Local Government Relations

Research discoveries, student opportunity and strong communities all depend on relationships. Vanderbilt’s 2026 Government and Community Relations Annual Report highlights how partnerships and collaborations with policymakers, community organizations, industry leaders and educators helped advance the university’s mission throughout the past year.  Read More

ON THE HILL is a report produced by the Division of Government and Community Relations summarizing activity at all three levels of government, as outlined by the Vanderbilt Federal Relations, State Government Relations and Local Government Relations teams. Read More

What does a better-connected Nashville look like? For Vanderbilt University, it means a campus that is seamlessly linked to the city through frequent, reliable public transit, safer sidewalks and smarter traffic signals—all of which are on the horizon with the approval of the “Choose How You Move” transportation referendum. On Nov. 5, voters in Davidson County approved the $3.1 billion transit plan; 66 percent of ballots cast were in favor of the city’s transportation system overhaul. Approval of the referendum triggers a half-cent increase in sales tax that will take effect Feb. 1.  Read More

The gathering, centered around open discussion with Mayor Freddie O’Connell regarding the “Choose How You Move” transportation plan, was held Monday, May 20, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Moving Forward. Read More

Vanderbilt University Government Relations is hosting a student advocacy workshop on Thursday, April 4, 2:30–4 p.m. in the Kissam Multipurpose Room. The workshop will be an interactive working session about advocacy best practices to help equip students with practical skills they can use to advocate effectively for their interests. Read More

A partnership of the Metro Nashville Historical Commission, Vanderbilt University and Washington Junior High School alumni succeeded in erecting a historical marker honoring the school where it once stood. The marker, at the intersection of 25th Avenue North and Morena Street, was a celebration of the effort to honor Black history in Nashville by preserving the legacy of the school. Read More

On Sept. 22, Vanderbilt hosted the newly elected Metro Council for an orientation led by Metro staff and departments. Council members heard remarks from Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and received presentations from officials covering topics ranging from planning and zoning to transportation and Metro’s charter. Read More