The College of Architecture and Design established the Nashville Civic Design Center in 2000 to provide a means for the public to participate in issues related to planning and physical growth of Nashville. The center advised Nashville on key redevelopment projects and acted as a catalyst for formulation of a new civic urban design plan for downtown Nashville and its surrounding neighborhoods. The center has been supported by UT, Vanderbilt, Tennessee State, the City of Nashville, and the Frist Foundation.