Weekly Update

Friends,

For nearly a year now, our team has been working on what I like to call the “Big Ask” which refers to stadium renovations at FedEx Forum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and AutoZone Park, as well as the construction of a new soccer stadium at Liberty Park.

As I recently highlighted, Governor Lee has included our full request of $350 million in one-time funding to help us complete these projects.

Now, we must work to keep that funding in the budget and pass the necessary legislation that accompanies it.

In coordination with the Greater Memphis Chamber, University of Memphis, Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Redbirds, 901FC and a host of local business leaders, we were in Nashville earlier this week continuing to meet with legislators to discuss the merits of these projects and benefits it will bring to our community and the rest of the state.

In addition, we advocated for several bills that strengthen state sentencing laws in order to address the revolving door in our court systems.

Over the course of two days, we met with dozens of members of the legislature, spent time the Governor and members of his cabinet, as well as meeting with Constitutional Officers. It was time well spent, and I want to thank Chamber President, Ted Townsend, and his team for including us in their MEM2Nash event and for coordinating a productive trip.

It was great to see so many Memphians in Nashville and to present a united front on this year’s legislative priorities.

Young Actors Guild: This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the grand re-opening of the Harriet Performing Arts Center. This is an initiative of the Young Actors Guild (YAG) and will be a premiere regional theater and dance studio located in the Orange Mound/ Bethel Grove communities.

The site, an old fire station located on Lamar Ave., could have been used for another purpose. But local citizens, the Young Actors Guild, and the City came together, and the City provided YAG the opportunity to purchase the property for $1 in May of 2019.

Over 32 years, 30,000 children have been served and 98 percent of students have gone on to graduate from college; this organization is making a difference in our city every day. To Chrysti Chandler and her team at the Young Actors Guild—thank you for all you do for the youth of our community.

Every child in Memphis should be in an afterschool program.

Enjoy your weekend!

Yours,