John Rich warns tax ‘death nail’ could turn out Nashville's Broadway lights

Key Points:

• Country star John Rich warns that Nashville’s Lower Broadway entertainment district faces closures due to sharply increased property tax bills following a 2025 countywide property reappraisal and a tax rate hike by city officials.
• The 2025 reappraisal raised property values by a median of 45% countywide, with some Lower Broadway properties increasing by up to 400%, causing major venues like Nashville Underground to close and others like Acme Feed & Seed to threaten shutdown amid soaring tax bills.
• Rich criticizes Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for aggressive tax increases and suggests the policy aims to reshape the city’s character by pushing out longstanding music venues in favor of government and corporate buildings.
• The rising tax burden jeopardizes Nashville’s unique live music culture concentrated on Lower Broadway, which Rich says is unmatched anywhere else in the U.S. and integral to the city’s identity as "Music City."
• Rich and other business owners have appealed to Tennessee state leaders, including Governor Bill Lee, to intervene with possible legislative solutions; state officials are reportedly exploring options, including a special session.