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Council approves $1.5 million to Hospitality Hub of Memphis to expand interim housing services
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 2026-1840 to provide $1.5 million to Hospitality Hub of Memphis for interim housing and case management in Nashville; the vote passed after committee reports and floor debate, with council recording 31 votes in favor and 2 against.
The Metropolitan Council on March 17 voted to appropriate $1.5 million to the Hospitality Hub of Memphis to expand interim housing and case management services in Nashville.
Sponsor Council member Toombs presented committee reports recommending approval. The resolution, which amends an interim housing services grant contract between the Metro Office of Homeless Services (OHS) and Hospitality Hub of Memphis to support operations at 9595 Wallace Road, drew questions and both support and concern from council members about transparency and prior spending.
Council member Welsh said she would vote no, citing concerns about transparency in how previously allocated OHS funds were spent and noting outstanding requests for a report on how $4.4 million had been allocated. “I’m not happy with the level of transparency with the Office of Homeless Services in terms of how money already allocated has been spent,” Welsh said.
Other members spoke in support. Council member Coopin described a visit to the Memphis Hospitality Hub and said, “They really do a great job of place making. It felt warm and welcoming and inviting.” Chair Huffman, who chairs Public Health and Safety, recommended support based on partner performance and testimony.
After committee reports and floor discussion, the council put the resolution to a recorded vote: the motion passed with 31 votes in favor, 2 against, and 0 abstentions. Sponsors and committee chairs said the funding is intended to preserve a partner that staff and committee members consider effective in serving unhoused residents; members opposing the measure pressed for more financial transparency about prior OHS expenditures.
The council’s action authorizes Metro to increase the grant amount for operation of interim housing and case management services tied to the identified address. Implementation details (contract amendments, reporting requirements) will be handled by OHS and Metro Finance according to standard grant administration procedures.
