is no place for hate in our community. I condemn the recent remarks made by U.S. Congressmember Ogles about our Muslim neighbors. Thank you to the Metro Council Immigrant Caucus for calling for accountability, and to the Jewish Federation of Nashville for speaking out. Welcoming our neighbors cannot happen in silence — it requires us to stand up, speak out, and act.
 
However you mark this season, I hope you feel the warmth of community around you.
 
Warmest regards,
Brenda Gadd (she/her)
Councilmember for District 24
📍 Find out if you live in District 24
📬 Email Brenda.Gadd@Nashville.Gov for Metro assistance.
🌐 Use hub.nashville.gov for non-emergency Metro needs.

📚 Richland Park Public Library: 
📢 Your Voice Needed!

For nearly three years, I have worked with the Mayor's office, Nashville Public Library and the NPL Foundation to fund improvements for Richland Park Public Library in our Metro Budget for improvements. This includes community engagement for a design that responds to what you – the neighbor, community and library user – would like to see. Please join the library staff and me this evening as they work to gain your voice in this process. This is just the first phase of community input. Thank you to the Friends of Richland Park for your work to gather neighbor input and to make sure voices are heard. 
 
📢 Community Town Hall — TONIGHT
🗓️ Wednesday, March 19
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍West Police Precinct on Charlotte Avenue
 
📢 Community Engagement Workshop
🗓️ Saturday, March 21
⏰ During Farmers Market hours
📍Richland Park Library
 
At the workshop, the design team will host an interactive activity to gather input on priorities for the new library.
 
Libraries are more than buildings — they are gathering spaces, learning hubs, and anchors for our neighborhoods. The feedback shared in these early sessions will directly shape the future of this space.
 
💻 Can’t attend in person? You can still share your input online:
 
👉 Take the Richland Park Library Survey:
https://nashvillepl.libwizard.com/f/rp-branch-survey
👉 Learn more about the project and library services:
https://library.nashville.gov/locations/richland-park
 

♻️  FREE Bulk Recycling, Donation & 
Waste Drop-Off ♻️ 

Spring cleaning made easy — this free drive-through event allows residents to responsibly recycle, donate, and dispose of items not accepted curbside.  
 
Thank you to our partners: District 24 Beautification & Environment Commissioner Kate Parrish, NDOT, Metro Beautification & Environment Commission / Keep Nashville Beautiful, and Restore Nashville. 
 
🗓️ Saturday, March 28 
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Vine Street Christian Church, 4101 Harding Pike (next to MBA)
 
Spring cleaning made easy — this free drive-through event allows residents to responsibly recycle, donate, and dispose of items not accepted curbside.
 
Accepted Items:
 
• Paper shredding
• Clothing & shoes
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Glass
• Home goods
• Mattresses
• Medication (Rx/OTC)
• Scrap metal
• Small batteries
 
Rain or shine — we’ll see you there.

🚨 Community Updates: Need to Know

🌱 Richland Park Community Clean-Up 🌱
 
🗓️ DATE: Saturday, March 28
⏰ TIME: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
📍 LOCATION: Pavilion near the playground at Richland Park
 
After the morning drop-off event, join neighbors and Friends of Richland Park for a community clean-up.
 
We’ll focus on the playground area, walking paths, and light debris throughout the park — a great way to give back and connect with neighbors.
 
Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing
Provided: Gloves, tools, supplies, and light snacks
 
🌳 Storm Debris Collection Update 🌳
 
NDOT crews continue working extended shifts to remove storm debris across Nashville.
1.1 million cubic yards collected so far.  For comparison: 87,000 cubic yards collected in all of 2025. Crews are completing the first round and will continue multiple passes until all debris is cleared. 
 
What to do:
Place brush and limbs at the curb — no request needed. We are still waiting on more pick-up across all of district 24. If you have a hazardous situation please do not hesitate to reach out via Brenda.Gadd@Nashville.Gov with your address. 
 
📞 Questions: Call 311 or visit hub.nashville.gov
 
 
🚌 WeGo Transit Updates — Your Input Needed 🚌 
 
WeGo is proposing Summer 2026 service changes and gathering community feedback as part of WeGo Forward.
 
Key Proposal:
Route 18 Airport service increasing from hourly to every 30 minutes midday.
 
Public Comment Period:
March 16 – April 10
 
Public meetings include both virtual and in-person options, including one at the MNPD West Precinct on Charlotte Pike.
 
📧 WeGoTransit@nashville.gov
📞 615-862-5686
 
🏠 DADU Resource Now Available 🏠
 
Metro has released a new visual guide explaining updated Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) regulations approved in December.
 
 
📊 Know Your Community Report
 
Metro Social Services has released updated district-level data, including demographics, housing, and economic trends.
 
New this year: interactive maps by council district
 
 
🏛️ Metro Council Happenings 🏛️
 
👉  Metro Budget 101 — March 28, 1:30 PM
👉 Ad Hoc East Bank Committee — March 30
👉 Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month. Committees meet the Monday before and the day of council. 
     📄 Council Agendas: https://nashville.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
     📺 Watch Council Live: https://stream.nashville.gov
 
👉 State of Metro Address — April 29 – Mayor Freddie O’Connell will deliver the 63rd Annual State of Metro Address on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, outlining his administration’s vision for Nashville and presenting the proposed FY2027 operating budget.
This annual address marks the beginning of Metro’s budget process and sets priorities for the year ahead.  I encourage neighbors to tune in and stay engaged as we move into budget season — your voice is an important part of shaping our city’s future.
 

Restore Nashville: 
Recovery Resources Still Available

As our city continues to recover from Winter Storm Fern, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of Restore Nashville — a coordinated Metro initiative focused on helping residents rebuild, recover, and stabilize after the storm.
 
This effort is centered on reducing the financial burden many families are facing and making it easier to access support.  Key resources available include:
 
💡  Utility Relief 💧
💡 Nashville Electric Service has suspended disconnections and late fees and is offering flexible payment plans through 2026.
💧 Metro Water Services is pursuing bill credits, offering payment plans, and providing leak adjustments for storm-related damage. 
 
🏠 Housing + Financial Support 💵 
Emergency rental and housing assistance is available through the Emergency Winter Housing Assistance Program (EWHAP). Free legal support is available for those facing eviction.
 
🛠️ Property & Rebuilding Support 🛠️ 
Property reassessments may be available for storm-damaged homes. Please reach out to the property assessors office as we have recently approved relief. Metro Council has approved the waiver certain rebuilding permit fees to support recovery.
 
🤝 Community Recovery 🤝
Volunteers are still needed for debris cleanup and neighborhood support. I have joined Hands on Nashville in recovery efforts. Please check out ways to support your neighbors here:  https://handson.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/ 
 
Donations to the Winter Storm Recovery Fund are helping meet urgent and ongoing needs across the city. Restore Nashville is about more than restoring power — it’s about restoring stability for families and neighborhoods across our city.  If you or someone you know is still navigating recovery, I encourage you to explore these resources and reach out for support.
 

🏃🏻‍♀️ Gadd on the Go 🏃🏻‍♀️

Thank you to the Richland Park Library and the Friends of Richland Park for hosting this year's fabulous LEGO contest! I was honored to join Richland Park Library staff, Sylvan Park school Principal Goetz, friends of Richland Park co found Amy Daniels as well as the incredible young participants of masterful lego creations.Thank you to all participants. Photos below.

Photos below from Left to Right: 
- Joined the Nashville Independent Venue Alliance for its celebration of independent artists and venue and introduced band.
- Celebrating a First Amendment win as a plaintiff in Capp, Gadd, et al. v. Funk, et al. with the ACLU-TN info here:  https://www.aclu-tn.org/press-releases/aclu-tn-files-lawsuit-challenging-criminalization-local-officials-votes-immigration/. 
- Represented the Metro Council at the state legislation to give testimony against legislation taking away local authority on approval of infrastructure projects in regards to The Boring Company's private tunnel. 
- Joined the Tennessee Equality Project and speaking at a press conference in opposition to the Slate of Hate targeting LGBTQ children and people. Represented the LGBTQ Caucus. 

Photos below from Left to Right: 
- Joined SEIU Local 205 Metro Employees to hear from them on their needs at Soup and Solidarity. 
- Joined Harpeth Conservancy, Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association and Community members to remove invasive plant species from Richland Creek along the Richland Park Greenway.
- WKRN News Ch. 2 invited me to share about district 24 and Sylvan Park. 
- Volunteered with Hands on Nashville storm recovery efforts.

Photos below from Left to Right: 
- Recognized National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Playmakers and professional women's sports by presenting a proclamation to the founders of Playmakers and Players and Leaders of Athlete's Unlimited. 
- Kicked off Women's History Month with the professional women's basketball in Nashville and the national Championship Game of Athlete's Unlimited.

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Metro Council Meetings
Agendas are posted by the preceding Monday on the Legislative Information Center. Watch live at stream.nashville.gov or on the Metro Nashville Network channel. The Metro Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays. 

Helpful Links/Resources

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