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Before we dive into this week’s newsletter, I have to say again — my heart is heavy over the deadly shooting at Booker T. Washington High School. It’s a painful reminder that our war on violence must be relentless and united, especially when it comes to protecting our youth. (Watch today's public safety press conference here.)
As Mayor, I’m committed to building a city where every young person has the opportunity to succeed. In Memphis, high-tech innovation isn't just a buzzy-term. The tech wave is here, and Memphis is riding it. And my goal for Memphis is to use this moment to drive prosperity across our community and shift our city’s trajectory for the better.
 At the City, we’re putting technology to work: our Downtown Command Center is using AI to enhance public safety, and our Public Works team is using it to discover potholes and blight. Our libraries are teaching tech and AI literacy to residents of all ages. Our workforce strategy is aligned with the economy of tomorrow. And we must equip our youth to thrive in this digital age – because I believe they have the creativity, intelligence, and drive to lead it. They just need to see the path.
Tech jobs are booming – AI specialists, cloud engineers, UX designers, cybersecurity analysts – and you don’t always need a four-year degree to land one.
Thanks to programs at Southwest Tennessee Community College, University of Memphis Tech Programs, Tech901, and CodeCrew, young people in Memphis can learn high-demand skills in just months. Whether it’s a 6-month bootcamp or a 2-year associate’s degree, the opportunity is real, and life-changing.
 And we’re doing our part as a city – recruiting tech companies, investing in infrastructure, and modernizing our workforce programs. This is how we build a stronger Memphis: by investing in people, removing barriers, and saying yes to bold new futures. But you are the key. Whether you’re 16 or 26 (or 56 looking for your next act), your future is wide open if you’re willing to put in the work.
For our young people - hear me when I say you have choices. And that you have a chance to shape what Memphis becomes. Not just for yourself, but for your family, your neighborhood, and the generation coming behind you.
We are counting on you. Let’s move forward, together.
LOCAL PROGRAMS can lead to a new career in months, not years. (And the jobs pay well!)
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IT Support Specialist (Southwest TN CC AAS in Network Systems, Tech901 IT Foundations): $50,000–$65,000 starting salary. 3–6 months of training. $55K–$75K
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Cybersecurity Technician (via Southwest or CodeCrew): $60,000–$80,000 starting salary. 12–18 months of training or certification
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Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator (via Southwest): $45,000–$60,000 starting salary. Certificate or 2-year associate degree
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Manufacturing Engineering Technician (via Southwest): $42,000–$55,000 starting salary. 2-year associate degree
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Cloud Systems Support Specialist (via Tech901 or Southwest): $55,000–$75,000 starting salary. 6–12 months of training
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AI Tutor (Code Crew coding classes): $80K+. 7 months of training
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AI Engineer (Code Crew coding classes/AI engineering): $80K+. 7 months of training
For those who are heading to or already in a four-year program, places like the University of Memphis offer cutting-edge degrees in data science, computer engineering, and information systems. A tech-related bachelor’s degree can open doors to jobs paying $90,000–$150,000+ within a few years of graduation.
Success Stories from our friends at CodeCrew:
Georleshia Minter was a talented phlebotomist, but her income was limited. After graduating from CodeCrew, she became a Systems Engineer at AutoZone, more than doubling her salary — and building generational wealth.
Jordan Parker had been piecing together part-time jobs just to get by. Through CodeCrew, he found stability and purpose. Today, he’s a Software Engineer II at JPMorgan Chase, using his Memphis-trained skills to build a brighter future.
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: 38016, 38018, 38106, 38109, 38111, 38112, 38114, 38116, 38118
Community Announcement:
To report concerns related to property violations, potholes, and trash, click the link here or call 311 to speak to a live agent.
In the Know:
NEXT Program. The Neighborhood Excellence Training Program (NEXT) is now accepting participants. NEXT empowers local leaders by providing the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to strengthen neighborhoods across Memphis. Through hands-on learning, workshops, and collaborative exercises, participants will gain the tools to become effective advocates and change-makers. Learn more and apply 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.
Social and Community Engagement:
 Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder. It’s play off season! Go cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies as they take on Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 1, Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The game takes place tomorrow, April 26, at Fedex Forum at 2:30pm. See more and get tickets here.
 National Day of Prayer. Join us for the National Day of Prayer at Overton Park Shell on May 1, 2025, from 6pm–7pm. This community gathering offers a time for reflection, unity, and prayer. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy food trucks on-site. See more and share here.
 Trolley Night. Don’t miss out on the longest-running street festival in Memphis that takes over South Main Street on the last Friday of every month. You can look forward to open houses at shops and galleries, plentiful live music, free drinks and snacks and specials at bars and restaurants. See more and share here.
Spring Book Sale. The Friends of the Library's 2025 Spring Book Sale is happening April 24-27 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library! Fill your shelves to support Memphis Public Libraries! You’ll find thousands of books, CD’s, DVD’s, vinyl records and more at a great price! See more and share here!
Stay Connected:
We’ve officially opened the Downtown Command Center — a powerful new tool in our fight against crime.
This facility gives our officers and public safety teams real-time data, AI-enabled technology, and the ability to coordinate and respond faster than ever before.
With hundreds of new surveillance cameras and cutting-edge systems, we’re increasing our presence, cracking down on criminal activity, and sending a clear message: crime will not be tolerated in our city.
We’re protecting our people and reclaiming our neighborhoods — block by block.
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