Neighborhood in Conversation: May WEHO Social at The Flamingo Cocktail Club
Wedgewood-Houston Residents Gather to Shape the Future—One Cocktail and Conversation at a Time
On Tuesday evening, May 13, the heart of Wedgewood-Houston pulsed with civic energy as neighbors filled The Flamingo Cocktail Club for the latest WEHO Social—a grassroots community forum designed to foster transparency, connection, and collective action. The event drew residents, small business owners, and city leaders together for an evening that was equal parts informative, candid, and energizing.
At the center of the conversation was Metro Council Member At-Large Olivia Hill, whose approachable style and sharp insights grounded the evening’s wide-ranging discussion. From infrastructure and housing to immigration and transit, no topic was off the table—and no question too complex or too personal.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Guest Speaker
This May gathering marked a special milestone: the first time a sitting member of Metro Council has joined WEHO Social as a featured speaker. We extend our sincere and humble thanks to Council Member Olivia Hill for not only taking the time to be with us but for sharing her heart, her vision, and her cell phone number(!) with our community.
WEHO Social would like to recognize and thank Olivia for all she does for Wedgewood-Houston and the greater Nashville metro area. Her commitment to transparency, equity, and real-world solutions was deeply felt by everyone in the room. We are grateful for her service and hope this sets a precedent for ongoing collaboration between neighborhood voices and city leadership.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Building the Backbone: Infrastructure and Utilities
Hill opened with a strong focus on infrastructure—highlighting her work to modernize underground utilities like water and sewer lines and reduce dependency on above-ground power lines. Working closely with NES and Metro Water, she emphasized safety, resiliency, and long-term maintenance.
“I’ve toured almost every major water plant in the city,” she shared. “I don’t just walk around—I ask questions, touch equipment, and look at how we can improve systems that affect us all.”
Water quality was also addressed, with residents learning about real-time testing protocols and monitoring technology used to ensure safe, clean water across the city.
Moving the City Forward: Public Transit and Greenways
Transportation took a prominent role in the discussion. Hill revealed ongoing efforts to provide free city bus rides on game days as part of a strategy to reduce congestion around the stadium and encourage public transit use. Though some logistical challenges have emerged, the commitment remains strong.
The conversation also touched on long-term planning for transit-oriented development, encouraging housing density along existing bus and rail corridors. For those passionate about pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhoods, Hill shared her personal interest as a cyclist and her work to improve protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and cross-district greenway access.
Keeping WEHO Livable: Housing Affordability and Development
As property values in WEHO soar, many longtime homeowners and renters are struggling to stay rooted. Hill acknowledged this growing pressure, particularly in areas experiencing rapid gentrification.
She spoke about the city’s reassessment process, how rising property values affect tax burdens, and efforts underway to introduce more affordable housing through zoning reform. One such policy, the “Nest” initiative, would allow up to four homes on lots previously zoned for one, aimed at increasing supply and providing more diverse housing options.
“We need smart growth that doesn’t push people out,” said Hill. “And that includes making sure development doesn’t just serve newcomers, but respects the people who built this community.
Budget, Safety & Common SenseSolutions
Fresh from Metro Council budget hearings, Hill gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how funding decisions are made. She described the difficult balancing act between essential services—like fire, education, and police—and the need to cut inefficiencies.
A notable innovation? Mobile booking stations for police at large public events. These reduce time lost on lengthy transports and allow officers to return to duty quickly—a solution born of both public safety and budget awareness.
Clarifying Immigration Rumors
Responding to questions about immigration enforcement and Metro’s involvement with ICE, Hill offered a candid clarification: “Metro Police are not working with ICE,” she stated. “There’s been a lot of misinformation.”
She explained that standard fingerprint and identity scans are federal requirements that date back to the Obama administration, and that individuals are only held if federal authorities issue an official detainer—limited to 48 hours. Beyond that, detainees are released. Hill and others are working to ensure residents feel safe accessing public services regardless of immigration status
❤️A City for All
a transgender woman, Council Member Hill also shared powerful personal reflections on navigating public service, the importance of inclusion, and the emotional labor of being “explained to” in political spaces.
“Some days it feels like running in the shallow end of a pool—exerting maximum effort, getting nowhere fast,” she said with candor. “But I’m here because I care. And I want you to know you have someone in City Hall who answers the phone.”
Indeed, she closed the night by handing out her personal cell phone number to everyone in the room.
🥪 Pop-Ups, Nostalgia & Neighborhood Flavor
The evening closed with a nod to local businesses. The return of Falcon for a short pop-up—serving nostalgic sandwiches and coffee—was announced to much applause. Attendees were encouraged to support neighborhood establishments like Falcon and Flamingo that offer spaces not just for food and drink, but for connection and culture.
Also noted: the WEHO newsletter is actively seeking contributing writers, artists, and creatives. If you’ve got an idea, a talent, or just a desire to get more involved—this is your invitation.
📣 What’s Next?
This WEHO Social was a powerful reminder that civic change doesn’t just happen at the ballot box or in city hall—it happens in rooms like this, with people like us.
Stay tuned for:
Future WEHO Socials
Creative pop-ups & collaborations
Newsletter submission opportunities
Advocacy and development updates
Want to stay involved?
Subscribe to the WEHO newsletter, follow us on social media, or email us directly with your ideas, feedback, or event suggestions.
Let’s keep the conversation going. WEHO is watching, learning, and building—together.
callouts.
