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The future of Memphis is being decided right now by how we invest in our young people. The choices we make today will determine whether our city grows safer and stronger or continues to pay the cost of missed opportunity. When young people are cut off from opportunity, every part of our city feels it. Opportunity shapes outcomes. Give young people a chance, and you change the future of the city.
Across the country, cities have proven that investing in paid youth employment returns real results. A study of Chicago’s summer youth employment program found that teens placed in paid summer jobs had about 43% fewer violent-crime arrests in the year after the program ended compared with similar youth who didn’t participate. Even though the jobs only lasted a few weeks, the impact carried beyond the summer—showing that opportunity can change trajectories.
Similar findings came out of New York City, and one of the nation’s largest summer youth employment programs. Youth who participated were less likely to end up incarcerated or further involved in the justice system. Different cities, different programs, same conclusion: when young people are engaged in structured, paid work, outcomes improve and cities rise.
What the research shows Summer Youth Employment Programs consistently reduce youth involvement in the criminal justice system, including arrests, convictions, and incarceration. These effects show up during the program and continue at least a year after.
Who benefits most Young people at higher risk of justice involvement see the strongest impacts, along with gains in social-emotional skills, work habits, and career aspirations.
For many, a first job is more than a paycheck. It’s structure. It’s accountability. It’s mentorship. It’s the first time someone outside their family says, “I trust you with responsibility.” That can be the difference between a path into the system and a path out of it.
That’s exactly why MPLOY is a priority for me. MPLOY is Memphis’ Summer Youth Employment Program for young people ages 14 to 22. The City pays the wages; local employers open the doors; young people gain skills, structure, and belief in themselves; and Memphis grows stronger because of it.
Last summer, we placed more than 1,800 young Memphians in paid roles, which was the highest number we have ever employed. This summer, our goal is 3,000 placements. To get there, we need more Memphis businesses to join us.
If you own a business or manage a team, I’m asking you to step up this summer. You’ll get motivated young talent at no cost, and you’ll play a direct role in building a safer, stronger Memphis.
Opportunity changes trajectories. Let’s make sure as many young people as possible have the chance to thrive.
INTERESTED BUSINESSES learn more and join us as we change the future here, INTERESTED STUDENTS can learn more and become part of the change here.
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: View the dashboard here.
 FINANCE TRACKER: View the tracker here.
Our Blight Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38106, 38109, 38118, 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!
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City of Memphis Meetings & Notices
Single Family Home Rehab Application Now Open. The Community Redevelopment Agency is accepting applications for its home rehabs in the Binghamton and Uptown Neighborhoods. This program has rehabilitated over 300 homes since its inception in 2018. Learn more and apply here.
Stronger Housing Security = Stronger Communities = A Stronger Memphis!
Safe, stable housing is more than a roof over your head. When families lack quality housing, it affects their health, stability, and overall well-being. That’s why this work must focus not only on building affordable homes, but also on increasing incomes so families can truly afford them. When housing is secure, families are better positioned to grow, succeed, and build a stronger future.
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