Building Together: City of Memphis Weekly Newsletter

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Dear Memphians. I want to take a moment to reflect on a truly inspiring day that showcased the spirit of our community: the "Own Your Block" Citywide Clean-Up. Last weekend, we invited Memphis faith leaders to help us spark renewal in our community and you showed up. We saw participation from 50 churches across 20 zip codes and at five community sites in our city. This event was more than just a clean-up; it was a movement driven by love for our neighborhoods and a commitment to creating a beautiful, thriving Memphis.

As I visited various locations—including Oakhaven, Hickory Hill, and South Memphis—what struck me most was the energy and enthusiasm radiating from our volunteers. They woke up early on a Saturday, motivated not by obligation, but by a profound sense of pride in their community - in our shared community. Together, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.

From picking up litter and discarded tires to mowing overgrown lots and clearing brush, every act of service was a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common purpose. Witnessing neighbors unite to reclaim their spaces filled me with hope and joy. It reminded me that Memphis is home to the best people on the planet, and it's only fitting that our streets and neighborhoods reflect the love and care we feel for each other.

The success of this initiative goes beyond just the physical transformation of our city. It represents a renewed commitment to community involvement and collaboration. I encourage everyone to continue organizing and participating in clean-up efforts within your neighborhoods. These efforts not only beautify our surroundings but also foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

The "Own Your Block" initiative is an essential part of the broader Peace Project, aimed at significantly improving the lives of our citizens over a two-year period. In its first year, we are focusing on restoring visual peace through neighborhood beautification, and your participation is crucial in achieving this vision.

I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. Let's carry this energy forward and continue working hand in hand to create a safer, stronger, and more peaceful Memphis. Thank you to all who participated and demonstrated what it truly means to "Own Your Block."

Our faith leaders and faith community in action!

We love social sharing, find more here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and by searching #ownyourblock and #ownyourblockmemphis

Find more of Patricia’s work here, and here.

Good News!

Weekly Crime Trend

The report below provides our weekly update on Part 1 Crimes. It updates daily and shows a continuous rolling 7-day total compared to the prior 7-day total. The charts on the right show the calendar week trend, comparing 2023 to 2024.

(We maintain two crime dashboards, the Weekly Crime Trend report can be found here, and the Crime Analytics dashboard can be accessed here.)

Our Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38109, 38112, 38116, 38118.

Community Engagement:

Memphis Housing Authority. Memphis Housing Authority will open the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlist for South City Senior Apartments to applicants 62 and older. Eligible individuals may apply online between Oct. 28 at 8 am and Nov. 1 at 5 pm. See full details and apply here. 

Winchester Road Corridor Study. Do you live, drive, or are interested in what happens on Winchester Road? Help shape your community by participating in the project's community and business survey to evaluate land use and transportation conditions! See full details here. 

Councilwoman Pearl Walker Newsletter. The second edition to "Closing the Information Gap" newsletter has been published. Stay up to date with Councilwoman Pearl Walker here.

Social and Community Shout-outs:

City of Memphis Hiring Event. The City of Memphis is hiring NOW! Join us tomorrow, October 26 from 10am-1pm for an exciting hiring event! Meet hiring managers and division reps, and get the chance to interview onsite for various positions. See full details here and share here. 

Memphis Parks Fall Festival. Join us tomorrow, October 26, from 10am-4pm. at Gaisman Park for a day of fun for the whole family. There will be live entertainment, vendors, games, a kids zone, an outdoor movie, and food trucks. See more and share here.

Memphis Public Libraries Book Sale. Get ready for the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, happening October 24-27 at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library! Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl, and more at unbeatable prices. See full details and share here. 

Memphis Public Libraries Halloween Events. If you're looking for family-friendly events for Halloween then visit your local branch. See full list of events and share here. 

Weekly round-up

in partnership and progress,

Paul A. Young