Nashville has already been working to implement its transit overhaul — like taking bids from companies to construct new transit centers and seeking a director to oversee the work. But that work has been happening at the same time that a lawsuit challenging the referendum’s legality goes to trial.
When voters passed the $3.1 billion transit referendum in November, they approved a plan that would raise the sales tax by a half-percent to fund things like more frequent bus service, new sidewalks and overhauled traffic signals.
The lawsuit alleges that the inclusion of things like sidewalks doesn’t fall within the definition of “public transit” and renders the project out of compliance with the state law — the IMPROVE Act — that authorizes localities to dedicate taxes to transit. It also questions the plan’s inclusion of prospective federal grants.
More: Ongoing coverage of the transit referendum
The plaintiffs are hoping to prevent the tax increase from taking effect Feb. 1. If successful, the results of the transit referendum — of which two-thirds of Nashvillians voted in favor — would be voided. The push has been led by former Metro Councilmember Emily Evans, who campaigned against the plan.
Metro has defended its plan, pointing to the numerous layers of local and state-level reviews and approvals that placed it on the ballot.
Because of the high stakes and tight timeline, the hearing on the lawsuit was expedited.
The trial takes place Wednesday. This story will be updated when a ruling is available.
