Blackburn Pledges Property Tax Relief for Nashville

Downtown Nashville businesses say their property taxes have quadrupled, and Tennessee governor-elect Marsha Blackburn has vowed to address the increase.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hospitality

Blackburn Pledges Property Tax Relief for Nashville

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Do you think property taxes in your area are getting better or worse?

Downtown Nashville businesses say soaring property values have caused their tax bills to quadruple. In her victory speech, Tennessee governor-elect Marsha Blackburn promised to fight for property tax relief for everybody.

Why it matters

Hospitality businesses on Lower Broad and Broadway say rising costs and taxes threaten their ability to stay open. Blackburn said businesses should not be taxed to the point they shut their doors, a concern that reaches the state's live music and tourism sector.

Downtown Nashville business owners report property tax bills that have quadrupled, while the Tennessee Department of Revenue says the mixed drink tax brought more than $111 million to schools in 2024. The source does not detail how any tax relief would be structured or when it could take effect.

The players

Marsha Blackburn

Blackburn is a Republican who has served as a U.S. senator from Tennessee and was elected governor of the state in 2026.

Barrett Hobbs

Hobbs is a hospitality industry veteran and founding member of the Broadway Entertainment Association in downtown Nashville.

Broadway Entertainment Association

The association represents entertainment venues and businesses along Broadway in downtown Nashville.

The details

Blackburn made the promise Tuesday night in her victory speech at The Pinnacle. On Wednesday she also backed a constitutional amendment banning a state property tax, and mentioned tax caps, a greater reliance on sales taxes and incentives for first-time homebuyers. Barrett Hobbs, a founding member of the Broadway Entertainment Association who has worked in hospitality for over three decades, said supply costs and bills have risen in recent years.

2024: Mixed drink tax generates more than $111 million for schools.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Blackburn promises property tax relief in victory speech.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Blackburn comments on a constitutional amendment banning a state property tax.

Industry Dynamics

Tennessee's mixed drink tax generated more than $111 million for schools in 2024, tying the state's hospitality sector directly to public education funding. Downtown business owners now say rising property taxes are straining the same industry that supports those school revenues.

Downtown Nashville venues and bars face higher property tax bills that could be passed on through drink and cover prices. Any future tax relief remains undefined, so customers should not expect price changes based on the governor-elect's promise alone.

The takeaway

Tennessee's hospitality businesses are watching whether the new governor's property tax promise translates into concrete relief. Owners and customers alike should track the details as policy takes shape.