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This past weekend in Memphis felt different in the best way. From GloRilla’s sold-out homecoming concert at FedExForum to families in Tom Lee Park, patios full on South Main, and folks just out walking and enjoying the city, downtown came alive. It was joyful, it was vibrant, and it was full of promise. It felt like a turning point: one where our community was aligned and sharing that they loved our city.
And the love didn’t stop in downtown. That energy spilled over online. Social media was full of pride, and even on Reddit — where folks usually don’t sugarcoat anything — Memphians were showing love. One person said simply, “Downtown is safe. You’re good. Enjoy the show.” Others echoed that, pointing to the positive energy, strong security, and how good it felt to see Beale, Main Street, and the riverfront alive and welcoming.
 We didn’t just have a good weekend. We had a safe, shared, and Memphis-affirming weekend. And that means everything.
This is what real progress looks like. Not in headlines or ribbon cuttings, although I love good headlines and ribbon cuttings, but in the everyday moments where people feel safe, connected, and seen. When neighbors show up for each other. When we choose to believe in our city, and act on that belief.
Let’s show that kind of love for our city every day. Let’s keep that momentum going.
This weekend brings us another chance to come together and celebrate something uniquely Memphis.
While last weekend was about music and celebration, this weekend, downtown Memphis welcomes the Ducks Unlimited Expo at the Renasant Convention Center, August 1–3.
Ducks Unlimited, headquartered right here in Memphis, is one of the nation’s leading voices in wetlands and wildlife conservation. Their mission isn’t just about nature; it’s about stewardship, legacy, and doing our part for future generations.
And that’s the beauty of a growing, vibrant city, it holds space for all of it. Two very different weekends. One shared community. One Memphis.
That’s what we’re building — a city where everyone belongs, where everyone can find their place, and where we keep rising together.
And what better time to start leaning into that Memphis pride than right now? The countdown to 901 Day starts today, and we’re kicking it off where Memphis music lives: on Beale Street.
901 Day isn’t just a celebration, it’s a reflection of who we are. And while the official date is Monday, September 1, the energy has already started building.
 More 901 info here, stay tuned for updates!
This year’s celebration is going to be something special, but my hope is that we carry that 901 Day energy all year long. Let’s keep sharing what we love about this city in our conversations, on our timelines, and in the way we support each other.
Let’s shop local. Let’s eat local. Let’s post the good. Let’s keep that pride visible, because Memphis is a beautiful city with some of the most amazing people on the planet.
Every time we show up for our city, we breathe life into it. And that’s how we build the Memphis we all deserve, not just by talking about change, but by being part of it. Together.
💙 Let’s Show the World What It Means to Be From the 901. Our city is rising and weekends like these are the proof. So let’s keep it going. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s make Memphis shine.
Post your favorite moments using #BuildingTogether901. Tag your go-to local spots. Celebrate what’s working.
Because the story of Memphis is still being written, and every one of us has a role in what comes next.
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.
NExT Program. The Neighborhood Excellence Training Program (NexT) empowers local residents by providing the knowledge, skills, and resources to strengthen their communities. Through hands-on learning, workshops, and collaborative exercises, participants will become effective neighborhood adovcates and change-makers. The NExT Program is now enrolling for the fall and spring cohorts. All sessions take place at 555 Beale St. from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Sign up 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:
Choose901 Back-to-School Guide. Choose901 is here to make sure every Memphis student kicks off the school year ready to learn, thrive, and shine. As summer wraps up, dozens of Memphis organizations, businesses, and faith-based groups are stepping up to ease the back-to-school transition with FREE community events offering school supplies, haircuts, health screenings, and more. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or student, here’s your ultimate guide to Back-to-School 2025 events across the 901, and they’re all free. See more details here.
Whitehaven Library’s Back to School Extravaganza. Whitehaven Library will be giving out FREE school supplies! Join Memphis Public Libraries in this lively kickoff to the school season! There will be activities and crafts for all ages and skill levels along with snacks, music, face painting, slip and slide, and much more! Be part of the learning, and the spirit of Whitehaven. See more details here.
Memphis Public Libraries in the National Spotlight. We’re proud to share that Robin Ballard, one of our Senior Branch Managers, is featured in Public Libraries Online alongside her Emerging Leaders Cohort. Robin highlights the power of libraries to transform communities and emphasizes the importance of keeping Memphis Public Libraries at the forefront of both local and national conversations. Her feature amplifies the impact our libraries have every day—celebrating successes, sharing our stories, and reminding us all of the magic that libraries bring to Memphis. Read the article here.
Professional Networking Mixer. Calling all Memphis-area non-profits! Join the Office of Community Affairs for our Professional Networking Mixer on August 18 from 6pm to 8pm. This is your opportunity to connect, share resources, and build partnerships that make a difference in our community. Let’s collaborate, connect, and create change—together. See more and share here.
Economic Empowerment Tour. Thinking about buying a home? The Office of Community Affairs invites you to the Economic Empowerment Tour: Homeownership — The Power of Ownership on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6–7 pm at Riverside MB Church (3590 S. Third St.). Join Mayor Paul Young and NAREB Memphis President Reginald Harris for a free session on the steps to becoming a homeowner. Dinner will be served, and you’ll walk away with valuable insights to help you start your homeownership journey. Register here.
Stay Connected:
We’re building a stronger creative economy by listening to the people at its core — our artists. 🎨🎭
Earlier this week, the Office of Creative & Cultural Economy hosted a professional development–focused Artist Listening Session, giving local creatives space to share the resources they’ve used, the challenges they face, and what they need to thrive in Memphis.
#MemphisArts #CreativeEconomy #SupportLocalArtists #CityofMemphis #ArtsInMemphis #MemphisCreatives #ArtistVoices #901 #Memphis
See full post here.
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