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As the Mayor of Memphis, I am constantly working to identify funding, partnerships, and opportunities to spur growth and stability for the residents of Memphis. Often, that means forging relationships with local businesses, non-profits, and our faith community. And this week, I wanted to share another powerful partnership we have created - this one is with the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities (BASC) initiative. BASC is a three-year $200 million initiative to turbocharge 25 U.S. cities’ efforts to develop strong, environmentally-friendly, and economically thriving urban communities.
Despite facing significant vulnerabilities like aging infrastructure and housing stock, Memphis has persisted in efforts to advance community prosperity and economic development. Personally, I have championed equitable housing initiatives, weatherization, and grid-stabilizing advancements to achieve our community-wide goal of a safer and stronger Memphis.
As one of the 25 cities selected to participate in the BASC initiative, we have retained an army of support, including two dedicated staff members whose job is to bolster our city’s capacity in driving progress on issues that impact some of our most vulnerable neighbors and strengthen our entire community. Our innovation team (i-team) members have already begun the work of identifying challenges specific to Memphis. They will follow through by creating solution sets and activation plans to combat some of our most problematic long-standing issues.
 Beyond the i-team resources, our city will also receive three years of policy and technical assistance to help guide us in our ongoing collaborative work with community-based organizations and local stakeholders. Our goal is to better utilize public, private, and philanthropic dollars to help achieve our goals. Being part of this program represents a historic opportunity for Memphis to lead the way in promoting climate-friendly economic equity to create more opportunities for a healthier and more sustainable future for our residents.
This week, we had the honor of hosting BASC Innovation Teams (i-teams) from around the country in Memphis - the work that begins here will change communities and lives across our country. And I am proud that Memphis was chosen as host for this historic gathering. Because, in Memphis, this work can’t happen fast enough.
 The core focus of the BASC initiative is to build more resilient, and economically thriving urban communities, especially for those communities historically burdened by pollution. In Memphis, like many cities across the U.S., too many of our communities face significant challenges as we grapple with the effects of climate change. Solutions like home weatherization can have life-changing impact by reducing MLGW costs and creating safer home environments by improving indoor air quality. Prioritizing investments that make changes like those possible will uplift those who have been most affected.
The data reveals the urgency of this work. Households in our Black and Hispanic communities often spend a disproportionately higher percentage of their income on energy costs – between 20% to 45% more than their white counterparts. The BASC program partnerships will provide the expertise to further our commitment to spearheading initiatives focusing on cleaner energy, affordable housing, and sustainable transportation. This will not only help combat climate change but will also create jobs and boost our local economy.
 By working together with our community and harnessing the momentum provided by the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative, Memphis can be at the forefront of creating innovative solutions that promote a sustainable and prosperous future for all our residents.
As we embark on this journey, I invite all Memphis residents to engage with us in shaping the future of our city and our neighborhoods. Your voices matter, and together, I am confident we can foster a more equitable, resilient, and thriving city.
Here’s to Memphis rising to the challenge and seizing this incredible opportunity for a better tomorrow!
 I would also like to thank all of our hard-working city staff, including our first-responder teams, our public works and solid waste crews, and our general services team for braving the cold and using their talents and skills to help keep Memphians safer during the winter weather this week. During winter weather events, we update our resources page here.
Good News!
   Do you have good news to share? We would love to share it! 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: 38106, 38111, 38114, 38122, 38128
Community Announcement
Attention vehicle owners: Personal vehicle registration rates change in February 2025. As an example: Class C passenger motor vehicles rates go from $30 to $60 annually. For more information call the Shelby County Clerk's Motor Vehicle Division at 901-222-3000.
In the Know:
LISC Memphis Capacity Building Workshop. Calling all nonprofits! LISC Memphis is hosting a Capacity Building Workshop on February 26, from 9:30am to 1:00pm at 6584 Poplar Avenue, Floor 2, Memphis, TN 38138. This session covers nonprofit essentials like board governance, financial management, and organizational growth. Strengthen your nonprofit with expert insights and practical tools. Seating is limited—register today! Register here.
901HELP: Memphis Home Empowerment Loan Program. Memphis homeowners needing financial assistance for home repairs can apply for 901HELP, a low-interest loan program offering between $5,000 and $25,000 for eligible residents. The program covers essential repairs like roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and accessibility modifications while providing construction oversight and financial education. Applications are open now—see if you qualify and apply today! Learn more and apply here.
District 1 Emergency Preparedness & Energy Efficiency Fair. Join Councilwoman Rhonda Logan and community partners on Saturday, February 22, from 10am – 2pm at Holy Nation Church 3333 Brownsville Rd for a free, family-friendly event focused on home emergency preparedness and energy efficiency. Learn how to protect your home, save on energy costs, and explore job opportunities with Amplify Cell Technologies. Free Emergency Go-Bags, LED bulbs, giveaways, and food for registered attendees! See more and share here.
Social and Community Engagement:
 Battle of the Badges. Join us at FedExForum on Saturday, March 1, as the Memphis Fire Department faces off against the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in an epic Battle of the Badges! After the game, stick around to watch the Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs warm up and stay for the game. You don’t want to miss this match up! Get tickets here.
Spring Break Mane Vendor Sign-Up. Memphis Parks is hosting their fourth annual Spring Break Mane series. They’re looking for vendors to participate in the grand finale event at Mud Island Park on Saturday, March 15! Registration is open through March 1. See more and register to be a vendor here.
Memphis Public Libraries. Need help filing your taxes? The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service is offering free assistance for first-time filers and those facing tax issues. Visit the 3rd floor of the Benjamin Hooks Central Library every other Thursday during tax season for expert guidance. One-on-one assistance requires a government-issued ID. Learn more about your taxpayer rights and get tax tips here.
Stax Music Academy. Join Stax Music Academy for their Black History Month Celebration at the Cannon Center at 255 N Main St. on Friday, February 21 from 7pm-10pm. Special guest include Grammy Nominated Artist Ant Clemons, Evvie McKinney, and Corey Lou & DaVillage. See more and get your tickets here.
Stay Connected:
Last week, law enforcement partners, community leaders, government, and researchers gathered to have a multi-day working session to solidify a strong action plan with a clear mission: to reduce homicides and nonfatal shootings in Memphis by 40 percent over the next four years.
This commitment reflects our dedication to bettering our community by saving lives and ensuring that every Memphian feels safe in their neighborhood. Our vision is to actively engage the vulnerable communities most affected by violence, promoting safety and resilience.
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