Keri Lovato City Council - Ward 12

Keri Lovato City Council - Ward 12 Clarksville, Tennessee, Ward 12 Councilwoman

I know people are excited about the new burger place coming to Wilma Rudolph. A new option is exciting.But I also unders...
08/12/2026

I know people are excited about the new burger place coming to Wilma Rudolph. A new option is exciting.

But I also understand why some residents are looking at this and asking, “Have we learned anything?”

There is already a fast food restaurant directly across from this site that creates significant traffic concerns. Now we are looking at adding another extremely popular, high-volume restaurant at an intersection that is already strained.

I appreciate how proactive our EDC is in recruiting and supporting businesses that want to invest here, but development and infrastructure planning have to start happening in the same conversation. We also know the County Highway Department will not be funding infrastructure improvements to accommodate the additional traffic.

Wilma Rudolph Boulevard is one of the busiest commercial corridors in our community. These developments may make sense individually on paper, but we cannot continue ignoring their cumulative impact on the people who actually have to drive these roads every day.

The proposal will not come in front of the city council. The decision will be made by the Regional Planning Commission.
So, if you have concerns about traffic, access, safety, or the impact this development could have, now is the time to make your voice heard.

Email the Regional Planning Commission at [email protected].

I am all for welcoming new businesses to Clarksville. But if we are going to continue growing, we have to do better!

Congratulations to our newly elected County Commissioners who represent areas overlapping Ward 12!Congratulations to:🎉 L...
08/07/2026

Congratulations to our newly elected County Commissioners who represent areas overlapping Ward 12!

Congratulations to:
🎉 Lekeshia Hicks for MOCO District 9
🎉 Cydney Daane for District 19 County Commission
🎉 Renee Bruens for County Commissioner, District 20

I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together on the issues that matter most to our shared residents.

Congratulations again on your victories. I wish each of you success in your new term, and I'm excited to work alongside you as we continue moving our community forward together.

07/06/2026

A Personal Statement

This past weekend, we the people gathered to celebrate our nation's Independence Day. Our Founding Fathers understood that our government derives power from the people, not the other way around. Those ideas are not honored by fireworks alone. They are honored when we are willing to ask difficult questions, follow the facts wherever they lead, and insist on accountability, especially when it is hardest to do so.

The events surrounding the death of Darius Chappell weigh heavy on my heart. No statement can lessen their grief, but my prayers are with his family and everyone who loved him.

As a City Council member, I don't have more information than what has been made available to the public. It was difficult to watch the video and, like many of you, it left me with difficult questions that deserve a thorough and independent review.

The TBI has stepped in to conduct that review, and I hope answers come quickly. If wrongdoing occurred, those responsible should be held accountable, policies should be corrected, and training should be improved.

I have supported our officers, and I will continue to support those who wear the badge with integrity. I also believe deeply in our Constitution. It exists not only to establish our government, but to limit it. No person and no institution is above accountability. Supporting law enforcement and expecting accountability are not opposing values. They are both essential to justice, and every member of our community deserves to know that their life has value.

Whatever the outcome of this investigation, our community deserves to know that every fact was examined honestly and transparently.

May we pray for his family and everyone carrying this grief, and for those charged with investigating these events.

I just sent out the full newsletter. If you want to sign up, I'll add that in the link in comments.Monday, June 29 at 6P...
06/26/2026

I just sent out the full newsletter. If you want to sign up, I'll add that in the link in comments.

Monday, June 29 at 6PM the Council will vote on the budget again.

Thursday, July 2 at 6PM the Council will vote on two rezoning cases and 2 items on the finance agenda.

Hey everyone! I've had a lot of inquiries lately about data centers coming to Clarksville. I've spoken to the Region Pla...
06/18/2026

Hey everyone!

I've had a lot of inquiries lately about data centers coming to Clarksville. I've spoken to the Region Planning Commission for clarification multiple times now, and the response has stayed the same.

The RPC is staying engaged with Gas and Water, IDB, and others, and a data center is not being discussed.

City regulations require data centers to be zoned M-2. There really isn't much M-2 in the city limits to support a data center.

Should a rezoning request be made for M-2, I would oppose it. I see and understand the detriment they do the community around them.

As for where these rumors come from, this isn't the first time we've seen fear-based claims gain traction. Some person or entity puts out information simply to get people upset. People understandably become concerned!

If I receive new information, I'll be sure to share it.

Last night a city council member used their seat to speak words that I believe were rooted in hate.I do not want to give...
06/05/2026

Last night a city council member used their seat to speak words that I believe were rooted in hate.

I do not want to give those remarks additional attention, but I want to be clear, I do not agree with them, nor with previous statements they have made. They are dangerous.

In light of recent local headlines, and we all know the ones I'm talking about, we must protect Clarksville from this. We cannot allow fear and hatred to define who we are.

I keep thinking about the story of Jesus visiting His disciples after the resurrection. It is a story I return to often.
Jesus made breakfast and then talked to Peter. Three times He asked Peter, "Do you love me?"
Three times Peter answered, "Yes, Lord."
And three times Jesus replied, "Feed my sheep."

That is what I am called to do as a Christian. Love God, love my neighbor, and feed His sheep. (Matthew 22:37-39; John 21:15-17)

There is no room for hate in our hearts if we are going to follow those commands. None.

Because Jesus did not put an asterisk on them. He did not say to love only those of a certain race, with a certain family background, who went to certain schools, or who make a lot of money.

Scripture is also very clear about how we are to treat foreigners and strangers among us. (Leviticus 19:34; Psalm 146:9; Hebrews 13:2; Matthew 25:35; etc)

And maybe you do not believe as I do. We won’t all always agree, or all worship the same way, or all come from the same backgrounds. That's okay. I love you.

Because Clarksville will continue to grow, new neighbors will move in, and new businesses will open. There is no question about that.
The question is what kind of city are we gonna be?

The comments made last night do not reflect the Clarksville I know.
The Clarksville I know shows up when a neighbor is in need. When tornadoes strike. When floods come. When homes catch fire. When a veteran needs a wheelchair ramp. Clarksville shows up when someone needs a meal, a coat, a ride, or a helping hand.

No asterisks. Just love and support.

And that is the Clarksville I know.

And that is the Clarksville I believe we will continue to be.

Update 6.18.26The mayor's office presented a new budget to the council last Friday, with a tax rate of $1.08. The counci...
06/03/2026

Update 6.18.26
The mayor's office presented a new budget to the council last Friday, with a tax rate of $1.08. The council rejected that Tuesday night.

The next budget meeting will be Monday, June 22 at 6PM. At this time, we have not received any new revisions from the mayor's office.

_______________________________________________________________________

Over the past weeks, I’ve spent a lot of time digging through the proposed FY27 budget and the proposed 31-cent property tax increase.

I want to share where my head is at right now.

First, there are a lot of GOOD things in this budget.

Departments across the city submitted requests that genuinely matter:
• employee pay increases and wage adjustments
• police and fire equipment
• road and infrastructure improvements
• vehicle replacements
• neighborhood and community projects
• technology upgrades
• maintenance equipment
• parks and recreation expansion

None of these requests are “bad” requests. Most departments are trying to solve real problems, prepare for growth, and better serve our community.

I appreciate the work department heads and staff have put into preparing their requests and explaining the needs they’re seeing across our growing city.

The challenge is balancing these requests while also being mindful of the impact on taxpayers. Families are feeling pressure too. Food costs, fuel costs, daycare expenses, insurance costs, and everyday living expenses continue to rise while many paychecks are staying steady.

That’s the conversation we’re having right now.

My priority is making sure we take care of our employees first. Retaining good employees matters. Competitive pay matters. Public safety matters.

At the same time, I believe we have to carefully evaluate projects and purchases that may be phased over multiple budget years instead of trying to fund everything immediately.

As I continue reviewing the budget, I’m looking closely at:
• new hiring requests
• vehicle and equipment replacements
• capital project timing
• consultant and study expenses
• expansion spending that may be phased in over time
• projects that can reasonably be delayed into future budget years

There are absolutely projects I support, including infrastructure improvements that directly impact our community.

I also believe we have a responsibility to ask
“What can realistically wait one more year?”

This isn’t easy, but I will continue asking questions and being mindful of the burden placed on taxpayers.

I appreciate everyone who has reached out respectfully and shared their thoughts throughout this process.

In the meantime, please feel free to reach out anytime at [email protected]

Update 08.12.26Yesterday the committee for Transportation, Streets, & Garage met and David Smith gave an update on Tyler...
06/02/2026

Update 08.12.26

Yesterday the committee for Transportation, Streets, & Garage met and David Smith gave an update on Tylertown.

The contractor should be fully mobilized by September.
The street department and the city have agreed to a lump sum bid, but he did not have the amount with him.

He said that because of budget constraints the plans did need to be amended, and he removed sidewalks and street lights. However, even though he couldn't give specific numbers, he did say that this project will go over budget.
_______________________________________________________________________
Update 6.18.26
Unfortunately, I do not have much of an update, except that the street did get mowed in some areas. I have not received an update from the street department as far as the new work change order or what it entails.

As soon as I get more information, I will share it here.
_______________________________________________________________________

I’ve had a lot of questions and frustrations brought to me about the Tylertown Road improvement project, and I want everyone to know I share your concerns.

The project has been stalled for months.
The grass has gotten high.
The area has become an eyesore for the people who live nearby. Trucks continue ignoring the “No Truck” signs without repercussions.
The intersection at Tylertown and Trenton has become increasingly difficult to get through.

Residents have been more than patient, and these concerns need attention.

The last update I received was that construction stopped after crews discovered the soil conditions were not what engineers originally anticipated. Because of that, a new plan was needed to ensure the road would be built properly and remain sustainable long term. I was told it would be a few months before construction could begin again.

In the meantime, I have requested:
• The area be mowed and maintained
• Enforcement of the “No Truck” signage
• A adjustment of the traffic light timing at Tylertown and Trenton

I know this has been frustrating, especially for the residents who live in this area every day. I will continue pushing for updates and improvements as information becomes available.

In the meantime, please feel free to reach out anytime at [email protected].

School is officially out for summer, so please slow down and watch for kids playing in neighborhoods and side streets (i...
05/29/2026

School is officially out for summer, so please slow down and watch for kids playing in neighborhoods and side streets (if this rain ever stops ☔).

Tuesday night wrapped up Budget Committee meetings, and City Council is expected to receive the final proposed budget by the end of today. I’ll send a separate budget update on Monday.

Items discussed this week that are expected to come before Council for a vote next week include:
• Parking Commission structure and downtown enforcement
• Adding Good Friday to the city holiday schedule
• Increased vacation time for city employees
• Saint Thomas Hospital Development Area economic impact plan
• Proposed changes to the city’s fund balance policy

There are currently no rezoning requests in Ward 12.

As always, I appreciate everyone who stays engaged and shares their thoughts and ideas. We are in this together.

Get the full newsletter here by signing up here: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1826639/1781513/

05/29/2026

TOMORROW

6th Annual First Responder Championship Flag Football Tournament at Fortera Stadium APSU.

The first game will begin at 11:00 AM.

Admission:

Children 12 years old and under: Free
All others: $5 admission at the gate

All proceeds will go to support the local Montgomery County First Responder Association.

Come out and support your First Responders for a great day of football, community, and friendly competition.

We hope to see everyone there tomorrow!

Clarksville Police Department Clarksville Fire Rescue City of Clarksville, TN Government Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Montgomery County, Tennessee

Address

1190 Cumberland Drive
Clarksville, TN
37040

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