Mayor wants to create dedicated East Bank agency

Why it matters: The redevelopment project figures to span decades and comes with significant financial and logistical hurdles. Creating a new agency dedicated to managing the project would ease the burden of work on other city agencies.

• For instance, half a dozen city departments are dedicating staff to manage the East Bank project now. That level of staffing commitment isn't sustainable for a project expected to last multiple mayoral administrations.
• The city already uses such authorities to run the airport, Metro-owned sports venues and the convention center.

Yes, but: Since the state contributed significantly to the financing of the new Titans stadium project, it stands to reason Republicans will want to appoint some of the board members to the new agency's board of directors.

• Last year, the legislature passed laws granting Republican state leaders the power to appoint board members to the Airport Authority and the Sports Authority.
• The mayor's office has discussed the idea of an East Bank Development Authority with state lawmakers, including top Republicans, and some city council members in recent days.