GNRC Annual Report for FY 2021

Highlights and accomplishments of the Greater Nashville Regional Council during FY 2021.

TABLE OF CONT ENTS

Letter from the President

About the Regional Council

Regional Council Leadership

Agency Programs and Staff

Agency Highlights

Regional Impact of Programs

Program Accomplishments

Agency Budget Highlights

DOWNTOWN GALLATIN

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Mayor Paige Brown Regional Council President

Dear Fellow Council Members and Regional Partners,

As I look back on this first year as your president, I find myself in awe of the impact of the Greater Nashville Regional Council. When I took the gavel from Sumner County Mayor Holt in September of 2020, we were roughly seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic and unsure of what the immediate future would hold for the organization. Little did I know then just how pivotal the organization would become in guiding many of us to the critical resources necessary to lift up our communities in an incredible time of need. I am proud of our agency’s work to ramp up new programs and to execute on the various waves of state and federal funding aimed at keeping our nation, communities, and households afloat during the pandemic. This year has not been an easy one for any of us, and I commend the commitment of each of our members and that of the GNRC staff as we continue to push forward, together, to support the needs of Middle Tennesseans. As you read through this annual report, I have no doubt that you too will be impressed by the tremendous work of your Regional Council. Over the last year, we have continued to invest in ourselves by deploying new accounting, payroll, and human resources systems and

upgrading the tools and resources provided to our agency staff. We also have invested significantly in our communities by securing or programming billions of dollars for regional infrastructure, economic and community development projects, and social services. Our work continues though. Nearly all of our communities are feeling the effects of change, be it from the impacts of a local disaster, the growing pains of rapid growth, or the lingering pandemic. There has never been a more important time for us to lean on each other for inspiration and support as we prepare a more resilient region. As we move into 2022, I encourage each of our members to reengage in our programming and to take full advantage of the unique forum provided for the cross-jurisdictional collaboration that will ensure a bright future for Middle Tennessee.

Respectfully,

Paige Brown Mayor, City of Gallatin

We are a regional forum for policymakers.

GNRC facilitates cooperative policymaking and collaboration among local and state elected leaders to prioritize investments in social services and public infrastructure.

The Tennessee General Assembly established the Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) under the Tennessee Development District Act of 1965. GNRC operates as a council of governments representing a 13-county area that includes Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson counties. We provide a regional forum where elected officials, industry experts, community leaders, and community members can come together to discuss issues and share ideas to help solve local challenges. This setting allows for candid conversations about Middle Tennessee’s future and connects communities with resources and investments to help achieve their vision. ABOUT THE GREATER NASHVILLE REGIONAL COUNCIL

OUR MISSION 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 officials and local practitioners to brainstorm strategies for improving quality of life, facilitates cooperative policymaking 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.

AT OUR CORE Community Focused

GNRC responds to the grassroots needs of communities on a local and regional level, developing solutions, and creating opportunities to meet those needs head-on. Strategic GNRC thoughtfully and responsibly develops plans and programs that are custom tailored and grounded in information and analysis. Collaborative GNRC fosters collaboration among its local and state partners to identify and accelerate investments into Middle Tennessee communities. Comprehensive GNRC provides comprehensive expertise and resources to ensure citizens and leaders stay connected with information and a wide variety of programs and services.

80+

WHO WE REPRESENT

The Greater Nashville Regional Council is one of nine development districts established by the Tennessee General Assembly. The Council is governed by city and county mayors/executives, state legislators, appointments representing business/industry, and appointments representing minority populations.

2,000,000+ MIDDLE TENNESSEANS THIRTEEN COUNTIES FIFTY-TWO CITIES AND TOWNS NINETY-THREE COUNCIL MEMBERS

MAJOR PROGRAMS

Designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, GNRC serves 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. GNRC is designated by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability as the Area Agency on 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 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 in support of 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 serving 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 and other promotional activities to its membership comprised of chambers of commerce, area attractions, local governments, and convention and visitor bureaus .

CHEATHAM COUNTY

2020 POPULATION 10-YEAR GROWTH 41,072 $1,076,529 5% 2019 GDP

GNRC VOTING SEATS

CUMBERLAND STREET

DAVIDSON COUNTY

2020 POPULATION 10-YEAR GROWTH 715,884 $64,615,968 14% 2019 GDP

GNRC VOTING SEATS

CUMBERLAND RIVER FRONT

We are cities and counties working together.

GNRC is a regional policymaking body made up of local and state government officials tasked with working together to make Middle Tennessee a better place to call home.

REGIONAL COUNCIL LEADERSHI P

A 24-member Executive Board meets monthly to conduct business on behalf of the full Regional Council. The current membership of the Executive Board is defined by state law and includes the council officers, a small city representative, a large city representative, two state legislators, a city or county representative from each of GNRC’s counties, and the minority representatives from the four counties within GNRC with the highest minority populations. In addition to the Executive Board, the GNRC programs are supported by various boards and committees including the Aging Advisory Council, the Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, the Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus, the Middle Tennessee Tourism Council, and the Transportation Policy Board.

REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Mayor Anthony Holt SUMNER COUNTY

Mayor Paige Brown CITY OF GALLATIN

VICE PRESIDENT Mayor Bob Rial DICKSON COUNTY

SECRETARY Michael Skipper EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TREASURER Mayor Joe Pitts CITY OF CLARKSVILLE

COMMITTEE + PROGRAM LEADERSHI P

Aging and Disability Advisory Committee Don Ames, Chair Representing Sumner County

Transportation Coordinating Committee

Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation Mark Beeler, President Representing Trousdale County

Glenn Harper, Chair City of Columbia Engineer

Monroe Gildersleeve, Vice Chair Representing Montgomery County

Andy Barlow, Vice Chair City of Mt. Juliet Public Works Director

Scott Bagwell, Vice President Representing Sumner County

Transportation Policy Board

Jerome Terrell, Treasurer Representing Cheatham County

I.T. Directors Roundtable

Keith Durbin, Co-Chair Metro Nashville Chief Information Officer

Billy Vogle, Chair Robertson County Mayor

Middle Tennessee Tourism Council Karin Landers, Chair Humphreys County Tourism

Chaz Molder, Vice Chair City of Columbia Mayo r

Mary Beth Ippich, Co-Chair City of Hendersonville, IT Director

Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus

SolidWaste Directors Roundtable Mac Nolen, Chair Rutherford County Solid Waste Director Joey Smith, Vice Chair City of Murfreesboro Solid Waste Director

Ken Moore, Chair Mayor of Franklin

Jessie Wallace, Vice Chair Humphreys County Executive

Roster as of August 1, 2021

DICKSON COUNTY

2020 POPULATION 10-YEAR GROWTH 54,315 $1,768,940 9% 2019 GDP

GNRC VOTING SEATS

MONTGOMERY BELL STATE PARK

HOUSTON COUNTY

2020 POPULATION 10-YEAR GROWTH 8,283 $140,963 2% 2019 GDP

GNRC VOTING SEATS

HOUSTON-BENTON FERRY

REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERSHI P

CHEATHAM COUNTY County Mayor Kerry McCarver Ashland City Mayor Steve Allen Kingston Springs Mayor Tony Gross Pegram Mayor John Louallen Pleasant View Mayor Bill Anderson Hadley Williams, Minority Rep. Jermone Terrell, Business Rep. DAVIDSON COUNTY Metropolitan Mayor John Cooper Belle Meade Mayor James Hunt, Sr. Berry Hill Mayor Greg Mabey Forest Hills Mayor Lanson Hyde Goodlettsville Mayor Rusty Tinnin Oak Hill Mayor Dale Grimes Antoinette Lee, Minority Rep. Courtney Pogue, Business Rep. DICKSON COUNTY County Mayor Bob Rial Burns Mayor Landon Mathis Charlotte Mayor William R. Davis Dickson Mayor Don L. Weiss, Jr. Slayden Mayor Diane Zwingle Harrison

HOUSTON COUNTY County Mayor James Bridges Erin Mayor Paul Bailey Tennessee Ridge Mayor Stony Odom Lori Taylor, Minority Rep. Howard Spurgeon, Business Rep. HUMPHREYS COUNTY Executive Jessie Wallace McEwen Mayor Brad Rachford New Johnsonville Mayor David Cagle Waverly Mayor W. B. (Buddy) Frazier Taomasine Hill, Minority Rep. Ted Moore, Business Rep. MONTGOMERY COUNTY County Mayor Jim Durrett Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts Rene Llanos, Minority Rep. Buck Dellinger, Business Rep. ROBERTSON COUNTY County Mayor Billy Vogle Adams Mayor Mary Mantooth Cedar Hill Mayor Tom Richards Coopertown Mayor Becca Werner Cross Plains Mayor Barry Faulkner Greenbrier Mayor Lanny Adcock Orlinda Mayor Ricky Stark

Ridgetop Mayor Clayton Bollinger Springfield Mayor Ann Schneider White House Mayor Mike Arnold Herbert Barbee, Minority Rep. Margot Fosnes, Business Rep. RUTHERFORD COUNTY County Mayor Bill Ketron Eagleville Mayor Chad Leeman LaVergne Mayor Jason Cole Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed Darlyn Green, Minority Rep. Patrick Cammack, Business Rep. STEWART COUNTY County Mayor Robin Brandon Cumberland City Mayor Gary Vaughn Dover Mayor Lesa Fitzhugh David Dunlap, Minority Rep. Heather McDowell, Business Rep. SUMNER COUNTY Mayor Anthony Holt Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown Goodlettsville Mayor Rusty Tinnin Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary Millersville Mayor Tim Lassiter Mitchellville Mayor Bobby Worman

Vanleer Mayor Jason Weaver White Bluff Mayor Linda Hayes Dwight Haynes, Minority Rep. Darrell James, Business Rep.

The Regional Council governing body is made up of 93 members and includes 13 county mayors and executives, 52 mayors of cities or towns, two members of the Tennessee General Assembly, and 26 appointments representing the interests of the business community and minority populations. The full Council is charged with electing officers, certifying the executive board, and adopting the annual work program and budget.

TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Representative Susan Lynn Senator to be appointed

Portland Mayor Mike Callis Westmoreland Mayor Jerry Kirkman White House Mayor Mike Arnold Darryl D. Eubanks, Minority Rep. Jimmy Johnston, Business Rep. TROUSDALE COUNTY County Mayor Stephen Chambers

Mae Wright, Minority Rep. Charly Lyons, Business Rep.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY County Mayor Rogers Anderson Brentwood Mayor Rhea Little Fairview Mayor Debby Rainey Franklin Mayor Ken Moore Nolensville Mayor Derek Adams Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman Thompson’s Station Mayor Corey Napier

Juanita Patton, Minority 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, Minority Rep. G.C. Hixson, Business Rep .

Regional Council roster as of August 1, 2021 Members listed in orange serve on the Executive Board

We are experts, professionals, and public servants. GNRC staff support the activities of the Regional Council and provide additional capacity to state agencies and local governments working to improve quality of life.

AGENCY PROGRAMS + PROF ESSIONAL STAF F

Executive Office and Administrative Support Michael Skipper, Executive Director Michelle Lacewell, Deputy Director Kristen Scuderi, Special Projects Coordinator Rebecca Nofi, Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Solava, Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator Shannon Lewallen, Creative Services Manager

Finance Department Megan Nelson Finance Director Jovia King, Finance Manager Dorothy Olszewski, Finance Officer Nathan Wade II, Finance Officer Policy and Government Affairs Peter Westerholm, Policy Director Shelly Hazle, Senior Policy Advisor

HR and Office Support Amanda Evilcizer, Human Resources Manager Angie Hutchison, Office Manager Lou Edwards, Senior Administrative Assistant Sherry Cosby, Administrative Assistant

Research and Analytics Max Baker, Director of Research and Analytics Ashleigh Reeves, Senior Research Analyst Elham Daha, Senior Research Analyst Haryono Prawiranata, Senior Research Analyst

Legal Department Candi Henry, Chief Legal Counsel Grant Kehler, Compliance Officer

Joanna McCall, Research Analyst Samuel Williams, Research Analyst

Economic and Community Development

Community and Regional Planning

Angela Hubbard, Director of Economic and Community Development

Jessica Hill, Director of Community and Regional Planning

Matt Von Lunen, Chief Economic Development Officer Rasheedah Pardue, Community Development Programs Manager James Dean, Housing Coordinator Donald Anthony, Senior Administrator Amy Napoli, Senior Administrator

Sean Pfalzer, Transportation Planning Manager Anna Emerson, Principal Planner

Bryan Collins, Senior Planner Carson Cooper, Senior Planner Mary Turner, Associate Planner

Gwen Schaefer, Small Business Lending Rhonda Smith, Small Business Lending

Daniel Capparella, Associate Planner Kealan Millies-Lucke, Associate Planner

Staff Roster as of August 1, 2021

Aging and Disability Services

TennCare CHOICES Intake Program Fredna Neas Hodge, Program Manager Misty Donaldson, Senior Counselor Lisa Brooks, Financial Coordinator Kara Tillery, Counselor

Sara Fowler, Director of Aging and Disability Programs

Aging and Disability Support April Merritts, Aging Support Specialist Ruth Childers, Aging Support Specialist Quality Assurance and Monitoring Marilyn Wade, Program Manager Jennifer Meade, Quality Assurance Analyst Christy Earheart, Quality Assurance Analyst Medicare Counseling (SHIP) Christine Mather, Senior Medicare Counselor Shea Northfield, Associate Counselor Data Management Cynthia Balfour, Program Manager Linda Murphy-Esmond, Data Processor Information and Assistance Diane Schlaufman, Program Manager Mark Singer, Lead Counselor Carole Russell-Griffin, Counselor Vonda Jenkins, Counselor Jessica Rame, Counselor Alexandra Seward-Beynen, Counselor

Melody Choate, Counselor Venus Johnson, Counselor Margaret Wolf, Counselor Janie Jewell, Community Living Supports Ombudsman Service Coordination/Options Program Earlean Chenault, Program Manager Pamela Williamson, Lead Counselor Angela Reeves, Counselor

Anthony Anderson, Counselor Deborah Carson, Counselor Faye Head, Senior Counselor Breanna Browder, Counselor

Jenny Calvillo, Counselor Tammy Cooper, Counselor Illisa Gay, Counselor Tonya Johnson-Lee, Counselor Quenteena Baldwin-Jarrett, Counselor

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Public Guardianship Keisha Harris, Public Conservator

Patience Cohee, Assistant Public Conservator Susan Gilliam, Assistant Public Conservator Teresa Gamble, Fiscal Specialist

Family Caregiver and Veterans Support Johnna Neel, Senior Counselor

L-R: Keisha Harris, Susan Gilliam, Kim Hale, Michelle Poss, and Teresa Gamble.

Kim Hale retired in 2021 after serving more than 21 years as GNRC’s Public Conservator. Thank you, Kim, for all your hard work and dedication to those in need.

HUMPHREYS COUNTY

2020 POPULATION 10-YEAR GROWTH 18,990 $703,038 2% 2019 GDP

GNRC VOTING SEATS

CUBA LANDING MARINA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

2020 POPULATION 10-YEAR GROWTH 220,069 $4,972,614 28% 2019 GDP

GNRC VOTING SEATS

CLARKSVILLE RIVER FRONT

AGENCY HIGHL IGHTS

Agency Investments

Partnerships and Programs Regional Transportation Plan In GNRC’s role as the lead facilitator of regional transportation planning, the agency coordinated efforts among local governments, state and federal agencies, and stakeholders to develop the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). This multi-year process concluded in February 2021, with Middle Tennessee mayors adopting a 25-year plan allocating more than $10.5 billion in federal, state, and local funding for transportation programs and projects. More information about the RTP can be found on page 35. Tennessee Serves Network GNRC became a partner with Tennessee Serves Network, a statewide collaboration of volunteer centers dedicated to bringing people and the community together through an easily accessible online portal, first launched by Volunteer Tennessee and Tennessee’s first lady Maria Lee. This partnership has provided GNRC the resources to make its Volunteer Portal available to organizations in its 13 counties to recruit and manage volunteers. More information about the volunteer program can be found on page 38. Economic Development Advisory Committee Throughout FY21, the Economic and Community Development team facilitated an update to the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Through this process, GNRC reestablished its Advisory Committee of Mayors, business leaders, and state officials to cooperatively develop a strategy to align policy and infrastructure investments with the region’s shared vision for economic growth. More information about the CEDS can be found on page 33.

Outreach and Advocacy In FY21, GNRC hired its first outreach and advocacy coordinator to support Aging and Disability Services. By investing in this role, GNRC is committed to expanding its partnerships with other organizations that support the aging population in Middle Tennessee and broaden awareness of resources to those in need. Financial Management GNRC invested in Sage Intacct®, a cloud-based financial management system that will support the agency’s growing needs. The system will provide automation to importation processes, reduce redundancy, and provide staff leadership and Regional Council members with greater visibility into real-time organizational performance. Talent Retention and Attraction In tandem with the move to Sage Intacct, GNRC implemented a new Human Resources Information System, Paycom. Paycom centralizes the core functions of HR of employee data management, payroll and expense reporting, and recruitment efforts. Once fully implemented Paycom also serves as GNRC’s training platform and performance tracking for all staff members.

Funding by Federal Relief Programs

COVID Response In response to the global pandemic, the U.S. Congress has made additional funding available to states and local communities through a series of COVID relief acts and supplemental appropriations. Across the various programs, more than $15 million has been entrusted with GNRC as the federal government empowers regional leaders to prioritize important investments in recovery. Support Services for Older Adults Through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the CARES Act, and supplemental appropriations, GNRC has received more than $4 million in grant funds to support older adults during this time of need. The majority of the funding is being directed to home-delivered meals and the delivery of groceries. Investments also are being made in area senior centers, legal aid programs, and in-home support services. Reinforcement of Economic and Community Development Initiatives Through the CARES Act the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration has made two separate grants to GNRC totaling more than $3 million. Of that amount, $2.74 million is being invested in a revolving loan fund program to help small and local businesses sustain their operations through the pandemic. EDA also provided $400,000 to help GNRC update the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy with additional guidance for creating a more resilient economy. The CEDS is adopted every five years by GNRC’s governing body and serves as a gateway for local partners to access millions in federal grants for economic development projects and programming. Transportation Infrastructure Investments Through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act of 2021, Congress provided supplemental appropriations via the U.S. Department of Transportation to support local recovery through infrastructure investments. GNRC is leading the effort to award nearly $8 million to local transportation projects through its Transportation Policy board.

$15.4 Million

Familes First Coronavirus Response Act 6% CARES Act 38% Supplemental Appropriations Acts 56%

Funding by Program Area

$15.4 Million

Aging and Disability Services 28% Economic and Community Development 20% MPO Transportation Projects 52% *Includes total funding allocated to GNRC for use in FY 2021 and subsequent years. Not all funding has been expended.

REGIONAL IMPACT

Mont

Stewart

In the fiscal year 2021, GNRC leveraged its $15 million budget to improve the lives of thousands of Middle Tennesseans to support the local initiatives of dozens of communities. This map depicts the location of grants and infrastructure investments, planning assistance, and aging and disability services administered by GNRC during the fiscal year. The following section highlights the major accomplishments of each program area.

Houston

The map series on the following pages depict the local impact of specific program areas within GNRC.

Humphreys

Maury County is a member of the South Central Tennessee Development District but participates in various programs and activities of the Greater Nashville Regional Council.

Robertson

gomery

Sumner

Trousdale

Cheatham

Davidson

ickson

Wilson

Williamson

Rutherford

Maury

Aging and Disability Services Serving as the Area Agency on Aging and Disability for thirteen counties, GNRC plans and coordinates a range of programs and services which focus on improving the quality of life for older adults and those with disabilities across Middle Tennessee. Each dot represents a location where services or programs have been provided. PROGRAM REACH ACROSS THE REGION

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Economic and Community Development

As the Economic Development District for northern Middle Tennessee, GNRC is responsible for developing the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to guide federal investment into projects that help retain and create jobs. Each dot represents a location of investment through ECD grants and programs.

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Community and Regional Planning

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At the local level, GNRC’s planning team works directly with communities on matters related to land use, zoning, and design guidelines. At a regional scale, the team coordinates the production of infrastructure plans and capital investment programs. Each dot represents the location of a planning project, technical assistance contract, or direct investment in the transportation system through the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program.

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AGING + DI SABI L I T Y SERV ICES

GNRC’s Aging and Disability Services empower older adults and adults with physical disabilities to maintain a high quality of life in their homes and communities for as long as possible by providing them with information and supports.

Information and Assistance GNRC’s Information and Assistance Helpline offers easy access to information about resources available in the region for various needs and challenges faced by older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. 7,500+ Middle Tennesseans received information or screening services. Medicare Counseling Through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TNSHIP), GNRC provides Medicare beneficiaries with the resources they need to make informed decisions about Medicare that optimize their access to care and benefits. 19,000+ Individuals received assistance with Medicare. Caregiver Support The National Family Caregiver Support Program is focused on preventing burn-out and social isolation for caregivers of older adults through the provision of respite services. 200+ Caregivers received over 20,000 hours of relief.

In-Home Services The Options for Community Living program provides a connection to services that assist older adults and adults with physical disabilities with everyday activities.

43K+

Collective hours of in-home services provided to 429 individuals.

Meal Programs Through nutrition programs, GNRC provides balanced meals to older adults with nutritional risk. These meals are delivered to individuals’ homes by trained volunteers or shared among peers in congregate settings. 630K+ Meals provided to more than 4,000 older adults. Long-Term Care Services Through TennCare’s CHOICES intake program, GNRC assists individuals who require nursing home-level care to remain at home with the needed supports as appropriate.

1,000+

Individuals assisted through the CHOICES intake process.

PILOT GROCERY PROGRAM

Public Guardianship Public conservators are appointed by the courts to provide conservatorship to individuals who are unable to safely make their own decisions regarding their person and/or property.

GNRC received a significant amount of funding to support the needs of older adults through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. To help those who cannot or do not feel comfortable shopping for groceries and household supplies, GNRC created a Pilot Grocery Program. The program is implemented through senior centers and provides up to $125 for boxes filled with groceries and supplies to be delivered to individuals in need. Each senior center has personalized the program to best serve local needs. The eight senior centers participating in the Pilot Grocery Program have served 268 households, a total of 1,290 grocery/ household goods boxes. The program will continue until September 2022 when the CARES Act funding expires.

96 Number of senior adults who received conservatorship services.

Veterans Services GNRC facilitates access to sources of income for caregivers for veterans and other supportive services. This program is offered through a partnership with the Pennyrile Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, and the Veterans Administration. 48 Veterans received services and assistance from loved ones or family friends. Key Partnerships In partnership with Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, The Cumberland’s, and Metropolitan Social Services, GNRC funds transportation, legal, and ombudsman services for older adults and adults with physical disabilities. In addition, seventeen senior centers throughout the region receive funding to support additional programming and services for older adults. 1,302 Individuals received transportation services through GNRC partners.

ECONOMIC + COMMUN I T Y DEVELOPMENT

The Economic and Community Development team collaborates with local elected leaders, area chambers of commerce, local and state economic development officials, and state and federal agencies to prioritize and invest in initiatives that increase economic prosperity and improve quality of life throughout the region.

Grant Writing and Administration GNRC assists communities with planning, packaging applications and managing grants to address community needs. Support includes structuring the application, organizing target area surveys, holding public hearings, and completing the full application. $64M Total value of on-going projects administered across the region Small Business Lending The Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation (MADC) was established by GNRC as a non-profit corporation to serve the capital needs of small businesses in Middle Tennessee. GNRC staffs the program as part of its economic and community development programs. $23M Total portfolio size has supported the creation of more than 250 jobs

Arts and Creative Placemaking GNRC is the designated agency to facilitate the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts Builds Communities grant program across eligible counties. This program supports local governments and charitable organizations to broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life. $62K+ Awarded to support local arts projects across Middle Tennessee Rural Tourism GNRC supports growing tourism revenue for rural counties through its work with the Middle Tennessee Tourism Council. These programs provide access to state and federal grant programs, and improve coordination among local governments and industry partners. $58K Awarded to local communities to support tourism activities

Housing Resources

GNRC administers home repair programs benefiting low- income families, older adults, and persons with disabilities with funds from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.

14 Low-income homeowners received repairs to their homes

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Throughout FY21, the Economic and Community Development team facilitated an update to the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. This process fulfills the shared responsibility of Mayors, business leaders, and state officials to cooperatively develop a strategy to align policy and infrastructure investments with the region’s shared vision for economic growth. The CEDS pulls together the economic development goals and priorities of local jurisdictions and strategies of regional entities to craft a document that presents a shared vision and makes us more competitive for federal and state funding for economic development. An Advisory Committee worked alongside GNRC staff to oversee development of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

Key Partnerships

GNRC participated in a 40-county wage and benefit survey, conducted by the Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) at Middle Tennessee State University. The purpose of this study is to provide information that would enable human resource managers to make informed decisions about the prevailing compensation structure and to enhance local economic development officials’ understanding of the compensation structure in their market as they support prospective businesses transitioning to the region. As one of three development districts in the region, GNRC committed funding and in-kind support to the study. This effort aligned with the goals laid out in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. This data will help inform decisions on workforce development, employee retention for existing businesses, raising overall compensation levels for employees, and help set competitive wages for jobs across the region.

Learn more about the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy at GNRC.org/CEDS.

COMMUN I T Y + REGIONAL PLANN ING

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 and at the neighborhood level. At the regional level, GNRC connects conversations about economic development and infrastructure planning.

Planning Studies GNRC’s regional transportation studies help develop a vision for future investments and provide its members with resources to meet long and short-term planning needs. Activities included: Regional Smart Mobility Assessment GNRC completed its Regional Smart Mobility Assessment in 2021. This study broadly examined how local jurisdictions could use emerging technologies around mobility to prioritize investments and maximize benefits across the various communities of Middle Tennessee. South Corridor Study GNRC continued its South Corridor Study to identify a series of recommendations to implement rapid transit to serve communities between Davidson and Maury Counties. The timeline of the study has been extended, in part due to the impacts of COVID-19. Throughout the year, GNRC staff and the consultant team worked to get the process back on track. GNRC staff will present the final recommendations of the effort before the end of the year. Downtown Inner Loop Study Throughout the year GNRC and the consultant team worked with stakeholders to develop concepts to establish a vision and recommend investments to improve mobility and safety through the Interstate 24/40/65 “loop” around downtown Nashville.

Transportation Planning Over the last year, through GNRC’s Transportation Improvement Program the agency assisted local communities with the planning and implementation of improvements to the area’s transportation system. $1B More than $1 billion was made available through the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program. Capital Improvements GNRC works with local governments to identify and track upgrades or expansions to area schools, transportation systems, government buildings, and other public infrastructure. $7.9B Dollars in infrastructure needs were identified across the region. Community Planning GNRC provides a range of local planning services and technical assistance to its member communities on a fee for service basis. This support includes services for local planning commissions to project-based consulting. 12 In 2021, GNRC provided staffing services to more than 12 local planning commissions.

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN In early 2021, mayors across Middle Tennessee adopted an update to the Regional Transportation Plan. The Plan allocates more than $10.5 billion in anticipated federal grants and matching funds to improve transportation throughout a seven-county planning area that includes Nashville and the surrounding counties of Maury, Robertson, Sumner, Rutherford, Williamson, and Wilson. Over the last three years, GNRC has worked with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and local governments to conduct studies, public meetings, and research to inform the Plan’s recommendations. The Plan intends to help ensure coordination among existing transportation planning efforts of TDOT, transit agencies, and area cities and counties. The RTP is updated every five years to account for shifts in community issues and concerns, advancements in technologies, fluctuations in funding levels, and changes in federal regulations.

Key Partnerships

In 2021, GNRC staff facilitated semi-formal coordination among groups of local planning officials and partners in several counties across the region through its 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. Additionally, the agency continued to grow its strategic planning and comprehensive planning services to Regional Council members over the last year. GNRC is leading the comprehensive planning efforts for the City of Gallatin, Rutherford County, and Sumner County.

Learn more about the Regional Transportation Plan at GNRC.org/Transportation.

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