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Library to host Autism Tennessee courses after $50,000 participatory-budget grant is approved
Summary
Board approved a $50,000 grant contract with Autism Tennessee to deliver two six-week series of education classes for autistic adults as part of the Metro participatory budget; the board recorded one abstention during the approval.
The Library Board approved a $50,000 participatory-budget grant contract that will fund two six-week weekly course series for autistic adults, the board heard. Susan presented the grant details and said the funds were allocated through "RS 20 23 19 47" at the end of fiscal year 2024 as part of Metro’s participatory budgeting process.
Under the contract, Autism Tennessee will deliver two six-week, 90-minute weekly course series: one to be held at the Hermitage branch and another in a south or west Davidson County location to be selected. Susan said the grant specifically funds classes for autistic adults and also lists people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) among potential participants.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the target audience and whether the library acts as a conduit for Metro Council’s participatory-budget funds; staff confirmed the library is the conduit and that Metro Council approved the funding. The board voted to approve the grant contract; meeting notes record one abstention and no recorded nays.
Susan noted the participatory-budget program has supported other library projects in prior years, including ionization units for HVAC systems funded with ARP funds and pollinator garden projects at branches.
The board did not request amendments to the contract; staff will proceed with executing the agreement with Autism Tennessee and coordinating program locations and schedules.
