Building Together: City of Memphis Weekly Newsletter

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As we get ready to welcome a new year, I find myself reflecting on what makes Memphis special: our people, our diversity, our innovation, and our drive. The resilience, creativity, and spirit of our city are unmatched, and I believe together, we will make 2025 our best year yet. 

In the spirit of renewal and positive change, as we set our intentions for the new year, I’d like to propose a set of possible community resolutions to further support the city we love.

Let’s Embrace Our City with Positivity: 

Let’s relax our obsession with our neighbor to the east or other cities and instead celebrate everything that makes Memphis unique. Because we all know what the real music city is. When it comes to culture, Memphis is the OG. We just are. We create. We innovate. And others replicate. So, let’s lean into our uniqueness; let’s celebrate our coolness because there is no other city on the planet that is as authentically cool as Memphis. Full stop. So, my suggestion for a resolution is this: Let’s each commit to saying at least one good thing about our city and our neighbors every day. Let’s make this small step towards fostering a culture of gratitude and appreciation.

Let’s Make Littering Obsolete:

It’s time to come together and take pride in our environment. Littering is not just an eyesore; it reflects how we care for our shared spaces. Let’s hold each other accountable for keeping our streets and neighborhoods clean. If you see someone littering, speak up. And, if you can, let’s make a goal of picking up ONE piece of trash or litter or reducing some piece of visual clutter per day - even if you didn’t cause it. Maybe that means helping a neighbor bag leaves, taking a coffee cup left on a stoop to the trash can, or safely removing roadside trash and taking it to a proper disposal location. Working together, I believe we can shift the mindset and make littering a practice of the past.

Let’s Support Our Local Economy: 

Our local businesses are the heartbeat of Memphis. As we embark on this new year, I urge everyone to shop and dine locally whenever possible. I would ask you to share your positive experiences with others and use your voice and influence to promote local retailers and service providers. Your support means the world to our entrepreneurial community and will help our economy thrive. My suggestion: Let’s all make a conscious effort to explore our neighborhoods, discover new favorite restaurants, and support the unique shops that give our city its flavor.

Let’s Make This the Year of Yes:

Let’s say yes to new ideas, experiences, and opportunities in 2025. Whether volunteering for a local cause, trying out a new restaurant, or participating in community events, embracing new experiences can strengthen our community bonds. As your Mayor, I have asked my team to help find ways to say YES more often, and I believe that 'spirit of yes' will lead to more economic development, more collaboration, and more opportunities for us all to remember why we LOVE Memphis. 

This has been an incredible year, with so many big wins - including an overall 14% reduction in all crime, including reductions in every zip code across our city*. I’ve said it before - the work is working, and I am honored to support our team as they move Memphis forward. As your mayor, I am committed to leading with transparency, integrity, and a focus on continuing to do what is right for our community. Together, let’s resolve to continue building the Memphis we all deserve and let’s make 2025 a year filled with promise and positivity.

The Big Numbers from Your 2024 City Services!

Reductions in Crime 2024: Compared to 2023 and 2022

Breakdown by Zip Code: 

We shared our own good news this week - and would love to share yours. If you have good news to share, please send us a note at goodnews@memphistn.gov

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: 38016, 38111, 38118, 38127

Community Engagement:

Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement. The MACE program was created to give citizens of Memphis 18 and over an in-depth insight on various aspects of Memphis, divisions of city government, and community involvement. Sign up for the free 7-week program to hear from government officials and community leaders to increase your civic understanding of our city. Applications are due by 5:00pm on January 10. See more and apply here. 

TIP Public Feedback. The City of Memphis Division of Engineering is seeking public input on proposed transportation projects, including road improvements, bridge repairs, bike paths, and more. Share your feedback before the final submission to the Memphis MPO. Let’s work together to shape the future of Memphis! See full details here. 

Social and Community Shout-outs:

Solid Waste Holiday Schedule. Plan ahead for the holiday season and be sure to look at the Solid Waste pick-up schedule for residents that gets trash picked up by the City of Memphis. See more details and share here. 

Beale Street NYE. Come ring in the New Year on Beale Street! Get your Fast Passes and celebrate in our beautiful city. Limited quantity available so get them while you can! See more and share here. 

Starry Nights Discount. Light up your New Year with $20.25 (plus fees) tickets on Saturday, December 28 & Sunday, December 29. Starry Nights brings the spirit of the season to life with dazzling displays featuring millions of lights. See full details and get tickets here. 

Kwanzaa Celebration. Join District 3 Councilwoman Peal Eva Walker and myself for the culture and community celebration for Kwanzaa Day 6. This is a family friendly event at Bala's Bistro on Tuesday, December 31 from 12pm-2pm. See more details and share here. 

Memphis Public Libraries. Come join us at Benjamin Hooks Library for a children’s New Year’s Eve celebration! There will be crafts, music, dance and a countdown with confetti cannons. Join the fun! See full details here. 

Weekly round-up

in partnership and progress,

Paul A. Young