NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Mayor John Cooper says he will review two executive orders from the David Briley administration.
This marks Cooper’s first full week as mayor after his inauguration on Saturday. Cooper’s office confirmed Tuesday that he’s reviewing the immigration and housing orders from his predecessor's administration. Both will be reviewed for 90 days.
Before losing his re-election bid, Briley issued Executive Order 11, which states that "no person acting in their capacity as a Metro employee or agent shall assist or cooperate with, or allow any Metro agency funds or resources to be used to assist, cooperate with, or facilitate any federal agency in any immigration enforcement operation, except where legally required to do so by state or federal law or by court order."
Several state leaders have spoken out against the order. In September, Tennessee's Office of Criminal Justice Programs, an agency that distributes federal funding for law enforcement -- questioned whether the executive order violates the mayor's own signed certifications that the city has no "sanctuary city" policies. Metro at-large councilman Steve Glover filed a lawsuit over the order, saying it violated state law, although fellow at-large council member Bob Mendes said he believed the lawsuit to be "a campaign stunt."
The order came after an ICE stakeout in Hermitage where local police were present. Questions have also been raised about how probation officers have shared information with ICE officials.
Cooper is also reviewing the “Under One Roof 2029” initiative that aims to create more affordable housing in Nashville. Under that plan, the city would commit $500 million in public funds to create 10,000 new affordable housing units over the next 10 years. Briley also requested a pledge from the private sector of $250 million over the next 10 years.
