Development Department
The Development Department administers a variety of urban and community development programs. Among the programs involved are those funded under the Community Development Block Grant Program, as well as those more specifically targeted, such as Low-Income Weatherization, THDA H.O.U.S.E. and HOME Programs, Rental Rehabilitation, home purchase programs and noise mitigation activity.
This department also facilitates redevelopment and revitalization plans, working closely with city officials to implement the development activities approved by the Mayor, Metropolitan Council and the MDHA Board of Commissioners.
Community Development Office
This office functions as administrator of the city's Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development. As such, it contains programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These programs include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) programs.Within the objectives of serving eligible low- to moderate-income families, eliminating blight and providing for urgent needs, a significant portion of CDBG funds is targeted to specific strategy areas so that the community can be engaged in a comprehensive approach to neighborhood improvements. "Neighborhood Strategy Areas" (NSAs) are selected for funding during the consolidated planning process based on their size, condition of housing, level of community organization, owner occupancy rates and income.
The CDBG program also supports MDHA's ownership and rental housing rehabilitation programs providing Nashville Davidson County homeowners with federally-funded loans and grants which are utilized for home improvement. In addition, the department administers emergency home repair as well as assistance with special projects. Listed below is a brief overview of the programs offered. For application or information about these programs contact our Intake Office at (615) 252-8500.
Emergency
Repair Grant
Maximum of $2,000 in material cost to correct unsafe conditions, labor
is provided; applicant must be over 55 years of age or handicapped with
maximum family income of $21,250.
Adopt-A-House
The Adopt-A-House Program is sponsored by Emergency Repair and the Office
of the Mayor. Through this program, volunteer groups donate their labor
to repair homes for households meeting the Emergency Repair Program
guidelines. Materials and supplies are furnished by Emergency Repair.
Rehab
Loan
Maximum available is $36,000 at a 3% interest rate; home brought up
to Codes standards. Owner occupants must reside in low-income areas
with an income from up to $34,000 for one person to $64,100 for eight
persons.
Deferred
Payment Loan
Homeowner occupants 55 years of age or handicapped, within 50% of the
median income range, and does not show the ability to repay a loan.
Annual income range for one person is $21,250 to $40,050 for a family
of eight. The loan "to a maximum of $36,000" becomes due and
payable upon vacating the property, by selling, quit claim, abandonment,
etc. The loan is recorded as a Deed of Trust and Promissory Note. The
loan remains in place as a lien against the property until it is paid.
No payments are required as long as the homeowner occupies the property.
When the homeowner vacates the property, the lien may be satisfied by
a lump sum or monthly payments.
Weatherization
Maximum grant of $3,000 for insulation, caulking, weather-stripping,
etc.; for owner occupants and renters; must meet income guidelines from
$10,437.50 for one person to $35,812.50 for a family of eight.
Rental
Rehab
Rehabilitation assistance (3% loan of up to $75,000 with a 10-year payback)
to bring units within Codes and Section 8 compliance. Landlords with
rental property who rent to low income tenants are eligible. Call Jeff
Cardwell at 252-8541.
Most of these programs are eligible through the thirty census tracts that have been determined through the Community Development Block Grant Program. These tracts include most of the central city as well as other areas scattered throughout Davidson County. If you want to apply for our MDHA Rehab Programs or need additional information contact our Intake Office at (615) 252-8500.
The HOME program assists low- to moderate-income persons with homeownership, downpayment assistance and rehabilitation services. Non-profit organizations called Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) are also funded under the HOME program to provided housing-related services.
The Community Development Office also manages the MDHA Youth Enrichment Initiatives Grant program. These grants are made available on a competitive application basis to eligible non-profit organizations conducting summer youth activities.
Redevelopment Districts
Nashville’s redevelopment districts are established to ensure the use and long-term viability of the urban areas that they encompass. In keeping with its mission, MDHA’s administration of the districts aims to strategically reverse disinvestment and blight and promote redevelopment that is sustainable from economic, environmental, aesthetic, public safety, and historic preservationist perspectives. Although specific goals differ across districts, all include strategies for achieving vibrant mixes of land use, income levels, and modes of transportation.
One of the primary ways by which MDHA stabilizes property values in redevelopment districts and ensures a high standard of quality for new development is through design review. MDHA’s Design Review Committees meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month to review projects ranging from signage and home renovation to new high-rise construction. The committees ensure that any new development complements its context, employs durable building materials, preserves Nashville’s history, and fosters a sense of urban community. MDHA reviews exterior building elevations and site plans but not interior work.
For each redevelopment district, the Design Review Committee follows a set of basic principles to determine the appropriateness of a development project. To view these principles or a map of Nashville’s redevelopment districts, click on the links below.
For some redevelopment districts, guidelines have been adopted that are tailored to foster particular architectural forms and development patterns in some of Nashville’s urban neighborhoods. To view the design guidelines for a specific neighborhood, click on the links below. (If you are unable to download a document and need a printed version, call 615-252-3750.)
Arts Center Redevelopment District
Established in 1998 for redevelopment activities along portions of Demonbreun Street and the Gulch. Completed in 2028.
Capitol Hill Redevelopment District
Established in 1952. Ensures appropriate development in the area surrounding the Tennessee State Capitol. Automatically renews every 10 years.
Capitol Mall Redevelopment District
Established in 1978 for redevelopment activities in downtown Nashville. Completed in 2025.
Central State Redevelopment District
Established in 1999, contains property located in proximity to the Nashville International Airport. Completed in 2039.
East Bank Redevelopment District
Established in 1996 for redevelopment activities on the East Bank of the Cumberland River. Completed in 2025.
Five Points Redevelopment District
Established in 1991 for redevelopment activities in the Five Points neighborhood. Completed in 2020.
Jefferson Street Redevelopment District
Established in 2005 for redevelopment activities along portions of Jefferson Street. Completed in 2035.
Phillips Jackson Redevelopment District
Established in 1993 for redevelopment activities in several neighborhoods to the north of downtown Nashville. Completed in 2024.
- Map of Phillips Jackson Redevelopment District
- Design Guidelines for Hope Gardens
- Historic Germantown & Buena Vista
Rutledge Hill Redevelopment District
Established in 1980 for redevelopment activities in areas south of downtown Nashville. Completed in 2025.
MDHA has also adopted guidelines for the design and placement of signage in redevelopment districts.
Submittals for MDHA Design Review are due by 4 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Tuesday review meeting. For more information about design review or to submit plans, contact Parker Brown in MDHA’s Development Office at 615-252-3750.