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When we launched the Era of Yes, we made a promise to believe boldly in Memphis and to back that belief with action.
That promise was on full display this month with three powerful milestones that reflect our administration’s top priorities: safe streets, anti-blight, and community-lifting development.
From Blight to Rebirth. In Oakhaven, we took down the long-abandoned Somerset Apartments. For over a decade, this 30-acre property stood as a symbol of disinvestment and decline. But now, it represents hope. Thanks to multiple city departments working together with community partners, we’re clearing the way for future affordable housing and new opportunities for the families who call this neighborhood home. A big thanks also goes out to CapStack Partners, the former owner of the Somerset site, for making the property transfer possible. Their donation of this land was an important step in helping us turn a liability into a launchpad for community renewal.
 Meanwhile, in Westwood, we broke ground on the transformation of the old Southwest Twin Drive-In. Once a beloved community landmark turned overgrown and abandoned, this site is being reborn as a place of access, opportunity, and stability. The project will bring a brand-new Memphis Public Library branch, a modern MPD precinct, and expanded green space to the heart of the neighborhood. This thoughtful mix of public amenities reflects exactly what we mean by community-lifting development – investments that bring services closer to residents, create safer environments, and foster pride in place. It’s a signal to the people of Westwood that their neighborhood matters – and that we see its future as bright.
 New beginnings and new construction. And just as meaningful, but from a different angle, is what we’re celebrating in Frayser. There, we didn’t reclaim a blighted site. We built something brand new from the ground up: the beautiful, state-of-the-art Frayser Library. This isn’t just a place to check out books; it’s a cornerstone for community life, full of opportunity, access, and inspiration for people of all ages. It’s a shining example of what happens when we invest proactively in neighborhoods. Yes, Frayser had a library before, but now they have so much more: a dynamic community hub where learning, connection, and civic pride can thrive under one roof.
Memphis is the Mission. All of these accomplishments aren’t just construction projects – they’re proof of what happens when we believe in Memphis and back that belief with action. Every dollar we invest in safety, neighborhood revitalization, and community infrastructure is a down payment on the future our residents deserve. We’re not just repairing what’s broken, we’re rebuilding hope. And we’re shifting the story to focus on what’s possible in every corner of our city.
Let's remember, blight isn’t just about buildings. It’s about lost potential. And that’s why we’re tackling it block by block, with purpose, urgency, and respect for the people who live here.
The Era of Yes means saying yes to progress, yes to community, and yes to growing opportunity in every neighborhood.
This is how we build together. And this is just the beginning.
 Check out the social posts from Southwest Twin, Frayser Library Opening, and Somerset Demolition.
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 linked report below provides our weekly update on Part 1 Crimes. The Safer Community Dashboard updates daily. The chart below compares 2025 to 2024 and Week/Week for 2025
 We have updated our Safer Communities dashboard with more information coming daily from MPD. The Crime Analytics dashboard can be accessed here. The map and data are interactive. Click your zip code to see data from your area, or click a crime type to see more information. Use the buttons at the top to toggle through the different data analysis. For more info on how to use the dashboard, go here.
Our Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38104, 38106, 38109, 38112, 38114, 38116, 38118
In the Know:
Solid Waste Management Plan. We want your voice to be heard as we develop the 30-year solid waste plan to work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for our city. If you have any plans, ideas, thoughts or feedback then let us know in this survey here.
CSA Community Needs Assessment Survey: Shelby County Community Services Agency (CSA), the primary provider of rent and utility assistance for local residents, is seeking your input! As they work to secure funding and shape future programming, your voice can help ensure resources go where they’re needed most. Your feedback plays a key role in building more effective, community-driven support across Shelby County. Take survey here.
To report concerns related to property violations, potholes, and trash, click the link here or call 311 to speak to a live agent.
Social and Community Engagement:
Bluff City Fair. Get ready for fun for the whole family—Bluff City Fair is back at Liberty Park now through June 1. Enjoy thrilling rides, classic fair food, games, live entertainment, and more. Whether you're here for the funnel cake or the Ferris wheel, the Bluff City Fair has something for everyone. Don’t miss one of Memphis’s favorite spring traditions. Grab tickets here.
Solid Waste Holiday Schedule. Plan ahead for 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.
AutoZone Park Concert. Music on the Diamond is proud to bring Miranda Lambert to AutoZone Park THIS Saturday, with special guests Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlatives. Experience an unforgettable evening of chart-topping hits and timeless classics under the stars at one of the city’s most iconic venues. Don’t miss this incredible night of live music and entertainment on the field. See more and get tickets here.
The 2025 CiCi Award for Community Impact acknowledges Memphis' EDGE for its strategic collaboration with local and state partners.
This teamwork facilitated the attraction of the $238 million AAON manufacturing facility, projected to generate 800 jobs. EDGE coordinated a 15-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) incentive, which was supported by a FastTrack grant from TDECD and a performance-based training grant from the TVA.
Stay Connected:
206?? Memphis, you don't look a day over 150!
Happy birthday, Memphis!  Thank you, Choose901, for joining us in celebrating our great city yesterday!
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