Nashville Bits and Pieces

[markhollin]

Newly-filed legislation outlines Nashville’s plan to convert over 50,000 streetlights to energy-efficient LED — which saves a projected $20 million in energy costs + reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 36,000 metric tons over 10 years. The project would take five years to complete.

More here:

https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/mainstreetnashville/nashville-plans-to-convert-all-streetlights-to-led/?pubid=mainstreetnashville&utm_term=nashtoday&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=nashtoday&utm_content=nashtoday

[dragonfly]

On 7/12/2023 at 12:12 PM, Baronakim said:

.... the proven animousity towards our city  of the current Republican State Gestapo in our legislature will come down with the same draconian new laws that are proving disasterous for Florida.  Such  ill advised actions by the "conservative leaders" of our state could kill Nashville's boom IMO.

Yes "draconian new laws" of those R "gestapo" in the 6 fastest growing states of the South, have powered the combined GDP of those 6 states to surpass that of the entire industrial Northeast. You know I was going to avoid posting a link about this b/c I already posted the WSJ chart showing  how TN is in the top 5 net interstate immigration, but sometimes you just have to abandon the hesitancy when prodded. For someone my age to have lived to witness this, I can't tell you how astounding this is to me. Let me tell you: demographers and economists in 1970 grouped Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi into a backwater of laggardness. A group of 4 states to be forever associated as such, not even to include AR, LA, and W.Va. It was in the US Census publications reproduced in part on all the almanacs of the day, with a special map of the states so grouped. So yes, those Gestapo in TN should have been closely reined in, one supposes.

Quote: "Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicate the states of Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas overtook the northeast during the coronavirus pandemic, and remain on an upward trajectory.

link: https://www.newsweek.com/republican-states-are-creating-southern-economic-powerhouse-1810767

Edited July 15, 2023 by dragonfly

[go_outside]

On 7/14/2023 at 9:31 AM, markhollin said:

Newly-filed legislation outlines Nashville’s plan to convert over 50,000 streetlights to energy-efficient LED — which saves a projected $20 million in energy costs + reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 36,000 metric tons over 10 years. The project would take five years to complete.

If they move forward with this, I hope Metro is intentional about color temperature. I'd like to see 3000k along main thoroughfares and 2700k in residential areas.

The American Medical Association has issued a statement on street light color temperatures, and cities like Phoenix have worked with the community to develop specific standards,  Of course, we'll need to carefully vet our suppliers to avoid the massive, premature light failures that have plagued Detroit.

All that to say, this is a wonderful opportunity; we just need to do it correctly.

[Rick Dalton]

Le'ts take down the telephone lines while we're at it

[AsianintheNations]

11 hours ago, go_outside said:

 Of course, we'll need to carefully vet our suppliers to avoid the massive, premature light failures that have plagued Detroit.

Great point! I replaced just about all the lights in my home with LEDs from what I thought was a reputable brand to save electricity (which they have), and now about 3 years later, maybe a third of them have problems with flickering or not working at all. They're a good idea but absolutely the suppliers need to be thoroughly vetted. I have some good LEDs that have lasted well over a decade.

Also agree on the colors and would add that their brightness needs to be carefully calibrated. I feel like there are so many bright porch LEDs in some residential areas now that it's almost blinding at night (certainly bad for wildlife as well). I liked leaving blinds open a little to be awakened by natural sunlight, but have had to start closing the blinds tightly to block out all the light.

[markhollin]

Some of the leading Nashville mayoral candidates weigh in on how they would structure the city's economic development department:

https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2023/07/18/mayoral-candidates-on-economic-development.html

[smeagolsfree]

This from the Chamber, new population growth numbers and I think some of the media has picked up, but we are now getting 98 folks per day moving to the Metro. Back to the pre-pandemic levels.

That is around a 1.9% growth rate.

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's Research Center Announces Nashville MSA Returns to Pre-Pandemic Population Growth Levels

 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 19, 2023) – The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's Research Center announced Wednesday that according to the Census Bureau, the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has successfully rebounded to growth rates last seen in 2016, showcasing a remarkable recovery and reaffirming the region's strong pro-growth trajectory. This development highlights the resilience and vitality of the region, positioning Nashville as a beacon of opportunity for residents and industry alike.

 

According to the findings compiled and analyzed by the Chamber's Research Center, the Nashville MSA has added approximately 35,624 people in 2022, which equals an average daily increase in population of 98 individuals. These figures rank Nashville as the 10th highest among 56 metros with a population of at least 1 million.

 

The growth of our population carries immense positive implications for the Nashville MSA, and the more than 2M people who call it home,” said Jeff Hite, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “This new data signifies that our economy, workforce, and overall quality of life have rebounded at an accelerated pace compared to our peer cities. Our region's attractiveness as a destination for high-skill, high-wage jobs has never been more pronounced, fueling a virtuous cycle of growth and opportunity.”

 

Furthermore, this growth rate of 1.8% positions Nashville as the 9th highest among similarly sized metropolitan areas. These statistics, encompassing both migration and natural population increases, underscore the region's robust recovery and confidence in its economic prospects.

 

“As the Nashville MSA celebrates its return to pre-pandemic population growth levels, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's Research Center remains committed to monitoring and analyzing data that informs our region's growth strategies,” said Bishoy Mikhail, VP of Research and Director of the Chamber’s Research Center. “We look forward to a future characterized by continued progress, economic prosperity, and a strong sense of community.”

 

The Nashville MSA has always been renowned for its vibrant culture, exceptional music scene, and hospitable community. Now, with this remarkable recovery, the region is amplifying these qualities by becoming an even more competitive hub for businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators seeking to thrive in a dynamic environment. The region’s pro-growth trajectory is powered by the talent and diversity of its population, creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration, creativity, and sustainable prosperity.

 

 

"The return to pre-pandemic population growth levels demonstrates the exceptional vibrancy and resilience that is intrinsic to Nashville and its people. This resurgence will further strengthen our region's competitive advantage and attract high-value industries," said Ralph Schulz, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

[smeagolsfree]

We are still behind all of our peer cities including Charlotte, Austin, Raleigh, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, San Antonio, Plus Houston, Dallas as far as population growth goes.

[Luvemtall]

1 hour ago, smeagolsfree said:

We are still behind all of our peer cities including Charlotte, Austin, Raleigh, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, San Antonio, Plus Houston, Dallas as far as population growth goes.

Can this be because of the “ Great divide “ that is taking place in our country? Whereas all those above mentioned cities trend more towards the right and cities such as Nashville and most Northern and California cities trend towards the left. Causing a shift and migration for those seeking a more comfortable political environment , based on their beliefs. ie: those who believe that places such as California have become to left leaning for them , but still want city life. And places such as Nashville appealing for those that want a warmer climate but don’t wish to live in red rural Tennessee. Just a thought, not a opinion and not singling out any particular group 

[MontanaGuy]

22 minutes ago, Luvemtall said:

Can this be because of the “ Great divide “ that is taking place in our country? Whereas all those above mentioned cities trend more towards the right and cities such as Nashville and most Northern and California cities trend towards the left. Causing a shift and migration for those seeking a more comfortable political environment , based on their beliefs. ie: those who believe that places such as California have become to left leaning for them , but still want city life. And places such as Nashville appealing for those that want a warmer climate but don’t wish to live in red rural Tennessee. Just a thought, not a opinion and not singling out any particular group 

For myself it definitely was, and it was a major factor in choosing Nashville as opposed to other cities in the South.  However I do think that I'd put Austin in the same category as Nashville in terms of political leanings, it's very different from Dallas.

[samsonh]

3 hours ago, Luvemtall said:

Can this be because of the “ Great divide “ that is taking place in our country? Whereas all those above mentioned cities trend more towards the right and cities such as Nashville and most Northern and California cities trend towards the left. Causing a shift and migration for those seeking a more comfortable political environment , based on their beliefs. ie: those who believe that places such as California have become to left leaning for them , but still want city life. And places such as Nashville appealing for those that want a warmer climate but don’t wish to live in red rural Tennessee. Just a thought, not a opinion and not singling out any particular group 

Austin and Charlotte vote to the left of Nashville. The other big cities are within a couple percentage points of Nashville.  Job growth in tech is probably the biggest driver in cities growing faster than Nashville.

[Jarno6006]

3 hours ago, Luvemtall said:

Can this be because of the “ Great divide “ that is taking place in our country? Whereas all those above mentioned cities trend more towards the right and cities such as Nashville and most Northern and California cities trend towards the left. Causing a shift and migration for those seeking a more comfortable political environment , based on their beliefs. ie: those who believe that places such as California have become to left leaning for them , but still want city life. And places such as Nashville appealing for those that want a warmer climate but don’t wish to live in red rural Tennessee. Just a thought, not a opinion and not singling out any particular group 

I talk to a lot of people moving here from California and west in general but they are saying they moving here for  the convenience of Nashville but wanting to live in the red counties.  This 2022 growth map sort of supports that as you see close to 35,000 moving to the red counties around Nashville and just under 5k actually moving into blue Davidson county.

[MLBrumby]

They're all cities that are currently experiencing blistering growth, and I venture they all are taking lots of CA transplants, although I did see a CBS News report last week that Austin is starting to see flight out of their city because of quality of life issues. BTW: Have any of you been to the major CA cities lately? I'm asking because I went to LA back in early March and the homeless problem is the worst I've ever seen it anywhere. For the first time in my life I did not feel safe walking the streets in many areas. Some might have been perception, but I was recently witness to a man walking with his family in Pittsburgh who were attacked by someone with a baseball bat. The man managed to fight back and defended his family. It happened so shockingly fast. 

Regarding the growth of Nashville. I don't believe there's any real way of knowing for sure, but I suspect growth has been more steady than that article makes it seems. It states that growth tapered off after 2016 and hit a low ebb during pandemic. I've seen simply too much development after 2016 and it's still rising. I understand the blip (or dip) of populations in many larger cities as people (especially those of a certain age) left in larger numbers and returned to their hometowns. Also, others determined that they could live in other locales as their employers adopted WFH. Finally, as has been mentioned many times (including by yours truly) on this board, Nashville's demographers/officials who keep track of growth statistics are not good at tracking population growth for whatever reasons. Either their statistics are not reliably maintained, or there's actually nobody charged with keeping/coordinating that information, or something else, but it's amazing to see just how far off Nashville's (and even TN's) mid census estimates have been from the actual census counts. Personally I don't believe Davidson County lost 12,000 people from 2020 to 2021?  I haven't seen any rationale for those numbers, and I seem to recall U-haul figures to TN (maybe not specifically Nashville) were still climbing during that period. And of course, we won't know for fact till 2031. Retroactively, I expect the annual growth (averages) will pretty much be the same as they've been for the past 20 years.

[Baronakim]

On 7/21/2023 at 3:06 PM, Jarno6006 said:

I talk to a lot of people moving here from California and west in general but they are saying they moving here for  the convenience of Nashville but wanting to live in the red counties.  This 2022 growth map sort of supports that as you see close to 35,000 moving to the red counties around Nashville and just under 5k actually moving into blue Davidson county.

I live in Maury and I don't think red or blue is a particularly  the principal driving cause.  Cheaper land and interstate access have I think more of an influence.  Folks moving in can get great deals still in the outlying counties like Maury for the cash they got for their homes elsewhere.  This is rapidly changing, but without services improving at good rates, you won't see significant growth in the rural counties  like Lewis , Hickman, Dickson, etc. IMO for a long time.

Edited July 24, 2023 by Baronakim

[NashRugger]

I agree with the above, it's not really a "blue/red" issue and more bang for the buck and space outside of Davidson County, school districts, etc. 

Recently drove through the Chapel Hill area in northern Marshall County and you're starting to see some spillage down into there as the sprawl and mindset of "open space" goes farther out. 

[jmtunafish]

The newest delineations of the country's metropolitan and micropolitan areas were released today, and the Nashville consolidated statistical area now includes the Tullahoma and Winchester micropolitan areas (Winchester has been split off to form its own micro area, separate from Tullahoma) which means the Nashville CSA now borders suburban Chattanooga.

Counties in the Nashville metropolitan area:

• Cannon 
• Cheatham
• Davidson
• Dickson
• Hickman
• Macon
• Maury
• Robertson
• Rutherford
• Smith
• Sumner
• Trousdale
• Williamson
• Wilson

The Nashville CSA includes all of the above plus:

• Bedford
• Coffee
• Franklin
• Lawrence
• Marshall
• Moore

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OMB-Bulletin-23-01.pdf

Edited July 21, 2023 by jmtunafish

[KJHburg]

what does this bring the consolidated statistical area population for Nashville? 

For example Charlotte's CSA is now 3.33 Million including Charlotte MSA 2.920 M which did not change but with the addition of Hickory metro area immediately adjacent to the northwest of 368,xxx people and another small micropolitan area.    

 

Edited July 22, 2023 by KJHburg

[BnaBreaker]

11 hours ago, Jarno6006 said:

I talk to a lot of people moving here from California and west in general but they are saying they moving here for  the convenience of Nashville but wanting to live in the red counties.  This 2022 growth map sort of supports that as you see close to 35,000 moving to the red counties around Nashville and just under 5k actually moving into blue Davidson county.

I think you're perhaps reading into things a bit heavily there with the assumption that the growth is taking place in those places exclusively because they're "red" counties.  It would be difficult to quantify, and I have no doubt that politics is a factor for some people, but other factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and housing availability in a suburban atmosphere I suspect play a much larger role in their growth, along with proximity to Nashville itself.  Same synopsis could really be made for the overall flow to the sunbelt over the last several decades in general, along with the warmer weather itself, which is perhaps the biggest factor of all.  Again, I have no doubt that politics, or even specific policy 'X' is a driving factor for some.  But I think it's safe to say that it's a far, far more complex equation than some would like to believe it is.  Mucking up the waters even more is the fact that in most of these fast growing "red" (actually purple) states, it's typically trendy large "blue" (actually slightly darker purple) cities largely driving the economic and population growth.  

Edited July 22, 2023 by BnaBreaker

[smeagolsfree]

17 hours ago, Luvemtall said:

Can this be because of the “ Great divide “ that is taking place in our country? Whereas all those above mentioned cities trend more towards the right and cities such as Nashville and most Northern and California cities trend towards the left. Causing a shift and migration for those seeking a more comfortable political environment , based on their beliefs. ie: those who believe that places such as California have become to left leaning for them , but still want city life. And places such as Nashville appealing for those that want a warmer climate but don’t wish to live in red rural Tennessee. Just a thought, not a opinion and not singling out any particular group 

I think one of the big reasons is that Nashville is in a much smaller state than the rest of the cities the rest of the states the other cities are in. NC, TX, & FL. That has a lot to do with it due to the fact that you have a large population base in your state, and you have base migration from within the state and a strong business base there already.

[UTgrad09]

18 hours ago, KJHburg said:

what does this bring the consolidated statistical area population for Nashville? 

For example Charlotte's CSA is now 3.33 Million including Charlotte MSA 2.920 M which did not change but with the addition of Hickory metro area immediately adjacent to the northwest of 368,xxx people and another small micropolitan area.    

 

The combined component adds 243,655 to the CSA in 6 counties. It brings the total to 2,315,938 across 20 counties. 

 

Really just small towns. It makes me question the methodology when we are adding towns of 10-20k that are 50-80 miles from the hub city.

 

If Clarksville or Bowling Green ever get added, you'll see a more significant boost.

I'm going to do a complete update of Tennessee Census Statistical Areas this weekend. 

Of note: Dayton and Brownsville are no longer micropolitan areas, but now Fayetteville is  -- and as jmtuna mentioned -- Winchester split from Tullahoma. 

[KJHburg]

Part of these CSA designations is that some smaller percentage of people do commute to the core metro this case being Nashville.  I can see people driving 30 or 40 miles out not necessarily to downtown but suburbs to work.   The pay is just much higher in cities and their metros then in the smaller towns.  I know this is the case in the Charlotte area as we have a lot of super commuters 50 plus miles in the core metro.  And with work from home and a few days in the office this makes this even more popular and probable.   For example Nashville has a fairly sizable employment hub in and around the airport drive 30-40 miles out from there and there will be some of your workers.   Dittos from the south and southeast into Williamson County and Mufreesboro. 

[jmtunafish]

4 hours ago, UTgrad09 said:

The combined component adds 243,655 to the CSA in 6 counties. It brings the total to 2,315,938 across 20 counties. 

 

Really just small towns. It makes me question the methodology when we are adding towns of 10-20k that are 50-80 miles from the hub city.

 

If Clarksville or Bowling Green ever get added, you'll see a more significant boost.

I'm going to do a complete update of Tennessee Census Statistical Areas this weekend. 

Of note: Dayton and Brownsville are no longer micropolitan areas, but now Fayetteville is  -- and as jmtuna mentioned -- Winchester split from Tullahoma. 

I understand that the definitions for CSA are fast and firm, but still I just can't wrap my head around the fact that the Nashville CSA now stretches to within 41 miles of downtown Chattanooga.  I guess it just illustrates the behemoth that is the Nashville economy in relation to the rest of the state:  enough people in Franklin County are no longer commuting to Coffee County (Tullahoma/Manchester) but apparently are leapfrogging over Coffee County in order to commute to, I assume, Murfreesboro.  I assume (and can speak from purely anecdotal experience) that much of Coffee County's growth (especially Manchester) is for people commuting to Rutherford County.

Grainger County was moved from the Morristown MSA to the Knoxville MSA which is not surprising.  And White County has been added to the Cookeville micropolitan area which is absolutely not surprising.  Now all four counties with Cookeville ZIP codes are finally in the Cookeville micro area.  This also means the Cookeville micropolitan area has a larger population than the Morristown metropolitan area which, for anyone who's been to both, shouldn't be a surprise.  Cookeville definitely functions as a larger community even though it's not a metro area (sore topic for another discussion).

Anyway, I look forward to seeing your full report!

[tragenvol]

17 hours ago, UTgrad09 said:

Of note: Dayton and Brownsville are no longer micropolitan areas, but now Fayetteville is  -- and as jmtuna mentioned -- Winchester split from Tullahoma. 

Also, Sparta is no longer a micropolitan as White County has been absorbed into Cookeville's micropolitan area (this from @jmtunafishas well but from elsewhere).

Edited July 23, 2023 by tragenvol

[smeagolsfree]

That fact that Clarksville is not in the Nashville CSA is just mind boggling. Clarksville feeds off of Nashville much more than folks realize and a lot of people commute in between the two areas and there is a lot of commerce between the two. It just goes to show the Feds Heads are up each other's rear ends. 

All one needs to do is drive the stretch of I 24 and see how much traffic there is, or HWY 12 and you will know the numbers of folks commuting. Lots of people in Cheatham County work in Clarksville too and the reverse is true as well. Cheatham is just a bedroom community for everyone else.

[jjbradleyBrooklyn]

55 minutes ago, smeagolsfree said:

That fact that Clarksville is not in the Nashville CSA is just mind boggling. Clarksville feeds off of Nashville much more than folks realize and a lot of people commute in between the two areas and there is a lot of commerce between the two. It just goes to show the Feds Heads are up each other's rear ends. 

All one needs to do is drive the stretch of I 24 and see how much traffic there is, or HWY 12 and you will know the numbers of folks commuting. Lots of people in Cheatham County work in Clarksville too and the reverse is true as well. Cheatham is just a bedroom community for everyone else.

I would not be surprised if Clarksville becomes part of the Nashville metro, eventually. Maybe by 2040? It should happen now, but for some reason (communting patterns, I guess) it has not been part of the metro.

Adding Clarksville would really catapult Nashville into the 2.5 million range now, and by 2030, 2.7ish or so.