Nashville Bus Police

Good afternoon, everyone. WeGo is one step closer to getting its own police presence.... Riverfront safety upgrades promised after Riley Strain’s death yet to be implemented… Tennessee officials are actively recruiting Paramount Skydance to expand or relocate operations to the state... And much more!

New American Frontiers Join us this Thursday, July 16th, for a conversation with Kevin Dolan, founder of the EXIT fraternity, on institutional decline, parallel power, and where political opportunities are. (Buy Ticket)

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After shootings, stabbings, and sexual assalts, WeGo is one step closer to getting its own police presence.

From Megan Podsiedlik

In the wee hours of last week’s Metro Council meeting, members approved an agreement creating a dedicated Metro Nashville Police presence within the WeGo transit system. MNPD will provide officers and support staff for the transit division that will patrol WeGo buses, routes, stations, and other transit property. The measure passed after a failed attempt to delay the vote one meeting.

It was Councilmember Delishia Porterfield made the motion for a one-meeting deferral, citing that she still has questions for the administration, MTA, and MNPD. Many of her colleagues found the request tiresome.

“It's imperative to us that we keep riders on our transit systems safe,” said Councilmember Jordan Huffman when speaking against the deferral. “We've been in this chamber before during a meeting, and we've heard the sirens from shootings from the bus station.”

"It's not a complicated issue,” said Councilmember Bob Nash. “It's a few officers that are going to be paid to help start the security for buses."

Bus safety As Huffman noted, violent crime plagues WeGo. From fatal shootings in bus stations to stabbings at bus stops, the list is long when it comes to violence on Nashville’s public transit system—the safety unit is a long time coming.

Last summer, the Metro Transit Authority approved a $1.15M consulting contract to help implement the new Metro Nashville Police Department transit police unit. The transportation consulting firm, called Marine Tiger Technologies, has worked with Metro before and was funded by Choose How You Move sales tax revenue to help construct a security plan.

At the time, Mayor O’Connell said the investment is to ensure a strong foundation for the new unit. “You do want to bring in subject matter expertise on that side,” he explained. “We've not done this before. We haven't ever had a full-time dedicated security division for transit.”

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✹ NEW AMERICAN FRONTIERS

New American Frontiers Kevin Dolan, founder of the EXIT fraternity, argues the institutions most people still rely on have turned hostile to competence and entered a slow decline that can't be reversed from within. After being doxxed and fired in 2021, he set out to build the alternative: parallel institutions and the high-trust networks that hold up when formal ones don't.

Join us Thursday, July 16th for a conversation on institutional decline, parallel power, and where the political openings actually are.

Buy Tickets

This event benefits The Pamphleteer, Nashville and is priced with that in mind. Bard-level subscribers receive free admittance.

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HEADLINES

⏰ Riverfront safety upgrades promised after Riley Strain’s death yet to be implemented. More than a year after Metro Nashville allocated $1.5 million for riverfront safety improvements following the death of Riley Strain, none of the planned permanent upgrades—including barriers, lighting, and surveillance cameras—have been installed, with only temporary fencing currently in place. Metro Councilmember Jacob Kupin said city officials have not provided a clear timeline for the project and are now indicating the allocated funding may not be enough to complete the planned work. (WSMV)
🎥 Tennessee courts Paramount. Tennessee officials are actively recruiting Paramount Skydance to expand or relocate operations to the state, with executives reportedly giving the proposal serious consideration. The discussions focus on Tennessee's growing film and television industry, business-friendly environment, and financial incentives as the state competes with traditional entertainment hubs. (HollywoodReporter)
🌧 More storms expected across Middle Tennessee. Forecasters say Nashville will continue to see hot, humid conditions with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall and localized flooding are possible in some areas today.

DEVELOPMENT

Downtown restaurant Gannons is expanding to Wedgewood-Houston (NBJ)
Berry Hill properties listed for sale for $4.45M (Post)
Work resumes on stalled Germantown project (Post)

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✹ METRO COUNCIL WATCH

New Council Watch Features We've added additional features to Council Watch. In addition to who's funding your council member, you can now see how they vote and who they vote with most frequently. (Take a Look)