On Aug. 5 the Metropolitan Council approved a resolution authorizing Metro Nashville to participate in a regional, multi‑state grant application to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support cybersecurity education and workforce development.

The resolution, read into the record by the chair, described the grant as a partnership among employers, educational institutions and community organizations to build a cybersecurity education and workforce pipeline. "This is to build cybersecurity education workforce partnership between employers, education, and security of community organization focused on development of skilled workforce to meet in industry needs within a local and regional economy," the chair read from the resolution.

Pearl Monk, identified in the meeting as Metro Nashville’s digital inclusion officer, said her office worked with the mayor’s office and local partners on the application. "We work with the mayor's office to submit this grant to do cybersecurity education and certification," Monk said.

Council members moved and seconded the resolution; the item passed on voice vote. The chair recorded the vote as eight in favor, none opposed or abstaining.

City staff and council members said the proposal aims to align local workforce training with employer needs; the approved resolution authorizes Metro to join a regional application and accept program funds if awarded.