City officials gather in Nashville for 2025 TML Legislative Conference

By KATE COIL

TT&C Assistant Editor

Municipal officials from across Tennessee gathered in Nashville on March 3-4 to hear from a variety of lawmakers, state officials, and experts on the issues at the TML Legislative Conference.  

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell welcomed officials to the city and encouraged them to both take advantage of the opportunity to connect with their lawmakers and spend some time exploring Music City. O’Connell also recognized the importance of city officials connecting with each other and said he had found value in sharing experiences with other municipal leaders from cities of different sizes. 

Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson provided an economic outlook for the state in the coming fiscal year. Bryson said the state budget is projected to be about $58.4 billion, down about $2 billion due to the decrease in federal funds from ARP and other programs sunsetting.  

State tax revenues are expected to be up 2%. While normal growth is in the 3-5% range, Byrson said the state reported zero growth the previous year. He said the 3-5% growth rate reflects a new normal post-pandemic. 

Bryson also expressed his admiration for the work of city officials. 

“I appreciate the work you do for our citizens,” Bryson said. “Where the rubber meets the road, you all are there. I thank you for what you do.” 

Additionally, Bryson said the state is looking into issues such as cybersecurity and is seeking feedback from local governments as they determine how AI will play a future in government with the goal of developing a master AI policy all governments can adopt.  

Comptroller Jason Mumpower highlighted the efforts to allow for more frequent property value appraisals, new online options for submitting budgets, and a new report on worker’s compensation in municipalities. He also discussed the continued population growth in Tennessee.  

“Every county in this state has experienced growth, and you are to be commended because I know it is the cities in our state that are the economic engines,” Mumpower said. “You also provide a quality of life that people across this nation want.” 

UT Institute for Public Service Vice President Herb Byrd III discussed a new partnership with the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence and the city of Germantown to see more municipalities complete applications for the Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Program designation. Byrd said UT-MTAS is also using the process for help with succession planning, strategic planning, and making more data-driven decisions. 

Dr. Marianne Wanamaker, dean of the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, talked about the work of the Institute of American Civics offered through the school as well as the undergraduate and graduate degrees in public policy and administration offered through the school.  

Wanamaker said the school has a program where they pay students to attend city council meetings, and as a result, the students are enjoying learning how local government works and seeing problems being solved. The Institute Fellows program has led to several students to volunteer for campaigns, work in the mayor’s office, and work on the city council rules around public comments. The program is run every spring and features a discussion session on campus after each meeting with a former local official.  

Senate State and Local Government Committee Vice Chair Page Walley addressed concerns about maintaining road infrastructure. Walley said he supported restoring the  historic  revenue-sharing relationship as a means of doing this.  

“Cities are what make our state go,” Walley said. “There are 345 municipalities constituted here in Tennessee... None of the cities in my district are huge, but they all have the same demands you do. They have demands for infrastructure... We have some catching up to do, and we have to help you do that. When we balance the state budget on the backs of cities and counties, that isn’t right.” 

Emily Hutchins, investigative counsel for the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, discussed how city employees can prevent and report fraud, waste, and abuse to ensure good stewardship of public funds and prevent issues in audits and budgets.  

Tennessee Bureau of Ethics Executive Director Bill Executive Director Young outlined the role of his office, resources for campaign finance issues, and how ethical violations undermine public trust in government.  

VC3 Regional Vice President Bill Piper and Account Executive McKenzie Walton discussed current challenges in cybersecurity, particularly as ransomware attacks on municipalities but are increasing in utilities. Piper highlighted concerns over the security of utilities, like electric and wastewater facilities using equipment and monitoring services connected to the internet. 

Walton discussed how new cybersecurity policies could limit the access municipal police departments have to online services like NCIC, NICS, and fingerprint databases if they are not in compliance.