Keri Lovato City Council - Ward 12

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.

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.

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]

06/02/2026

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].

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

05/02/2026

Yesterday at 3:47 PM I, with other City Council members, received the proposed FY27 budget.

Yes, there’s some sticker shock.
A PROPOSED property tax rate increase to $1.23.

What could this mean for you?

Find the assessed value of your home.
Multiply it by 0.25.
Divide that number by 100.
Then multiply by 1.23.

A home valued at $300,000 would pay about $937.50 per year.

What happens now?

I’m diving into all 569 pages of the proposed budget. Not just skimming it, but comparing last year to this year and identifying what’s changed and why.

Next week starts budget meetings at the committee levels.

In the meantime, I’m open to conversations, concerns, and ideas.
Call, text, or email me.

I’m here to represent you.
We’re in this together.

04/27/2026

It's the last week for early voting, Let's go! 🦅🇺🇸

04/20/2026

‼️Tylertown Road is currently shut down between Samantha Lane and Clarksville Fire Rescue Station 11‼️

Update: The roadway is back open

At approximately 10:17 a.m., the Clarksville Police Department responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Samantha Lane.

Tylertown Road is currently shut down between Samantha Lane and Clarksville Fire Rescue Station 11, with traffic being diverted onto Roscommon Way.

All individuals involved are cooperating with officers. At this time, there is no threat to the public.

This appears to be a domestic-related incident, but it remains an active investigation, and no additional details are available for release. An adult female was shot during the incident; however, her condition is unknown at this time.