OUR PRIORITIES
Focusing on the areas where we can drive the greatest impact.
At Urban Green Lab, we believe sustainable living isn’t a single issue—it’s a way of life that shapes how Nashville grows, moves, and eats. For us, sustainability means making everyday choices that support environmental health, human well-being, and long-term community resilience. Our 2026 priorities are grounded in our 2030 strategic plan, Living Sustainably Together, and focus on the areas where everyday actions can drive the greatest impact. These priorities guide our programs, partnerships, and advocacy, aligning with major city plans and what we’re hearing from people across Nashville. As the city evolves, so will these issues—but our commitment remains the same: helping people turn knowledge into action to build a more sustainable, resilient city for all.
Priority 1: Food Waste Reduction
Why Now?
What we eat—and what we waste—shapes our health, our economy, and our environment. Nashville sends millions of pounds of food to the landfill each year while many families lack consistent access to healthy meals. At the same time, landfill space is finite and increasingly costly, with long-term implications for taxpayers and the city’s infrastructure. Food waste is also a major source of methane emissions, accelerating climate change. As the city grows, reducing waste and making smarter food choices is one of the most immediate, practical ways to lower costs, improve access to healthy food, and reduce environmental impact across the board.
Priority 2: Extreme Weather Preparedness
Why Now?
Extreme weather is already affecting how Nashvillians live, work, and stay safe. More frequent and intense heat waves, storms, and flooding are putting pressure on infrastructure, buildings, and neighborhoods—disrupting daily life and increasing risks to health and safety. Recent events have highlighted gaps in communication, coordination, and public awareness, especially for those most vulnerable. As Nashville continues to grow, preparation is no longer optional—it is essential to protect people, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure the city can withstand and recover from future shocks.
Priority 3: Sustainable Transportation
Why Now?
Transportation is one of the largest drivers of energy use, household costs, and air pollution in Nashville—and accounts for over half of the city’s emissions. Most trips are taken by car, often out of habit or limited awareness of alternatives, contributing to congestion, rising costs, and declining air quality. At the same time, Nashville is investing in new transportation options and long-term planning efforts. As the city grows, how people choose to get around will shape not only emissions, but also access to jobs, affordability, and overall quality of life—making this a critical moment to shift behaviors and expand awareness of practical alternatives.
If you would like more information on our Priorities or to get involved, please email us at connect@urbangreenlab.org.
Policy works best when it's built on real community knowledge.
Learn how Urban Green Lab contributes to Nashville's sustainability agenda — and how you can stay informed.
Policy work from the inside looks less like testimony at a podium and more like sitting with residents around a table and translating what they're living through into language a city council can act on. I've watched a room go quiet when someone from a neighborhood that's dealt with extreme heat shares their experience, and watched that testimony show up in the decision-making process. We don't treat policy as a separate lane from education or community action. It's the same mission, just operating at the scale where a single change protects thousands of people instead of one household.
Todd Lawrence, Executive Director
We Want to Hear from You
Join the conversation about making Nashville a sustainable city for everyone. Email us at connect@urbangreenlab.org.