Nashvillians are overwhelmingly creative. By embracing a more inclusive approach to zoning, we can address its housing challenges while preserving the vibrant, diverse communities that make the city unique.
Nashville has an opportunity to follow the example of other forward-thinking cities by creating more affordable rental options while easing costs for existing homeowners. Expanding zoning for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) would be a meaningful step forward. Longtime Nashvillians can champion a future where people of all income levels can live and work in the heart of our city by supporting the adoption of expanded ADU zoning.
Allowing greater flexibility to build ADUs in Nashville’s urban core could be transformative.
Benefits to Homeowners and Renters alike
These smaller, secondary structures, like backyard cottages or garage apartments, provide benefits such as
- affordable housing options for renters
- support multi-generational living
- provide rental income for homeowners
- alleviate traffic and improve walkability by increasing density at no cost to taxpayers
- add to existing property values
Preserving Neighborhood Character for Long-Term Residents
Longtime residents—those who’ve lived in a neighborhood for 5,10, or 20-plus years—purchased their homes when housing was significantly more affordable. Increasing the supply of housing for renters lowers prices for the working class, who isn't yet in a position to own a home.
Allowing residents of varying income levels to live and work together strengthens community bonds and enhances livability. It also continues the tradition of urban neighborhoods housing the working-class members of the city.
Teachers, firefighters, childcare workers, plumbers, electricians, etc., can both live and work in the urban core instead of commuting from far-flung suburbs, which helps the community as a whole.
Opposition Not Driven by Selfishness
Opposition to zoning reforms isn’t always driven by selfishness or NIMBYism.
Often, it’s shaped by deeply held beliefs about the role of housing in preserving community identity. Zoning discussions usually divide those prioritizing housing access from those focused on protecting neighborhood character and historic integrity.
But the two things work in concert.
Preserving neighborhood culture also means preserving access for varying income levels to a walkable neighborhood to shops, restaurants, parks, and public transit. Those neighborhoods don't have to be reserved for folks with a seven-figure housing budget or the forethought to buy in the 1990s.
With over 15 years as a licensed Broker, Wendy Monday is an expert in the local real estate market. Wendy and her husband JT live in Germantown with their 3-year-old son Wulf, and their family adores a walkable neighborhood. Wendy is consistently one of the top-selling agents in Nashville. Her Instagram account @wendymondaysellingnashville illustrates her passion for providing up-to-the-minute market knowledge.
