Weekly Update

Friends,

I’ve said this many times before, but there is a direct correlation between the amount of paving we do and the number of potholes we must fill each year. The more money allocated to paving, the less potholes are created. To demonstrate that point, take a look at the data below.

Money allocated to paving                                 Number of potholes filled

FY18 - $18.8M                                                                  60,262
FY19 - $19.7M                                                                  57,073
FY20 - $19.5M                                                                  44,549
FY21 - $19.5M                                                                  17,639 (YTD)

The only sure-fire way for us to know about a pothole is for you to tell us about it. We’ve made it easy for you to do that. You can:

• Call 3-1-1 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Visit 311.memphistn.gov
• Use the Memphis 311 app

Reckless driving and loud cars: Over the last several months, our office, along with MPD, has received numerous complaints about reckless driving and loud cars from all across the city.

I want you to know we’ve heard your concerns, and we’re taking them seriously. MPD is actively patrolling and doing everything in their power to get a handle on this issue. As you can see in the chart below, they’re actively arresting and ticketing violators.

To report one of these incidents, please call 901.545.COPS (2677). If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1.

New firefighters and a new fire station: It’s been a big week for Memphis Fire. Yesterday, 23 new firefighters were sworn-in to protect the citizens of Memphis. They come to Memphis representing 13 states to join one of the highest rated departments in the country--to serve you.

Welcome to the team!

In addition to adding 23 new members to MFD, we held a grand opening on Wednesday for a brand-new fire station 43 off of E. Holmes Road in Whitehaven.

New YMCA coming to Whitehaven: On Wednesday, the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South and Methodist South Hospital held a groundbreaking to replace the Davis YMCA in Whitehaven with a new state-of-the-art Georgette and Cato Johnson community resource center. The new facility will serve as an epicenter of healing and community wellness, with a focus on early childhood development, water safety, mental and physical health, and social service programming. Along with City Council (specifically, Councilwoman Patrice Robinson), I’m happy to be a partner with this new community asset. Councilwoman Robinson was instrumental in helping to raise money for this project and pushing it over the finish line.

For more than a decade, the Johnsons have been heavily involved with the YMCA, and what better way to honor that service than naming this new facility after them.

For the better part of his career, Cato has been a person who gets things done. Whether through his day job at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, his service to the University of Memphis, or his dedication to the YMCA, he is someone you want on your side. Congrats again to Georgette and Cato Johnson on this honor.

New leadership at Housing and Community Development: Over the past five years, I’ve had the good fortune of working with some of the most talented and capable people in public service. I’m pleased to announce the appointment of one of these individuals, Ashley Cash, as the new Director of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

Ashley currently serves in our Office of Planning and Development and was instrumental in shaping our award winning comprehensive plan, Memphis 3.0. She will be replacing outgoing HCD director, Paul Young, who leaves the City at the end of April after accepting a position as the president and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission.

Pending approval from the City Council, I expect Ms. Cash to transition into her new position in June. Meanwhile, the deputy director of HCD, Mairi Albertson, will serve as the interim director.

Congrats again, Ashley! I’m excited to work with you to continue the great work happening at HCD.

Enjoy your weekend!

Yours,