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Citizen Portal News Tennessee
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Cookeville's council just voted to streamline annexation by allowing a two-thirds property owner approval, but not everyone is on board—could this be a shift away from resident democracy?

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#CookevilleCityPutnamCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CookevilleAnnexation
Cookeville asks state to restore majority property‑owner approval option for annexations
Council unanimously approved Resolution R25‑11‑21 asking the Tennessee General Assembly to amend TCA (transcript citation: '6 51 1 0 4') to permit annexation without referendum when two‑thirds of property owners who own a majority of the land in the annexation area certify consent; supporters cited time and cost savings, opponents said it reduces voter voice.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 4:09 PM
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The Cookeville council's bold move to reclaim lost sales tax revenue could mean an extra $1.2 million a year for vital local projects!

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#CookevilleCityPutnamCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #LocalRevenue #CookevilleTaxation #CivicAccountability #InfrastructureFunding
Cookeville council seeks return of portion of state sales‑tax revenue and single‑article cap share
Council approved Resolution R25‑11‑22 requesting the state to share 4.6% of the 1% statewide sales tax added in 2002 and to restore local shares of the single‑article cap increase; staff estimated combined returns could total about $1.2 million annually for the city.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:56 PM
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The Cookeville council has taken a bold step, unanimously voting to request new laws that could reshape the location of sober-living homes in residential areas amidst growing community concerns.

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#CookevilleCityPutnamCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Cookeville council asks state to let local governments limit locations of new sober‑living homes
The City of Cookeville unanimously approved Resolution R25‑11‑20 requesting the Tennessee General Assembly include Putnam County in a statutory change that would let local governments impose location requirements — such as a 1,000‑foot separation from day cares and schools — for new sober‑living homes.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:46 PM
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Strong hotel tax collections are fueling optimism in Tennessee's tourism sector, with revenues tracking right on budget!

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#TN #CitizenPortal #TennesseeTourism #FinancialTransparency #EconomicDevelopment #TourismPromotion
Tourism commission approves minutes and financial report as hotel tax receipts remain strong
The Tourism and Convention Commission approved Sept. 11 minutes and the October financial statement after staff reported strong hotel tax collections (just over $39 million in the first three months) and expenses tracking to plan; two procedural motions passed with no recorded opposition.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
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Nashville is booming with record hotel stays and a surge in international airport traffic, but is the growing supply starting to affect occupancy rates?

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#TN #CitizenPortal #AirportPerformance #TravelTrends #TennesseeTourism #HospitalityIndustry
Research: Nashville posts record October rooms sold and rising airport international traffic amid growing hotel supply
Commission research shows October set a record with 995,239 rooms sold, hotel demand up ~2% year‑to‑date while room supply grew ~3.4%, short‑term rental demand rose ~8.5%, and BNA reported record daily passengers and expanding international service, notably to Europe.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 11:17 AM
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Nashville is making waves with its first Michelin Guide recognition, a thrilling Winter Rocks promotion, and a star-studded New Year’s Eve broadcast that’s set to elevate the city’s profile!

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#TN #CitizenPortal #CulturalPromotions #TravelInnovation #LocalBusinessSupport
Marketing push: Michelin recognition, Winter Rocks promotion and major televised New Year’s Eve broadcast highlighted
Marketing and cultural staff reported Michelin Guide recognition for Nashville restaurants, outlined the Winter Rocks discount promotion, previewed the CBS New Year’s Eve broadcast and listed international PR engagements (Brand USA and Icelandair) to support the city’s visitor growth.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 11:16 AM
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Dickson County school board officials revealed a bold long-range facilities plan that could reshape local education, prioritizing occupancy and building conditions for future projects.

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#DicksonCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityPlanning #EducationReform
School board outlines long-range facilities plan; county decision possible in coming months
School board members presented a high-level facilities plan to Dickson County commissioners emphasizing occupancy, location and condition, referenced a prior $15 million resolution for four projects, and said the board aims for a county decision in February–March.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 12:25 AM
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The Bartlett Board has denied a controversial rezoning request after residents voiced strong concerns about traffic and safety in their neighborhood.

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#TN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #UrbanPlanning #BartlettNeighborhood #CommunityInput
Bartlett board denies rezoning at 5866 Ivanhoe Road after residents cite traffic and safety concerns
The Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to deny a developer's request to rezone 5866 Ivanhoe Road from single-family residential to general commercial after multiple residents testified the change would harm neighborhood character, increase traffic and raise safety concerns near Freeman Park.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 8:24 AM
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The Memphis City Council just approved over $1.7 million for vital infrastructure improvements and secured funding for park repairs and senior programs – but what else was discussed?

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#MemphisCityShelbyCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #MemphisParks #TransportationInfrastructure
Memphis City Council announces approvals: park repair grant, senior-program funds and TDOT interchange dollars
The council approved $105,000 for David Karnes Park repairs, accepted $60,000 for senior programming and accepted more than $1.7 million from TDOT for the Winchester Drive interchange; the transcript records sponsorship of ceremonial resolutions but does not include vote tallies for those resolutions.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 11:06 PM
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Memphis City Council chairwoman-elect Jana Swearingen announced that crime is down across the board, but crucial details remain elusive.

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#MemphisCityShelbyCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #CrimeReduction #MemphisPublicSafety
Memphis council reports police update; official says 'crime is down in all categories'
Council leadership relayed a Memphis Police Department briefing that 'crime is down in all categories' during the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee; no supporting statistics were presented in the transcript.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 11:05 PM
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The Metro Transit Authority board just approved major contracts and a property sale that could reshape local services and funding—find out how this could impact your community!

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#TN #CitizenPortal #GrantSupport #TennesseeMetroTransit #CommunityRecycling #StrategicPlanning
Board approves strategic planning contracts, property disposition request to FTA, and grant implementation consultant
The WeGo board voted to authorize on‑call strategic planning contracts (eight firms, ceiling $9,765,000), requested FTA approval to dispose of 416 Andrew Jackson Way (appraised at $170,000) with proceeds applied to the MTA capital plan, and authorized a grant implementation contract with Greystone for up to $999,400. The board also approved its 2026 meeting calendar.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 1:37 PM
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Exciting transit upgrades are on the way for Donaldson Station, with over $29 million secured and plans for a new transit center to enhance service and reduce noise in the historic Bluefield neighborhood!

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#TN #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement
Donaldson Station upgrade advances design; agency reports $29M in funding to date and $38M projected budget
WeGo staff reported 60% design completion for Donaldson Station transit infrastructure upgrades tied to a joint development opportunity, noted NEPA checklist completion, and reported more than $29 million secured so far with nearly $9 million in pending state/local funds for a projected $38 million budget.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 1:36 PM
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Nashville's Metro Transit Authority is pushing for a formal policy to provide emergency fare relief after successfully distributing over 5,000 Journey Passes during a federal shutdown.

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#TN #CrisisResponsePolicy #CitizenPortal #EquityInTransport #TennesseeTransit
WeGo board hears calls to formalize emergency fare waivers after accelerated Journey Pass rollout
Board members and transit advocates praised WeGo’s rapid rollout of the Journey Pass during a federal shutdown — over 5,000 people enrolled and more than 70,000 trips logged — and urged the agency to adopt a formal policy to suspend fares in future local emergencies or federal‑level disruptions.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 1:33 PM
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A local resident's alarming testimony about toxic runoff led the Wilson County Board to deny a paving waiver for a commercial storage lot, prioritizing environmental safety over convenience.

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#WilsonCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #WilsonCountyZoning #EnvironmentalImpact
Neighbor warns of toxic runoff as board denies paving waiver for Highway 109 storage lot
Nearby resident Reagan Fuquay Saar told the Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals that asphalt millings at a storage lot on Highway 109 are leaching contaminants to a drainage that flows to Old Hickory Lake; the board denied the applicant’s request to waive paving requirements for the site, siding with staff.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 9:33 AM
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Tennessee State University's Board of Trustees just approved a revised FY2026 budget that slashes a $39 million deficit down to $1.8 million, thanks to a significant state appropriation and booming enrollment!

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#TN #CitizenPortal #EnrollmentGrowth #TennesseeUniversities
TSU trustees adopt revised FY2026 budget after $35 million state appropriation reduces projected deficit
Trustees approved a revised FY2026 institutional budget that narrows the projected deficit to about $1.8 million after a $35 million state appropriation and better-than-expected enrollment; personnel and other expense adjustments increased costs by roughly $8.3 million overall.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 1:25 AM
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TSU is setting its sights high with a bold $100 million fundraising campaign and a game-changing shift in its alumni giving model to inspire trust and drive results!

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#TN #FundraisingInitiatives #CitizenPortal #AlumniEngagement #TrustRebuilding #TennesseeAlumni
TSU advancement outlines $100 million campaign goal and proposes alumni model change
TSU’s institutional advancement reported recovered gift-processing backlogs and outlined a strategy to shift from dues-based alumni chapters to a foundation-centered giving model, and proposed a $100 million fundraising campaign (multi-year) with a focus on scholarships and campus infrastructure.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 1:24 AM
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Tennessee State University's audit reveals 15 unresolved issues, including serious lapses in financial oversight and compliance—what's the university's plan to fix it?

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#TN #CitizenPortal #FinancialCompliance #GovernanceReform #TennesseeAudit #RiskManagement
Audit committee hears Division of State Audit report: 15 findings identified, many still open
Dr. Forbes Williams told trustees the Division of State Audit’s 2023 financial and compliance audit listed 15 findings; many remain marked “not corrected,” including lapses in oversight, untimely bank reconciliations, Title IV reporting and HEERF compliance. The committee moved into executive session to discuss confidential items.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 1:23 AM
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Johnson City is set to enhance community pride and inclusivity with the new Black Heritage Walking Trail and a revamped Willow Springs Park, thanks to significant state and foundation funding.

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#TN #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #HeritageTrails #ParksRevitalization
Johnson City moves forward on Black Heritage Walking Trail and Willow Springs playground with state and foundation funding
Commission approved a $20,000 semi‑quincentennial grant for a Black Heritage Walking Trail's digital component and authorized a matching LPRF grant for Willow Springs Park totaling roughly $890,000 for construction, with the city's share about $445,000.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 11:26 PM
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Johnson City’s Industrial Development Board just approved a one-year extension of their pilot program, showcasing impressive job creation numbers that surpassed expectations!

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#TN #CitizenPortal #JobCreation #TennesseeIndustry #AccountabilityMeasures #EconomicDevelopment
City extends Industrial Development Board pilot MOU for one year; staff reports strong job performance on several pilots
The commission approved a one‑year extension of the IDB pilot MOU after an annual report showing multiple pilots exceeded job creation targets; staff emphasized accountability measures and MOU criteria including minimum capital investment and required benefits.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 11:25 PM
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The Johnson City Commission's recent unanimous vote to allocate $2.64 million for victims of Sean Williams is raising eyebrows and questions about fiscal responsibility and future settlements.

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#TN #VictimProtection #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #JohnsonCityClaims
Johnson City Commission approves $2.64 million appropriation to settle claims tied to Sean Williams cases
The commission approved a $2,640,000 appropriation to resolve a group of claimants alleging harm from assaults by Sean Williams; outside counsel said the payment would secure releases and protect victims' privacy while commissioners and public commenters pressed for details about the city's plan to replenish reserves.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 11:23 PM
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The Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission has just redefined the rules for sightseeing vehicles, sparking concerns among operators about the future of their permits and income.

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#TN #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #TennesseeSightseeing
MTLC creates separate ‘seated sightseeing’ rules, adopts moved provisions after public hearing
After public comment from sightseeing operators and drivers, the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission voted to create a new Chapter 1000 for seated sightseeing vehicles and moved existing rules (801, 802, 804) into 1001–1003, while noting that ordinance-level changes (for example alcohol allowances) must be pursued through Metro Council.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 7:25 PM
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The Sheridan hotel property is set for a major transformation as the city hands over control to a new entity, paving the way for a potential Marriott makeover in just a few years!

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#MemphisCityShelbyCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #UrbanRenovation #CommunityDevelopment
Administration: Sheridan (Sheraton) property closed Nov. 5 and conveyed to DMC holding entity; A&E to take about a year
Mary Gibson said the Sheridan (Sheraton) hotel property closed November 5 and was conveyed to "250 North Main LLC" (a DMC holder) pending architecture and engineering; renovation is expected to be undertaken by a third party after conveyance, with conservative timelines of a year for A&E and about two years for renovations toward brand flag status.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 9:27 AM
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Memphis faces a potential $17 million budget gap as city leaders approve a salary boost for low-wage employees but delay a pay raise for firefighters amid rising expenditures.

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#MemphisCityShelbyCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #EmployeeCompensation #FiscalTransparency
City finance projects possible $17M gap if trends hold; council moves to raise full‑time employees under $40K and delays a 2% fire raise
CFO Walter Person presented FY26 Q1 results showing expenditures running slightly ahead and state revenue soft spots; council approved a plan to lift all full‑time city employees earning under $40,000 up to $40,000 (to go to council same night) while voting to hold for two weeks a proposed 2% pay increase for the fire association.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 9:26 AM
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Memphis is set to enhance its river safety with a $955,811 grant for a state-of-the-art rescue fireboat, designed to respond swiftly to emergencies on the Mississippi!

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#MemphisCityShelbyCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #InteragencyCollaboration #GrantFunding #MemphisPublicSafety
Memphis committees approve DHS port grant recommendation for a new rescue fireboat and clear multiple mutual‑aid agreements
Committee panels recommended a DHS port security grant to buy a rescue fireboat and approved related federal grants, plus interagency automatic‑aid agreements with Valero and FedEx that clarify response roles on industrial properties.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 9:25 AM
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Memphis officials are celebrating a significant drop in major crimes, thanks to the proactive efforts of the Memphis Safe Task Force and innovative strategies!

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#MemphisCityShelbyCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #LawEnforcementInnovation #CrimeDecrease #MemphisPublicSafety
Memphis police brief council on declines in Part 1 crimes and federal task force activity
MPD officials reported double‑digit declines in Part 1 crimes across precincts, attributed in part to targeted operations and a federal‑partner Memphis Safe Task Force, and outlined plans for recruitment, camera integration and overtime management.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 9:24 AM