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Change the Algorithm. Change the Story.
I spoke at the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Chairman’s Circle meeting this week and among the topics in the Q&A was one that comes up often when I am talking to Memphians: What can we do to change the narrative of our city, or to influence the news to share more positive stories? And the answer is more straightforward than we sometimes assume. Because the power lies with all of us. Now, let’s be clear, we all know the challenges in our city, and I am not suggesting that we ignore them. But too often, the loudest story about our city is the negative one. The truth is, what we click, share, and comment on determines what stories get amplified. The algorithm doesn’t have feelings; it has patterns. And we’re the ones who set those patterns.
 The Power of Positive Engagement
Recently, a friend told me that her social feeds are filled almost entirely with positive Memphis stories. She wasn’t lying. She was proving something important: we are all responsible for the narrative of our city.
Algorithms feed us more of what we engage with. If we want to see more positive stories, we have to act like it — by clicking, sharing, and lifting them up. It’s not magic, it’s math. And behind that math is money. Every social platform, every news site, every broadcast outlet is driven by advertising revenue. That is business, we can all understand that. Think about it this way: if you aren’t paying for something, then your attention is what’s being sold. Your eyeballs, your clicks, your shares are currency.
 Just like algorithms respond to what we feed them, our city responds to what we invest in. If all we do is amplify fear, we feed fear. But when we lift up stories of community strength, small business success, and neighbors looking out for each other, we feed resilience.
Safety doesn’t come only from patrol cars or precincts. It comes from people choosing connection over conflict, hope over cynicism, and pride over division.
A Call to Action and to Amplify Activation
Again, I’m not asking you to ignore the negative; we need to be real with ourselves to set the right agendas and goals. But we can decide not to let the negative stories define us. Memphis is more than our worst moments. Let’s feed the algorithm a different diet.
- Community members: Support small businesses by showing up, shopping local, and sharing their posts.
- Business owners: Host more events, happy hours, and live music that bring neighbors/community together.
- Everyone: Let’s encourage meet-ups and collaboration rather than rants.
- Everyone: Let’s share the positive Memphis stories that remind us of who we are.
If we stop fighting each other and start fighting for the Memphis we all want, the story changes, and so does the future. Together, let’s make sure the loudest story about Memphis is one of hope, resilience, and pride.
Here is some positive messaging to get us started! Feel free to love and share!
ATTN Businesses: In a meeting with the Chamber earlier this week, we called on our business community to step up and agree to adopt and support every school in our district. Stay tuned - a signup form will be available soon. We are stronger and better when we work 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, then follow the prompts to the tracker.
Our Blight Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38106, 38107, 38114, 38118.
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:
Resident Ideation Sessions. North and South Memphis residents are invited to join the City of Memphis Innovation Team on August 30 for a collaborative discussion on reducing energy burdens and improving home quality at the Ed Rice Community Center from 10am to 11:30am. Food will be provided. Register here.
Community Engagement:
Artist Listening Session. Memphis artists are invited to the next Artist Listening Session on Monday, August 25, from 6pm to 8pm at the Halloran Centre. This session, hosted by the Office of Creative & Cultural Economy, will focus on community, networks, and information. See more and share here.
NExT Program. The Neighborhood Excellence Training Program (NexT) empowers local residents by providing the knowledge, skills, and resources to strengthen their communities. The NExT Program is now enrolling for the fall and spring cohorts. All sessions take place at 555 Beale St. from 5:30-7:30pm. Sign up here.
Family Resource Fair. Join Memphis Public Libraries for our Family Resource Fair on Saturday, August 23 from 10am-2pm! We will have panels and community partners with resources for families and caregivers. There will also be giveaways, food trucks, and more! See more details here.
901 Day on Beale Street:
We’re 2 weeks away from the BIGGEST 901 day celebration @citymemphis has put on! This is a FREE event for ALL AGES: 1. “Sounds Like Memphis” stage will host some of the cities hottest talent artist & Dj wise 2. “901 Riffs & Reels” will host an incredible teen summit at New Daisy Theatre 3. “The Spark at Handy Park” where there will be a phenomenal fashion show, art, & LIVE jazz band. 4. “Family & Youth Engagement” where there will be a ton of family fun and kid friendly activities. Make sure you meet us there 9/01
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