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This past week, federal and state partners began working alongside our local law enforcement and community safety teams. For some, this new presence brings hope and enthusiasm. For others, it stirs worry and fear. I want you to know that I feel both sides. And that my goal is to represent all of us as we navigate what is next. I also want you to know what it looks like so far, how it connects to the progress we’ve already made, and how I am ensuring this effort stays accountable to the people of Memphis.
No matter where you stand, I want us to remember this: the men and women who have arrived here are not our enemies. They are individuals who have agreed to take on a job, and that job has brought them to Memphis. We must hold them accountable, yes. But we must recognize their humanity, even as we protect the dignity and rights of every Memphian.
Before this initiative began, our own work was working. Crime was down — but not done. Overall crime fell 13% in 2024 and is down another 16% so far this year. Homicides dropped 30%. Auto thefts decreased 39%. Our Safer Communities Dashboard continues to show double-digit declines in many crime categories compared to previous years. That progress came from hard work, from focused enforcement, neighborhood investment, blight removal, and opportunity programs for our young people.
“My role is to be a mayor for all our residents, every neighborhood, every family, and every block."
That’s why we are working to use every ounce of federal and state assistance available to build on that progress and make Memphis safer and stronger. Early results from the federal and state engagement show that since Monday, 153 arrests have been made, with 48 firearms seized. This work involves a wide range of federal and state agencies. We have members of MPD working alongside these agents to ensure they have local insight into the daily operations. The TN National Guard has some command team members here, with their full complement expected to be here over the next two weeks. On the MPD front, there have been an additional 167 arrests this week.
Arrests alone don’t make a safer city. Accountability, opportunity, and hope are key to making a safer, stronger Memphis. That’s why I will continue to press every partner to focus not only on making quality arrests for instances of violent crime, but also on root-cause solutions: jobs, mental health, housing, and youth development. It is why our Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement released our Safer Communities Grant application this week to provide grants to organizations addressing holistic public safety efforts in Memphis.
"Arrests alone don’t make a safer city. Accountability, opportunity, and hope are key to making a safer, stronger Memphis."
I did not ask for this intervention. But I will remain at the table. I will stay in the room. Because that is what leadership requires: showing up, even when it is complicated, even when it is hard. Leadership means doing what is right, for our entire community.
Some will cheer these efforts. Others will protest. My role is to be a mayor for all our residents, every neighborhood, every family, and every block. To make sure this moment strengthens, not divides us. To ensure that federal and state involvement adds to — not replaces — the work Memphians are already doing to build a safer, stronger city.
In the know. We’ve launched a webpage to keep you updated on the federal and state action to support Memphis’ public safety efforts — visit memphistn.gov/safeandclean to learn more.
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: Above showingFor 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 code this week:
38118 - Clean Sweep Efforts in Parkway Villiage
To report concerns related to property violations, potholes, and trash, click the link here or call 311 to speak to a live agent.
Want to know what's happening in Memphis? Explore these event calendars to stay in the loop on all the city has to offer!
Memphis Public Libraries
Memphis Parks
Memphis Travel
Arts Memphis
Choose901
I love Memphis
City of Memphis Meetings & Notices
Library Card Sign-Up Month: Memphis Public Libraries had a successful September with 2,634 new library cards issued, with a little over 1,000 of those going to youth under the age of 18. You can still sign up for a library card here.
MOYS College & Career Fair:
✨ What an amazing day at the Southern Heritage Classic College & Career Fair! ✨
We welcomed students from MSCS, surrounding Mid-South areas, and even Atlanta — all coming together to explore opportunities with colleges, companies, and community partners, all under one roof.
A huge thank you to Mayor Paul A. Young, WMC Action News 5, MSCS, charter and private schools, businesses, volunteers, and all of our incredible partners for making today such a success. 💙
From the City of Memphis Office of Youth Services #memphisyouth #memphis #southerheritageclassic
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