‘Keep the door open’: Nashville’s mayor on governing a blue island in a sea of red

Freddie O'Connell is leading his progressive city in a heavily Republican state with equanimity and a spirit of cooperation

Tennessee's legislative session concluded in late April with some laws that alarm liberals, such as a bill to arm teachers and school staff. But the relatively progressive city of Nashville emerged largely unscathed by the GOP-dominated legislature.

In fact, Nashville's legislative fortunes improved markedly this term, with approval for a massive redevelopment project, created at the behest of the mayor, Freddie O'Connell, to accompany the construction of a new stadium for the Tennessee Titans across the river from the city's tourist-friendly downtown.