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On Tuesday, I shared our State of the City address and the progress we are making together across Memphis. Serious crime is down 40 percent in just two years, bringing our city to its lowest levels in 25 years, thanks to disciplined strategy and the daily work of City employees, first responders, and community partners in every neighborhood.
Getting public safety in check created the capacity to move forward. It allows us to invest in growth, strengthen neighborhoods, and focus on the fundamentals that build a thriving city.
From there, I laid out the three legs of our city-rising strategy:
Housing. We are committed to delivering 10,000 affordable and market-rate homes in the core city by 2030. Housing is the foundation of any growing city. It brings people closer to opportunity, supports local businesses, and, in Memphis, it will help build the density our city needs to thrive. To meet this goal, we will modernize development rules, align capital, and coordinate partners so homes can be built where they are needed most and residents can afford to stay in the communities they love.
Workforce and Youth. In 2025, we had a banner year for youth employment through our MPLOY program, and this year we are committed to increasing the program’s impact to 3,000 paid youth jobs annually. At the same time, we are working with Collective Blueprint and community partners to put 5,000 young adults on pathways to prosperity through paid work, high-quality training, and real careers. This work connects young people directly to opportunity, meets employers where demand exists, and builds a workforce that supports long-term economic growth.
Culture as an Economic Driver. Through Memphis Music Live 365, we will be promoting our city’s definitive strength as a cultural powerhouse. This initiative is designed to showcase what already exists in our community by showcasing all facets of our live music scene, attracting visitors, and turning creative talent into opportunity. Memphis is Culture City. And Culture is economic power.
We are also clear-eyed about the challenges ahead, including population loss and the need to bring more people and more investment back to our core city. That is exactly why this strategy matters. Safer streets give us room to grow. Housing brings people back. Workforce pathways expand opportunity. Culture strengthens our economy.
Together, these efforts form a plan to change our trajectory and build long-term stability.
This work is essential. It has the power to shape the future of our city. And I want to thank you to every City employee, partner, business leader, and resident who is working with us to move Memphis forward. Together, we are building a city that people choose to live in, to work in, and to invest in.
Hope wins. Memphis wins. Memphis rises.
 Watch the livestream here; and view the Data Presentation here.
Livestream key points:Young Actors Guild (9:40) Reverend Keith Norman (18:12), Perfecting Gifts (22:15). Council Vice Chair Carlisle (28:00). Council Chair Swearengen-Washington (32:30) . Mayor Paul Young (41:43).
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: 38112, 38114, 38115.
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
Project Green Fork is rescuing food at scale in Memphis. In 2025, Project Green Fork and its partners rescued 386,677 pounds of wholesome food, more than triple the amount saved the year before, redirecting thousands of meals to neighbors across Memphis. Memphis continues to show what’s possible when surplus food is treated as a shared resource. Learn more about Project Green Fork's food rescue here.
State Of The City!
At the State of the City Mayor Paul Young highlighted historic progress on public safety, announcing a 40 percent reduction in serious crime over the past two years, bringing Memphis to its lowest levels in 25 years, while outlining bold strategies to grow the city through housing, workforce development, and culture-led economic growth. He reinforced a clear vision for the future focused on building density in the core city, creating opportunity for young people, and positioning Memphis as a safer, stronger place to live, work, and invest.
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