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Shelby County lobbyist urges narrow legislative agenda and greater coordination with cities
Summary
Theo Morrison, the county’s lobbyist, urged commissioners to limit the county’s legislative agenda to three focused priorities — including education funding and a regional health partnership — and to coordinate with municipalities and the Chamber to increase success in Nashville.
Theo Morrison, engaged as the commission’s legislative lobbyist, briefed the body on dates for the delegation retreat and the opening of the Tennessee General Assembly, and recommended a concise legislative agenda limited to a small set of high‑priority items. Morrison said the county should pursue a targeted list because legislators will face thousands of bills and the county will be more effective with a narrow, well‑packaged set of asks.
“It's my suggestion that we direct our efforts towards having 3 priority items,” Morrison said, asking commissioners to consider regional health partnerships, the education‑funding formula and efforts to resolve the Shelby–Fayette county line. Commissioners discussed adding a public‑safety priority and urged coordination with municipal leaders and the Chamber of Commerce to amplify joint asks before the legislature.
Morrison said more tactical work will include sponsor cultivation in Nashville and close alignment with state priorities; commissioners asked him to work with staff to provide lists of prior accomplishments, outstanding funding requests and the status of ongoing studies (for example, the crime lab study) to guide next steps.
