Over 120 excited Nashville residents from all over the city showed up to learn about Community Benefits Agreements. Experts from the Partnership for Working Families gave us an overview of the concept, and then we workshopped ideas in small groups. Our goal was to compile a list of community needs that could be met by more equitable development.

Of the many concerns detailed by residents, major themes were creating more quality job opportunities for people in all communities, true affordable housing options and more public transportation. While those issues are not new nor surprising, the discussion exposed other things neighborhoods would like to see. Affordable child care, full service grocery stores (with pharmacy, banking, etc) and more community centers with longer operating hours were points of emphasis. (You can see the full lists from the workshops below)

There was overwhelming consensus that Community Benefits Agreements need more exploration in Nashville. Volunteers decided that the next thing they would need was a more in depth workshop on how Community Benefits Agreements are written and negotiated.

Stand Up Nashville has already begun planning that event, if you would like to get involved, click here!