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Yesterday, we gathered at the University of Memphis for the Hope Summit, a sold-out event that brought together nearly 500 people representing more than 60 organizations, along with almost 100 individuals who showed up entirely on their own. That turnout says something important about who we are. It tells me that Memphis and Shelby County are filled with people who refuse to stand on the sidelines. People who are willing to show up, lean in, and do the work of building a hope-centered city together.
Every city goes through hard seasons. Ours is no exception. We are confronting poverty, strengthening safety, rebuilding trust, and expanding opportunity. And with so much on the line, I believe we must lead with hope. Hope is not the absence of reality. Hope is how we face reality with courage. Hope is how we move our city forward. Hope is how we write a different story.
“We are confronting poverty, strengthening safety, rebuilding trust, and expanding opportunity. "
Hope is a strategy rooted in evidence. That framing comes from Dr. Chan Hellman’s Science of Hope. His research shows that hope is measurable, teachable, and deeply practical. Organizations and families who operate with hope make better decisions, persevere longer, and recover faster.
Dr. Hellman defines hope as the belief that the future can be better than today and that we have the power to make it so. His work is helping Memphis, Agape Child and Family Services, and partners across our city put that belief into action. Even a small increase in hope, moving someone from hopelessness to a spark of belief, can change how they think, act, and endure.
"When people believe change is possible, they act differently. Families engage differently. Neighborhoods organize differently. "
I see the problems in our city. But I also see that hope is working. October recorded the lowest overall crime totals since 2001. Just this week we saw evidence that our economy is strengthening, with Hyosung HICO expanding and creating 240 new jobs, showing that investors believe in Memphis and in our people. And on a personal level, I feel hope every time I think about the Central High Jazz Band, our MPLOY participants, and so many moments where our young people show us what discipline, commitment, and belief can do.
When people believe change is possible, they act differently. Families engage differently. Neighborhoods organize differently. Hope gives us the energy to try again, to invest again, to keep going when the work is hard.
And that is why yesterday mattered. The Hope Summit was a spark. If we choose to carry that light forward — into our schools, our churches, our organizations, our neighborhoods — this movement has the power to change Memphis. Not for a season, but for generations.
Because when hope wins, Memphis wins.
 Watch the opening remarks from the Hope Summit here. Learn more about the science of hope here.
In the know. We’ve launched a webpage to keep you updated on the federal and state action to support Memphis’ public safety efforts. The Memphis Safe Task Force began operations the week of 9/29, with Tennessee National Guard patrols beginning on 10/10. 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: 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: 38107, 38118, 38127, 38128.
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
Riverfront Master Plan. If you haven't had the chance to give your input on Mayor Young's Riverfront Master Plan, It's not too late. You can check out the assets included in the Masterplan and give your feedback here.
Overton Park Ribbon Cutting:
We officially opened Overton Park’s newest trail — a space that has been closed to the public for over 40 years.
This long-awaited project transforms a once-restricted section of forest into an accessible green space for residents, families, and nature lovers across Memphis.
Thank you to our partners and community for helping bring this collaborative vision to life. We’re excited to create even more opportunities for Memphians to explore, connect, and enjoy our city’s natural beauty.
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