December Social Justice & Community Engagement Roundup

Written By Colleen Conklin

By Clara Ndiraya, LMSW

Hey friends and neighbors,

Here’s an early-December roundup of what’s happening across Middle Tennessee in housing, justice, immigration, environmental work, and civic engagement. Even though election season just wrapped, this is actually the moment when decisions start taking shape- so here’s what to know and how to plug in.

1. Housing Justice & Affordability

Nashville’s Housing Gap Remains Stark

A Metro study revealed that Black and Hispanic families can afford the median home in less than 1% of Nashville neighborhoods — continuing a longtime pattern of structural inequality.
Source:
 Axios Nashville — https://www.axios.com/local/nashville

Housing for All Tennessee Grows Statewide Work

The coalition continues pushing for renter protections, eviction reform, and statewide affordability solutions.
Coalition: https://nlihc.org/tags/housing-all-tennessee

Open Table Nashville Increases Winter Shelter Support

As temperatures drop, Open Table Nashville is scaling up emergency outreach, cold-weather supplies, and transitional housing advocacy.
OTN: https://opentablenashville.org

2. Homelessness, Policing & Public Safety

New Scrutiny on Off-Duty Trooper “Shadow Policing”

WSMV’s ongoing investigation shows off-duty troopers, working for a private security group, have arrested dozens of unhoused people downtown on low-level charges, raising concerns about accountability and civil rights.
Source: https://www.wsmv.com

Metro Expands Pallet Shelter Pilots

Metro officials are continuing the rollout of portable “pallet shelter” villages to house people quickly as they transition out of encampments.
Source: https://www.wsmv.com

Advocates Urge Housing over Criminalization

Activist Karl Meyer again called on Metro to invest in housing capacity instead of arrests for survival activities.
Source: https://www.wsmv.com

Immigration & Community Safety

Belonging Fund Still Supporting Families after ICE Operations

Following major ICE activity in South Nashville earlier this year, the Belonging Fund continues assisting with food, housing, transportation, and childcare for impacted families.
Source: Axios Nashville — https://www.axios.com/local/nashville

Local Groups Supporting Immigrant Families (Rapid-Response & Beyond)

  • TIRRC (Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition) – Statewide immigrant-led advocacy; legal navigation support; rapid-response coordination; “Know Your Rights” education.
    https://www.tnimmigrant.org 

  • NICE (Nashville International Center for Empowerment) – Refugee/immigrant support with case management, employment help, emergency assistance, and community resources.
    https://www.empowernashville.org

  • CRIT (Center for Refugees + Immigrants of Tennessee) – Language access, community integration, legal referrals, and support for newly arrived families.
    https://www.centerforrefugees.org 

  • Workers’ Dignity / Dignidad Obrera – Worker rights advocacy for immigrant and low-income workers; helps with workplace issues, safety, and navigating retaliation.
    https://www.workersdignity.org

These groups collectively provide transportation, legal navigation, language access, emergency aid, and safe spaces for families impacted by ICE activity or immigration stressors.

Anti-Racism, Policing & Accountability

Community Protection & Accountability Act Introduced

This Metro Council proposal would ban MNPD officers from associating with hate groups, which is part of an effort to increase public safety and restore trust.
Source: Tennessee Lookout — https://www.tennesseelookout.com

Racism as a Public Health Crisis (Pending Vote)

Metro Council is considering a resolution formally identifying racism as a public health crisis, tying racial inequity to measurable health disparities.
Source: https://www.wsmv.com

Titans Stadium Construction Halted Over Noose Found On-Site

Work paused earlier this year after a noose was discovered- prompting investigation and conversations about racism and worker safety.
Source: AP News — https://apnews.com

5. Environmental Justice & Energy Equity

Nashville’s “Energy Burden Mapping” Expands

Through the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative, Nashville is identifying neighborhoods facing disproportionately high energy costs — often low-income or historically disinvested communities.
Source: https://www.wsmv.com

Local Climate Groups Push for Tree Equity & Green Infrastructure

Environmental justice organizations are calling on the city to direct climate and transit investments toward neighborhoods with limited shade, high heat, and poor air quality.

6. Civic Landscape After the Election (Now What?)

Even though voting ended, this is when policy agendas are being shaped.

What’s Happening Right Now

  • Metro Council is setting its 2025 priorities

  • State lawmakers are filing bills ahead of January’s General Assembly session

  • Advocacy groups are meeting with newly elected leaders

  • Public comment windows on housing, policing, and environmental planning open this month

How to Stay Engaged

What to Watch in January

Tennessee General Assembly Returns

Expect early-session bills on:

  • public education & vouchers

  • LGBTQ+ rights

  • criminal justice

  • reproductive rights

  • transit & infrastructure

  • housing and property tax issues

Metro Budget Prep Begins

Advocates will be pushing for:

  • stronger tenant protections

  • expanded mental health funding

  • homelessness services

  • equitable transportation investments

  • environmental justice initiatives

New Transit Projects Move Forward

With funding from the 2024 “Choose How You Move” referendum, updates are expected on sidewalk expansions, rapid bus lines, and safer street infrastructure.

✨ How to Get Involved

Support Housing Justice

Advocate for Policy Change

Boost Immigrant Solidarity

Environmental & Climate Action

Stay Civically Engaged

Colleen Conklin
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