Coaching

Some might call it consulting, but Simone is not that fancy! If you are looking for guidance on:

• connecting neighbors
• project-based fundraising
• convincing administrators to act
• creative community engagement
• engaging with elected and government officials
• and rebuilding trust with communities after a history of harm

M. Simone Boyd is the coach for you! As a resident, she has led numerous neighborhood efforts to stop problematic rezonings, address illegal dumping, fight youth violence, coordinate tornado relief efforts, shift the negative narrative surrounding North Nashville through arts and culture strategies and foster belonging between new and long-term residents.

Through her work with Metro Planning and Public Works, Simone helped gather feedback from almost 300 people that live/work in North Nashville regarding incoming traffic calming infrastructure. While the project started as the installation of bike lanes, it expanded to include street paving, crosswalks, pedestrian islands, ADA compliant sidewalk upgrades and pedestrian signals.

Rather than focusing solely on the usual method of community meetings/charrette style community engagement, Simone organized community bike rides, a neighborhood walk, took surveys to local businesses, and organized listening sessions during line dancing at the senior center. Metro Nashville expanded its initial budget in infrastructure from $500,000 to almost $3 million. This engagement process reflects Simone’s ability to link an abstract concept like “traffic calming” to the needs of neighbors in a way that is actionable for public administrators. It was funded by Metro Arts Learning Lab.