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This week, I had the opportunity to connect with our community through a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) forum. For those unfamiliar, an AMA is an open Q&A where people can ask anything, and I answer directly. It was a great chance to hear from you - uncensored and unfiltered - about the issues that matter most to our city.
Community feedback is essential to shaping Memphis' future. Your questions and concerns help guide our priorities, ensuring that we focus on what truly impacts your lives. In this newsletter, I’ll highlight some of the key topics we discussed and how we’re working to address them. My goal is always to keep the conversation going. Your voice matters.
You can watch a video diary of my live answering here, or scroll the feed here.
I’ve included some of the most popular questions and answers below - these are edited to merge multiple questions into one topic. For the actual questions, please visit Reddit.
Public Transit: What's being done to turn around MATA and the public transit system? Most people who would benefit from the buses don't live close enough to the fastest bus routes; are we going to add more, more frequent bus routes? How many buses are in service vs needed? When was the latest major internal or external constant study on Memphis public transit results? What are the KPIs (key performance indicators) the office/city is tracking and aiming to improve here? Percent uptime and reliability data should be made transparent, even if not good now - because it can only improve. Are you using Samsara or other telematics service?
ANSWER: I admit there are a lot of challenges with MATA. Our priority right now is to fix the old and updated fleet. We want to address frequency issues; we want someone to know when the bus is coming, and we think a 2-hour wait is not reasonable and not something that fits the life of most of our residents.
We’re looking at KPIs that will drive results for our passengers - we want to know how long delays are and how often people are denied trips or experience cancellations. We have about 300 square miles to cover in Memphis, and we’re trying to move large buses around that whole geography.
We want to take a look at every area and see where we can use smaller vehicles to service those areas. We have an interim role with TransPro - it’s not a permanent role, but they give us an opportunity to stabilize with MATA until we have a more sustainable system.
The current schedule requires 74 buses to meet the schedule; on average, we are putting out 56 buses daily. The number one priority is to fix the old and outdated fleet. There really hasn’t been a bus replacement plan - but we are working on that now. We will address frequency issues after we get the bus inventory issues resolved. We are doing everything we can to meet the current minimum daily schedule requirements.
Regarding studies of the system, TransPro completed an operational study in 2024; the results were shared at city council in 2024. The broader strategy for transit is outlined in our TransitVision plan.
We use Navineo for telematics - and believe that increasing transparency is always a core goal.
 Safety, Public Clean-up of Memphis: What can the city administration do to improve first impressions of Memphis for those leaving the airport? Airways leaving the airport should be a priority stretch of road to always be well maintained by the city and it is not. There are multiple large potholes and trash on that stretch of road for what should be treated as the front door to the town. ANSWER: I love this question around blight and especially roads leaving the airport. And I agree that that area can and should look a whole lot better.
Our team is currently working on a plan for a redesign of Plough Blvd, particularly the green spaces that separate the north and southbound lanes. We think that that is going to make a dramatic difference in how people feel when they are visiting our city and also how residents feel when they come home from their trips out of town.
Blight is something that I am really passionate about addressing as a community. We recently issued an RFP for small businesses and nonprofits to serve as vendors to clean the major corridors throughout every part of the city. Many people remember how well our Public Works team handled the snow, and it was because we used our major corridors as the areas where we wanted to do the primary cleaning.
We're going to use those same corridors to ensure that we have groups that are out there picking up litter, cutting grass, and doing the things that make our areas more aesthetically pleasing on a regular basis. We think that work will make a dramatic difference in how people feel about our city.
 Housing: Less than half of residential properties in Memphis are owner occupied—46 percent. Nationwide, 64 percent of homes are owner-occupied. That's a big gap! Now, layer in the fact that 40 percent of all single-family homes in Memphis are owned by large investment groups or corporations—and half of those aren't even based in Tennessee. How are you going to safeguard affordable housing for all Memphis residents? Do you have any plans to levy higher property taxes on investment properties?
ANSWER: Great question! This is an issue I’m deeply invested in, given my background as the city’s former Director of Housing. You’re absolutely right about the ownership gap. Only 46% of Memphis homes are owner-occupied compared to 64% nationwide, and the fact that so many of our single-family homes are now owned by out-of-state investment groups makes housing affordability a real challenge.
One of the biggest problems we’ve seen is that many of these neighborhoods weren’t built to be rental communities. These were historically owner-occupied neighborhoods, but over the past several years, large investment groups have outbid local families and turned them into rental properties, making it harder for Memphians to build generational wealth through homeownership. We missed an opportunity years ago when housing prices and interest rates were low, and now we’re dealing with the consequences.
So, what are we doing about it? First, we’re working with our housing department and state housing agencies to create more incentives for affordable housing development and starter homes. The Housing Trust Fund, which I helped establish back in 2019, is a key tool we’re using to close the affordability gap and help more renters transition to homeownership.
Second, we’re looking at the tax structure. Right now, big corporations that own dozens or even hundreds of homes in Memphis are still paying residential property tax rates. That doesn’t make sense. If you own 10+ homes in Memphis as an investment, we believe you should be assessed at the commercial property rate (40%) instead of the single-family residential rate (25%). That’s one of the ways we’re exploring to generate more revenue and reinvest in the neighborhoods that have been transformed by this shift from homeownership to rentals.
We need to rebalance the housing market to make it work for everyday Memphians, not just out-of-state investors. It’s something my administration is working on every day, and I appreciate you bringing it up.
 xAI: Thoughts on having xAI here in Memphis, given recent events? Do you have any plans to hold xAI accountable for their non-permitted use of gas turbines? Or at least monitor the formaldehyde they are releasing into the air? The company originally said it was temporary, but now they have changed their mind and said they are permanent. Why would you want to help xAI succeed, especially since Memphis gets nothing out of the deal?
ANSWER: There are a lot of questions about xAI, so I want to take a step back and talk about the big picture: why Memphis is involved, what we’re getting out of it, and how we’re addressing the concerns. I get why some people are wary of working with a billionaire who has a larger-than-life personality, but I separate the personality from the project. xAI is a startup that was looking for a place to build the world’s largest supercomputer, and Memphis was in the running alongside other cities. What helped us land the deal was the Electrolux facility - a $100 million investment from the city, county and state that had been sitting vacant for years. Instead of having an empty building contributing nothing to our economy, we now have a $10 billion investment in our city. And to be clear, that’s $10 billion, no tax abatements, so we’re talking about tens of millions of dollars annually in tax revenue to fund schools, transit, roads, and affordable housing.
I know people have raised environmental concerns, and those were my first questions when I sat down with xAI. Water usage was a big one, because we have one of the best natural aquifers in the world, and I wanted to make sure that wasn’t being threatened. As a solution, xAI is building an $80 million gray water facility that will recycle wastewater instead of pulling from the aquifer. And not only will it serve their facility, but it will also allow TVA and Nucor Steel to reduce their aquifer usage, cutting overall aquifer usage by 9%. On the energy side, the biggest challenge for MLGW and TVA is peak demand. When we’re all asked to cut back on usage, xAI has agreed to completely move the supercomputer off the grid and onto battery power, which adds to grid stability.
I know there’s concern about the gas turbines that have been temporarily permitted, and while they did request to keep them as a backup, the expectation is that TVA and MLGW will be able to supply their needs without them. xAI is still working through that process, but my priority is making sure this project benefits Memphians. Beyond the tax revenue, beyond the infrastructure improvements, we’re also talking about the kind of innovation that could position our city as a major player in AI and tech. This isn’t just a national race, it’s a global one, and Memphis has the opportunity to be at the center of it.
 School Board: What is your official position on the Feagins/School Board issue?
ANSWER: I get why this situation has sparked so much discussion. It was a big deal for our community. Behind the scenes, I made calls and tried to get everyone to take a step back and approach things with cooler heads.
The City has no direct oversight over the School Board or the Superintendent. But the school system has a direct influence over our kids, and they’re going to grow up and be part of our communities, so it’s critical that we maintain strong collaboration with the school system - no matter who’s in charge. My focus as Mayor is to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to support our students, teachers, and principals.
That means continuing partnerships through our Office of Youth Services, making sure our community centers are providing resources and programming for students outside of school, and working with the district on the future of underutilized school properties to benefit our neighborhoods.
I wish this situation hadn’t unfolded the way it did. My job now is to make sure we move forward in a way that keeps our kids at the center of the conversation.
And finally,
Barbecue: BBQ Shop or Central? What sides are on your plate?
ANSWER: Both! The spaghetti from BBQ Shop and the smoked chicken wings from Central are both amazing - it depends on what I'm in the mood for. Baked beans from BBQ Shop and the Mac and Cheese from Central are my picks.
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Read the whole coversation here, or watch the video 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: 38103, 38106, 38109, 38111, 38112, 38114, 38115, 38116, 38118, 38122, 38128
In the Know:
Neighborhood Watch: Build a Safer Community. Take action against crime in your neighborhood by joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch group through your local MPD station. Get resources, guidance, and access to the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Grant to support safety initiatives. Eligible neighborhood groups can apply for funding by attending a mandatory workshop and meeting key requirements. Learn more about how to protect and strengthen your community by attending one the workshops! See more and apply for the grant here.
IRS Taxpayer Advocate Assistance. 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.
Social and Community Engagement:
 Five Fridays of Jazz. Experience the soulful sounds of jazz at Five Fridays of Jazz, a free concert series at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Enjoy live performances from top local and regional artists every Friday in March from 6:30pm – 7:30pm. This event is presented by the Memphis Library Foundation in partnership with the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, the Levitt Shell, and other community sponsors. Don’t miss this celebration of jazz, culture, and community! See more and share here.
Spring Break Camp. Give your kids a fun and active spring break! Memphis Parks is offering a FREE Spring Break Camp for ages 5-15 at regional community centers. Campers will enjoy arts & crafts, games, a scavenger hunt, and a St. Patrick’s Day party—plus, box lunches are included! Registration is open through March 5, but spots are limited. Bert Ferguson and Hickory Hill locations are waitlist only. Sign up today! See more and share here.
Memphis Music Strategy Report. Join us alongside Greater Memphis Chamber for the Memphis Music Strategy Report: Presentation + Discussion on Wednesday, March 5, from 5pm – 7pm at Minglewood Hall. Hosted by Bertram Williams and Talibah Safiya, this event unveils key findings from a co-commissioned report by Sound Diplomacy, followed by a panel discussion featuring Mayor Paul A. Young, Ted Townsend, and Elizabeth Cawein. See more and RSVP here.
Mardi Growl with MAS. Looking for a furry companion? Join us on Saturday, March 1, from 11am – 1pm at Overton Bark in Overton Park for a special adoption event! Meet lovable foster pups, enjoy live music from Mighty Souls Brass Band, and check out fun activities like a dog costume contest, giveaways, caricatures, and a dog parade. Don’t miss your chance to find the perfect four-legged friend! See more and share here.
Stay Connected:
MEMPHIS IS BLACK HISTORY ✊🏿
Robert R. Church Sr. was the first Black millionaire in the South and built Church Park, the first Black-owned public park in the U.S.! 🏛️ He invested in Memphis during the Yellow Fever epidemics, bought real estate on Beale Street, and helped Black Memphians gain political power. His legacy still shapes the city today! 🙌🏾 #BlackHistory #MemphisLegend #RobertRChurch
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