The official guide for GNRC members looking to get the most our of the region's council of governments.
MEMBERSHIP RESOURCE GUIDE GREATER NASHVILLE REGIONAL COUNCIL
September 2022
About the Regional Council
Mission Statement The mission of the Greater Nashville Regional Council is to assist local communities and state agencies in the development of plans and programs that guide growth and development in the most desirable, efficient, and cost- effective manner, while ensuring the continued long-term livability of the region. In carrying out this mission, GNRC convenes elected leadership and local practitioners to brainstorm strategies for improving quality of life; facilitates cooperative policy-making in order to prioritize state and federal investments into area social services and public infrastructure; and provides a public forum for Middle Tennesseans to shape regional decisions .
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is one of nine regional development districts established by the General Assembly under the Tennessee Development District Act of 1965. GNRC operates as a council of governments (COG), and represents 13 counties and 52 cities in Middle Tennessee.
*While a member of the South Central Tennessee Development District, Maury County receives many of the same benefits as GNRC Counties.
The GNRC is responsible for the staffing or implementation of a variety of programs across the region.
Our Programs and Services
GNRC is designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration to serve as the region’s Economic Development District and prepares the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) on behalf of local officials, Chambers of Commerce, and private sector investors. Aging and Disability (AAAD) to provide care, nutrition, transportation, and other services to older or physically disabled Middle Tennesseans. GNRC is designated by the Bureau of TennCare to function as the single point of entry to Medicaid- reimbursed long-term services for senior adults, and adults over age 21 with a physical disability. GNRC is designated by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability as the Area Agency on GNRC participates as a member of the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) serving as Middle Tennessee’s primary source of unbiased Medicare counseling. GNRC convenes the Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus to support regional collaboration around the development of legislative priorities.
GNRC provides administration and professional staffing support to the federally-designated Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) responsible for implementing regional transportation planning and programming, and serves as a member of the Clarksville Urbanized Area MPO and the Middle Tennessee Rural Planning Organization. GNRC offers a variety of local planning and economic and community development services to communities across the mid-state, including grant writing, administration and technical assistance related to land use and zoning, solid waste, historic preservation, and housing. GNRC staffs the Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation ( MADC) which administers a variety of lending programs available to small businesses, including the SBA 504 program through the U.S. Small Business Administration. GNRC staffs the Middle Tennessee Tourism Council, which provides tourism marketing support and other promotional activities to its membership, comprised of chambers of commerce, area attractions, local governments, and convention and visitor bureaus.
Grant Writing and Administration
Aging and Disability Services
Strategic Planning and Consulting
Convening Regional Leaders
Infrastructure Planning and Programming
Research and Analytics
What do you need to know? The programs administered by GNRC ensure Middle Tennessee cities and counties remain eligible and competitive for state and federal funds which provide direct investment into local communities across the region. In addition, GNRC professionals help extend the expertise and staffing capacity of its local government members and key state agencies.
Funding Sources and Agency Budget
Funding Sources
Federal Funding Partners • Department of Commerce • Department of Health and Human Services • Department of Housing and Urban Development • Department of the Interior
GNRC’s annual budget is largely composed of revenue from state and federal grants awarded to the organization to carry-out a variety of programs and services aimed at improving the region’s economy and quality of life through investments in planning and coordination, social services, and infrastructure. Many of those state and federal grants require local matching funds. Matching funds are provided through a combination of local membership dues, program revenue, and an allocation from the Tennessee State budget. Membership dues are paid by city and county governments at a rate of 31 cents per capita based on recent U.S. Census population estimates.
• Department of Transportation • Small Business Administration
State Funding Partners • Tennessee Arts Commission • Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) • Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) • Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) • Department of Finance Bureau of TennCare • Department of Tourist Development • Department of Transportation (TDOT) • Tennessee Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) • Tennessee Historical Commission • Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
Agency Work Program and Budget
The Annual Work Program and Budget communicates to Council membership, state and federal partners, members of the general public, and other interested parties the anticipated tasks to be carried out during the fiscal year with the available funding. Upon its adoption by the full Council, the GNRC Executive Board is authorized to execute contracts and direct agency staf f to carry out its activities. For FY202 2 the program identifies over $20 million in funding for a varie ty of work related to aging and disability services, community and regional planning, economic and community development, research and policy services, volunteer coordination, and administrative support to the Regional Council. The Annual Work Program and Budget can be found online at GNRC.org/WorkProgram.
REVENUE
EXPENSE
Membership and Governance
STEWART
ROBERTSON
MONTGOMERY
SUMNER
TROUSDALE
CHEATHAM
HOUSTON
DAVIDSON
WILSON
DICKSON
HUMPHREYS
WILLIAMSON
RUTHERFORD
The Regional Council is made up of 93 members and includes 13 county mayors and executives, 52 mayors of cities or towns, 2 members of the Tennessee General Assembly, and 26 appointments representing the interests of the business community and minority populations.
The Council is charged with electing officers, certifying the executive board, and adopting the annual work program and budget.
As a member of the Regional Council you sit alongside peers from across the region. This provides an opportunity for meaningful collaboration for forward movement on shared priorities. Representation of the Council is reflected by the number of jurisdictions in each county, plus the minority and business appointments. Regional Council Make Up
Number of Members Per County
Humphreys (6) Montgomery (4) Robertson (12) Rutherford (7)
Cheatham (7) Davidson (8) Dickson (9) Houston (5)
Stewart (5) Sumner (11) Trousdale (3) Williamson (9)
Wilson (6) TN General Assembly (2)
11
Leadership of the Regional Council
President Paige Brown City of Gallatin Mayor
Treasurer Joe Pitts City of Clarksville Mayor
Secretary Michael Skipper Executive Director
Vice President Bob Rial Dickson County Mayor
Immediate Past President Anthony Holt Sumner County Mayor (former)
Council Officers Council officers are elected each year during the annual meeting of the full Council and serve a one-year term with no limit on the number of terms. The executive director of the GNRC serves as secretary to the Council.
Regional Council Membership, 2022 Roster
CHEATHAM COUNTY County Mayor Kerry McCarver Ashland City Mayor J.T. Smith Kingston Springs Mayor Tony Gross Pegram Mayor John Louallen Pleasant View Mayor Bill Anderson Hadley Williams, Social Equity Rep. Jerome Terrell, Business Rep. DAVIDSON COUNTY Metropolitan Mayor John Cooper Belle Meade Mayor James Hunt, Sr. Berry Hill Mayor Dennis Shefield Forest Hills Mayor Lanson Hyde Goodlettsville Mayor Rusty Tinnin Oak Hill Mayor Dale Grimes Antoinette Lee, Social Equity Rep. Courtney Pogue, Business Rep. Charlotte Mayor Garland Breeded Dickson Mayor Don L. Weiss, Jr. Slayden Mayor Diane Zwingle Harrison Vanleer Mayor Jason Weaver White Bluff Mayor Linda Hayes Dwight Haynes, Social Equity Rep. Darrell James, Business Rep. HOUSTON COUNTY County Mayor Joey Brake Erin Mayor Paul Bailey Tennessee Ridge Mayor Stony Odom Minority Rep. [To Be Appointed] Howard Spurgeon, Business Rep. DICKSON COUNTY County Mayor Bob Ria l Burns Mayor Landon Mathis New Johnsonville Mayor David Cagle Waverly Mayor W. B. (Buddy) Frazier Taomasine Hill, Social Equity Rep. Ted Moore, Business Rep. MONTGOMERY COUNTY County Mayor Wes Golden Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts Rene Llanos, Social Equity Rep. Buck Dellinger, Business Rep. HUMPHREYS COUNTY Executive Mike Pogreba McEwen Mayor Brad Rachford
ROBERTSON COUNTY County Mayor Billy Vogle Adams Mayor Wayne Evans
WILLIAMSON COUNTY County Mayor Rogers Anderson Brentwood Mayor Rhea Little Fairview Mayor Debby Rainey Franklin Mayor Ken Moore
Cedar Hill Mayor Tom Richards Coopertown Mayor Becca Werner Cross Plains Mayor Barry Faulkner Greenbrier Mayor Lanny Adcock Orlinda Mayor Alfred Brickles Ridgetop Mayor Clayton Bollinger Springfield Mayor Ann Schneider White House Mayor Farris Bibb Herbert Barbee, Social Equity Rep. Margot Fosnes, Business Rep . RUTHERFORD COUNTY County Mayor Joe Carr Eagleville Mayor Chad Leeman LaVergne Mayor Jason Cole Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed D arlyn Green, Social Equity Rep. Patrick Cammack, Business Rep. STEWART COUNTY County Mayor Robert Beecham Cumberland City Mayor Gary Vaughn Dover Mayor Lesa Fitzhugh David Dunlap, Social Equity Rep. Business Rep. [To Be Appointed] Goodlettsville Mayor Rusty Tinnin Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary Millersville Mayor David Gregory Mitchellville Mayor Bobby Worman Portland Mayor Mike Callis Westmoreland Mayor James Brian Smalling TROUSDALE COUNTY County Mayor Jack McCall Mae Wright, Social Equity Rep . Charly Lyons, Business Rep . SUMNER COUNTY County Mayor John Isbell Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown
Nolensville Mayor Derek Adams Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman Thompson’s Station Mayor Corey Napier Juanita Patton, Social Equity Rep. Kel McDowell, Business Rep.
WILSON COUNTY County Mayor Randall Hutto Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell
Mount Juliet Mayor James Maness Watertown Mayor Michael Jennings Patrick Johnson, Social Equity Rep. G.C. Hixson, Business Rep. TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Representative Susan Lynn Senator to be appointed
What do you need to know? The GNRC’s membership is defined by state legislation. Each member is a shared owner in the organization and responsible for ensuring the financial health and performance of the agency. Members pay annual dues which contribute to the local match required by state and federal grants that fund the programs and services GNRC
Executive Board members noted in bold. Members as of September 2022.
Executive Board Makeup
The 20 plus member Executive Board, formerly called the Executive Committee, meets monthly to conduct business on behalf of the full 93-member Regional Council. The Board’s current membership is defined by state law and includes the Council officers, a small city representative, a large city representative, two state legislators, and the minority representatives from the four counties within GNRC with the highest minority populations. In addition, each county and the municipalities within, are required to caucus each year to select a single representative of the group. Legislation passed in 2018 by the Tennessee General Assembly has provided additional authority to the Regional Council to define the future makeup of its Executive Board through its organizational bylaws.
Vice President
treasurer
Secretary
President
Minority rep Minority rep
Minority rep
Minority rep
Large City Rep
small City Rep
Senate Rep.
House Rep.
caucus MONTGOMERY
humphreys Caucus
sTEWART Caucus
Cheatham Caucus
davidson caucus
dickson caucus
houston caucus
Caucus Caucus ROBERTSON RUTHERFORD
WILSON caucus
SUMNER caucus
TROUSDALE caucus
WILLIAMSON caucus
What do you need to know? The Executive Board generally meets the third Wednesday of the month to conduct business on behalf of GNRC. All Council members are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions. Meeting dates and agenda are posted online at GNRC.org. The website allows interested members and stakeholders to register for email and text alerts related to meetings .
How are minority and business representatives selected? GNRC’s enabling legislation empowers each County Mayor or Executive to appoint two members to the full Council. One appointment is to be a representative of an agency or organization with business related to economic development. The other appointment is to be a minority representative with knowledge of issues related to social equity and inclusion. Representatives serve a one-year term with no limit to the number of terms served.
Policy Boards Policy Boards are empowered to act independently of the Council in the adoption of policies, plans, and programs as permitted by state or federal law or regulation (ref. Section 3 of the GNRC Bylaws). Each Policy Board maintains separate bylaws and have formal agreements with the GNRC governing body for how the associated programming will be administered and staffed. Advisory Boards and Committees Advisory boards and committees serve to guide the policymaking and actions of the Council and its Executive Board, or the Policy Boards, by developing and making formal recommendations to the respective governing body (ref. Section 4 of the GNRC Bylaws). Actions by advisory bodies are considered non-binding. Membership to these bodies typically includes individuals who are qualified and capable of developing and implementing program level plans and programs, and willing to serve as ambassadors for the organization.
Transportation Policy Board The Transportation Policy Board, or TPB, governs the policymaking and programming decisions for the federally-recognized seven-county Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or MPO. The TPB is empowered to serve as the primary forum for collaboration among local communities, state officials, and interested parties related to regional transportation policies, plans, programs, and funding across
its metropolitan planning area. MADC Board of Directors
The Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, or MADC, was established by GNRC in 1983 to provide small businesses lending from public sector programs backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Economic Development Administration, among others. The MADC board of directors governs the operations of the 501c3 organization and its loan approval process.
Aging Advisory Council This council advises GNRC as it fulfills its duties as the federally- recognized Area Agency on Aging and Disability, or AAAD, for Middle Tennessee. In this role, GNRC coordinates the prioritization and implementation of a range of social and legal services for older and disabled adults. The advisory council convenes local experts to formulate strategies and recommendations to address unmet community needs with available funding. Members are appointed by county mayors/ executives. Transportation Coordinating Committee This committee serves as the lead advisory panel to the Transportation Policy Board and is responsible for assisting GNRC staff with analyzing trends that impact transportation conditions and formulating recommendations to improve regional mobility. Members of the committee also take a lead role in coordinating local implementation of adopted plans and programs. Economic Development Advisory Board This board convenes leadership from private sector organizations to advise the Council on matters related to economic development, job creation and retention, and workforce training. The group oversees the development of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), adopted by the Council, which serves as the gateway to infrastructure investments by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The CEDS is coordinated with other regional plans that help drive infrastructure funding from other federal and state agencies. Finance and Personnel Committee This committee advises the Executive Board on matters pertaining to the development and implementation of the Council’s annual work program and budget. In addition, the committee works with the Executive Director to monitor and assess policies and procedures related to human resources, facilities management, and finance and auditing.
Solid Waste Directors’ Roundtable This working group convenes solid waste directors, or their equivalent, from cities and counties across Middle Tennessee to brainstorm strategies for preparing local solid waste systems for the future. The roundtable works together to asses trends related to growth and development, understand the ever changing recycling markets and technologies, and monitor landfill capacity issues. Their research into area needs coupled with their review of national and global best practices are currently shaping recommendations for the state’s first locally-driven regional-scale solid waste master plan. IT Directors’ Roundtable This roundtable convenes chief information officers and information technology directors from local jurisdictions and agencies to brainstorm on a variety of challenges related to rapidly changing technologies and information systems. The group works collaborative to identify trends related to technology deployment and adoption, cyber security, data sharing and management, and IT workforce skills. Together, they research best practices for the use of technology and information to improve a variety of community outcomes, most notably transportation and mobility. The roundtable is currently assisting with the completion of GNRC’s ongoing Regional Smart Mobility Assessment and ITS Architecture update. Regional Environmental Roundtable The Regional Environmental Roundtable convenes local experts, practitioners, and advocates from non-profit organizations and State and federal public agencies to collaborate on issues and challenges related to the environmental quality of Middle Tennessee. The group was established by GNRC in 2020 to assist in a major update to the regional transportation plan and to help establish the Council’s first regional strategy for the preservation and conservation of natural and socio-cultural resources. Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus The Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus was formed in 2009 in order to provide leadership on important issues facing a rapidly changing regional landscape. Transportation, and particularly the pursuit of a modern regional transit system, served as the early catalyst, but in its brief history the Caucus has served as an effective forum for building working relationships among mayors and has helped local governments support each other on issues ranging from flood recovery to state and federal legislative and policy priorities. The Caucus is open to nearly 70 city and county mayors from across Middle Tennessee. Middle Tennessee Tourism Council GNRC has convened the Tourism Council since 1992 in order to develop priorities for how to invest marketing funds provided by the TN Dept of Tourist Development into Middle Tennessee communities. GNRC provides training and scholarships to Council members and facilitates ongoing conversation about the need to nurture tourism as a key sector of the regional economy. Membership is open to marketing organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, local governments, and hospitality related businesses within the GNRC’s region. RoundTable Network GNRC’s roundtables bring together industry professionals, public-sector practitioners, and local elected leaders around specific issues of regional interest. The roundtable structure provides opportunities for networking and a forum for collaboration and consultation to support the implementation of GNRC programs, plans, and policy initiatives.
Staffing and Departments
80+ Full Time Staff Members
NINE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING TEAM MEMBERS
FIVE RESEARCH AND ANALYTICS TEAM MEMBERS
42 AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES TEAM MEMBERS
TWO POLICY TEAM MEMBERS
13 ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT LEGAL, HUMAN RESOURCES, AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE TEAM MEMBERS
FOUR FINANCE TEAM MEMBERS
SIX ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM MEMBERS
Staff Leadership
Michelle Lacewell, Deputy Director mlacewell@gnrc.org Responsible communications, marketing, and organizational development.
Michael Skipper, Executive Director mskipper@gnrc.org
Responsible agency oversight, business development, and facilitation of the Council, Executive Board, and Mayors Caucus.
Megan Nelson, Finance Director mnelson@gnrc.org Responsible for fiscal management, and ensuring compliance with grant requirments.
Candi Henry, General Counsel chenry@gnrc.org Responsible for representing the Council and agency through legal advice and contract review and negotiation.
Amanda Evilcizer, HR Manager aevilcizer@gnrc.org Responsible for recruiting and retaining staff, and providing benefits and resource consultation to employees. Peter Westerholm, Policy Director pwesterholm@gnrc.org Responsible for coordination of agency policy and government affairs activities with members and external partners. Jessica Hill, Community and Regional Planning Director jhill@gnrc.org Responsible for departmental management, business development and coordination for local and regional planning programs.
Angie Hutchison, Office Manager ahutchison@gnrc.org Responsible for day to day office operations and administrative support for agency programs.
Max Baker, Research and Analytics Director mbaker@gnrc.org Responsible for development and implementation of analytical tools and data services that support agency programs and member requests.
Michael Mills Economic and Community Development Director mmills@gnrc.org Responsible for departmental management, business development, and partnerships with area nonprofits, local governments, and state and federal agencies. Sara Fowler, Aging and Disability Services Director sfowler@gnrc.org Responsible for departmental management, business development, and partnerships with area nonprofits, local governments, and state and federal agencies.
AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES
The Greater Nashville Regional Council is part of a nationwide network that serves the needs of older adults, and adults with disabilities. GNRC offers a direct connection to services available to older adults and adults with disabilities in the Middle Tennessee area. With one phone call, we can assess the specific needs of an individual and provide a range of options that allow older or disabled adults to choose the support they need to protect their quality of life.
Aging and Disability Planning, Coordination, and Quality Assurance
The primary purpose of the Aging and Disability Services department is to coordinate the delivery of services and programs which promote an environment conducive to enhancing the quality of life of the region’s older population. Many of the services may be available at little or no cost depending on age, needs, and income. GNRC’s team has an in-depth understanding of eligibility requirements for the various services available and able to evaluate all the options that are best for each client.
Sara Fowler Director 615.880.3902 sfolwer@gnrc.org
Information and Assistance Program GNRC provides a telephone hotline to serve as a Single Point of Entry for consumers across Middle Tennessee seeking information and assistance for long- term care and services. GNRC’s Information and Assistance (I&A) Program maintains a resource database of aging services across the region which is used by in-house specialists who help educate current and prospective clients about available programs. The I&A staff conducts initial screenings to determine the potential qualification and eligibility for programs funded by state and federal grants. Medicare Counseling and Information GNRC provides information, education, and counseling to Middle Tennessee consumers interested in the benefits of the federally funded Medicare program through its State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). GNRC staff work with state partners and volunteers to offer unbiased, objective information free of cost to Medicare beneficiaries and to the community at large. In addition the GNRC, under contract to implement Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) funding, conducts outreach to targeted zip codes in Davidson and Montgomery Counties to assist eligible Medicare beneficiaries in applying for Medicare Savings Programs.
Diane Schlaufman Program Manager 615.880.3903 dschlaufman@gnrc.org
Christine Mather Senior Counselor 615.862.8835 amather@gnrc.org
Quality Assurance and Monitoring GNRC works alongside the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) to ensure that aging and disability services are being provided within the established standards of performance and are delivered according to the requirements set forth by state and federal regulations and grant terms. The Quality Assurance staff also conduct regular monitoring of GNRC’s internal practices for fulfilling its duties as the Area Agency on Aging and Disability for the greater Nashville area.
Marilyn Wade QA Program Manager 615.880.3545 mwade@gnrc.org
Home and Community Based Programs and Services GNRC helps promote, screen, and coordinate a variety of home and community based services on behalf of state and federal funding programs. These programs are intended to empower seniors, disabled adults and other targeted populations to remain independent in their home and/or community for as long as possible. The programs focus on connecting applicants with transportation, meal preparation, housework, managing medication, and other necessary life sustaining support services. State OPTIONS for Community Living Program OPTIONS is a state-funded program that is considered a last resort for Tennesseans who have difficulty caring for themselves or their home. GNRC assists TCAD by screening applicants to determine qualification and by coordinating the delivery of the necessary services and support. TennCare CHOICES Program CHOICES is a federally-funded program provides long-term care for clients who qualify for Medicaid and are in need of a level of care that could be provided in a nursing home. GNRC assists TennCare by helping to identify and screen candidates for program. Family Caregiver Support Services State-funded caregiver support program is focused on providing support for people caring for older adults or adults with disabilities who often need additional resources or emotional support to sustain their own quality of life.
Earlean Chenault OPTIONS Program Manager 615.880.3531 echenault@gnrc.org
Fredna Hodge CHOICES Program Manager 615.880.3532 fhodge@gnrc.org
Public Guardianship Tennessee’s statewide guardianship program assists disabled persons aged 60 and over who are in need of a conservator and have no family member or friend to serve in that capacity. There are nine public guardians in the state, one in each development district or region. GNRC provides Public Guardianship Services to consumers across Middle Tennessee. Legal Services/ Ombudsman GNRC works with the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands to promote legal services to help people over age 60 or who are abused seeking legal assistance. GNRC contracts with the Mid-Cumberland HRA for addressing complaints or concerns of older persons living in, or seeking access, to a long term care facility.
Keisha Harris Public Conservator 615.862.8837 kharris@gnrc.org
The Greater Nashville Regional Council has been empowered by the TN General Assembly over the years to serve as the primary regional planning agency responsible for developing or coordinating regional plans for growth and infrastructure across Middle Tennessee, and plays an increasing role in assisting city and county governments in their local planning efforts. COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING
Infrastructure, Land Use, Development, Historic Preservation and Special Projects The Community and Regional Planning team at GNRC plays a vital role in shaping the future of Middle Tennessee. Its programs and services operate on both a multi-county, regional scale as well as at the neighborhood level. The team plays a formal role in connecting conversations about economic development and infrastructure planning.
Jessica Hill Director jhill@gnrc.org
Local Planning Assistance GNRC provides a range of local planning services and technical assistance to its member communities on a fee for service basis. This support includes everything from full staffing services for local planning commissions to project-based consulting. Specific activities include review and maintenance of land use policies, zoning ordinances, building codes, and land development regulations; land development and plat review; community visioning and comprehensive planning; special census verifications; and feasibility studies.
Transportation Planning GNRC serves as the region’s federally-recognized transportation planning agency (known as a Metropolitan Planning Organization) for Nashville and surrounding counties in Middle Tennessee. Under the purview of its Transportation Policy Board, GNRC staff facilitate the process to plan, prioritize, and select roadway and transit projects for federal funds appropriated through the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration. GNRC coordinates transportation planning activities with the TN Department of Transportation and local governments and transit agencies across the area, ensuring the region is in compliance with federal planning requirements and national ambient air quality standards.
Sean Pflazer Transportation Planning Manager 615.862.8844 spfalzer@gnrc.org
Solid Waste Planning GNRC works collaboratively with the TN Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to fulfill requirements of state and federal solid waste reduction acts by monitoring ongoing progress to divert household waste away from landfills. In addition, GNRC has recently began work with elected officials, TDEC, and local solid waste directors to prepare Middle Tennessee’s first regional-scale master plan for solid waste management in response to growth and development pressures, significant shifts in the recyclables market, and dwindling capacity of area landfills. Environmental Planning GNRC assists the TN Department of Environment and Conservation, TN Department of Transportation, and TN Department of Economic and Community Development with a variety of services aimed at protecting natural resources as the region experiences rapid growth and development. Highlights include the development of the region’s first “Planning and Environmental Linkage” framework as the regional transportation plan is updated, and a major refresh of Middle Tennessee’s Green Print inventory of natural resources and vulnerable assets. Capital Improvements GNRC assists the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, or TACIR, with the development of the region’s Public Infrastructure Needs Inventory (PINI). In this role, GNRC works with local governments to identify and track upgrades or expansions to area schools, transportation systems, government buildings, and other public infrastructure. GNRC also provides support to communities interested in optimizing their local capital planning process or those needing assistance to identify and apply for funding made available through a variety of state and federal grants.
The Greater Nashville Regional Council is designated as the region’s economic development district by the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Through its community and economic development programs, GNRC brings together elected, community and business leaders, as well as industry professionals and citizens to build stronger and more resilient communities. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development Strategy, Grant Administration, Community Planning Support GNRC works with local elected officials, state agencies, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and private sector investors to prepare for economic and community development. GNRC assists communities in project planning, grant and loan applications, and project administration for such activities as affordable housing, water and sewer service improvements and industrial development infrastructure.
Michael Mills Director 615.880.3746 mmills@gnrc.org
Economic Development Assistance GNRC coordinates with local government officials, industry recruiters, site location experts, and state agencies to develop and package together applications for financial assistance though state and federal grant programs. In addition, GNRC is available to assist local communities and private organizations with grant writing services and the administration of grant awards in pursuit investments to aid in job recruitment and retention.
Housing Grant Administration Through its partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, or THDA, GNRC provides technical assistance to communities seeking to address their affordable housing needs and administers grant programs aimed at repairing homes for low income and senior adult households across Middle Tennessee.
James Dean Housing Coordinator 615.862.8848 jdean@gnrc.org
Arts and Tourism Grant Administration GNRC partners with the TN Arts Commission to administer the Arts Builds Communities grant program across many parts of the mid-state, and with the TN Department of Tourist Development to fund marketing activities that draw visitors to Middle Tennessee. Both of these programs underscore the significance of tourism and the arts as integral parts of the regional economy and local quality of life.
Rasheedah Pardue ECD Program Administrator 615.891.5868 rpardue@gnrc.org
Small Business Lending GNRC provides administration and staffing to the Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, or MADC, to promote economic development and small business expansion. MADC is a designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a certified development company and provides lending assistance through a variety of publicly-guaranteed programs. More info at MADC.us.
Gwen Schaefer Senior Credit Analyst 615.880.3544 gschafer@gnrc.org
Rhonda Smith Credit Analyst 615.891.5864 rsmith@gnrc.org
What do you need to know? GNRC assists with a variety of community development programs to support residents and member jurisdictions. Some of these include: • Community Development Block Grants • EDA Infrastructure Grants
• TN FastTrack Grants • Home Repair Grants • Tourism Marketing Grants • Arts Grants
Visualizations, Forecasting and Growth Modeling The Research and Analytics team is responsible for maintaining information and datasets, creating maps and other data visualizations, and performing analysis in support of the organization’s programs and local member data needs. GNRC research staff include expert users of geographic information systems (GIS), travel demand forecasting tools, land use and growth modeling applications, and have spent their career contributing to the state of the practice across the nation. AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES RESEARCH AND ANALYTICS
Max Baker Director 615.862.8728 mbaker@gnrc.org
POLICY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Cumberland Region Tomorrow GNRC provides staffing and program development for Cumberland Region Tomorrow (CRT). CRT is a private, non-profit, citizen-based regional organization that works with public and private partners to help shape patterns of growth and development that enhance and sustain the ten-county region’s future livability and values. A significant part of the team’s activities center around the review and analysis of proposed policies, rule-making, or legislation that could have an impact – for better or worse – on GNRC programs, clients, and local member communities. GNRC monitors activities within the Tennessee General Assembly and U.S. Congress to inform local elected leaders on bills that may impact their community or the region as a whole. Partnerships, Policy Analysis and Monitoring The Policy and Government Affairs team supports the organization by participating in various local, statewide, and national initiatives being carried out by public agencies and non-profit organizations. This work includes building partnerships with other organizations with a common interest in aging and disability issues, population health outcomes, affordable housing, social equity and inclusion, environmental quality, and growth and development trends.
Peter Westerholm Director 615.862.8895 pwesterholm@gnrc.org
Shelly Hazle Senor Policy Advisor 615.862.8817 shazle@gnrc.org
Volunteer Program State and federal revenue for many of the programs and services provided by GNRC have not kept pace with increased cost of services or public demand over recent years. Volunteers play a critical role in helping GNRC maintain a high level of service to its members and clients despite its limited funding. Volunteers can have a huge impact on quality of life across Middle Tennessee by helping to connect GNRC programming to low-income families, senior adults, individuals with a physical disability, and other vulnerable populations. Volunteering also provides an opportunity for area residents to become active participants in planning the future of their local community or shaping the economic success of the region by donating their time to assisting with public engagement activities, researching policies and best practices, or collecting information and data used in the community and regional planning process.
Organization-wide Volunteer Opportunities Across the agency, volunteers assist with office tasks such as copying, filing, data entry, and making phone calls. Volunteers also help various programs through special events, assisting with communication efforts and serving as brand ambassadors at community fairs and activities. Community Development Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers assist the housing grant coordinator with collecting photos of residences for grant applications. This assistance provides for faster processing of grant applications to provide much need repairs for older low-income residents. Aging and Disability Services Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers can make a real difference in the lives of seniors, providing both concrete assistance and important contact, overcoming the isolation and depression often present in older adults. Senior outreach volunteers provide support and encouragement to seniors who spend most of their time alone by calling to check up on them. Friendly conversation, listening to their concerns, sharing stories, and offering encouragement help seniors stay positive. Service assistance volunteers make follow up calls to clients to ensure that they were able to access the services referred to during screening calls. GNRC’s guardianship program provides conservatorship to Tennesseans over the age of 60 years who are unable to manage their affairs. Volunteers visit with an assigned client twice a month with the goal to build a relationship of trust with this client, so that the client feels comfortable to voice any problems or concerns. Volunteers may read to clients, provide company, and observe their living and health conditions. One of GNRC’s most attractive volunteer opportunities supports counseling services through the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Volunteers assist Medicare beneficiaries and their families in navigating their way through the Medicare program helping clients feel confident about their health insurance decisions and help them save money on their prescription medications.
Rebecca Nofi Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager 615.891.5871 rnofi@gnrc.org
Connecting Communities. Empowering People.
615-862-8828 GNRC.org
@TheGNRC
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