|
This week, as we pause to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I find myself thinking deeply about the sacred ground we stand on here in Memphis and how crucial it is for us to find ways to increase investment and wealth in our city.
Fifty-seven years ago, Dr. King came to Memphis not just as a leader but as a partner in our struggle – standing with sanitation workers who were demanding dignity, safety, and justice. He believed in the power of ordinary people to drive extraordinary change.
 Though his life was taken here, his dream did not die with him. That dream lives on in Memphis. It lives in every act of courage, every voice raised for fairness, every hand extended in unity. And it is our shared responsibility to carry it forward – not just in word, but in deed.
This week, I joined Operation Hope’s John Hope Bryant, Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, and Ambassador Andrew Young, Chairman of The Andrew J. Young Foundation to host the “Dream Forward” Virtual Town Hall – bringing together changemakers and industry leaders from across all sectors of the economy and all across the country to discuss inclusive economic growth and develop a modern blueprint for inclusive economic empowerment in America. The event was a reflection of our belief that the best way to honor Dr. King’s legacy is to keep working toward equity, opportunity, and financial security for all. Watch the replay of the powerful townhall event here. (This a must watch, if you didn't catch it live.)
 Wealth building is something my administration thinks about often. We know what happens in disinvested neighborhoods. And we know that safer, cleaner neighborhoods are the foundation for attracting more economic development and unlocking long-term prosperity. And we know that when more people prosper - our city can rise. That’s why we joined forces with the BAMM program to support local retail and why we actively involve small, local businesses in our blight remediation efforts – district by district, block by block – creating jobs, building pride, and giving every corner of our city a chance to rise.
We are leaning into work that strengthens more individual businesses throughout our city every day. That work is happening in Memphis right now. But we need more. And all of this underscores what I believe about our city and about government.
I believe that when government works the way it should, residents have more trust – and more hope. So, as we reflect this week, please know that while I am committed to progress, I am also equally committed to each of you.
Together, we can be the Memphis Dr. King believed in.
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, 38108, 38109, 38114, 38115, 38116, 38118, 38141
Community Announcement:
During times of heavy rain/winds, here’s how residents can help reduce flooding and stay safe:
• Keep trash bags, yard waste, and bins off the curb and out of gutters to prevent inadvertently clogging drains.
• Clear storm drains and gutters near your home to lower your risk of property flooding.
• Avoid driving through standing water or near downed trees and power lines; turn around – don’t drown.
• Report any blocked drains, street flooding, or fallen trees by calling 311 or using the Memphis 311 app.
• If you use generator power, use only in well-ventilated outdoor areas, at least 30ft from homes or structures.
To report issues:
• In case of after-hours emergencies, contact OEM at 901-636-2525
• To report power outages, call MLGW’s Electrical Outage Hotline at 901-544-6500.
• Or for actual, life-threatening emergencies - call 911
To report issues:
• In case of after-hours emergencies, contact OEM at 901-636-2525
• To report power outages, call MLGW’s Electrical Outage Hotline at 901-544-6500.
• Or for actual, life-threatening emergencies - call 911
In the Know:
National Veterans Golden Age Games Volunteers. The 39th National Veterans Golden Games (NVGAG) are looking for energetic, dedicated individuals who will volunteer their time and talents which are essential to the success of the Games. Volunteers will receive one meal voucher and a t-shirt. Become a volunteer today! See more and share here.
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.
Combined Events Clinic. Calling all young athletes! The Ed Murphey Classic and Murphey Track Club are hosting a FREE Track & Field Clinic on March 30 at Halle Stadium. Led by Olympian Harrison Williams and NCAA Champion Michelle Atherley, this clinic will cover multiple track and field events and is open to elementary, middle, and high school athletes of all experience levels. Beginners welcome! Don’t miss this chance to train with the best! Register & learn more here.
Social and Community Engagement:
Autism Awareness Festival. Get ready for a day of fun and awareness at the Autism Awareness Festival! Join us for this FREE event hosted by the Memphis Parks Health and Wellness Department on Saturday, April 12, from 10am - 1pm. at the Bert Ferguson Community Center. Dive into activities like the foam pit, sensory room, petting zoo, and bubble party. Let’s celebrate diversity and support our community together! See more and share here.
Remembering MLK at National Civil Rights Museum. Join the National Civil Rights Museum on Friday, April 4, for a powerful commemoration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This annual event invites the community—both in person and virtually—to reflect on Dr. King’s impact and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. See more and register here.
 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.
 |
Dream Forward with Operation Hope. Join us on April 4, 2025, for a groundbreaking virtual town hall streamed live from Memphis, Tennessee. Inspired by the Poor People’s Campaign, this event will bring together leaders, change-makers, and communities worldwide to build a bold, action-driven business plan for an inclusive and sustainable economy. Co-hosted by John Hope Bryant, Dr. Bernice King, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Mayor Paul Young, this discussion will focus on financial empowerment and economic growth for all. Register here.
 Solid Waste Holiday Schedule. Plan ahead for MLK Memorial Day 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.
Stay Connected:
“What do you love about working for the City of Memphis?”
From making a difference in the community to growing their careers, our team members share what inspires them every day on the job.
Hear it from the heart — real voices, real impact.
Ready to love where you work?
|
