"If we want to be in the convention business nationally, in Nashville downtown, we've got to build a new facility," said Starks.

Strategic planner Allen Hovious is part of a grassroots organization questioning whether now is the time for Nashville to spend so much on a convention center.

The group calls itself Nashville's Priorities. They've launched a website with information about what $1 billion would buy, and with lessons from other city's convention centers.

"These convention centers are not paying off as projected in all the studies including the studies that Nashville is using," said Hovious.

Even critics agree something needs to be done about the current center. Nashville's Priorities questioned whether Metro could simply add on to the center.

A 2004 study lists two possible expansion options. A North Option which would cost $181 million and require relocating the McKendree Family Life Center. A South Expansion Option would cost $202 million…

Projects to be funded by proposed MAPS 3 sales tax revenue are only identified as city "capital improvements” in the ballot. Specifics of the $777 million MAPS 3 proposal aren’t listed on the ballot.

The description differs from what voters saw on the original MAPS ballot in 1993, which listed each individual project that was to be funded.

A resolution of intent council members are also expected to approve today states that funds from the proposed penny sales tax extension would be used only for projects in the MAPS 3 proposal.

Resolutions of intent are non-binding. They can be overturned by a city council vote.