|
New Voices, Bold Ideas, and a Shared Love for Memphis: Introducing MYPAC
One of my core beliefs as Mayor is that we are stronger when everyone has a seat at the table, especially the next generation of leaders.
That’s why I’m excited to announce the launch of the Mayor’s Young Professionals Advisory Committee (MYPAC), a new initiative designed to bring the voice, energy, and ideas of emerging leaders directly into City Hall.
MYPAC is made up of young professionals ages 21 to 35 who represent the heart and hustle of Memphis. These are people who are already doing the work, in business, education, healthcare, the arts, government, and grassroots advocacy. Now, they’ll have a formal way to advise on the policies they care about, lead service projects, and help shape the future of our city.
 We’ve appointed an incredible first cohort, and I want you to meet them:
-
Nicholas Thompson – Committee Chair, Government Affairs Policy Analyst, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
-
Arriell Gipson Martin – Committee Vice Chair, Senior Program Manager, Shelby County Division of Community Services
-
Katie Black – Committee Secretary, Project Engineer, FedEx
-
Alexis Morris – Senior Real Estate Specialist, AutoZone
-
Jasmine Bowden – Grants Manager, Black Business Association of Memphis
-
Jevonte Porter Sr. – Director of Community Engagement, Memphis Allies / Youth Villages
-
Joi Taylor Johnson – Advancement Director, New Hope Christian Academy
-
Lucy Dang Gaffney – Finance Operations Senior Advisor, ALSAC
-
Maria Oceja – Community Outreach Manager, Shelby County General Sessions Court
-
Meredith Taylor – Community Engagement Specialist, Memphis Medical District Collaborative
This group reflects the brilliance and diversity of Memphis, and they’ll help us ensure young voices are helping to shape the Memphis we’re building.
 MYPAC is just one piece of a larger commitment we’ve made to invest in Memphis’ future by investing in our youth. Through programs like MPLOY, we’re helping high school students explore career paths, earn a paycheck, and build professional skills. One example is our Cheffin’ with the City program, where we’re connecting young people interested in the culinary arts with small business owners and mentors in the local food scene, turning passion into profession and exposure into opportunity. And this is the kind of work we are promoting throughout all small business industries - access to real work, in real businesses, which will give these students the opportunity to see how they might use their talents to find success and make a difference in the future of our city.
We’re also supporting community partners like The Dreams Foundation, led by the City’s own Keenan Lowery, who continues to do incredible work to uplift and inspire the next generation. On Saturday, July 26, they’ll host their 7th Annual Backpack Giveaway at Tiger Lane, a free, family-friendly event with music, supplies, and everything our students need to be #DayOneReady. That’s the kind of hometown leadership that keeps Memphis moving forward.
 At the same time, we’re modeling our workforce development strategy around the industries where Memphis has momentum and growth potential. This means leaning into tech, arts, hospitality, and the construction trades, along with our mainstays of logistics and medical. These are the areas where we see opportunities rising, and we’re making sure our young people have paths into each one.
Because the truth is: we’re not just preparing the next generation for Memphis, we’re preparing Memphis for the next generation.
We want young people to see a future here. We want them to stay, to return, to lead. And we’re building a city where that’s possible, through policy, partnerships, and programs that open doors and spark imagination.
Let’s keep building together.
Good News!
   Do you have good news to share? We would love to share it! Send us a note at goodnews@memphistn.gov
Track Our Progress
The linked reports below provide evidence to support our public safety strategy and our work to ensure municipal fiscal responsibility. These dashboard provides a quick overview, with the ability to dive in deeper to neighborhoods and divisions. Both dashboards updates daily.
 SAFER COMMUNITIES: For more info on how to use the safer communities dashboard, go here. Or for the whole dashboard, go here. FINANCE TRACKER: For more info on how to use the finance tracker dashboard, go here. Or for the whole dashboard, go here.
Our Blight Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38103, 38107, 38111, 38112, 38114, 38122
In the Know:
New Property Tax Payment Platform Now Live. Starting January 1, 2025, the City of Memphis has transitioned to a new and improved online platform for property tax payments. You can now pay your bill at memphis.paytntaxes.com using a simpler, more user-friendly system. Prefer to pay in person? Visit participating Kroger, CashSaver, Superlo Foods, or Gordin’s Butcher Shoppes with a copy of your bill. (Please note: In-store payments may include additional fees.) Questions? Call (901) 522-1111.
Apply for Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement. The Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement (MACE), is a FREE multi-week course designed to deepen your understanding of local government and empower you to serve your community. MACE helps residents become active participants in shaping Memphis. Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are now open through August 12. Selected applicants will be notified by August 22. Learn more and apply 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:
Family Fun Fridays. Join us for the last Family Fun Friday this summer for an evening of free, family-friendly fun. Tonight’s event takes place from 6pm to 9pm at Robert Church Park (390 Beale St.) and features live entertainment, carnival rides, games, a video game board, and free food for the first 500 guests. No registration required—just bring the family and enjoy the fun! See more and share here.
Memphis Backpack Giveaway. Join The DREAMS Foundation and The City of Memphis for the 7th Annual Backpack Giveaway next Saturday, July 26, from 11am to 2pm at Tiger Lane. Families can enjoy music, activities, and community while students receive free backpacks and school supplies to get #DayOneReady. Don’t miss this day of impact and celebration! See more and share here.
Live at the Garden Concert. The 2025 Live at the Garden concert series, presented by Regions Bank, continues with a fire summer line up! From country hits to classic rock, Memphis keeps giving us chances to hear live music under the stars. Country singer-songwriter, Parker McCollum, performs at 8pm tonight. You don’t want to miss him! See more details and get tickets here.
Men's Wellness & Resource Fair. It’s time to Man Up! Join Councilwoman Pearl Eva Walker on Saturday, July 19, from 2pm to 4:30pm at the Whitehaven Community Center for the 2nd Annual Men’s Wellness & Resource Fair. This free event is all about men’s mental, physical, financial, and spiritual health with expert panels, and real resources to help you thrive. See more and RSVP here.
Back to School Block Party. Get ready to go back to school with Memphis Public Libraries! Join us at our South Branch for face painting, balloon animals, frozen treats, a limited number of FREE school supplies, and more! See more and share here.
Stay Connected:
Memphis has been named an All-America City 2025 by the National Civic League — a prestigious national award recognizing cities that are leading the way in civic engagement, equity, and innovative problem-solving. 
This honor highlights the work we’re doing to break down systemic barriers, from green job training and inclusive planning to improving public safety and health in our neighborhoods.
It’s proof that when we work together—with community at the center—we can build a stronger, more equitable Memphis for everyone.
|
