This report was prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. This project is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of Tennessee, Department of Transportation.
Table of Contents 02
About
04
Executive Summary
07
Workforce
13
Housing
17
Transportation
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About Nashville Region’s Vital Signs
Since 2013, Middle Tennessee leaders have turned to the Vital Signs report to understand what emerging issues will impact the region’s economic well-being and quality of life. Vital Signs utilizes data from the U.S. Census and other federal sources and pairs this data with findings compiled from other respected regional sources. Vital Signs is created by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, relying on the Chamber’s Research Center for data collection and analysis. The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is the Chamber’s partner in creating Vital Signs. The Chamber’s leadership team published the first Nashville Region’s Vital Signs in 2013, following a visit to Toronto for an annual Leadership Study Mission where delegates observed the program in action. Initially developed by Community Foundations of Canada in 2001, the Vital Signs program uses a comprehensive approach to identify and resolve key community issues while providing a detailed look at quality-of-life indicators that impact the region.
2
Joint Nashville - Clarksville MSA
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) are geographic entities delineated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with at least one urbanized area with a minimum population of 50,000. These are revised with the Decennial Census. The general concept of a metropolitan statistical area is that of a core area containing a substantial population nucleus, together with adjacent communities having a high degree of economic and social integration with that core. The Nashville MSA represents Cannon, Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Macon, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson counties. The Clarksville MSA represents Montgomery and Stewart counties in Tennessee and Christian and Trigg counties in Kentucky. Over time, both MSAs have slightly changed their geographical definition, i.e., adding and removing certain counties. For consistency, data points for all years represented reflect the geographies as defined previously. Unless otherwise noted, data presented throughout this edition of Vital Signs represents the combined Nashville and Clarksville MSAs (either through combining both MSA’s data or calculating a weighted average).
Population Growth Joint MSAs (Millions) Source: US Census Population Estimates Program (PEP)
2.5M 2.25M
2,318,505
2,383,433
2,209,027
2M 1.75M 1.5M 1.25M 1M 2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022 3
Executive Summary
Over the past year, the Nashville and Clarksville Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) have continued their trajectory of robust and vibrant growth— a powerhouse trend that uplifts not only the Nashvillearea, but the entire state of Tennessee. This growth, enriched by a rapidly increasing population and the influx of new businesses and expansions, keeps the region at the forefront of the nation’s economic and cultural stages. The 2022 Nashville Region’s Vital Signs takes into account the impacts of growth in Middle Tennessee, focusing on key areas such as workforce trends, housing, transportation, and the well-being of its inhabitants. Examining these factors in both the Nashville MSA and the interconnected Clarksville MSA are integral to the findings of this report. Together, these MSAs have spearheaded nation-leading growth in various sectors, including but not limited to healthcare, education, hospitality, military, and manufacturing. The proximity of the two MSAs creates an opportunity for increased collaboration among local governments and the business community to drive economic development. The Nashville and Clarksville MSAs are growing rapidly, driving economic benefits for all of Tennessee and enhancing regional competitiveness nationwide. With a fast-growing population and increased economic activity, the region has gained top spots on national rankings for quality of life and employment opportunities. With this success also comes challenges that must be addressed to continue to protect what makes the region so desirable.
4
Workforce In 2022, the Nashville and Clarksville MSAs have seen remarkable growth in employment opportunities across various industries. According to the BLS, the joint region’s unemployment rate has decreased to under 3.2 percent, a clear indication of the thriving job market. This has been powered by rapid growth in fields such as healthcare, technology, hospitality, and manufacturing. School systems in Middle Tennessee are working to prepare students for the high-wage, high-demand jobs of the future. The pre-K-12 pipeline is augmented by programs such as the Academies of Nashville, and post-secondary education through Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. These programs provide educational opportunities with input from area employers, leading to post-secondary credentials aligned with today’s workforce. One challenge facing the workforce across both MSAs is the lack of affordable and convenient childcare solutions. Increasing collaboration between local governments, businesses, and childcare providers is critical in addressing this concern, ensuring that the workforce continues to grow and that opportunities are available for all residents, but additional investment is needed to ensure a thriving workforce.
Housing As the region has grown, the demand for housing in the 10-county Middle Tennessee Region has skyrocketed. In 2022, the median home price reached $424,000, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. While this reflects the desirability of the region, it also underscores an urgent need for additional housing inventory, particularly affordable price points. Managing the region’s growth requires a focused and strategic approach to housing development. The emphasis should be on building more homes and ensuring a diverse range of options catering to different income levels. Collaboration between developers, local governments, and community organizations can create solutions that address this housing demand without losing sight of affordability and sustainability.
Transportation The increasing popularity of Middle Tennessee has highlighted the necessity of enhancing infrastructure to accommodate the expanding population. The demand for investment in the region’s transportation systems has risen, and there continues to be an interest in exploring new transportation options within the region. In addition to investments in the transportation network that would improve safety and mitigate congestion, an efficient and well-funded transit system would help ease the pressures on the region’s roads, promote accessibility to jobs, and reduce the strain on the housing market near employment centers. Establishing a dedicated source of funding to improve the region’s transit system will take coordination among all counties in Middle Tennessee, the State of Tennessee, local organizations, and the business community.
5
6
WORKFORCE
Over the past decade, the joint MSAs have demonstrated an increase in employment opportunity and economic growth. In 2022, the joint MSA’s workforce flourished, driving the unemployment rate down to a nation-leading 3.2 percent. This growth stands testament to the buoyant job market that has spurred record-setting population growth, fueled by longstanding and emerging industry sectors such as healthcare, technology, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Employment Growth in Joint MSAs Source: BLS Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages (QCEW)
1.15M
1,142,649
1.1M 1.05M
1,050,049
1M
1,036,034
950K 900K 850K 800K 2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
Boasting an ecosystem of over 90,000 businesses, (ReferenceUSA) the joint MSAs have emerged as a premier destination for corporate relocations and expansions. Looking back a decade, the Nashville region displayed extraordinary resilience, rebounding from the Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic with recovery rates faster than the national average. However, nestled within this promising growth was a novel challenge: the need to rapidly attract new talent. As the region flourished, the escalating demand for skilled labor highlighted the urgent need to bolster the workforce and address the widening employment gap. Whether by attracting a new wave of talent, facilitating reskilling and upskilling programs for adult workers, or ensuring educational pathways aligned with industry evolutions, the essence of Nashville’s future lies in part with addressing the workforce shortage.
07
7
Classified Industry Employment Source: JobsEQ / Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages 2022 Q4 Annual Rolling Average Nashville MSA
Clarksville MSA
Employment
5-yr Forecast Growth Rate
Avg. Annual Wages per Worker
162,592
6.4%
Service Providing
701,197
Trade, Transportation, & Utilities Government
Goods Producing
Employment
5-yr Forecast Growth Rate
Avg. Annual Wages per Worker
$70,933
20,057
1.3%
$60,514
9.5%
$71,655
58,692
7.1%
$42,538
228,981
6.8%
$59,865
22,712
2.4%
$46,733
48,383
3.7%
$64,216
5,323
1.5%
$60,123
The table above shows all classified industry employment in the Nashville and Clarksville MSAs broken out by Goods Producing and Service Providing supersectors with Trade, Transportation, & Utilities and Government sectors separated. The employment landscape in the Nashville and Clarksville MSAs is characterized by a higher concentration of jobs in specific sectors than in comparable regions across the country. This highlights the range of occupational opportunities available. Focusing on occupations that offer more than 500 employment opportunities and exceed the median occupational wage of $44,900, many often require no more than an Associate’s degree. The chart below shows that over the next five years, the joint MSAs anticipate a growth rate of 10 percent or higher in these careers. Occupations like these can be viewed as low barrier-to-entry opportunities to begin work in a field with potential for growth and upward mobility. Given these dynamics, it’s imperative to strategically plan for reskilling and upskilling initiatives to preserve and enhance economic mobility.
Low-Barrier-To-Entry Occupations in Joint MSAs These occupations offer more than 500 employment opportunities and exceed the median wage
Source: BLS Employment Projections Program 2021
Occupation
Median Annual Growth Rate Typical Entry Wage 5-yr Forecast Level Education
2,217
$45,000
15.4%
High school diploma or equivalent
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic 2,516
$46,300
10.0%
High school diploma or equivalent
Exercise Trainers & Group Fitness Instructors Lodging Managers Audio & Video Technicians First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers Food Service Managers Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines Massage Therapists Paralegals & Legal Assistants Maintenance Workers, Machinery Chefs & Head Cooks Industrial Machinery Mechanics Physical Therapist Assistants Respiratory Therapists Dental Hygienists Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Transportation, Storage, & Distribution Managers
8
Employment
Workforce
723 752
1,070 4,110 833
1,325 2,425 1,348 1,330 2,783 757
1,377 1,618 747
1,678
$45,300 $46,900 $47,100 $50,800 $51,700 $52,300 $53,500 $59,800 $61,600 $63,700 $65,400 $65,900 $80,000 $81,100 $99,400
12.9% 14.2% 12.8% 12.6% 10.3% 18.7% 12.6% 10.6% 14.4% 14.5% 17.7% 12.7% 10.2% 11.3% 10.0%
High school diploma or equivalent Postsecondary nondegree award
High school diploma or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent Associate’s degree
High school diploma or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent Associate’s degree Associate’s degree Associate’s degree Associate’s degree
High school diploma or equivalent
Annual Wages in Joint MSAs Source: QCEW average annual wages $70k
$69,986
Joint MSAs US National Average $64,021
$65k $60k
$57,266
$55k
$67,862
$59,747
$54,614
$50k $45k $40k
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
Integral to this are the region’s pre-K-12 and higher education systems, reinforced by initiatives like the Academies of Nashville, Tennessee Promise, and Tennessee Reconnect. These programs, in partnership with regional employers, present educational opportunities to Middle Tennesseans that lead to postsecondary credentials— further priming our community for the jobs of the future.
Educational Attainment, Adults 25 - 64 Source: Lumina Foundation - Adults 25-64 with graduate or professional degrees, bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, industry-recognized certificates. Data for 2020 is unavailable. The latest available data is 2021. 50% 45%
Nashville Clarksville
48.1% 45.0%
40% 38.8%
35%
35.3%
30% 25%
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2021
Workforce
9
Notably, even with COVID-19’s 2020 unemployment surge, the labor force participation rate in Middle Tennessee remained relatively stable over the past years. This trend, coupled with decreasing unemployment rates, signals an underlying concern: a significant segment of eligible workers remains unaccounted for in the labor force. For some, extended unsuccessful job pursuits have resulted in despondency, halting their active job search. For others, external hindrances like inaccessible childcare stand as formidable barriers to workforce reintegration.
Unemployment Rate Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) 10%
Nashville Clarksville U.S.A
8.3%
8% 6%
6.5%
5.4%
7.5%
7.1%
4% 3.7%
2% 0%
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
While the regional unemployment rate has declined, the labor force participation rate has remained consistent. This is due to people not being counted in the labor force for various reasons, ranging from external hindrances like inaccessible childcare to job despondency.
Labor Force Participation in Joint MSAs Source: BLS Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages (QCEW) 1.25M 1,238,436
1.2M 1,189,297
1.150M
1,158,419
1.1M 1.05M 1M 950k
10
Workforce
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
While demographic trends point towards smaller family sizes in the region, there continues to be an amplified demand for childcare that bears significant implications, especially for women re-joining the workforce, as evidenced by the fact that women’s labor force participation rate has not returned to preCovid levels (BLS). Mothers of younger children remained less likely to participate in the labor force than mothers with older children. In 2022, 67.9 percent of mothers with children under age 6 participated in the labor force compared with 76.7 percent of mothers whose youngest child was age 6 to 17. By contrast, fathers with children under age 6 were more likely to participate in the labor force than those whose youngest child was age 6 to 17 -- 94.4 percent versus 91.8 percent (2022 CPS Current Population Survey). Collaborative efforts involving local governments, businesses, and childcare providers are vital in addressing this predicament, guaranteeing consistent workforce expansion and ensuring opportunities are within reach for all residents.
Despite regional trends pointing to smaller families, the demand for childcare has surged due to persistent migrations to the region, the low number of facilities proportionate to children, and challenges in the childcare workforce.
Children Under 5 in Joint MSAs
In 2021, 7 percent of children in the joint MSAs were under 5 years of age
Source: Census ACS 5 year estimates; Note: 2010 reflects 2006-2010 5 year estimates, 2015 reflects 2011-2015, and 2021 reflects 2017-2021 150k 145k 140k 135k 130k
148,253 140,154 130,572
2010
2015
2021
Workforce
11
Over 65 percent of children under 5 in the region as a whole need childcare, and the region has a deficit of licensed childcare slots for children younger than school-aged. There are approximately 4,700 children under 5 in the region that need childcare and do not have a licensed spot.
Licensed Childcare Capacity Deficits in Joint MSAs Source: TN Department of Health and Human Services, TN Department of Education, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates, JobsEQ Capacity of Licensed Childcare Facilities Serving Children Under 5
% of Children Needing Childcare
Childcare Workers
Median Annual Wage of Childcare Workers
Cannon
164
Number of Children Under 5
Cheatham
1,181
2,250
-
63
$24,900
Davidson
28,570
46,175
10.8%
2,271
$28,900
Dickson
1,328
3,168
38.2%
70
$23,500
Macon
498
1,736
62.4%
47
$22,900
Maury
2,724
6,532
40.5%
213
$24,400
Montgomery
8,738
17,649
10.1%
650
$24,200
Robertson
2,237
4,456
13.4%
143
$24,700
Rutherford
12,710
21,410
7.6%
760
$25,800
Smith
380
1,120
48.7%
32
$22,900
Stewart
261
807
49.9%
11
$24,300
Sumner
6,453
11,438
12.4%
446
$25,400
Trousdale
272
720
31.8%
15
$22,500
Williamson
13,174
13,877
-
1,070
$28,900
Wilson
6,445
8,587
-
317
$25,400
Total Region
85,135
140,714
6.6%
6,129
$27,100
County
789
68.9%
21
$21,500
NOTE: Not all children will receive childcare in their county of residence. Where the share of children under 5 needing childcare without a spot is listed as: -, this indicates that this geography hypothetically has enough licensed slots for children under 5. This assumes a fully staffed childcare facility. Data assumes centers are fully staffed and can take full capacity; all capacity registered to accept children below 5; omits two-parent households with only one working parent. As childcare data is available for Tennessee counties, this data is presented for the Nashville/Clarksville MSA counties located in Tennessee, and the “Total Region” reflects this.
12
Workforce
HOUSING
Over the past decade, Middle Tennessee maintained a unique balance between increasing population growth and sustaining housing affordability, presenting a distinct advantage over rapidly growing metros like Austin, Charlotte, and Raleigh. This affordability narrative, however, began to shift with time. As the region, attracting a wave of newcomers, finds itself wrestling with escalating housing demands, the housing supply is struggling to keep pace. This divergence not only triggered a surge in housing prices but also marked the onset of another rapidly emerging trend: the gradual disappearance of income-aligned housing.
Median Home Price in Joint MSAs Source: RealTracs: Region covers Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.
$450k $424,748
$400k $350k
$360,000
$300k $250k
$274,663
2018
$289,632
2019
$309,900
2020
2021
2022
While home prices in the 10-county Nashville region are up by 55 percent since 2018, wage growth lagged, registering a 24 percent increase for the same geography (BLS QCEW - Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages). In 2022 alone, the median home price in the 10-county Nashville region soared to $424,000, reflecting a 17 percent spike from the previous year. The most significant increase, 71 percent, occurred in Williamson and Montgomery Counties. Williamson saw the largest nominal increase of $345,877. This disproportionate growth reverberates across the region, impacting a vast swath of Middle Tennesseans across various income brackets. An increasing number of homeowners and renters, burdened by these shifts, find themselves allocating a significant portion of their incomes to housing.
13
Cost Burdened in Joint MSAs Source: ACS 5 Year Estimates. Percentages are weighted averages of those spending 30 percent or more of income on housing. The latest available data is 2021. Note: 2010 reflects 2006-2010 5 year estimates, 2015 reflects 2011-2015, and 2021 reflects 2017-2021 Renters Owners
60% 50%
45.2%
44.6%
44.4%
40% 30%
31.4%
28.4% 24.1%
20% 10% 0%
2010
2015
2021
Development pressures in vulnerable communities can lead to displacement unless policies are in place to protect residents. Rental neighborhoods are most vulnerable because the market is commanding higher rents in areas that may already struggle to make ends meet. The domino effect is evident: in the quest for affordable housing, many residents are compelled to relocate farther from Nashville’s core. According to the National Association of Realtors, six months of supply is associated with moderate price appreciation, and a lower level of months’ supply tends to push prices up more rapidly. However, Middle Tennessee averaged less than 2.5 months of supply in 2022, and the preceding five years. Historically, six months of supply is associated with moderate price appreciation, and a lower level of months’ supply tends to push prices up more rapidly.
Housing Indicators for 10-County Middle Tennessee Region Source: 2022 RealTracs Annual Report
Cheatham
2020 $262,230
2021 $330,000
2022 $370,000
Davidson
$289,000
$301,000
$329,900
$380,000
$450,000
56%
2.3
12
101.1%
Dickson
$215,000
$224,900
$245,000
$290,000
$349,900
63%
3.1
18
99.6%
Maury
$242,000
$264,945
$274,925
$327,570
$401,364
66%
2.2
14
100.2%
Montgomery
$180,000
$200,000
$225,000
$265,000
$307,500
71%
2.2
18
100.6%
Robertson
$219,900
$233,500
$265,000
$325,000
$373,390
70%
2.5
16
99.6%
Rutherford
$249,900
$270,000
$290,000
$345,670
$420,000
68%
2.1
2
100.8%
Sumner
$276,968
$289,900
$317,880
$367,997
$426,900
54%
2.1
15
100.2%
Williamson
$484,123
$509,000
$549,611
$675,000
$830,000
71%
2.5
13
101.3%
Wilson
$315,000
$331,890
$351,470
$405,000
$440,000
40%
2.0
11
100.3%
Regional
$274,663 $289,632 $309,900 $360,000 $424,748
55%
2.4
14
100.7%
County
14
% of
Median Home Price 2018 2019 $229,900 $245,000
Housing
Months of Since 2018 Supply 61% 3.1
Days on Listing Price Market Received 19 99.6%
This housing issue is deeply intertwined with workforce challenges. As individuals relocate further from employment hubs in pursuit of income-aligned housing, they grapple with extended commutes or, in more extreme cases, find themselves entirely distanced from job markets. Challenges like the lack of proximate childcare or the financial strain of residing closer to job centers further compound these issues. As the region grows, the need for a strategic housing approach becomes more evident. The focus must extend beyond merely constructing more homes and must contain a spectrum of options catering to diverse income brackets and lifestyles. Collaborative endeavors between developers, local governments, and community entities can craft solutions that meet growing housing demands while maintaining affordability and sustainability.
Housing
15
16
TRANSPORTATION
The rise in Middle Tennessee’s prominence in recent years has illuminated the need to invest in the infrastructure that supports its expanding population. The call for enhancing the transportation network has grown significantly, accompanied by increasing support for innovative solutions and improved transit service. Frequently, traffic congestion emerges as one of the tangible indicators of economic well-being, fueled by the influx of commuters traveling to their jobs, schools, and entertainment. As the population has grown, the region has experienced higher traffic levels and amplified pressure on the current transportation system. As a result, the duration of congestion has increased and the reliability of travel times have worsened in recent years. In the future, the region will need to move people more efficiently than driving alone. According to Transportation for America’s The Congestion Con report, the region has added freeways faster than the population has grown but has not prevented congestion. Over the last 25 years, the Nashville urbanized area has increased freeway lane miles by 107 percent, and population by 101 percent yet increased annual hours of delay by 329 percent. Transit solutions and safe access to active transportation are necessary in order to maintain mobility across the region and access to economic opportunities.
Vehicle Volumes on Major Roadways, Current & 2045 Source: GNRC Regional Travel Demand Model Daily Traffic Volumes Less than 5,000
50,000 or more
2020 Total Volume
2045 Total Volume
0.00 - 4999.99
0.00 - 4999.99
5000.00 - 14999.99
5000.00 - 14999.99
15000.00 - 24999.99
15000.00 - 24999.99
25000.00 - 49999.99
Current Total Volume 50000.00 - 1500000.00
25000.00 - 49999.99
2045 Total Volume
50000.00 - 1500000.00
17
Increase in Commute Times of 45 Minutes or More Traffic congestion can have significant impacts to quality of life, including longer travel times for commuters. The number of commuters in the region who have commutes of 45 minutes or more increased by 32k people between 2010 and 2021.
Daily Work Commutes by Travel Time Source: US Census ACS 1-year estimates. 1.2M 990k Commutes
1M 800k
793k Commutes 9%
600k 400k
8%
10%
6%
951k Commutes 7% 9% More Than 1 Hour 45 Mins to 1 Hour 30 to 45 Mins 15 to 30 Mins Less Than 15 Mins
23%
23%
38%
37%
24%
22%
24%
2010
2015
2021
23%
39%
200k
According to the GNRC’s travel demand model, the amount of travel on congested roadways is expected to increase by 103% between 2020 and 2045. The typical work commute time in the Nashville metropolitan area is expected to increase by 12% during that time frame.
The Future Morning Commute - 2020 vs 2045 Source: GNRC Regional Travel Demand Model Less than 15 mins
2020 18
Transportation
15-30 mins
30-45 mins
45 mins - 1 hr
2045
More than 1 hr
Cross-County Commuting A significant reason for the long commutes across the region is that many Middle Tennesseans work in a different county than they live. This cross-county travel plays a role in determining the roadway volumes and levels of congestion that drivers experience daily.
County to County Commuting Percentage of workers traveling between counties
Source: Replica (Spring 2023)
Home County
Cannon Cheatham Davidson Dickson Macon Maury Montgomery Robertson Rutherford Smith Stewart Sumner Trousdale Williamson Wilson Other
38%
t
m
ar
Su
ew
St
ith
ne Tr r ou sd al e W ill ia m s W ils on on O th er
rd
<1% 40% <1% 4% 6% <1% <1% <1% <1% <1% 4% <1% 4% <1% 1% 57% <1% 5% <1% 63% <1% 3% 67% 3% <1% 4% 48% 1% 0% <1% <1% 69% 2% 0% <1% <1% 4% 44% <1% <1% <1% 4% 2% 3% 3% 5% <1% <1% 5% <1% <1% <1% 6% 1% 18% 10% 3% 19%
Sm
Ru
th
er
fo
n so
rt
be
tg on
M
Ro
au
M
ry
ac
on
om
er
6% 33% 49% 1% <1% <1% 83% <1% 2% 19% 62% 4% 9% <1% 2% 1% 7% 1% 31% <1% <1% <1% 20% <1% <1% <1% 11% 1% <1% 1% <1% 27% <1% 10% <1% 31% <1% <1% <1% 40% 1% 1% 18% 9%
M
ks ic D
id
so
on
n
am
av
th
D
ea Ch
Ca
nn
on
y
Work County
1% 2% 11% 2% 5% 1% <1% <1% 2% <1% 8% 1% 1% <1% <1% 8% <1% 3% <1% 15% 5% <1% 10% 3% <1% 21% <1% 3% 1% <1% 1% <1% 18% <1% 10% 2% 1% 2% <1% <1% 6% 2% 3% 3% 1% 1% 31% 4% 41% 40% 13% 59% <1% 3% 3% 2% <1% 7% 45% 1% 30% 1% <1% 57% <1% 1% <1% 3% <1% 3% 47% 1% 1% 2% 3% <1% 11% 4%
Davidson County is the most significant draw for regional commuters. However, reverse commuting and suburban-to-suburban commuting is becoming increasingly common as major employment centers emerge in adjacent counties. 36% of joint MSA commuters travel outside their home county for work. That number increases to 75% for commuters who live outside of Davidson County.
Transportation
19
To provide the Tennessee Department of Transportation with additional tools to tackle congestion challenges across the state, the Transportation Modernization Act was proposed by Gov. Bill Lee. The legislation passed in 2023, enabling the state to use new project delivery methods and generate additional revenue for transportation improvements. Middle Tennessee is one of the few major metro regions in the United States without dedicated funding for transit. Dedicated funding ensures a steady stream of income that supports a transit system’s operations and generates matching funds that increase the chances of securing state and federal grants. Today, funding allocations for WeGo Public Transit competes with education, public safety, and other public services supported by Metro Nashville’s general funds. As an example of this challenge, in 2019, the WeGo Public Transit agency experienced an $8.7 million budget shortfall, causing the elimination of numerous bus routes and increased fares. In FY2022, the Metro Government’s subsidy was increased, restoring $22.8 million in WeGo’s subsidy funding plus inflation.
WeGo has the second lowest annual operating budget compared to peer cities per capita. Currently, operational needs rely heavily on the local contribution from Metro Government at roughly 60 percent of its funding.
Peer Region Transit Funding Source: 2021 National Transit Database Geography
Total Per Capita
Fares
Other Funding
Local
State
Federal
Farebox
Denver
$744.40
$97.05
$348.18
$0.15
$0.00
$299.02
13%
Dallas
$709.48
$88.42
$0.00
$470.67
$0.18
$150.21
12.50%
Atlanta
$647.45
$64.61
$302.34
$0.00
$0.00
$280.50
10.00%
Austin
$340.36
$0.00
$291.77
$0.70
$0.00
$47.89
0.00%
Charlotte
$172.58
$10.49
$0.00
$122.26
$1.00
$38.83
6.10%
Nashville
$96.32
$16.23
$0.00
$29.51
$7.09
$43.49
16.90%
Tampa
$91.95
$8.20
$0.00
$38.04
$6.74
$38.97
8.90%
20 Transportation
Roadway safety is a vital aspect of transportation because people should be able to get from point A to point B safely. According to the Greater Nashville Regional Council, between 2018 and 2022 there were 224 pedestrian fatalities and 513 pedestrian-related serious injuries, and roadway safety continues to be an issue for pedestrians today. Pedestrians and bicyclists account for 20 percent of all fatalities despite representing less than 4 percent of all trips.
Safety Statistics, 2022 Source: TITAN Database 1 crash every 10 mins 5 roadway fatalities per week 4 serious injuries every day
Pedestrians make up less than one percent of the total number of crashes in the region. However, when pedestrians are involved in accidents, they suffer a disproportionate impact. It is crucial to prioritize investments in safety measures for pedestrians, in addition to addressing congestion issues.
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Transportation
21
SEPT2023