Metro and MNAA push court fight over TN law changing airport board

Metro Nashville and the Metro Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) are now pressing a legal fight over a Tennessee law that takes effect July 1, 2026 and reshapes how MNAA’s board is governed.

Metro Council adopted a resolution in May opposing the state’s “MNAA Change in Ownership and Governance Act,” and on June 10, 2026, Metro says the MNAA board voted to join Metro’s litigation to block what it describes as a second attempted state takeover.

What Tennessee’s MNAA board law does

The Tennessee General Assembly enacted SB 2473, identified in the state’s bill materials as the “MNAA Change in Ownership and Governance Act” (Public Chapter 978).

According to Metro’s resolution and the bill summary, the law would vacate the current MNAA board on July 1, 2026 and reconstitute the governing body with majority State appointees, changing appointment authority away from the current local model.

Metro Council opposed the takeover in a formal resolution

Metro Council adopted RS2026-1993 on May 19, 2026, denouncing what it describes as the state’s hostile takeover attempt of MNAA’s board.

The resolution also directs that it be delivered to the Federal Aviation Administration—a key point because Metro says federal rules require MNAA consent for certain changes of airport sponsor.

Mayor’s Office: Metro is directing a lawsuit, and MNAA voted to join

In a statement on Nashville.gov, the Mayor’s Office said the O’Connell Administration directed the Metro Department of Law to pursue litigation over the “second attempted state takeover” of the MNAA board.

Metro’s release also says the MNAA board voted June 10, 2026 to join the litigation, with Metro arguing that the court should protect its legal rights and seek an injunction blocking implementation to avoid disruption.

What residents and businesses should watch next

With the July 1, 2026 effective date already passed, the practical focus shifts to what the court filings request—and whether the court order could affect how quickly any new state-dominated board structure is put in place.

• Court action: Look for filings tied to Metro’s request for relief (including any effort to block implementation).
• Governance transition: Watch MNAA and Metro updates on board authority and near-term decision-making affecting airport operations, planning, and policy choices.

Until a court rules, residents and local businesses should expect uncertainty around who is making which governance decisions and when any transition under the new statute becomes enforceable.

Sources

• Nashville.gov (Mayor’s Office): O’Connell Administration lawsuit over second attempted state takeover of MNAA board
• Metropolitan Council Legistar: RS2026-1993 (Resolution opposing Tennessee takeover of MNAA)
• Tennessee General Assembly: SB 2473 bill information (Public Chapter 978; effective 07/01/2026)
• WSMV: MNAA considers lawsuit over Tennessee Public Charter 978 / SB 2473
• Nashville Business Journal: Airport board eyes lawsuit over new state law