Noah Task Force January Update & Action

NOAH TASK FORCE UPDATES FOR JANUARY 2025

Affordable Housing (AHTF) met with Katherine Knowles, the head of the Hero’s program for
homeless children in the public schools to learn what is being done for homeless children. The
Unified Housing Plan has been delayed until the end of the first quarter. At their January
meeting the AHTF broke into two groups; unhoused metro school students and zoning changes.
They developed visioning statements and discussion about possible actions.

Economic Equity, Jobs/Transportation (EEJ/TTF) are working in three areas: Transit – they are
setting up implementation meetings with Steve Bland and NDOT(Nashville Department
of Transportation) and will be recommending local and minority contractors and helping
them apply for the implementation phase. They had a session at the New Livingstone
Baptist Church with 44 contractors attended. East Bank –EEJT will submit nominations
for the Campus Coordinating Committee. Grocery Tax – there are developments at thr
state level. The mayor will soon meet with the new finance Director Jenene Kaufman-
Reed to discuss options and the mayor will introduce EEJT to Darren Jernigan from the
mayor’s office who relates with the state.

The Education Task Force (ETF) discussed possible actions with partner organizations around the
possible voucher expansion and writing letters to legislators. They also plan to compile
information about the vouchers for people so they can speak to the issue.
Transformational Justice (TJTF) met on Jan 23 at 6:30 at Youth About Business. They will have
more inclusive conversations and a call to mission and vision, celebrating their wins and
collaborating with the other task forces more this year.

Integrated Voter Engagement (IVE) held a retreat to create a mission statement and goals for
the year. The task forces will begin discussions about what Metro budget asks we have in mind
for this year.

Terry O'Neill spent 4 days in Detroit at a Race and Power Summit with many NOAH members. She attended the Integrated Voter Engagement (IVE) breakout groups, where they discussed voter engagement as it relates to each task force. From workshop leaders to plenary speakers john a. powell of the Berkeley Othering and Belonging Institute and Sean Fain, President of the UAW, the message was clear: we will seek common ground with all who are marginalized, and work for one another’s liberation, because no one is free until we all are. 

NOAH held an IVE strategic planning meeting in January at FUUN. To get involved in the Integrated Voter Engagement working group, reach out to Terry O'Neill to be added to the email list.

FUUN raised a record $8,700, the most ever for the NOAH end-of-year fundraiser. Thank you to all who contributed! $55K of the $60K goal was raised.

NOAH members elected Rev. Linda Brown-Saffore as its new president, following Rev. Ed Thompson's 10-year service to the organization as president. Thank you, Rev. Thompson, and welcome Rev. Brown-Saffore! Members also elected Rev. Daniel Smith as Vice President. Find out more about them below.

Action for Property Tax Relief:

Davidson County Property Tax Relief and Property Tax Freeze Programs help alleviate the tax burden for older Nashvillians, 100% disabled veterans and disabled homeowners. The property tax relief program reduces property tax payments through state and Metro funded credits. The property tax freeze eliminates the burden of future property taxes by locking in the same tax payment amount going forward. the qualifying age is 65 and income requirements exist for each program. Individuals must sign up by April 5th to participate. Individual can call (615) 862-6339 or go to the Trustees website https://www.nashville.gov/departments/trustee/services/learn-about-property-tax-freeze for application directions.