Exclusive Q&A: The Chamber's Jennifer Carlat On Transit

Last week, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce came out forcefully for a transit plan for metro Nashville. We asked Chamber VP of policy Jennifer Carlat more about that position, and transit's impact on real estate.

Bisnow: Besides congestion, why does Nashville need a transit plan?

Jennifer: As our region grows, we’ll continue to see increasing delays in our ability to move people and goods across Middle Tennessee, but the negative impact of congestion is much broader than simply heavier traffic.

Our region will add another million new residents by 2035. That means the growing difficulty of workers getting to their jobs will have significant economic impacts on business. Productivity will be challenged and that means profitability will suffer.

Bisnow: Would more than just businesses suffer from increased congestion?

Jennifer: Yes. There’s the question of equity: a regional transit system helps broaden access to good-paying jobs for all parts of our region, giving people the opportunity to raise their circumstances. Moving Forward also stresses the economic development aspect of regional transit.

Bisnow: Does Moving Forward take cues from other transit plans?

Jennifer: Many of the cities we’ve visited during our benchmarking trips have seen considerable investment in and around transit stops. A solid regional transit system can be a real catalyst for economic growth across Middle Tennessee, if we have the foresight to take action now.