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ICYMI: MEMPHIS HELPS LEAD A NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH
As we head into the holidays and things slow down a bit, I have been reflecting on some of my favorite moments from 2025. The evidence that Memphis is rising has been there all along, but it is sometimes easier to see in retrospect. In case you missed it, earlier this year, Memphis helped lead a national conversation about the future of economic opportunity in America.
On April 4, I was honored to co-host the Dream Forward Virtual Town Hall at the National Civil Rights Museum with Operation HOPE CEO John Hope Bryant. The date and place carried deep meaning. Fifty-seven years after Dr. King was killed at the Lorraine Motel, we gathered on that same ground to talk about economic empowerment and charting a path forward for more in our community.
“If you eradicate poverty, you eradicate crime, you build better homes, you build stronger children, you build a better society...”
-T.D. Jakes, CEO Good Soil forum
Click here to watch.
We welcomed 100 leaders from business, technology, finance, public policy, faith, and culture. It was one of the most forward-looking conversations I have been part of, focused on creating real pathways to prosperity for more families.
If you remember one thing from that day, let it be this: Memphis is not waiting for the future to arrive. We are building it.
A few of the leaders who joined us included Dr. Bernice King, Ambassador Andrew Young, Sam Altman, Doug McMillon, Thasunda Brown Duckett, Ray McGuire, Harley Finkelstein, Michael Milken, and Charlamagne Tha God. Their voices, along with many others, helped shape a conversation that reached far beyond Memphis.
Throughout the day, we focused on one essential question: How do we build an economy that includes everyone? We talked about the future of work, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, and the kinds of investments that help families move from surviving to thriving.
If you missed the livestream or want to revisit any part of it over the holidays, the full program is available here. I encourage you to watch. It reflects the leadership and collaboration we continue to bring to Memphis and shows that our city is being recognized as a place ready to lead on issues that matter.
“I think that AI is just a tremendous opportunity. But it’s not just AI itself; it is the entire ecosystem.”
-Thasunda Brown Ducket, President & CEO TIAA
Click here to watch
The conversations remind us of something important. If we want Memphis to rise, we have to lean into our innovative spirit and expand economic empowerment for more of our neighbors. A rising Memphis depends on all of us, and each of us has a role to play.
As we look ahead to the new year, I am proud of the work we are doing together. Thank you for your partnership and your commitment to moving our city forward.
 Hear more of the conversation! Click image above for the entire program or use the timecodes below for specific speakers/topics:
Dr. Bernice King (25:00), Ambassador Andrew Young (15:21), Sam Altman of Open AI (37:05), Doug McMillon with WalMart(1:05:00), Thasunda Brown Duckett of TIAA (45:36), TD Jakes (1:18:50), Strive (1:38:00), Ray McGuire of Lazard (2:47:05), Harley Finkelstein of Shopify (2:01:00), Michael Milken, Charlamagne Tha God (2:17:00), Killer Mike on building wealth and strengthening community (2:52:00), and Alex Rodriguez/A Rod (3:02:10).
In other ICMYI news, together with city council, we approved a 2% pay increase for our firefighters, fire dismissed their suit against the city, and we dismissed our counter suite against fire. Win. Win. Win.
Good News!
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 SAFER COMMUNITIES: View the dashboard here.
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2025 SPARK Award Honoree. Huge shoutout to Edge President and CEO Dr. Joann Massey on being recognized with the 2025 Legacy Award. The SPARK Awards recognize individuals, nonprofits, corporations, and schools that are leading by example and making a difference in Memphis. Share and watch the broadcast here.
Celebrating The Holiday Season:
Celebrating the season across Memphis   Over the past few weeks, neighborhoods including Hickory Hill, Frayser, Whitehaven, and Beale Street came together for Christmas parades filled with holiday cheer and community pride. Thank you to everyone who helped make these celebrations possible and to all who came out to enjoy the season together.
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