News Briefs

News Briefs

Program to Reduce Energy Burden and Housing Costs in Davidson County started new cycle in October

In the beginning of October, the Metro Action Commission started accepting applications for the 2024-25 application period to help low-income residents with electricity, natural gas, water, rent and mortgage payments. The program annually distributes $7 million locally to 10,000 Davidson County residents struggling to pay for energy costs. According to MAC, Nationally, households with low to moderate incomes spend an average of households with low to moderate income on average spend more than three times more of their income on energy costs than those with higher incomes. The program seeks to help ease that burden. Funding can also sometimes cover the cost of prescriptions, property taxes, rental and utility deposits. To qualify, applicants must be income eligible, reside in Davidson County and meet other eligibility criteria. The range of support for utility assistance is between $600-$1000 depending on energy burden and household size. Up to one month of assistance is provided for rental and mortgage payment help. To apply, residents can access the application by visiting the agency website (nashville.gov/ mac) or calling the agency call center (615) 862-8860.

MDHA PILOT Program Exceeds 10,000 Affordable Apartments Created or Preserved

The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency announced in early October that it met and exceeded a 10,000 affordable apartment milestone through its Payment in Lieu of Taxes program for tax credit properties, according to a release. MDHA PILOT, helps to create and preserve affordable units in Davidson County — so far 6,115 are current units being used and 3,898 are under construction. The program provides 10 years of property tax relief to developers who have been awarded a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. The incentives are meant to encourage developers to expand the supply of affordable multi-family housing through new construction and substantial rehabilitation. “While there is still much work to be done, MDHA’s PILOT program reaching this significant milestone is the result of a tireless team effort with public and private partners that will cascade into supporting housing for all Nashvillians,” said MDHA Executive Director Dr. Troy D White. “Public-private partnerships are key to addressing the need for affordable housing in Nashville.”

Freelance Releases Book on Nashville’s Art Scene

‘Contributor’ freelancer and longtime Nashville art writer Joe Nolan will release Nowville: The Untold History of Nashville's Contemporary Art Scene, in November. Nolan says the story tells of “Nashville’s surging contemporary art scene told by the ones who were there before anyone else. Not a story about commercial spaces or official institutions — this is the story of moldy warehouse studios and improvised galleries, happy-kegger after-parties and front lawn art sales, exhibitions in apartment living rooms and secret art displays hidden in plain sight.” The book is an oral history of the Nashville art scene from the 1990s on. He talks to city’s art punks, art monks, radical art students, and visionary pioneers to share what made their moments in Nashville so special.

Daybreak Arts Partners with Lane Motor Museum

Daybreak Arts, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to empowering artists impacted by homelessness, is hosting an exhibition and gala in partnership with Nashville’s Lane Motor Museum on Nov. 14. The nonprofit fundraiser will feature original artwork by Daybreak Artist Edwin Lockridge, “known for his creative incorporation of found car parts into his pieces.” Attendees will have the opportunity to view and purchase Edwin Lockridge’s art as well as contribute to Daybreak Arts mission of working with artists facing homelessness. “Edwin’s art exemplifies the resourcefulness and creativity we see in so many of our artists, who often use unconventional materials to express themselves,” said Nicole Minyard, Executive Director of Daybreak Arts. In addition to the art exhibition, Lane Motor Museum will offer free refreshments. Funds raised from the event will directly support Daybreak Arts’ programs, which provide supplies, studio space, education, and exhibition and income opportunities for unhoused and housing insecure artists in Nashville.