Nashville Mayor Treads Carefully as High Court Weighs Council, Airport Shakeups

Tennessee Supreme Court hears arguments over reducing Metro Council seats and shifting airport board appointments.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell is closely monitoring two high-stakes cases before the Tennessee Supreme Court that could significantly reshape the city's local government. The court is considering a state law that caps metropolitan legislative bodies at 20 members, which could force Metro Nashville's 40-member council to be redrawn, as well as a law that shifts a majority of appointments to the Metro Nashville Airport Authority board away from local officials and into the hands of statewide leaders. Metro officials argue these laws unconstitutionally target Nashville, while state lawyers say they address broader statewide concerns.

Why it matters

The outcome of these cases could have major implications for how Nashville residents are represented at City Hall and who controls one of the region's biggest economic engines, the Nashville International Airport. A ruling against Metro could lead to significant structural changes to the city's government, potentially altering the balance of power within the Metro Council and changing which neighborhoods have dedicated voices.

The details

The Tennessee Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Thursday in the two cases. One challenges a 2023 state law that caps all metropolitan legislative bodies at 20 members, while the other weighs whether the legislature can shift a majority of appointments to the Metro Nashville Airport Authority board away from local officials and into the hands of statewide leaders. Metro officials argue both laws were crafted to single out Nashville and violate the Home Rule Amendment of the Tennessee Constitution, which they say protects cities from targeted legislation without local approval. State lawyers counter that the measures are legitimate responses to broader statewide concerns.

  • The Tennessee Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the cases on Thursday, February 14, 2026.
  • A written decision from the court is expected in the coming months.

The players

Freddie O'Connell

The mayor of Nashville, who is closely monitoring the proceedings and says Metro's priority is continuity for travelers and residents.

Metro Nashville

The local government of Nashville, which is defending its home-rule authority and arguing that the disputed state laws unconstitutionally target the city.

Tennessee General Assembly

The state legislature, which passed the laws that are being challenged and argues they address broader statewide concerns.

Tennessee Supreme Court

The state's highest court, which is hearing the cases and will issue a definitive ruling on the disputed laws.

Metro Nashville Airport Authority

The board that governs Nashville International Airport, whose composition is at the center of one of the legal disputes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Tennessee Supreme Court did not issue a ruling from the bench after Thursday's arguments, and attorneys say a written decision could still be months away. Until then, Mayor O'Connell says Metro will focus on keeping day-to-day city and airport operations steady while the legal fight plays out.

The takeaway

These cases highlight the ongoing tension between local self-governance and state oversight in Tennessee, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent that clarifies the limits of the legislature's power to intervene in the affairs of local governments across the state.