Committees approve FY2026 capital improvements prioritization, highlighting parks, community centers and a Southeast fire station

The Planning Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee approved the fiscal year 2026 Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) prioritization results during a joint meeting, with the Budget and Finance Committee recording a 10-0-0 vote to adopt the prioritized list.

The prioritization list, prepared for council review by planning staff, ranks projects across parks, libraries, schools and public safety. Planning staff member Matthew Wilkinson presented the list to the committees; committee members discussed several top-ranked projects before voting to endorse the prioritization.

Why it matters: the CIB prioritization guides which capital projects the council recommends for funding consideration. Committee endorsements do not by themselves appropriate funds but signal council preferences to the mayor's office and departments that manage project implementation.

Committee discussion and key items Council member Benedict praised the top-ranked item, saying the improvements for "Cornelia Fort Airpark" are specifically to install new restrooms because "there are none today," and thanked colleagues who awarded points to that project. Benedict told the meeting the park sits on the border of Districts 6 and 7 and said the restroom upgrades will serve users from both districts.

Council member Allen urged that departments and the mayor's office formally acknowledge the council's ranking so that outside stakeholders know the council's priorities. Council member Evan Siegel noted this year's list contains fewer transportation projects than in some prior years and said separate funding through the transportation improvement program allowed the committee to prioritize parks, libraries and schools instead.

Other committee members pointed to additional projects on the list: McCabe was cited as ranked number three for a new facility; Council member Gabbard thanked colleagues for supporting renovations of the McCabe Community Center playground to improve accessibility. Council member Wiener noted she has recently investigated conditions at McCabe and said she will bring more information to the council soon. Council member Votes (name as recorded in the transcript) thanked supporters of Easley Community Center, which the committee ranked at number seven, and said the center serves users adjacent to Rose Park.

Vice Chair Rutherford thanked members who supported a new fire station sited in what he identified as District 31 and described the project as a major asset for Southeast Nashville when it comes online.

Public access and next steps Wilkinson said the CIB prioritization list is available on the planning web page at nashville.gov under the CIB/Capital Improvements Budget link. Committees approved the prioritization and transmitted the ranking as the committees' recommendation; the prioritization itself does not appropriate funds. Council members asked that departments and the mayor's office formally note the council's priorities as opportunities for funding or scheduling are considered.

Votes at a glance - Planning Committee — Motion to approve the FY2026 CIB prioritization results: motion carried (roll call not recorded in the transcript). - Budget and Finance Committee — Motion to approve the FY2026 CIB prioritization results: approved, 10 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 not voting.

The meeting concluded after the budget committee vote; members reiterated interest in advancing park and community center projects and in coordinating with departments and the mayor's office on next steps.