Candidate: Zach Young
Metro Council District 10
Website: VoteZachYoung.com
Occupation: “Real Estate Agent”
Previous candidacy/offices held: “Metro Council (2019-Present) , Goodlettsville City Commission (2012-Present)”
Community experience: “Board member of the Goodlettsville Chamber Foundation, Volunteer with Goodlettsville Chamber of Commerce since 2012”
What will be your top three priorities on the Council?
“My priority will be the public good–public schools, public safety, and public roads. That’s what Metro is supposed to be in the business of doing.”
What is the biggest issue facing your district? How would you approach it?
“The increasing number of our residents experiencing homelessness. I am working with the newly created Office of Homelessness to make sure outreach coordinators are getting residents into the HMIS so they can get connected with resources they need. I supported the allocation of funds to invest in addressing the homelessness crisis in our county and look forward to supporting more immediate housing options.”
Much of the city’s developmental focus, like plans for a new East Bank, have focused on downtown. What’s your vision for downtown?
“Safe for pedestrians and cyclists, clean for visitors and residents alike, and safe from criminals (and drunk bachelorettes).”
Did you or would you have voted to approve the new Titans stadium financing legislation?
“Yes. I proudly supported the agreement that removes the burden from property taxpayers and places it on visitors and users of the stadium. If someone lives in Davidson County and never goes to the stadium for an event, that person will not have to pay for that stadium. If someone from Gallatin comes to a football game, they get to help pay for the stadium–which is the exact opposite of how it has been.”
Does Metro need more police officers beyond the unfilled positions?
“Absolutely. MNPD is in process of staffing up to open a new precinct in Southeast Nashville.”
What do you think of the current framework passed by the council around LPR (license plate readers) usage? Do you think Metro should allow facial recognition technology to be used downtown?
“I proudly supported the legislation to create the current framework for LPR usage. I honestly don’t know much about facial recognition technology, so I’m not comfortable deploying that technology downtown.”
Do you think a property tax rate adjustment will be needed in the next 4 years? Why or why not?
“I don’t think a tax increase will be needed. Even as we see the last remaining federal ARP funds get dispersed in the next term, our sales tax collections have continued to experience phenomenal growth. In addition, as we begin to build out the East Bank, we will start to reap the rewards of the sales tax growth there (even as half of that revenue is committed to stadium debt). Once the new stadium opens in 2027, the team rent collected will flow directly to the general fund. The next countywide property reappraisal will be in 2025 and if values continue to soar as they have, we will once again see the certified rate decrease. However, I anticipate the next administration will propose setting the rate somewhere between the current rate and the lower certified rate, to account for growth.”
Do you view your role in the Council as leading your district on issues or simply reflecting the views of the district’s residents?
“I think it’s a mix. When it comes to large, complex matters at council I think that voters elect me to do the hard work, research, question asking, and analysis to figure out what will be best and then explain why I think that. On the other hand, there are other issues that I need the district to speak up and let me know what they think. For example, I was pretty agnostic about LPR usage and relied on my district to let me know what they thought was the best direction for Davidson County. I’ll add that this is the primary purpose of having e-newsletters sent out to constituents–to explain what’s been happening at council and to solicit input on upcoming matters. I use my newsletter for that all the time and the feedback lets me know what people are thinking. In fact, I don’t see how any councilmember or candidate can truly represent the district without having an e-newsletter. If they don’t have a newsletter, how on earth will they communicate with residents? I guess I will take this opportunity to encourage folks to sign up for my newsletter at the link on my website!”
How do you view the relationship of the city and Council to the General Assembly in the face of adverse legislation from the state?
“This is why elections matter. It is absolutely shameful the level to which the relationship between Metro and the State has eroded, specifically with the General Assembly. I think a good first step would be for the next mayor to make it a priority to meet with the Governor and legislative leaders quickly after taking office.”
The city is experiencing an affordability crisis. What is the council’s role in creating more housing for buyers and renters in Nashville?
“Just about every candidate will probably answer this question by saying something about the Barnes Fund. That’s great, and I’m proud of the investments we have been making in it. However, it seems like we just stop there. We cannot just throw money to the Barnes Fund and say we are serious about affordability. It’s a great tool, but it’s not the only solution. We have to work to convert NIMBYs to YIMBYs and truly commit ourselves to transit-oriented development along our major corridors. Access to transit is essentially affordable housing policy. Full stop. If we are building apartment complexes in the middle of suburban areas with no meaningful access to transit, we are not solving anything. We also need to permit ADUs countywide. That is one of the easiest ways to expand our housing stock with units that will cater to those who cannot afford $1,700 for a one bedroom apartment on Nolensville Road or $1,400 for a one bedroom apartment in Goodlettsville. When the states of Montana & California, the AARP, and the Texas State Senate all agree that ADUs are a good tool to increase affordability, they’ve got to be onto something.”
What improvements do you think WeGo should make during the next four years? Would you back creation of a dedicated funding source?
“I constantly hear from friends that use transit that we desperately need to expand service hours. I know several people who work in the service industry downtown and would much rather ride the bus in and out of downtown than deal with the hassle of safety of parking downtown at night. We absolutely need a dedicated funding mechanism. The next mayor must make creating a dedicated funding source for transit a priority.”
Second-quarter campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $25,686
Spent: $10,009
Cash on hand: $46,416
Link to full disclosure here
Pre-General campaign finance disclosure
Raised: $28,060
Spent: $66,235
Cash on hand: $8,242
Link to full disclosure here