Metro potpourri: East Bank board members, spending plan, traffic improvements

Behind the scenes: O'Connell named former Metro attorney Emily Lamb, nonprofit executive Hal Cato, real estate executive Brian Reames, Kaitlin Dastugue from the Civic Design Center and architect Mona Hodge to the board.

• O'Connell designated Lamb to serve as chair. He has not yet announced his pick for the executive director for the east bank authority.

Meanwhile: O'Connell's $527 capital spending plan was unanimously approved by the Metro Council at its meeting on Tuesday night.

• O'Connell proposed a meat-and-potatoes spending plan that focused on infrastructure and building improvements. "By prioritizing schools, transportation infrastructure, maintenance in parks and libraries, and customer service, we are delivering on the priorities that we — along with members of Metro Council — know communities share," O'Connell said in a press release.

Plus: O'Connell's office also announced this week the city will receive a $10 million federal grant for traffic improvements on Nolensville Pike and WeGo will receive $1.9 million in federal funds for better bus service on Murfreesboro Pike.

• The federal funds are on top of the locally funded projects courtesy of the transportation funding plan passed by voters in November.