Nashville is moving full steam ahead on its $3.1 billion “Choose How You Move” transit initiative with the strategic appointment of Sabrina Sussman as Chief Program Officer. A seasoned transportation policymaker and former adviser to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Sussman will oversee enhancements to bus networks, pedestrian safety, sidewalks, and traffic modernization.

Despite overwhelming public backing—66% voter approval in a November 2024 referendum—the plan has hit legal snags. A lawsuit led by former Councilmember Emily Evans challenged the inclusion of affordable housing and park funding, arguing they fell outside the scope of Tennessee’s Improve Act. A recent appellate court ruling upheld most of the plan but blocked the use of transit funds for land purchases related to housing and parks, trimming just 1% from the budget.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell reaffirmed the city’s commitment to transparency, announcing a 15-member public advisory committee to guide the plan’s rollout. With Sussman at the helm, Nashville aims to become a national model for inclusive, forward-thinking urban mobility.

Tags: #Nashville transportation, #Sabrina Sussman #Public transit infrastructure #Urban planning

Wendy Huffman is the Editor of the WBN News Nashville Edition & Founder & Owner of The Brilliant Edge Agency, delivering premier executive search and staffing solutions to help businesses secure top talent using the DREAM™ process. She is also the founder and CEO of the international nonprofit Letsmakethedifference.org based in Nashville.

Connect with Wendy on Linkedin.com/in/wendyhuffman

Sources:
Yahoo, Hoodline, The Business Journals, Axios, Nashville.gov

Share this article
The link has been copied!